Newb,
Both very good bows, and extremely fast for how smooth and quiet that they shoot........
The Extreme VFt is essentially a 2003 model bow that is unchanged for 2004 except for a new camo job.
The Patriot (2004) is an all new model with a more refined riser, IMO better balance, cam bearings, locking pivoting limb pockets and a better riser geometry with respect to sight radius (you can see more of your sight aperture).

The Patriot is giving up a few FPS to the VFT but the VFT has a little less brace height.......Either is PLENTY fast enough, and pound for pound probably the 2 fastest single cams on the market when you consider the shootable brace heights.
The VFT is a bit top heavy so it will pay to shoot it to see if that suits your personal tastes.

The Patriot is generally going for upper $600 prices while the VFT is usually about $100 less.