Backing red elm

[yellow feather]

Which of the two combinations for a backed bow would make the best 66 in. r/d longbow, red elm backed with bambo or red elm backed with hickory. 
                                               Thanks in advance
                                                David

[Pat B]

Either combo could be an excellent bow depending on the woods(and boo) and your skill level. I would probably go for the elm/hickory combo. Less work involved and less stress on the belly with the hickory. I assume you have elm lumber. If its a stave, why bother backing it. Elm makes a pretty good self bow.     Pat

[recurve shooter]

i got no idea but i love anything made out of hickory so throw the hick in there.

[El Destructo]

                                  Never had to back a Piece of Elm before....just peel and eat!!

[Ryano]

Elm is actually very good in tension. It can actually be used as a backing.  Its not exceptional as a compression wood although it does OK if heat treated. Theres better choices for a belly slat.

[adb]

If it's a board, I'd go elm/hickory.

[radius]

hickory is definitely easier to work...

bamboo creates an extremely powerful bow...

i would do one of each!

[yellow feather]

Thanks for the replies. Yes it's a board.   David

[El Destructo]

Back it with Hickory then....no doubt....I think that the Bamboo....unless thinned to next to nothing would overpower the Elm Board....JMO