Poplar longbow I recently finished up. 68" ntn 35#@28". Going off of dimensions from a previous poplar bow, I made this one narrower for a lighter desired draw weight and slightly longer for less of a chance of failing in compression. In addition, I also trapped the back and heat treated the belly. Finished underweight initially and then gave it another temper to bring the weight back up a couple pounds. Retains around 3/4" of reflex but definitely follows the string after some shooting. There's definitely a spongy character to it but it shoots as good as any other bow I've made at this weight. Accidentally made the tips a little small for my liking but it's held up to some shooting so far. Interestingly, I calculated this bow as coming in a 17oz for the dimensions. Came in under 16oz mass weight.
People consider poplar a subpar bow wood but I think there's quite a few reasons to use it.
1. Available just about anywhere.
2. Fairly easy to find straight grain.
3. Relatively inexpensive.
4. Very easy to work with hand tools.
5. Tests your bow making skills.
6. It's FUN!
If osage is king, I think poplar is the jester!
