What are you smokin', Germ? [8D]

It offers different characteristics for sure, but better finish? I'd argue that one in a heartbeat... and so would most people, I think. Heck, I'd even put our strings and cables up against the best aftermarket strings out there.

I shot a variety of Ross bows at the ATA show, and -- like all the top companies -- they're a very solid bow. But from what I remember, that model is Ross's "speed"model, or at the least it's up there for them.

The Black Ice, while generating acceptable speeds, isn't built in that vein. What you'll experience with that bow is one of the smoothest draw cycles I've ever experienced in an extremely lightweight and highly packable frame with the least amount of handshock possible in that light a riser.

If you're looking to compare a bow out of the lineup in terms of perfomance (read speed) standpoint with the Cardiac, I'd suggest this year's flagship bow out of the Diamond lineup, the Marquis. Conversely, if you're looking to compare a Ross heads-up with the Black Ice, I would think they'd have something else in their lineup that would more closely compare.

Unless you've already done so and it's these two bows that have separated themselves from the pack in your mind, I'd suggest shooting a lot more in each respective lineup.