What is the best SHOOTING bow you have ever owned?
The one I practiced the most with. Not trying to be a smart aleck here--that's the truth. Currently I'm shooting a Samick Journey (CHEAP bow--retails for around $130), and I shoot it better than anything right now. At one time I shot an osage selfbow better than anything else--it's got one of the most uncomfortable grips I've ever put in my hand, but when I was shooting it a lot I could really shoot it well...won the Howard Hill 2 years in a row with it. Probably couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with it now.
Accuracy isn't in the bow, it's in the archer. Some bows seem to be more forgiving, but they all fling the arrow in the direction you point it.
In the better bows, and even some of the really cheap ones, speed difference is minimal. I'd bet the Samick I have will shoot as fast or faster than a lot of much more expensive bows on the market. With a good string, proper tuning, the right arrow, etc. and ESPECIALLY a good release the differences will be negligible.
FWIW, the #1 thing I'd look at before buying is the bowyer or company's warranty. Get it in writing. A friend of mine got ripped off for around $1,000 by a bowyer that has gotten rave reviews on web sites. He made all sorts of great promises on the phone, but the warranty was verbal--i.e., useless. I have the delaminated bow on the wall in my shop.
Opinions are just that. What one guy swears by, the next may swear at. Bow designs vary a ton, and someone likes every one of them else they wouldn't be in business.
I'd check around and see what the guys who make at least part of their living shooting bows are shooting. 'Course most of them could shoot any bow well, but they have their favorites and reasons for choosing them. Even then, you might not like it.
Check out all you can, take your time, do your homework. IMO that is.
Chad