I shoot a Limbsaver Proton, which is available on Ebay for between $550 and $650 brand new. I have shot many of the newest bows out there and narrowed my search down to the Hoyt Element, Elite Hunter and Limbsaver Proton. Being a college student as well had me questioning my sanity if I were to unload on the Hoyt ($1,200, really?!), and I in no way "settled" on the Proton. This sucker is a hammer. Good solid wall, great adjustments for poundage, zero string creep, and the finish has taken a beating. Oh yeah, it's 3.8 pounds, totally quiet and totally dead-in-hand, too, which was a big selling point. For the price it really is tough to beat. One final plus: speed. My 440 grain aramid flies at 286 fps when it's set at 70 pounds (30" draw length). Broadheads love this thing!