Well, opinions vary, but I'm fond of a lot of the old Pearson bows, and (for some reason) they don't generally have much of a collecter's value like some of the old bows do, so they can generally be picked up at a bargin. Also watch for Bear, Wing, Root, Shakespeare, Browning, Indian, and probably several others I can't think of at the moment.

Don't go with a short bow--depending on your draw length, I'd stick to at least 60" or longer. Don't go heavy--learn with a light bow, you will be glad you did. You will be more in control, enjoy it more, and be able to shoot for longer periods of time.

Not to argue with Okiedude, but even some of the super stores don't have much of a selection of trad bows, and it can be tough finding anyone there that knows squat about them. I was at the Bass Pro headquaters in Springfield, MO earlier this year and they had very little trad equipment, and nobody on hand that knew squat about them. If you are in OH, there is a Bass Pro near the OH/KY line (forget the town) that has a manager there that can help--his name is Kevin Brennan. I've heard of a few others, but since trad bows aren't their money-makers, they usually don't invest in anyone knowledgeable, or much equipment.

Chad