The best longbow I have shot is a JD Berry Vixen - and the price is definitely right.  You can spend a lot more but you won't get a better hunting longbow.  James will bend over backwards to make a bow that fits you perfectly.

I believe you will be pleased that you have decided to hold off a bit on ordering a full custom.  There are so many choices that it becomes overwhelming until you really KNOW what you want.  Hitting the shoots, checking the bowyers and buying used will give you the chance to figure things out without have to hock your house.  Once in a while you will be shooting bows and one will just really click with you, buy THAT bow, don't just order another one like it.  The other one may not have the same feel to it.  Don't forget to smell the roses and enjoy the journey!

Wes Wallace builds a great bow. Both the Mentor and Royal look great and shoot great. Wes is a good one to deal with.