Rambler — You get what you pay for in bows, thus I advise you strongly against buying a cheap factory bow simply because it’s cheap and readily available. One of the special joys of the traditional community is the close personal relationship between shooters and the folks who make our bows, arrows, etc., which overwhelmingly are small, often mom-pop outfits. I advise, first, to turn your back on Cabelas and anything they sell, as they’re only out for profit. Plan to spend more than $129 if you want a bow that will encourage your enthusiasm for trad shooting rather than discourage it. Buy a reputable custom brand, even if used. I have bought and sold many bows via the classifieds on this site and (years ago) others, and have never once been disappointed much less felt I was cheated. Generally, we trust one another so much that the buyer mails the check at the same time the seller mails the bow, so that both are taking a chance. Forget e-bay until you get some experience in bow-trading. Look real hard to try and find a trad bowyer or dedicated trad dealer in your area, or within driving range, as it’s always best to shoot a bow before buying (though once you get experience this isn’t always necessary, esp. if you’re familiar with a particular brand bow, as I am with Shrew and vintage Bears). Many sellers will let you return a bow so long as you pay the postage and haven’t damaged it or kept it too long–just ask. For most of my life I couldn’t afford to own more than one bow, and it always was a less than top-end factory job. I shot them, competed with them, and hunted with them… and never knew what a huge handicap I was operating under until I bought my first custom bow. And still today, I buy two used for every one new (I’m still far from rich). While I’d avoid the straight “Hill style” longbows for now, whether you go for recurve or deflex-reflex longbow doesn’t matter much compared to the quality of bow you get. Right now, for example, there are two vintage Bears on the classifieds here for $275 (one is mine and I’m not trying to sell it to you). Though neither of these meets your specs, if you check across the various trad websites I’ll bet you’ll find some that do. Don’t go too short or too long first time out. That’s all I have to say about it. :P: