Went to a couple different bow shops last nite, and shot the Mathews DXT, S2, Hoyt Katera and the PSE X-Force.

I am around a 28" draw length, seems like most of the shops have mostly 29" bows, except for the PSE and the Mathews S2, those were 28".

Maybe not surprisingly those two also felt the best.

I have shot several Bowtech (also 29" draw lengths)
I will be going back to a bowtech shop tomorrow to reshoot a couple of the bowtechs to try and compare.

But what I was wondering, can you get a good feel for how the bow will shoot (accuracy-wise) by going off of which bow feels the best just flinging arrows?

The PSE felt the best, but from what I have read a 6" brace height is a possible no-no unless you are a pretty good shot, and I do not consider myself in that category or I should say I do not want to gamble $700+ on a new bow to find out I cannot shoot that bow after it is set up for me....

Or is the 'feel' of the bow a sufficient barometer of how it will shoot sufficient enough to base a decison like this off of?

For a new archer, the SPEED, plus the short Braceheight may drive you straight from the sport. But maybe not. I think maybe you could also look at some used stuff, and see how well you like shooting, then you could always sell that used set-up for about what you bought for it, and not feel like you "gambled" $700 away. I think if you shot a few of the longer BH bows, you may find you like them also. Here's a pretty good link to fill your brain with a little more info. I personally would opt for something in the 7.5" BH or longer, and look for something no faster than 310fps or so IBO rated. This is a great sport, but can also be very frustrating, especially at times when you have tuning issues, therefore, I'd recommend something on the more forgiving side, but that's just my $.02. I think for the money, and the performance, the Bowtech Tomcat has a LOT going for it, with decent speed, and a long "forgiving" braceheight.

well, not exactly a new archer, got my first bow license in 1983

been hunting with a Hoyt magnetech for the last 7 years or so, 60# bow with the XT2000 limbs.

But I have been told that it is a forgiving bow, but I do want something with a wee bit more ooomph, my pocket book says I can look at some of the bows that the last time I went shopping I didn't dare look at in case I liked them that much more.

But without actually getting a bow fully set up for me, how do you determine if that is the bow for you?

Just take a leap of faith and hope that it all works out in the end?

Bow shop that I looked at the PSE in, basically told me the 7" X-force is junk, and didn't know why they even had one there....bowtech shop only had 82nd's in, no 101st's, didnt care for any others except for the bowtech general, I will shoot that one again, but not sure if that is a big enough jump in KE to justify a new bow (ya, probably is, but need to prove it out myself)

well i would have to say feel will help...if you find a bow that you shoot at a shop that "feels" good when you shoot (has a smoth draw, releases smothly, no real kick or vibration after you shot) then i would say that this bow would give you the best odds of being more accurate..........but, like most will say form, having a bow tunned right are two MAJOR factors to also consider...so if you do get one, make sure the shop sets it up for you with proper arrows, etc.......

i personally like LIGHTER bows...i can handle a small vibration as long as i don't have to carry around an anchor as i hunt in the backcountry...

but trying them out and getting that "feeling" will, IMO, help you be more accurate...atleast help some...

Iam a Mathews shooter but today I was at the sport shop and picked up the X-force(shot it)and a Ross and Parker and Hoyt just to re-check the grips on em and then I saw the New Bear Truth(nice bow),out of all of them I would go with the Bear Truth....Why because the grip felt alot like the Drenlin and the draw was nice(to me) and liked how it anchord when I drew it back...Now with that said if I was looking to buy a new bow for under 600.00 the Truth would be the bow I would go too....It fit me the best....Dont get me wrong the X-force sent the arrow blazen down the lane very fast,Iamimpressed with it,to me it would be a awsome 3-D bow due to its speed but it dosnt fit me grip wise.Yes Ive also tried Bowtec and afew other bows....
Altho I have only shot and worked on my own bows for 25yrs Iamstill learning ..If it isnt broke why tinker with it is how I look at it.....Set it up,tune it and shoot the heck out of it is how I look at it.......
Also I do learn alot from the guys on here with all there tinkering thats why I like this site....Its fun to see how far they will push the envolope.

Good luck on finding that perfect bow....

Sorry Wiaxle,
I thought from the title you made it sound as if you were a newer archer, no offense intended. I agree that I think the 101st would meet the spec's I'd look for in a bow moreso than the 82nd. I've heard good things about the new Bear Bows, but haven't shot any of the new '08's yet. I don't blame you for wanting a little extra "oomph" at all. I'd like to have a speed bow myself, but I'm satisfied with the combination of smooth and medium speed I'm getting out of my Trykon XL for now, maybe next year or the year after....