Thanks guys for all the responses and yes it 300$ just for the bare bow he is wanting to spend. I will take a good look at the reflex excursion.

I boughta brand new'05 model Fred Bear vapor 300 on ebay with the sight, rest, quiver, peep and more totally installed and ready to shoot for about $285 after shipping. The same package at a local shop was going for around $500. I've been shooting with it for a few months now and I wouldnt trade it for anything! It may not be a thousand dollar bow, but it is doeswhat I need it to do and thensome. Ebay is probably your best bet for a good low priced bow. My 2 cents.

I would buy a higher grade used bow for that amount of money.

Yup Reflex Excursion. I bought one 3 weeks ago. It's a great bow!

I think about any of last years bows that people paid WAYYY over $300 for and you'll probably get sights and all with it.

Ideally... take him to a proshop and have him shoot what they have in his price range (new or used). Most of the bows in production are probably pretty good bows, but he need to find one that fits him. He should like the way if feels in his hand, how it draws, and how it releases. Brand name can come second to that...

I really like my Alpine Impact X-treme. Bare bow was $239. I had no idea what I was doing when I bought it, I guess I got lucky.

I would look at the Reflex Excursion or Grizzly. I have an Excursion, and it is a very handy, forgiving bow. If I had to do it again, I would probably get the Grizzly.

Another vote here for thePSE Nova kit. They are a very nice bow, especially for the $. I believe the kit is less than $300 completely set up. Also look at the Parker Outfitter kits, they are nice too.

For a first bow...the main thing is to make sure he gets fitted properly,the bow gets tuned correctly, and he learns how to shoot properly. IMO, those things are WAY more important than what bow it is. I personally wouldn't steer someone into an expensive bow as a first bow. Even bows around $300 bare, can get expensive when done. Have him go to a reputable proshop and get fitted and try out some of the models they have there. Used bows can be very good as well, but you need to know what you are getting.

My father was in the same position about 4 months ago. I looked at the excursion, a few higher end used bows, and then the Reflex Grizzly. The Grizzly is worth the extra $20 or so, it has a few extra bells and whistles like bearings in the cams, etc. He loves his, I have shot it too and it is a pretty good shooter for what was spent on it.