I also think that getting a bow that is simple to operate and maintain would be best for the young shooter. With a quality recurve he would be able to tinker, do maintance him/herself and basicly have a bow that will be independant of a proshop. I like the Excalibur because I have one well over 20 years old and it still shoots as good today as when I got it, and I have never had to do any major work on it. Just replacing strings (need new servings) and one bolt (did this in the field) is all that I have had to do in that time.

Good luck in make a choice.