Tony, welcome aboard! I will also say that in my opinion the best thing to do is get a used bow or two before you order a custom--or at least borrow one. The main reason, to me anyway, is that until you have shot a while you don't really know what you like and what will work best for you. A particular bow or style that one person swears by, you may sweat AT. I was "into" traditional archery a good four years or so before I bought my first custom, and even then I found myself wishing I had gotten a few things different. If you still had rather go with a custom to start with, talk to several bowyers, and really pick the brains of the one you decide to order from. Try calling Roy Hall at Navajo or Ric Anderson at Marriah--both these men are excellent bowyers, and great people to deal with. I would strongly suggest Ric if you are set on a Silvertip--as I understand it, Ric was trained by the late Mr. Schafer. I don't have any experience with his recurves, but he sure makes a sweet longbow.

As you may have already seen, opinions run as rampant (or worse) in traditional archery as any sport. Do yourself a favor--go to some shops, tournaments, etc., talk to a lot of folks, shoot a lot of bows, and make an decision based on information and what feels good in your hand.

Best of luck,
Chad.