My dad started me with a "traditional" bow. The thing is, that's all there was that long ago!

The key is concentration.

As to cost, well Dad bought a Browning Nomad and then a Browning Grizzly and the price he paid would be US $424+ (for each, he must have loved it!) today. With that in mind, these are not bad prices. Being near to an old fart and cheap so-and-so all my life, I often have to remind myself that the value of the things hasn't changed but the price has as money has been devalued.