Maple Backed Oak, or Oak Backed Maple?

[Slackbunny]

So I've acquired a red oak board, and a maple board. I really like the look of wood backed bows, and would like that to be my next project. My question is: which combo of backing/core is the most appropriate, oak on maple, or maple on oak, or if either is appropriate at all?

[PEARL DRUMS]

Maple backed maple.

[Slackbunny]

I guess that's an option, but I'd really like to get a bit of contrast in there. If maple/oak isn't a good combination, what would you recommend?

[Matt S.]

In my experience they are very similar if both boards are good pieces of wood and fairly dense. I might lean slightly more towards Maple backed Oak just because I've never had oak fail on me in tension unless due to my own mistakes, but I have had bellies chrysal on me.
You could also try it both ways.

[Slackbunny]

That's true. I do have enough material to try both....

[Matt S.]

That's true. I do have enough material to try both....

Here's what I've done, assuming these are 3/4" thick (1x) boards...

Set up the table saw to rip the board so that I get a 1/8" thick backer strip and ~1/2" belly strip. rip both boards this way and you'll end up with 1 backer strip of each species as well as one belly lamination of each species.

[Slackbunny]

Thanks Matt, I think that is what I am going to do.

[Roman]

I have an ELB made from maple backed red oak. Shoots nice and looks good. I even had people asking me if it's made of yew...