I am definately willing to spend "a little extra" if it gets me that much more for a custom recurve.
It's hard to choose a custom bow starting out, because you don't yet know just what you like or don't like, what fits you best, what grip is most comfortable, etc. You can spend a whole lot of money and still wind up with a bow that doesn't fit.
I was originally thinking of going with a Chek-mate Falcon but now I kinda might want something a little more expensive. Max I'm willing to spend is probably around $700.
The question here is, why? You need to answer this for yourself, not me. If you want a "status symbol" bow, you are going to have to spend a bit more than $700. If you want a bow that looks good, draws smooth, shoots fast, is stable and forgiving, and will kill animals (pending you do your part) you can still spend that much, but you sure don't have to.
Can I go wrong with anybody around this price?
You can go wrong even if you had $5,000 to burn. There are no magic bows. The main difference in the better bows/bowyers is the price range. Spending more will not guarantee you are getting the right bow. Take your time, get your hands on some bows, and figure out what works best for you. Get a few cheap used bows if you can--you can generally sell them later and get your money back, or keep them on hand for back-up or to introduce a friend to the sport. I wouldn't even recommend getting a Falcon yet, if you can find something cheaper to start out with. Personally, I rather have a customer that knows what they want. The reason being is if you don't know, it's a roll of the dice on whether or not you get what fits you best. If you get a bow that you aren't happy with, then you talk about it. On the other hand, if you know what you want, it makes it much easier to get the right bow--then you are happy with it, and you talk about it. Word of mouth is the best advertising, and happy customers spread the word. Unhappy customers do too, for the opposite effect.
I think from looking at all the websites and recurve designs, I've narrowed it to a Wes Wallace Custom, Acadia Woods, Cari-Bow Custom, Navajo, Cook's Mountain, Timberhawk Bows, or Shafer Silvertip. I'm gettin' a one piece. How do I choose? I don't have the option of going to any shoots yet. Do you have any experience with any of these bow builders.
What was this list based on? Have you done any research on quality, customer service, etc? I've shot a few of the ones listed, but the only one I'm really familiar with is Navajo. I would recommend Roy Hall in a heartbeat--excellent bows, great guy to deal with--BUT, it would be after you have an idea of what you want in a bow. Roy can't build "THE" bow for you when you can't tell him what you want.
Again, be patient. Check around your area--you probably have a neighbor that can help. Shoot some bows--figure out what feels good. Start out LIGHT--going too heavy will make you develop bad habits that are a devil to break. Don't worry about labels--bows aren't like a Tommy Hilfiger shirt or GUESS jeans that you just put on and show off. Folks will be much more impressed with you hitting the mark with a $50 bow than they will with you missing with a $1,000 bow. Stash the extra money for when you get a better idea of what to order--'course you will need some of it for arrows, quiver, armguard, tab, etc. etc. etc.
Chad