For starters, how do you know if either of these bows fit you? Do you know your draw length and the draw length of the above mentioned bows, or if they are adjustable? With a compound bow it is VERY important that it fits you in order for you to be able to shoot it well. I think you are really going to need the help of a good Pro Shop here. You are going to need help setting it up and picking the correct arrows. You don't just stick any old arrow in any bow. They have to be matched to the set up of the bow in regards to draw weight and draw length. Do a search on the word "Spine". This pertains to how the arrow flexes when shot.

The two bows you mentioned are very different. I assume the buckmaster is the one at cabela's? How are you getting it for $225? Or are you getting it somewhere else, or used? This is pretty much bottom of the line for bows. It should shoot ok, but it is pretty slow, not that that really means much. Speed doesn't effect accuracy and it should be fast enough to take game if you decide to. The shorter axle to axle may be a bit harder to shoot well unless you are small. But if you are small you will need a shorter draw length and I doubt you can get it that way.

Is the hoyt you are talking about the one on ebay? If it is this is an older bow and would be even more slow than the buckmaster mentioned above ( I think). It also has an overdraw on it, not something you need if you are starting out, so I would suggest you swap out the rest with a better one that sits closer to your grip. It says they have installed a peep sight. Wow, that's fine and dandy, who is going to adjust the height for you though and reserve it? You can't just throw a peep in and expect it work, it needs be set up so it lines up with your line of sight correctly when you draw the bow back. At least this one has some sort of adjustability to it though. And 41 inches is not average. Now a days that is very long. Average would be around 33 inches these days. 41 inches would be more of a target bow.

Both of these bows IF SET UP PROPERLY would probably shoot just just fine. The better beginner bow would be the hoyt because of the smoother cams and longer ATA (axle to axle). It would be a more forgiving bow over all to shoot (if you ditch the over draw). And if you shoot fingers you will want the longer bow vrs the 32 inch bow. I highly suggest getting a release though, it will make things easier.

My suggestion, GO TO A SHOP! I know you have heard it before, but there is a reason for it. You are going to need the help of someone else if you want to be happy. I would also say forget about the tradional bow for right now. For one, trying to learn both at the same time will be very hard, two different disciplines, and both are hard enough on thier own. The compound being the easier of the two. Save the money you would have spent on the traditional bow and add it to what you would spend on a compound. Shoot the compound for a while and if you like it, then get a recurve to play with.

The reason I say this, and others tell you to go to a shop is because we want you to be happy with your purchase and like the sport. I don't care if you ever hunt at all. I don't go very often myself. I prefer to shoot my bow rather than see it hanging on a tree. That's just me though. I would like to see you get good at shooting your bow and be happy and confident, whether you hunt or just practice in your back yard every now and then. I'm afraid if you get either of these bows with no outside help or support things are not going to go well. The bow won't fit you, the arrows will be wrong and the set up will be off. Not to mention if you have never shot before you will not know where to begin as far as form, grip and aiming.

A good shop could give you the basics in an hour or two and you could go from there. It would be the difference between you having fun enjoying the sport and having nothing but problems and wondering why you suck. Then you would get discouraged and give up and you would have wasted your money. I don't care if you have to drive 4 hours to find a good shop and shoot a few bows, I would do it. If you spend 150 bucks on a bow from ebay, that is what you are going to get, a cheap bow with no support. You might as well just go to walmart or something and get one, at least it would be new. I think that's expenive for that hoyt any way.

I could sell you a Martin that I have right now that is a bit newer, looks beter (target red with white limbs), and much faster for 100 bucks with a rest and sights. I won't though, because I have no way of knowing if the bow would fit you or be set up right and it would be a waste of your money and my time. I couldn't do it and feel right about it.

That's my opinion any way. I know I didn't help you any though. I would say if none of the shops have any stock right now, wait until they do. I would think they would have some used on consignment or something.

Here is a link for you to check out.
http://www.huntersfriend.com/bowselection.htm

It explains how the avarage compound bow is set up and what does what. You should find it interesting. Check out the rest of the site as well, lots of good info if you look around.

Feel free to ask questions if you want, that is how you learn. No matter how stupid they may seem. I also have messenger if you want to IM me and ask specific questions. It's biteme263 on yahoo messenger.

Good luck,
Paul