[Chunky]

Welcome to traditional. All of us who shoot this type of bow have been right where you are now. Looking for a little more challenge and fun from our archery.

I don't disagree with any of the advice above.

As far as bows go, I don't know of anyone making a bad bow. Brands are just a personal pref. I would encourage you to support one of the fine bowyers that supports LSBA as they make as good a bow as any out there. I have two Bob Lee bows and love them. I have a Bob Sarrels as well and it is a fine bow. I have a Black Widow on order that will be here soon.

In general, the longer a bow the more forgiving and smooth...the shorter the quicker and easier to move around in stands and blinds....so like everything it is a trade off.

Some guys claim to shoot a longbow better than a recurve (Losthawg) but for almost everyone....recurves are easier. Check the scores at any tourny or 3-D event and you will see.

I own several one piece bows, but I will never buy another one. They are fine if you are never going to travel with them...but if you are, you need a breakdown bow.

The trickiest thing to give you advice on is weight. You already have a starter 45 lb bow, which will kill anything in North America. Still I know what you mean wanting more. Most of us want a little more weight for penetration and flatter arrow flight. So, how high to you go???? Good question. Over the last 20 years I worked my way all the way up to an 80 lb bow and am now back in the 65-70 range. That is very heavy. Only Buff and I shoot that much weight of the guys I normally hang around with.

If I just had to pull a guess out of the air.....I would say go for 60 lbs is the 45 is really easy for you to shoot. That is a big step and lots more power. The danger in getting too heavy is having bad form, not shoot well, getting frustrated and giving up.

A couple of last points, you will never be as accurate as your compound, all ways remember to have fun, and there is lots of help out there.

Mark