here's my 2 cents... hands down.. Barnett Preditor crossbow, 175 pounds of killing machine. I shoot 70 yard bulls eyes consistly. couple your bolts with 125 grain Swackers or Rage heads and you'll drop that bear from a good distance. Compound? that's easy...2013 Elite Hunter coupled with a 2013 Trophy Ridge site.......awesome bow. Very important you'll also need a good range finder. buy one that gives you angle ranges to compensate for tree stands. I own both weapons and love them both. Good luck!