My experience is limited to 3 bows. Two broke, both after taking massive ( in the 4 inch range ) set, the last still shooting, coming in at 15@24 inches. Even it took set to the point of almost being bent enough to not need bracing. I bamboo backed one bit and again, massive set, of course. I even trapped the back. No help. I will NEVER work it again. But I have a friend that does well with it, though he finds he has to rawhide back it to keep em together often times. Good luck, not trying to discourage you, but just saying to maybe help you from making mistakes.