Grip fit and how smooth it draws  

Seems like a common thing - grip is key and a smooth draw, then looks  

When I shoot the bow, does it feel natural when I'm at anchor or is it fighting me.

I look for something that looks and feels good to me,Poundage ,grip,and how it feels when you draw it and shoot it.Tty as many as you can before buying and dont base your choice on just the name on the bow.Some of the lesser known bowyers build as fine a product as the more prominent names.Bottom line,be it recurve or longbow choose one that fits and feels good to you.

My main concern is how it feels after the shot (hand shock) or lack of, and just general feel.

It's hard to explain but when you have been shooting trad for about 25 years or more you get to know what you like in a bow.

For my draw length, does it stack?

Is it left handed? Is it a longbow. Thats it

Does it say Wes Wallace royal on the limbs.   Yep, bought another one.

One made by John McCullough, Dan Toelke or Jim Neaves      

I look for a knowledgeable bowyer that will make his best, my best. Grip is big, workmanship is big. Quiet Performance is huge as is personality.

Grip...That is a big one for me.

Also smoothness of draw and overall feel, looks.

If a bow feels or looks bulky to me, my mind says I can't shoot it.

If the grip isn't right no matter how well I shoot it,I won't like it.

If it puts arrows where im looking.

QuoteOriginally posted by Ragnarok Forge:
Does it say Wes Wallace royal on the limbs.   Yep, bought another one.

Man I gotta agree My son just bought one and I have a WW recurve on order. I may get a royal as well Nothing better In my mind. My sons is a take down bambo core rosewood vaneer  antler tips with a beaver havd grip. Oh did I mention fast and quiet  :D

If its for me, 64" recurve or better is preferrable but 62" will do in a pinch. I like bigger risers, having a target bow background i'm used to the stability of a heavy mass riser. One piece or takedown is fine, I LOVE exotic wood, but sometimes a plain Jane catches my eye and I'll throw some snakeskins on it. I like a higher grip than most, I do not like a flat shelf.  Beat up is okay, cuz its usually cheaper and me and my boys can fix 'em up. ( they are just starting the refinishing thing, 14 yrs and 8 yrs old).

A not too bulky grip since I have small hands.

After that, a recurve with a 66" length and a 19" riser.

The last thing, if the bow is cut 3/16" past center so I can shoot a variety of differently spined aluminum arrows.