I try to buy at that intersect of performance (speed, forgiveness, how it feels) then looks and/or style of a bow, finally price. I did not consider the price much when purchasing what for me were the best recurve and longbow (of the style I wanted). Craftsmanship and materials mattered (I didn't buy the latest limbs for my recurve because wood veneers are part of the appeal for me of trational archery nor would I be interested in a metal risered bow). The economy being what it is now, at least for me, I would only buy another bow if I found a really good deal on a style of bow that I wanted and didn't have.