My local archery shop leaves something to be desired; not only is their selection limited, but they don't seem to be extremely knowledgeable.  They're nice people but the demand for bows in Tampa isn't that high I suppose and as a result their stock of traditional bows isn't impressive.

Because of that I was hoping the great folks around here might be able to help me in my search to upgrade to a new bow, perhaps point me to one that can be purchased online.

I'm 5'9 and have a draw length of around 27".  Currently I'm shooting a 27.5/35# Razorback Heritage PSE.  The grip is not very comfortable and it is a very loud and slappy bow compared to some others I've held.

Basically I would like to move up to 45#, and price-wise I hope for something not surpassing  $500 that would have a nice grip and be a good trusty recurve.  Does anybody have any suggestions?

My description may not be that riveting, but I'm not super knowledgable regarding bows at this point.  I still have a lot to learn  :D

Oh God! Now you went and did it!

A new guy with $500 bucks for us to help spend!

No just kidding. With that much money you can pick up just about any used bow and a lot of the new ones.

It's true most shops don't carry much trad bows and know even less about them. The demand just isn't there compared with the compounds.

My best  advise is to try to find a trad shoot in your area and see if there are venders to talk to.

Second is to research on forums like this one and buy used.
You'll find the majority of folks in this sport to be some of the most honest  people you would hope to meet.

Knock on wood I've had a lot of dealings and never been burnt.

Have to agree with above, try and find a bow that you like the grip than see if you can find a bow in the classifieds that has one similar. $500 can get you a couple used bows or one very nice one. Look on the classifieds, right now there are a lot of bows for under $500. Shawn

Shoot, for $500 you can have a custom Maddog recurve made or get yourself a dandy of a bow off the classifieds. Good luck and be sure to let us know how you go!    

If you go Classifieds, you could probably have some extra dough for some gear.   :D

If you wanna go the TD recurve route, I have HEARD good things about the Tr*dT*ch ILF Titan or Apex.  
 I am having a Maddog R/D Longbow built right now.  It's tough when there aren't bows around to try out, good luck.

Good advice above, buying from the classifieds will save you $ and can usually be resold for about the same, that way you can try different models until you find the holy grail of bows for you.

If you try metal ILF risers you can easily replace the grips until you find one you like or modify one to suit you.

Good luck some of us are still searching after years as its addicting.

I have been shooting trad for six years now and have never bought a new bow. For $500 you can get a bow, arrows, and whatever else you need from the classifieds. I keep on thinking I will get a custom but when I am about to pull the trigger, I find a used bow on the classifieds. If you go the used route, you can easily resale it and get you money back to put towards something else or new.

There is a shoot going on in Calgary as we speak...and I have no idea why I am not there...thanks for the incentive to get my butt on the road...and btw you did not have to read past the guy with the 13 500 posts...Shawn knows what he is talking about

DDave

Wow thanks everybody! I'm going to head over to the classifieds and take a peek. Spending less than my maximum would be great! I really appreciate the honest attitude on this forum.

You can get a very, very nice bow on the classifieds here for a lot less than $500. In fact, you can probably get set up with a glove or tab, arrows, and a bow for $500 pretty easily and with a good eye to quality. 45# is a very common weight to see in the classifieds.

A great idea would be to look at an ILF riser, Dryad, Morrison, Zipper, lots of ones out there and than you unlimited options in limbs as well. I will stress again for most people it is all about the grip, if you do not like the grip it can be the greatest shooting bow in the world and you will never be happy with it. Shawn

Like Shawn said, grip is very important. It's hard to go wrong with a Bear Grizzly or Martin recurve. You can get a used Grizzly for under $200, or a new one for under $350.
Check out Big Jim's Bow Company site(above)

Hey Jim,

I got Mike a 35# Grizzly for his birthday from 3Rivers.  We should have it delivered by Friday I'm thinking.  Soon we can all go hunting together.