I'm wanting to get into trad archery with "minimal" investment until I determine to what extent I enjoy the sport.  What are some of your longbow/recurve mfg. suggestions?

Define minimal some more, and you'll get some good answers. Also, is it a recurve or longbow you wish to try?

I just started this summer.  Shot when I was a kid.  I bought a used bow from someone on trad gang. I know longer need it.  I paid 150.oo  Shoots great it is a martin Longbow.  Nothing fancy simple basic and forgiving. Let me know if that help or if you want more info.

I am realativly new compared to some on trad gang.  I bought a LB from the classifieds her on TG.(around 300 buck if memory serves right)  And found a curve from someone local(80 bucks).  Started paying attention to the guys and gals on here and asked questions when I couldnt find exactly what i needed find in the search.

Looking back, the best option is shoot before you buy.  But that isnt always an option, atleast not for me.  Recurve or longbow is a personal opinion, and will come with experience w/ both.  

Getting started at a minimal cost, there are several bows on the classified under 200 bucks.  Those would be a good starting point. In my opinion, the older bear recurve bows in good shape are some decent shooters.  

You got to start somewhere to get an idea of what you want/need in a bow that fits you.  

There are alot of good bows manufactures out there and they can get pricy.  And are worth every penny.  I'm sure others can give advice on those better than I can.

Just be aware, this trad stuff is addictive.  Have fun and good luck.

Oh yeah!  Start out with low poundage to get proper form.  You defeinetly dont want to over bow yourself to start with.  A bow that is too light is more fun to shoot that one that is too heavy.

$500 complete is my budget at this time.  mscampbell, i was thinking about 45 @ 28 for starters

For $500 you should be able to put together an outfit you can use for the rest of your life. I think 45 @ 28 is an excellent weight. Depending on what you plan to hunt, you may never need anything else. The classified section here is a great place to start. You should be able to find a suitable bow that you'll be proud to own and show off and still have plenty of money left for your choice of quiver, an arm guard, a tab or glove, and a dozen arrows.

I am shooting Beman ICS Bowhunter 500 arrows now. They are inexpensive, tough, and easy to tune. They should work fine with a 45 pound bow. They shoot great from my 46# Kanati.

Welcome to the fold. This is a great place to learn. Feel free to ask questions. As has been said, this quickly becomes an addiction, so your first bow probably will be just that.

Check out the sponsors and look at MadDog archery. Mike builds a good looking bow and from what I've been told here they shoot great. Can't beat the price that's for sure.
Welcome.. you are among some of the finest gentlemen you'll run across, I can attest to that.
Kris

thanks for the input everyone