I rate poplar above POC. Just my own Humble irish opinion. If a person throws some heat and tempers poplar it seems to stay straight longer . I like the way it shoots and its tougher than POC. POC is good I know, but, poplar takes more of a beating and flies just as good. Pretty close to the same weight as POC ,only slightly heavier, but not enough to have to compensate too much. poplar is good stuff. Definatly costs less than POC.