Wow! I had a very difficult time deciding between "ipe/boo static" and the "Yukon Sky". I am a big person and prefer bows that draw at least 28", so that ruled out most of the other bows, because I generally make my choice by imagining myself shooting the bow and picking the one that I think would shoot best. I think perhaps the bamboo backed bow might have better cast, but since this is a "primitive archery" forum, I leaned more towards the "Yukon Sky" since it is backed by rawhide and sturgeon skin, and I am not sure that you can laminate different woods using only natural glues. Both bows are absolute perfection in looks, and I would love to own and shoot both of them, but, "Yukon Sky" is my choice for Backed Bow of the Year. Congratulations Cloudfeather!