Need your help!!!
 

I have posted a few times and I hope I get some input on this matter. I have looked through several reviews and watched a lot of videos and I have my two choices in bows. I am hoping I can get your thoughts between the two.

The first is the Bowtech Assassin

and the 2nd is the Hoyt Rampage XT

I know the names I just have never shot either of them.

If those are the 2 you have selected as your final choices I recommend you shoot both if possible and see which one feels better to you.

How much should I buy into the IBO on these bows?

Use the IBO ratings only for comparison between the two bows. Do not be disappointed if the bow you choose never achieves such speed. Virtually nobody shoots a bow set up as the factory does for speed ratings. Common hunting setups might get as much as 40-50 fps less.

My other issue is that the bow shop down the street will not unzip tie the bows and at least let me draw them. Should I go elsewhere, or is this how most bow shops are?

I take Ibo stats with a grain of salt. They use a super light arrow and nothing on the string with the bow maxed in poundage and draw to achieve it. Sorta similar to car company's using crank HP unsteady of rear tire HP numbers.

I am going to have a dloop and peep on my string along with some cat whiskers.

My hunting arrow weighs 417 grains. I use an arrow calculator to find what setup gives me the most fps as well as kenetic energy for hunting.

Normally anything over 300 Ibo will be enough to kill anything in the lower 48.

Shoot both and buy what feels nice to you. If given the choice to use a harsh drawing fast bow or a smoother slower bow.. I would take the smoother bow.

Go elsewhere if they won't let you shoot it.

Never draw a bow without an arrow in it. Accidents happen and you don't want a bow blowing up in your face.

Exactly, If he won't let you shoot it go elsewhere. If anything, he should have demo bows to shoot. I would have told him that you were taking your money and making a purchase elsewhere.

Like others have said, they should let you shoot it if you're going to buy it. My local shop will let you shoot them if you're seriously looking. Also if you buy you get an hour of range time with one of the owners who will set everything up and sight the bow in for you and let you shoot. It's a big help to first time owners or people who don't know how to set up or tune their bow. If a shop won't be helpful, find someone who will.
-Jake

I would agree that you should shoot both of them and see which one fits you. I have a Assassin and its shooting IBO right on the money. It does have an aftermarket string and was tuned good but I was surprised because it has the stock silencers, d-loop, and kisser button. From everybody I have talked to theirs are achieving IBO or close to it also. Same thing goes for the Hoyt. I don't think you could go wrong with either one but pick the one that feels good in your hands.