Ash...backing strip or bellywood?

[Easternarcher]

I have the best ash board I have ever had right now.
I was going to rip it into backing strips(they would be all quarter sawn or ring-biased) but then I got to wondering...seems I read here somewhere that ash would do better as bellywood than backing???I'm talking about backing Osage, yew or maybe applewood and maple and likely a little HHB thrown in....R/D or HH style longbow.

So where should this stuff go? as back or use it as bellywood and back with something else?

[PEARL DRUMS]

Ash is stronger in tension than compression. That should answer your question.

[Matt S.]

Ash is stronger in tension than compression. That should answer your question.

I concur. My friend made an ash pyramid bow and it took a bit more set than you would expect from its density, suggesting it is stronger in tension.

All of the other woods you've listed would probably over power an Ash belly.

I'd definitely rip it into backing strips.

[Easternarcher]

Yup, that's what I thought too but I thought I'd better check just in case.
I know someone said it made good belly wood? but my initial purpose  can now proceed.

[sleek]

Why not make a bow of the board? Ash makes a wonderful bow. If you want, trap the back a touch to add more compression and less set. Ash is a pleasure to work....

[Easternarcher]

Sleek, I think it will have more value to me anyways as backing strips when I build my laminated bows using the other woods I mentioned....but does not mean that I may save a piece to use as a bow too.

[druid]

Depends of combination. With bl it should be belly wood. I other combinations back wood. At least ash like mine.

[Easternarcher]

Druid, this is all White Ash. Absolutely clean and straight!