@shmelton
Here's the best advice.... Physically put your hands on and shoot as many bows as possible!!!
REASON: Archery is personal and it fits everyone and that's why everyone likes it. 10 guys could buy the exact same brand and model of bow, but those same 10 guys are going to accessorize it differently to fit
them.
I don't like the draw cycle or how some bows shoot, so that's what I'm shopping for when I buy a new bow. Elite, Martin and Darton seem to fit that bill to a "T"....for
me. The most popular bows tend to be the ones with the deepest pockets for advertising.
That doesn't make them "the best". Just because brand X is on all the hunting shows or is what the next guy is carrying, does
NOT make it the best bow for
you. That's just marketing.
I have an Elite Ritual 30 and would be interested in a longer axle to axle model too, but 1 compound is enough for me. Darton is making a big comeback, but their marketing budget has always been slim, so you don't hear too much about them.
Bottom Line: It all goes right back to personal fit and feel.