Hi Jack, welcome to the forum!
As far as your questions and your bowhunting interest, I'm sure you will get a wide variety of responses regarding philosophy of bow choices. Archers are passionate about the sport and the equipment they choose
My encouragement is go to whatever local shop you or a friend trust, even if you have to drive 2hrs (make a day of it) and shoot every brand and model. Every bow may do the same thing (fire an arrow), but each is going to have it's own personality. The way the bow balances, shoots, feels, draws, weighs, the grip, the let down...and more affect what you find important to you. For me personally, I'm into stability and draw feel. If pulling the bow is so uncomfortable or creates exaggerated motions, I can't have it. The ability to hold it stable in varied terrain and conditions and draw it back as stealthy as possible is my priority. When it's cold and I'm tired and out of breath and I haven't drawn the bow back in days hiking around I want that one opportunity to matter, so I prioritize what I do for that reason. I'm also a western hunter so I also lean towards longer bows for stability and balance. I also run front and rear stabilizer for that reason.
I don't have a "brand" that's my brand. I've owned and shot PSE, Bowtech, Mathews, and Elite. I've tested many other brands though-Hoyt, Darton, Prime, Xpedition. Everyone will tell you their bow is the bow (and they should!), but I'm always wary of the influencers who are sponsored. They have bias (even if they claim they don't). They may have confidence in that bow/brand, but what they say and what it is can be very different.
Find out what matters to you in bows and when I was new I didn't shoot enough different bows at first. I've been bowhunting for 16 years now, and that's what I wish I did earlier. There are so many brands and I like to tinker and try new things.
In response to your equipment you've listed. Xpedition bows are a premium price, if that matters to you. I test shot them two years ago at a total archery challenge event, shot the xlite 31 and xlite 33. They are light for sure. The xlite 31 at 65lbs draw was amazing, but then it was also at 65lbs and many bows at 65lbs feel great. The 33 was at 70lbs felt too stiff when drawing for me at the end of the draw, and had a hump (to me). Hoyt is tried and true for many people. I've never owned them, but they have a hardcore following for a reason. I test them every year at the shop, and they are quality, but I prefer other bows and how they draw for me. Bowtech has a new riser material that is magnesium based as well if that is your thing.
The Garmin sight is heavy, and expensive. And it's powered. So what happens in the moment if the sight won't turn on? Or runs out of battery? Is it waterproof? And if you fall with the sight and it cracks the screen? Also many states don't allow electronic sights or even sight lights, so if your state allows that great, not so great if you travel to out of state hunts. The vast majority of people choose a fiberoptic sight for these reasons, and even an expensive fiberoptic sight is 300-400 less than the garmin. But it's your choice and if you want the garmin go for it. Every piece of equipment you choose will have some positives and negatives.
My personal setup now is:
Bowtech Revolt X
Axcel Driver custom 4 pin (ordered it, don't posses it yet
)-I also have a Black Gold Pro sight custom 3 pin, and a redline RL 2 dovetail 5 pin
QAD HDX rest
Victory RIP TKO arrows
Slick trick Standard and Magnum broadheads
Tight Spot Quiver.
Scott S2 Wrist strap release- I've shot both handheld, hinge, and thumb releases as well. I learned with a wrist strap first, so it's my go too.
