Need advice on bow for beginner

[givo08]

I'm really getting back into traditional archery after a couple years hiatus and my wife has expressed interest in trying it as well.  She is completely new to it and will be starting from scratch.  I'd like to find a good bow for her to learn on that won't break the bank- <$300 -and looking for other general suggestions as well.

She is very petite at 5'1", 100 lbs so draw weight is definitely a concern.  I don't want her to be over-bowed and be turned off to the sport because of that.  I'm thinking 25-30 lbs @ 28".  Her draw is probably going to be more like 25-26" so the actual pull weight will be less than that.  I'm also thinking recurve because they are a little easier to learn on and have less hand shock which would definitely annoy her.  

So far I've just looked around online and have found the martin X200.  She's not crazy about the look of it though and would prefer wood or veneered wood limbs on the outside rather than fiberglass.  Is that possible at this price range?  Her preference is actually for grey colored wood based on what she saw at the NC state shoot this past weekend.

Thanks for the help!

[TimZeigler]

Congrats on finding your new shooting partner!Anything is possible, and for that price range you should have no problem finding something that fits her, and one she'll like.  Keep scanning the classifieds, as well as the auction site.  Just take care when buying from an unknown source.  I've seen some really nice Kodiak Specials, Polars, Tartars, and Tamerlanes going for less than 300 lately.  You can't go wrong with the old Bear target bows.  Only thing with that is that they didn't use clear glass back then so you'll find different colored glass depending on year, make, model.  I picked up a Bear Mag riser and had Droptine refinish it for me.  Picked up some 35@28 limbs from Bearbowman, and the wife couldn't be happier.    Tim

[joekeith]

Check out MadDog Archery, he's a sponsor here.  I was in the same boat as you last year.  Got the wife a #30 @ 28", she's only about 5' 1", with a 25" draw.  She loves her PurpleHeart bow.     I enjoy shootin' it too.
 Look at his site, then give Mike a call.  He's a good guy, who can make ya a nice little bow that the wife will feel good shootin', and you'll have money left over.