Michael, give Lee at Protege Longbows a call. He builds a great bow.

Since you are in Texas, try Bob Lee bows. They make a great long bow.

A&H ACS CX 3pc. You won't be sorry. But if you can get a chance to try some it may help you.

It aint always the one's you think you'll like .. nor the ones most sought after , or the most expensive or the ones with the longest wait , like many have said here it is what fits you. I have my favorite and isn't any mentioned, but it fits me and shoots for me.

          Scott

A@H ACS CX 3 pc is my go to bow right now and Im sure it will be for a long time!  

Ok should I get one that is cut to center or pass center?? What is the difference?....also would the Bob Lee be considered a hybrid...what is exact def of a hybrid??

I would not rush into a purchase until you have shot several different bows and determined what you need and want. Bows are such a personal item that you could spend a bundle on a name bow that may shoot excellently for other people but maybe it doesn't fit quite right for you. Look at the traditional archery events in your area and try as many bows as you can. There are so many great bows to choose from and their may be a wide divergency in the prices. Take your time its a journey enjoy it as you go.

Cut-to-center would be just fine. Cut past center will work nicely too. A bow cut past center....is,.....well, cut past center! It simply means that the shelf is cut deeper into the riser, past the center of the bow. Cut-to-center means that the shelf is cut to the center of the bow.

A hybrid bow is a bow that generally has a lot of back set in the limb profile, but not as much as a recurve has. The string only touches the string grooves and doesn't touch the limbs on the belly side of the bow at all. A hybrid longbow is like a longbow on steroids. It will perform as well as many recurves and even better than some.

Just looked at the j.k traditions.....man that is one fine bow

Really like the centaurs too...can some one explain the rule of thumb as for as the overall lenth of the bows?? 56, 58, 60, 62??? What are the differences..longer ones more forgiving or what??

Thanks

Mike there are so many good ones that to start naming them some really great ones will be left out. Check out sponsers. Morrison, Kanati, BigFoot bows, My bows, Centaurs, Protege, ect ect, almost all of them are really good bows.
God bless you and good luck, Steve

Take a look at hill country's k2 hybrid. I love mine

Big River bows by John Mcdonald out of WI. Get one built for $500.

Holm made Osprey,Great bow,great price.

Liberty Longbow or Holm-made would be a great choice.  Both are well respected bowyers and are Trad Gang sponsors.  Ken

Gonna have to give my vote to the Big River.  Not only can you have a beautiful and sweet shooting bow for $500.  You'll get it quickly and from a true craftsman.

What about the Shafer silvertip...any input on one??

I'll give a big thumbs up for Chad Holm and his Osprey bow.  My Osprey is my first and only fiberglass trad bow.  Very good bow for a very fair price.

check out the annewakee archery website and take a look at his addiction longbow. best r/d design longbow out there!

My goto bow is an A&H ACS 3 piece. 62 ", 55 lbs @ 28 inches.