RE: cheaper recurves?
I can third the Chek-Mate suggestion. I got a Kings Pawn (basically a longer version of the Falcon), bubinga riser and red elm under clear glass. The bow shoots quiet and accurate. I'm very pleased with it and I will definitely buy another Chek-Mate when I'm in the market for another bow.
Chad let me put some fingerprints on a Hunter II at the Texas longbow championships and got me all lathered up to get one.[&:]