as far as the bow goes, i have a 2001 and LOVE IT! i agrees, with all of the " buyer beware" stated above. im not sure what the archery shops are selling the 2003' s for, but i bought my 2001 for 299.00. the shop had a policy of giving you a loner bow if yours broke or need to be sent in for any reason. on big dollar items, i would stick with a proshop where you can deal face to face with a person. just my .02