I think Dale gave the best advice, have your friend shoot a variety of bows in his price range, and make a decision. In my opinion you cant go wrong wtih a Bow Tech, Mathews, or Hoyt.
I chose a Mathews FX, it was in my price range, light, durable, relatively speedy, and I LIKED the way it shot. Just make sure your friend likes what he picks, not what someone else likes.