RE: anything better for the beginners money
In the Sept issue of ArrowTrade magazine there is an article on Efficiency, Speed, Noise, & Vibration. The Martin Bengal was rated #1, with the Bear Instinct a close #2for the money. I would do like gzg38b said and at least try the2 of them and see which one you like the best! For those interested the BowTech's Gardian rated #1 overall.
The tests were done by Archery Evolution.