I think a recurve has a little smoother draw and less handshock, but that is just me...
When it comes to brands, it really dosent matter what we think, or what anybody other than you thinks. If a bow feels good in your hands, it might feel like a club in mine.
My grandfather own a Zipper, my uncle shoots a Palmer, both very nice bows, but I prefer my Martin X-200, its about $400 dollars cheaper, but it feels right to me....

Just my 2 cents
Good Luck