I am looking for a recurve bow.  Something traditional looking, maybe even a longbow.  I want something between 40-50#.  I'm 5'8 and have a 69" armspan.  I have a 64" recurve bow, and it is awkward when I draw it back.  I'm not sure if 66" would be long enough or whether I need to go up to a 68".

I'm not really set on a budget right now.  What is the cheapest I could go for a decent bow that wasn't made in China or some third world shithole?  What additional value do bows provide as they increase in price?

I buy Chek Mate bows almost exclusively. Hand Made and they work well. I have owned both recurve and longbow made by them. Take down and not, yew and maple. 50#@28" all the way up to 70#@28"

I love traditional archery.

I can I'm you the name of a shop that will set you up with bow. Tip protector flemmish string.

I think I paid $450cdn for my newest recurve

What do you mean by awkward?

Wondering this as well.