These days there is so much variety in grip styles and hybrid bows that it's really hard to say that either one is really a better way for the beginner to go. But still, I thinkit's generally a good idea to start out with a recurve and then graduate to the longbow.

It doesn't take a whole of of money to get started either. Pick up a used Pearson or Shakespeare recurve on Ebay - something in the 45 pound range - a dozen arrows, glove or tab and an arm guard and you can still havechange left over from a $150 bill. If you decide to sell the bow later, to get a new one or if you decide traditional is just too much fun and isn't for you, it's a pretty safe bet you can get your money back for the bow.

That's what I would suggest doing.