I was going to buy a Bear Code for my first bow but a buddy's dad convinced me to get a PSE Nova -- I should have bought the Code. Point is -- follow you gut; shoot what you like. Most of the top manufactuers make good products -- some very good bows in the 400 range. One thing you might want to try is shoot a bunch of bows and then check out huntersfriend.com because theysell bow packages that arrive at you doorready to shoot basically -- just a thought