A longtime compound shooter however, I'm new to traditional archery. Looking at giving up the wheel. I'm lucky in that a local shop is a PSE, Martin, and Bear dealer who not only carries modern compounds but actually specializes in traditional gear. The models I'm looking at (but have not actually seen in person yet) are the PSE Kudu, Martin X-200, and the Bear Grizzly. Besides the obvious of buying the one that fits me the best, which of those models has a better track record of durability, and ease of shooting (forgiving of form errors, etc)? Looking at models in the 45#-55# range.

I have shot all 3 of those and have to say that its hard to beat the X-200. Its very smooth shooting.

I've shot only the x200, which I've had since December. The more I shoot it, the more I like it. I'll probably hunt with it this fall. It has a high brace height, but it's not been difficult to tune, and seems to shoot a variety of spines and arrows without too much objection. It will pub Grizzly Sitkas, GD 55-75s (fletched and bare shafte) in the same spot. Enjoy.

Richard

I prefer the Grizzly. It is still my go to bow. I would definitely shoot as many as you can before you buy. Some people like like the grip on the Grizzly and some do not. I love the grip on the Kudo but that was about the only thing I liked about that bow. The Martin X-200 is a good bow as well. It is fine shooter as well.

love my x200

My son shoots a 45# X-200. It's a good shooting basic hunting bow. I would like to find a good used one I could camo up and hunt with. I have not had a chance to shoot the other bows you mentioned.

Out of those 3 choices the griz is my first choice. It's hard to beat the bear pistol type grip.  But I totaly agree with Shape Shifter I would shoot several styles and types of bows first.  Also for the money you would spend on a new Griz or X-200 you could almost get a nice used cuxtom bow.

Definitly the X-200.

I had a X-200 that like an idiot I traded. Great bow for the money in my opinion.

I have a 55# Kudu that was the first trad bow I personally owned.  I would agree with what the other here have said though - shoot a good handful of bows before you decide on one.  If you think you'd like to buy a Kudu, let me know... I'm intending to sell mine, just never get around to putting it in the classifieds.

My X-200, 50#@28", was my first traditional bow, which I bought this past December and I would recommend it highly.  You must note that it is not fast flight compatible, but this should not affect your purchase, just an FYI.  I don't have any experience with the others.

Gotta say the x-200.It was my first also.I love the old grizzilies but have heard they aint what they used to be now(heresay though).I still love to the x-200 out every now and then and tuning with them is pretty easy.You should also give serious thought to what Anointed archer said about a used custom.You can check the classifides here.