Shawn,

Who is ripping you $800 for one? The MSRP is $599 and many are going over the counter at $549.

I'd like to say I've shot one, but alas, I'm still waiting for mine to arrive. Like you, I'm not worried about what a bow looks like. Heck, I don't have much hair left and getting old so things like that don't bother me.

As for the grip, I am not a fan of rubber grips so I ordered mine with the Thermal Elite. There are several options besides the production grip. And another thing. The FireCat is not Martin's top-o-the-line bow. I think it's about 3rd down the list behind the S4 and the Slayer. It's just the one being marketed the heaviest at this time.

Can't help you with the rep as the one I deal with is here in central Pa. Sorry.