It takes the right piece of wood for sure. I was never able to get a spine over 55# out of erc, but the ones I got were light and fast. Rubbing oil into them help with the brittleness. I've used everything from motor & cooking oils to tung & linseed oil with similar results. I like to use cooking oil for a few coats after a week or two I'll seal them with a wood oil. I never use any power tools to make them either, just a surform and sand paper. They are far to prone to tear out.
For what it's worth I've switched over to tulip poplar for my wood shafts, more durable. I still use ash on occasion if I need a heavy hitter. I also use bamboo stakes. I found a deal on them $70 for 500 @ 3/8" diameter. The boo is far more durable than any wood I've seen thus far.
I use the ERC for kids arrows and other lighter weight bows. The poplar would work I'm sure, but as was stated cedar just smells so wonderful. I'd hate to eliminate from my shop entirely. I also use it to make flutes and to line trinket boxes.
