I'd start with 35-40# max. Being over bowed is one of the most common, and IMO worst mistakes you can make. It leads to bad habits that are very difficult to break. It has nothing to do with size--I've seen some really big guys that couldn't comfortably shoot 50#, and some pretty scrawny guys yank back heavy weights like it was nothing. You have to get a set of muscles trained that most folks seldom use, except when pulling a trad bow.

A lighter bow will be much easier to learn with, more fun to shoot, and you will be able to shoot it longer and more comfortably--all pluses when you are getting started. Don't handicap yourself starting out--you will regret it if you do.

Chad