Hi Scott,

There have been a lot of posts lately just like yours, so I'll just give you the basics. You'll probably be around a 28" draw with trad. Try to get a bow that is about 45#'s at 28" for your first. If possible, pick up both styles and see what you think. I don't believe that you'll be able to make a real educated guess at first though until you get into it a little. Don't beat yourself up on whether to get a longbow or recurve. If you absolutely can not make up your mind, then I'd get a recurve. You may want to go the used route at least for your first one. Older Bear recurves make real nice beginner bows.