Finally getting close to pulling the trigger on getting into bowhunting. I've read some very good reviews on the Brute X, and have had several bowhunters tell me PSE makes a good bow. I figure with decent accessories I'll be spending an additional $400, so I don't need to spend $800 or more on a bow if the $400 Brute X will do everything I need to hunt deer and hogs.

Thoughts on this bow, or other moderately priced mainline bows that I should consider?

That looks like a good bow for the price and PSE has some big names in their corner who shoot their bows.
If you can shoot the bows before you buy, why not shoot the Bow Madness XS with it? It could be worth the extra +10 fps over the Brute.
If you go to Dick's, try to shoot a Diamond bow up against the PSE's to compare.