I don't have a Firebird, but have heard many good things about them. Chek-Mate has been around a long time, but most "trad" archers are so caught up in the high end "custom" bows, they literally ignore them... too bad for them. Some may call the Firebird a BW knock-off, but who cares... the price definitely would NOT qualify under that term.

I think too many custom bows today are judged soley on their price (must be the best) & their exotic wood laminations, but unfortunately NOT their performance. I believe that a bow made from actionwood (riser & limbs) can be just as good a performer, even better than, the fancy-dancy ones. Guess it depends on whom one is trying to impress. Myself, I've never seen a deer that was impressed with the beauty of any of my bows. Sure are perty though...