I am thinking about getting my first custom make bow. I have my heart set on a 50's style recurve. Been doing some research and these are the couple that I have become really interested in.

My vote goes to the Toelke Chinook.

Had a GN Ghost once.  Very nice shooter.  Kinda wish I had it back.  Some might consider them to be kind of "plain jane" in appearance, but I liked the simple elegance.  Also one of the quickest bows for the draw weight that I have shot yet.

The Whisperstik Mojostick gets my vote and top spot on my rack. I'll admit, I have only tried one of those on the list and it's probably my favorite bow overall and definitely the best shooting recurve I've ever tried. Quiet, smooth, and fast, plus JD is a great guy to deal with. Can't go wrong with a Whisperstik, in my book.

Kohannah Kurve by Bob Russelo at Kohannah Bows. Have a look. I love the heck out of mine and it is one sweet shooter.

I'm with Kevin L.I have two of the Mojostiks now and they are my favorite bows.They are light,fast,quiet and as easy to shoot as any bow I've ever owned,regardless of style.I believe they are one of the best bow values out there.

Mojo all the way!  

For what it's worth, I've shot all the bows on the list and several that are not. My favorite has been the Robertson Pergrine, which Dick no longer makes (recent change) but you could probably find one if you post an ad.

I think they're all fine bows and everyone's got their favorite. Good luck!

Glen St Charles introduced the Thunderbird recurve in 1953. Glen's son Jay built 300 2nd generation Thunderbirds several years ago.
I contacted Jay about building me a Thunderbird recently, and he agreed to build it. The bow just came today....WOW....nostalgia at it's best.
The bow is a work of art, and shoots every bit as good as it looks.....some of the most beautiful Yew you have ever seen. The bow is as quiet as most longbows without string silencers. I put Beaver fur silencers on it, and all you hear is a very low thump.
Everyone has their favorite 50's style recurve, but to me, the St Charles Thunderbird is the ultimate 50's style recurve.

Billy

I have shot a bunch. I owned a Whisperstick and really liked the bow. I am a little hesitant to call it a true 50's style. IMO it is more of a hybrid but that is my opinion. I currently own a Robertson Peregrine and it is one of the finest I have owned...also the most expensive 50"s style I have ever bought. I payed over $800 and although I dont feel I was ripped off I dont feel any bow is worth that much. Probaably the best 50" style recurve I have ever shot was a Chaparral Alpine that Bruce made . I was a dealer for a couple years and shot several but this one was a special bow. Ray Hammon, if you read this and that young man ever decides to let that one go please...please..I'm beggin ya man, let me know.

I never had shot a G N Ghost untill this year at Compton. I was VERY impressed. Don't forget a Widow for a 50's style if you like them.

I owned a wisperstik, the quality, and the bowyer were top notch but I just didn't care for the grip. I did a test drive on a roberson peregrin and the same deal. I do own a black widow psrx that fits me better. The psr also feels smoother drawing IMO. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the above listed bows. I would try to shoot any many of them as you can. It gets expensive buying and selling bows only to find out that you don't care for a model. I know this first hand LOL. Good luck

Brandon Stahl of Rose Oak Creations makes a great 50's style recurve.

Gotta go with a  59er.

I had a Ghost, I will get another!!!

I am with GMASIUK, the Mojo Stik by Jim Lund is top notch, but the grip takes some getting used to. I would seriously look at the 59er by John McCullough. I purchased one at Denton Hill and couldn't be happier. I also bought a Fedora 560 which is a wonderful recurve.

I shot them all plus the Kohannah Kurve, and I liked them all.  I will shoot them all again when I get a chance.  I just had a Mojo made for me so I guess it gets my vote.

too bad you don't have a Black Widow PSR in there   :(

PSR by Black Widow, perfect IMOP. If not Ed Holcomb makes an excellent bow.

Fox Breed, one sweet bow and can be had in TD if you want.

DJ