I had a Bear Kodiak 45# @28" until it broke. My brother just got a Ragim Wildcat 40# at 28". I think it was $200. It shoots well and not much hand shock. Looks good too. He doesn't hunt he just likes to shoot trad. I shot it and enjoy it. You can pick up an old bear recurve for probably about 100$. I like them. Those were the bows back in the day. I've heard good things about Bob Lee bows too.