If you're looking for a new custom, take a look at Chek-Mate, they can be had for under $300 (below isa pic of mine). I'd suggest getting to a traditional shoot and try a few bows out. Most of the bigger shoots will have a used bow tent. I'd suggest not going too short on the overall length. I'd stay in the neighborhood of 64" for a recurve and 66-70" for a longbow. Anywhere in the 40-49 pound at your draw area should be about right. Below the Chek-Mate (64", 54#'s at 29"), is a Brackenbury 3 piece which I got off the classified adds on tradgang for about $275 (68", 61#'s at 28"):