Prices vary quite a bit depending on what part of the country you're in. You can get a brand newMathews S2 for a tad over six bills in some parts of the country and that bow was Mathews top of the line bow (switchback) just a couple 3-4 years ago and is still considered to be one of their best ever. That being said, I'll have to break your rule and saypersonally I'd pick up that same bow gently used for 3-400 hundred and have the extra 2-300 left over to buy better accessories. Not much to worry about warranty wise as far as the Switchback goes. You friend is going to need to learn to set up and tune his own bow anyway, so save hime some money lend him ahand learning the ropes. He'll end up with a much better rig going usedas he'llhaving a nicer qualitysite, rest, and release.