I haven't been shooting long maybe six months. I just broke myrecurve today, the bottom limb split straight across at the riser. So I'm looking now too. longer the bow the more forgiving. I payed $150 for the one I just broke found it on ebay but I'd be cautious about buying from ebay, but I got lucky on a pair of Bear recurves. on the lowside $200 up to $600 for something I'd feel comfortable with. I'm debating going to a longbow. I'm looking at the Bear montana longbow or martin x200 recurve.