Originally posted by Bill Carlsen:
Martin Hunter
I'd always recommend that one.
Recurves are a little more sensitive to release technique. I have a Dick Palmer Hunter longbow (72") and I have issues with the vertical dispersion but always lay them in a narrow "alley". You think it's more accurate because your brain corrects and the next arrows are center target. With my recurves I have less of that vertical issue (much higher arrow speed helps) but can get a little "wide" when I get tired or sloppy.
But when it comes down to making the first arrow count . . . give me my recurves. I don't say this to open the recurve vs. longbow debate, but to stress that you will need to work into a recurve. IMHO that are more difficult to shoot well vs. a longbow but reward a good archer. Give yourself time to learn.
One tip is to find one that suits your hand. Recurves go wild with the grip and some just won't feel right to you, while others may feel plain awful. Then you'll pick one up and say "Hey, that's nice" and then you'll praise that make at the expense of others.
Bears are smooth and reliable, Martins faster but, like with cars, there are tradeoffs. I like the old Ben Pearson bows, too. Check the classifieds and you'll be astounded at the variety recurves are available in (new or used). Unfortunately, what I like probably won't be what you will like. If you stick with a "name brand" used bow you can usually sell it for what you paid.