If you are new to compound bows (and archery), the Diamond Edge by Bowtech is probably one of the better solutions on the market. Particularly since this bow is molded from aluminum (6061 aluminum) instead of other novice bows on the market which are made of magnesium (this makes the bow quite heavy for a beginning archer).

The Bowtech Diamond Edge is a “dual cam bow” and is fully adjustable, from 18″ – 28″ draw length (and is 32 1/2″ from one axle to another). The grip is also designed to fit a wide range of hand sizes. This means that a younger person can actually grow with the bow instead of “wasting” money on a new bow from one year to next. It is also extremely suitable for a smaller person because the brace height of this bow is 6 ¾”.

Every Diamond bow we’ve seen has been built for a very quiet and precise shot, and is powerful enough (for deadly results) and makes a great package for someone wanting to develop into a serious bow hunter.

If you purchased the bow without any accessories, all you need is good sights and a good rest, stabilizer etc. This will also grow with you and can be transferred from one bow to another.

Currently the best deals are found on eBay, where you can save 20% – 50% off retail. Like this one:

US $232.50 (5 Bids) End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 18:19:28 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

The 2009 Hoyt AlphaMax is a modular-adjustable XTR Cam & 1/2 Performance System. It offers Hoyt’s revolutionary ZT LOCK Pocket System; the ultra-light, 5 Layer Laminated, Parallel Split XTS limbs, and a lightweight TEC LITE Riser. This all culminates in a hunting bow that feels light and nimble in your hands.

Hoyt has made a bow that is very quiet at the shot that shoots very well. It also has a generous 7-inch brace height. All this makes it an above average choice for the intermediate archer as they will be able to benefit from the built in forgiveness in the design.

For archers needing a longer draw (31-in) or just like the feel of a longer axle to axle bow (35 inches vs 32 inches) the Alpha Max 35 is an equally good choice. Definitely a good bow for the average archer who still demands good performance.

Happy hunting and good luck!

US $405.00 (9 Bids) End Date: Saturday Sep-11-2010 14:53:54 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

The brand new Reezen™ high speed bow produces one of the fastest speeds ever tested from a single-cam bow. With speeds up to 340 feet per second at 80% let off, it’s accurate.

This is a solid bow and the quality one would expect from Mathews. It shoots very well for a bow built for speed, and will silence even the most critical bow hunter. Of course, the trade off with the Reezen is its weight (so it might not be as fast as some of the other speed bows). It is physically heavier (by 1/4 to 1/2 pound), but still manages to hold its speed pretty well.

If you are looking to upgrade your old Mathews and still get good solid performance with more speed the Reezen should definitely be on your list, since you’ll be pulling less weight and still being able to maintain good hunting arrow speed.

If this is your first bow (a first time archer) or perhaps an archer without a lot of experience, you probably would want to pick the Drenalin or DXT bows from Mathews, unless you are willing to put the time and effort into learning how to shoot the Reezen well.

Do you want the latest Mathews Reezen bow? Don’t want to pay the inflated retail prices? (The MSRP for the Reezen bow is $869.00). The lowest prices on the Mathews Reezen are available on eBay. Here’s an example:

US $375.00 (1 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 8:40:22 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list