I've bought two bows this year, without trying them. I sold two bows this year that I only owned one week. One bow was a very highly recommended model from a well know company. The other was a middle of the line bow from a big company. Never again. What one person thinks is gold, another is likely to be less than impressed with. I've learned my lesson.

Maybe some day I'll get the opportunity to shoot a Merlin and I might agree with the assessment given, but I won't be owning one before the first time I shoot it. Sorry to contradict what you have said, but I think it's very wise to shoot before you buy.