There are so many good bows on the market, and you don't need to spend big bucks to get the best or what fits your bill. This is what I did last spring before buying a new bow. I made a list of what exactly I wanted in a bow. Like you mentioned brace, ata, but also, let off- adjustable, grip style, single or dual cam, fps ratings, split or solid limbs if matters, weight of bow, draw stop, back wall- soft or hard, and very important quietness! You get the idea. Its all important. Then I surfed the net on different bow manufacturer's websites. Called for catalogs, found other sights that rate bows, and gave specs like www.huntersfriend.com does. it lists bows on a comparision chart by specs, and will show them in different ways you prefer. Like as you say by forgiveness ratings. I then wrote down all the bows that most met my needs. I then found shops in my area that carried these bows, or places that sold them. I Shot as many of them as I could, or at least looked them over good if couldn't. That told it all right there, and I fell in love with a bow that felt just great to me. Everyone here can tell you what bow make & model they feel is the best. But it doesn't mean a thing if it doesn't feel the best to you!! And I found all the research a part of the fun of buying it. It also made me more knowledgable of different bows, and how much they can vary in design, and feel. Good Luck!

Buckalley gave you some really good advice you have to test shoot as many bows as you can.
But leave the dual cam Patriot to last cause once you shoot it ya gonna want it.


Aussie by birth Texan by choice