Sinew or Bamboo backed for a short (52" ntn) osage brush bow?

[Two Rivers]

Currently I'm building a dandy little Osage bow for skulking around the thickets.

I started with a Osage slat, added a handle that I'll make semi-bending. I know this needs backing but I'm not sure if bamboo will take the strain or if I need to stick with sinew for a bow of this length?

I just finished a longer snakey Osage bow that got the sinew two step and I did gain 2- 3" of reflex which was nice benefit.

You're thoughts?

[Rich Saffold]

Bamboo can easily handle it. It's more a question of what you want to use..

[a finnish native]

I would use sinew. it is more authentic and I think it could preform better.

[Pappy]

I would go with the sinew myself,but of course I have never used boo so can't say
how it would do.
   Pappy

[mullet]

  The only down side with sinew is hunting in the rain.After awhile it will get sluggish, and I haven't seen a waterproof protection besides glass.

[Coo-wah-chobee]

                      Trick is ta make ye hide glue waterproof......bob

[Marc St Louis]

Sinew is a good choice for short bows. I would shy away from Bamboo on such a short Osage bow. Instead I would go with Hickory

[Two Rivers]

I guess I need to start pounding on some sinew.

To avoid the rain issue I plan to cover it with snake using Titebond 3.

Thanks for your help.