I am thinking about buying this as my first bow. Is it more than what I need for deer since I am a beginner??? If so, any other suggestions for a different bow?? Any feedback/information/comments from current users about this bow would be appreciated. Thanks.

Like many in the Mathews lineup, the Black Max is a solid bow. I shot a 2002
model with the consent of a friend in a pro shop. This bow is lightning-quick,
however, there is a radical trade-off. The brace height on this bow is very short
and it is not a forgiving bow. As a result, in my opinion, not a good choice for
a first bow. I would visit a local pro shop and let them help guide you in your
selection. Again, this is my opinion, but I think that it will reward you in the end.
Good luck !

I have to agree with Sky, you might want to look at the Q2, Legacy, SQ2, or even the new Outback coming up, they all have realitivley higher BH's, all from 7"-8", they will be forgiving bows!

I agree with sky and jeff I have the SQ2 and like them brace height was the main reason espcialy when late season gets here and you put on more layers of clothing.

I shot the black Max 2 and found it to be a very nice bow if your used to shooting bows with a shorter brace heigth. I you are just beginning I would recommend one with a longer brace heighth also. I you are looking for a little faster bow that is forgiving . The LX is a good one. It has a slightly shorter brace height to give you better speeds but is forgiving because of the string dampening system. Just so you know, brace height is the distance from the bow handle to the string.