First let me apologize.

I'm sure this question has been asked a dozen times but I couldn't find it in the last few recent pages and when you time "recurve longbow" in the search....well it doesn't narrow it down much


I'm also aware that this is an issue that's pretty much personal taste.

I'm preparing to lay down a good about of money, for me this means $300-400, on a bow this year. I'm left handed so looking for the bargains hasn't turned up much..and because I know so little I'm weary of places like ebay. I want something that it will take me many years to "outgrow". I'm nearly 22 so I'm referring to outgrowing in skill, not size.

So what do you recommend for a beginner, a recurve or a longbow? I have to admit that I find the recurves a good deal more aesthetic but I'm trying to make that a non-issue. My only REAL concern with a longbow is that I would love to eventually turkey hunt with one. Is this a problem?

Most people pick up on the recurve quicker than the longbow.I started with a longbow,shot a recurve and hunted mostly with them for about 10yrs.Now I'm back to longbows only-although I do want another Black Widow recurve
And the only problem you'll encounter is which bow do I want to buy next.If you can get a chance to shoot some differant types of bows-both recurves and longbows-shoot as many as you can and you'll know what's right for you

let me add to that by saying...

with modern hybrid bows, the line between recurve and longbow is becoming more than a little blurry..

shoot as many different ones as you can, and pick the one that feels the most comfortable and natural to YOU

With the money you are willing to spend, you will be able to get a very nice "factory" bow, a Bear or Martin. Either one is going to give you a lot of shooting for years to come. Plus there are a lot of bows out there from very reputable bowyers that you can pick up for that money.

Personally, I like recurves. They are centershot, so paradox plays less of a role in shooting accurately. They tend to be shorter and more maneuverable. They tend to be a little faster and their limbs store more energy. You will note that none of those statements are absolutes, other than my liking them.

That said,I agree with the other posters. Shoot as many different bows as you can then buy the one you shoot best and feel the most confidence in. Because when everything is said and done the name of the archery game is confidence.

Thanks guys.

I would shoot as many as I could but I'm LH so finding a bow to shoot in person is practically impossible (I'm kept an eye open for the last couple years.) Small shops at home, school, and everywhere in between plus several Bass Pros and Gander mountains have turned up ZERO left handed trad bows. Which is why I've pretty much resigned myself to just buying a good bow for a good amount of money and trusting that you really do get what you pay for. I've looked hard at the Checkmate bows for some time, the waiting period is big downer but I suspect that every handmade bow will be like that. Of the Martins, Hoyt's (maybe a used Blackwidow) the Bears (new and used) Wing (i think that's the name of a few I found on ebay) the PSEs are there any that have a reputation for outstanding quality control? I realize that blackwidows are BIG name...and Bears use to outstanding...and the Checkmates are handmade ('nuff said) but what about these others? Any suggestions?

I'd also suggest getting to a major shoot and try some used bows. There are a lot of LH bows out there.

You'll probably end up at somepoint having both a longbow and recurve, so don't beat yourself up too bad over which to buy first.

That said, a lot of compound shooters seem to make the transition better with a recurve. Don't know if that's the case or not.

Also to mention, is that you could go the custom route with the money you are planning to spend. Make sure you check out www.recurves.com.
I was able to pick up the below recurve for I believe $325 custom made. Only problem is you would have to wait unless there are bows in stock.

I would generally recommend a recurve to beginners. The extra mass in the riser makes them a little more stable and easier to shoot well while you're getting your shooting form down.

Doesn't really matter though because you'll eventually own at least one of each. Probably a lot more than that if the bug really bites you hard.

I must be infested, then...

last time I counted, my tradbows alone were over thirty..

IMHO I would start with a Recurve,you wont get turned off so quick if you have a few issues...But like said before try all types..Recurve,R/D and longbow.

Soilarch, of the bows you have listed, I would personally stay away from the PSE's and later model Wings. I own a PSE compound and it is the bomb but I have never been impressed with their traditional gear. For the same money you spend on PSE you can get a Samick Deer Hunter and that is a really affordable, really nice shooting bow. Wing Archery was bought by someone in the mid- to late 60's and from what I have read their quality dropped off quite a bit at that time. If you are looking at a Wing from the 50's or early 60's you are probably alright. If you don't mind my asking, where do you live? If you are in my part of the universe there are a number of really good traditional shops within an hour and a half drive of here where you could find lefties to shoot.