After shooting compounds for several years, I have decided I would like to start flinging some arrows with a recurve.  I have several gift cards to Bass Pro Shops.  I am looking at the bear grizzly or a martin (I think it is the X200).  Lets hear some opinions on either of these.

If your going to buy new I would lean toward the Martin line of bows. If you go used you can save alot of money and get a bit higher quality. Older Bear bows are real good, the newer stuff I'm not to keen on. But I do like the Bear Montana longbow. Check out the classifieds and remember don't go to heavy for your first bow!!

I second what ron said about the higher quality bow, even if used. Either that or throw in a couple extra bucks and get a bow that's at least 60"+ AMO so you don't have to upgrade it six months from now if you find out your draw length is longer than 28". Length shouldn't be as big an issue if you opt for the Montana--a fine bow to start with and keep, and cheap, too. Just check it out before you remove the tags. Ditto ron on the Martins, too.

thanks.  My draw is 27 inches.  The only reason I am considering these two is because I have about $275 in gift cards so it would be very little out of pocket cash....which is tight right now

If you go the Bass Pro route, I would go with the Martin. If think you might like a longbow the Bear Montana is good one for the money. The x-200 is great bow to start with. Like I said before, just don't start out to heavy.

I would go with the Martin. There as good a quality bow as you'll find and definitely will shoot with ANY bow out there. The x200 is one of their end bows but, you won't go wrong with any Martin and definitely when compared with any of the newer Bears. (nut)

Get an older Bear and save yourself a couple hundred bucks...and acquire a piece of archery history that will not go down in value.

martin.

remember folks, old bears are nice, but they aren't available with gift cards at basspro!

I'd go with a Martin too. I was looking at Bass Pro's site and that Martin L-100 looks nice too! The X-150 recurve is a 60 inch length and would leave you money for some arrows too. I noticed the Beeman ICS Hawks are $25 for a 1/2 dozen. You'd have to get them re-fletched with feathers or get a stick on flipper rest for vanes. Maybe go with a 50#'r which would be about 47#'s at your draw. Plenty to kill anything and low enough to develop good form.  

Martin definately...low weight to start (under 40lbs.)

I heard that the 'X' and 'L' series is not a true Martin but an import to Martins specs.  

Anyone know if this is true?

Just picked up my new martin hunter.MARTIN

Montana longbow

I just found a older bear kodiak magnum for under $100 that I am buying.  I'll just save my gift cards for something else.

thanks

Good for you, remember have fun, take your time and did I mention have fun. Once you get the hang of this you can use your gift cards for your second bow, or arrows, quiver, arm guard or what ever else you might need.

You can always spend it on arrows and stuff for your KMag.  Great bow, btw!