I wouldn't start out with more than 40#. You want a bow that you are comfortably in control of, and for more than a dozen shots. If you struggle with the weight, you will develop bad habits that are a devil to break.

Get a good book/video and read/watch/study it before you start shooting. I like Ferguson's "Become the Arrow" book, but haven't seen the video yet. I like Ricky Welch's "Instinctive Archery Volume II" video. They are very different in shooting style, but both have a lot of great information. I do not like Asbell's books or video, to the point I recommend that you don't get them. There is some good info, but a lot that is not good. His style of shooting can lead to a lot of bad habits, especially for someone starting out. Consistency is the key, and that is super hard when you are in motion for the entire shot--you can't tell what you are doing right or wrong. The good information he has is covered by Ferguson and Welch.

Don't get hung up on what someone else says is "THE" way to shoot. For instance, in Asbell'svideo he says something along the lines of "you can't shoot accurately using 3-under". That's just false information--some of the best shooters in the world shoot 3-under. I don't agree with everything either Ferguson or Welch says, but they don't push their way as being the only way. Experiment, and use what works best for you. More than likely you will change your style a lot as you develop your form.

I also agree with starting out cheap. An old Bear, Wing, Root, Shakespeare, Pearson, etc. will do the job just like a $1,000 custom. This year'swinner of the Howard Hill (recurve class) was using an old Bear. The nut behind the bow is much more important than the brandbow you are using.I've seen lots of tournaments won with old bows, homemade bows, etc. Once you get an idea of what you like or don't like in a bow you may want to order a custom, but even then you won't have to spend anywhere near $1,000 to get a great bow. Some have fancier woods, some are 5-10 fps faster, some may have fancy checkering or gold inlay..........but they will all send the arrow in the direction you point it.

Have fun, make the most of your practice (make every arrow count--don't just go out and fling them), shoot some tournaments (you don't have to be a crack shot to enter a tournament--have fun with it), and you will do fine.

Chad