I started with longbow, and then I found I was better with the recurve. Like others have said, if you can get a chance to shoot 'em do so, you hate to spend that much money on a bow and find out you like it, because I've done that.
With the Kodiak you can try that one, and probably sell it for the same thing you paid for it, not so with the Barta bow.
If that your first bow, make sure you don't over bow yourself. I'd also check into the whisperstikbows.com, he makes a great product, and is a great guy to work with, starts out of $475, doesn't cost anything to look, and he probably send you one to try, if he has one in stock.
Carl