I was in the same situation. I really wanted a new bow for this season, but didn' t want to wait for the big trad shoot in June, then maybe have to order a bow. So I just jumped right in ! I happened to find one at my poundage and the length I wanted. My Crusader should be here any day now......any day...still waiting. Its not exactly the wood combo I would order for myself but I' m sure it will be a beauty.

Anyway, I still have fun shooting my recurve and I figure if I truley don' t like the Crusader it won' t be a problem to re-sell it (to TroyinOH )and only be out a couple bucks. Just try finding a used Crusader on internet and you' ll see what I mean. Heck, try finding a new one that isn' t spoken for !
My reasons for choosing the crusader are the performance and quiet nature of this bow and everyones acolades here on this board and others. Otherwise I might have been perfectly happy with a single piece 58" Hunter II. But they don' t make that....yet.

If you can hold on to your trusty Bear recurve and can afford the new bow I don' t see any real problem with just ordering up a bow. Of course its always better to shoot a few before buying, but not always possible. I doubt you would be disappointed with a new chek-mate bow whatever you decide on. Why not buy both and sell one after deciding ? [>:] ....or give it about a week and I' ll report on my longbow conversion....or aversion. (whichever the case may be)

http://www.recurves.com
http://www.gmarchery.com
http://www.archerybymail.com