The best characteristic is the ones you like. I know guys who like flat long bows, even though most feel they have too much hand shock (that is, unless its made with boo). Some like a little relfex, some like both reflex and deflex. I like to build mine with both reflex and deflex in the design. It makes for a sweeter shooter. I also like to make all mine in an ALB design with risers and the deflex built in the riser. I also like mine long. My personal bows are always at 70", and some up to 72". I know some who will only shoot a self bow, others who will only shoot a flat ALB, others who wont touch anything but ELB, etc. etc. It is all in what you like.