I used carbonized bamboo floor boards to make better than a dozen of them for cubs scouts, and a few for the kids in the neighbor hood. 50 to 52 inches long 1/3/8 at the fades to 1/2 at the tips. Then tillered them to the poundage I wanted. From 15 to 25 lbs. Durable ,and easy to make. My boards were 36 inches, so I had to v splice the middle,and add a handle, and I made an arrow shelf for each bow. That was the hardest part. I have made them with short staves too, but more work over all.