I'm looking for my second recurve or longbow.  I want it to be a performer in speed and noise level, but also the lighter the better.  I'd also like it to be 56" or less tip to tip, but that's not set in stone.    

The bows I've seen so far that look appealing are Black widow's PSR Short Recurves, Black Swan's hybrid and longbow (I know they're long, but they're beautiful), and the Striker Xtreme longbow.  I'm open to other manufacturers, but don't want to spend over $1000.  

Also, I currently shoot a LH Hoyt GameMaster I that draws 50# at my 29" DL.
Thank you for the help!

If you want a short recurve I would recommend a Great Northern Ghost. It is very trim and light.

Check out Jason Kendall's Kanati longbow. Do a search here on this site and you'll get nothing but good words about them.

I like the looks of these two bows, but don't know what the difference is between shooting a recurve and a longbow.  I'm more than willing to learn to shoot a longbow, but is there less handshock or any other benefits?

Get the widow can't really go wrong.

I just got an Ambush Bow, a 50" recurve from Chuck at TWO TRACKS. Very impressive short bow. I hear they draw nice at long draws, though I draw 26 1/2" myself. Top-Notch fit and finish, smokes an arrow, very light in hand, quiet, and shock-free. Also, you'll have a lot of that budget left over for arrows and such. Here's a link to my review, which has comments from other Ambush owners. Chuck was a real pleasure to deal with also.

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=095078

QuoteOriginally posted by DannyBows:
I just got an Ambush Bow, a 50" recurve from Chuck at TWO TRACKS. Very impressive short bow. I hear they draw nice at long draws, though I draw 26 1/2" myself. Top-Notch fit and finish, smokes an arrow, very light in hand, quiet, and shock-free. Also, you'll have a lot of that budget left over for arrows and such. Here's a link to my review, which has comments from other Ambush owners. Chuck was a real pleasure to deal with also.

Ditto!  Great bows!

Get the BS.  As you said you said it's long.  You'll shoot it better.  56 inches is too short, unless your draw is 25 or shorter.  My girl friend like shooting my longer bows.

Bowmania

Don't forget Widow offers the Test Drive program.  Give 'em a call, pay the deposit, and Roger will ship one off to you at your requested specs for you to try at home.  Like it... call him and tell him to build you one, don't like it, you get your deposit back (less shipping) when you ship it back.  

Now that deal is a winner!  Gotta luv those folks in Nixa.  Top notch bows and service.

Stalker recurves, bowyer South Cox, recently introduced a 56" model. Beautiful bows, great performance. The riser woods you choose will make a difference in the bow weight of any of your choices. John Dill's Addiction recurves are light and great performers also, at 54" & 56".

Call up Mike Treadway.  I have a 60" 54# @ 28" carbon cored Blackswamp R/D Longbow that at my 29" draw and a 10 strand FF shoots a 515grain arrow around 200fps like a dart, and is extremely quiet.

You will want to check into St. Joe River bows!!  their new little recurve is amazing and I draw 29.5 inches!!

You said "the lighter, the better."
BW may not be your best choice in that category.
Their unsurpassed durability comes with a price.

If you want a light in weight, FAST, bow, try a Lost Creek.

Thanks for all the input so far!  I like the looks of all of the bows mentioned so far, especially the Ambush, St. Joe River bows, and the Lost Creek's.  I of course still love the bows I initially mentioned, but really want to make sure I've looked all my options over.

Check out my site. I make the Talon in a 56 three piece and in a 56 in onepiece. God bless you and good luck in your search.

AS mentioned above,check out the Kanati and Great Northern bows.

If I were buying a 56" bow right now I'd buy the brand new Bear TD A riser without limbs. I'd order # limbs from Brandon Stahl at Rose Oak Archery. I have a Supreme in A and B riser (the A is special order and quite rare). I have limbs on order from Brandon, due in December.

For under a grand, I would look at Dryad or RER.  Both make a great bow and leave some change in your pocket.

I have two BW PSR's and they are Bomb Proof, exceptionally made and are very solid performers.

Ooops I forgot to add, check out Dan Toelke at Montana Bows. Lower priced than the Widows but every bit as good. There are a couple here listed in the classified at awesome prices.