Most of the bows on the market are good. In the $500 range I would look at the mission line of bows by Mathews. I have one and think they are a great bow in your price range. Find a dealer and handle & shoot several different bows. Go with whatever one fits you the best. If you want to buy used check out the archery classifieds on this forum there are several bows listed in there right now including a Mathews I have for sale.