I referenced the hoyt torrex specifically because the OP mentioned it ( at least I beleive thats the bow he was referring to as i have never heard of a hoyt vortex or vortex XT). My advice would be to NOT pay 800 for a hoyt torrex simply because you should be able to locate one at nearly half that with it being discontinued. But if working on a budget it can be an excellent option. Side note: I much prefer the standard torrex over the XT, and feel the xt is not worth the upgrade cost, but that is simply IMO. The new Enduro ( replaced the Torrex ) is a great shooter and might honestly be the best value if shopping in the brand new arena. With flagships being around 1500+ MSRP, the Enduro ringing in at nearly half that is appealing for the features it offers.
With the OP mentioning an increase in budget more around 1300, I completely agree on shopping for last years models new. A LIFT X, or AX2 should be coming in around a grand if a shop is actually trying to move inventory, maybe better if your willing to kit it out off their floor.
I tend to disagree with comments about budget bows shooting just as well as flagship bows. As these comments often conflate the ability to shoot accurately with performance. Nearly all bows are accurate and can be setup to shoot at or above the accuracy potential of a given shooter or machine. But to do that while simultaneously producing as much energy potential as that platform and shooter are capable of? That is a different thing altogether. Its like saying a honda accord is superior to a Ferrari because it is more trouble free while driving at highway speeds.
I have not found a budget platform bow yet that shoots what I would consider "sweet" if pushing the performance envelope.
