My advise is to look for a used Bear Recurve (60" Kodiak or Kodiak Mag, or something similar). Most of them are in the 45@28" range which is perfect for a beginner. THe nice thing about them is that they will keep their value and if you decide to go custom or something else, more then likely you can get your $$$ back. Make sure you ask if the bow has and stress cracks that meet (or that run perpendicular to the limbs) or if the bow has any twist to the limbs. Stress cracks that run parallel to the limbs are common and OK. Price should be around $200.00.

I would not advise to go with a high end $$$ bow for your first.