Not much I can add--I think towerrat pretty much hit the nail on the head. So many choices, so many great bows, and what one fellow swears by another may swear at--ain't it grand! lol

Your best bet is to do as TR suggested--try to get your hands on as many bows as possible and see what feels good to you. Meanwhile, do some reading, ask some questions, so you will have a better idea of what you are looking for and at. I like Byron Ferguson's "Become the Arrow" for a great start on the basics.

From the information you gave (and assuming you are comfortable with that set-up), I'd guess you could shoot 50-60 lbs--for starters I'd stay in the 50-55lb range. Your draw will most likely be in the 27-28" range, depending on the riser/grip and your shooting style. Start with a 58-60" recurve, or a (depending on the design) 62-66" longbow.

As for what brands to avoid, that will mostly be your own personal choice. I don't care for the PSE traditional line at all. Martin makes a good bow over-all, but they have a few that I wouldn't reccomend--my opinion. As far as that goes, there are some very well known bows that I just don't like, because they are not comfortable to me. I wouldn't settle for the first one you find that you can pull just because a friend, shop owner, etc. reccomends it unless it feels good to you--you are the one that will be shooting it.

Shop around, sooner or later you will find what you want. Don't be afraid to look as customs, as some of them cost the same or less than some of the new over-the-counter bows and the more expensive used ones. An old Bear, Pearson, Shakespeare, etc. will shoot as good or out-shoot some of the new bows that cost near $1,000, if the shooter does his part.

Good luck, and if we can help just let us know.

Chad

Long Bows Rule!