You can't go wrong with either one man. You seriously can't. Check out some Bowtech's and PSE's too. Hoyt and Mathews both make a "cheaper" line of bows, but they are still very good bows for a bowhunter. Hoyt builds the Reflex line, and now the "hawk" series bows, which are 09 models just released a little early. Mathews build the Mission line of bows, which are very nice too.

Keep in mind that in about a month, both Mathews and Hoyt will release their new, full '09 lineup, you may find something you like better, but will take longer to get.

I've been a Hoyt guy for 6 years now, owned 7 different ones for target and hunting, and every year I keep going back to them. I shoot the cr*p out of my bows, all year round, and the only thing I've had to change was strings and cables. Never a rise, camor limb issue.

If you haven't spent a lot of time shooting todays bows, perhaps you can try a couple of bows in the 35-37" axle to axle range, to see how they feel. A little more forgiving and easier to shoot for someone just starting out.

Just get the one that stands out to you!