For those who are interested, the catalpa bow did not fare well. I had put around100 arrows through it before the classic and it was showing no damage. My first morning at twin oaks I meandered down to the practice range and proceeded to put another 100 arrows or so through it. At this point the lower started showing frets in about a six inch section, but it was still shooting good. After 4 or 5 trips around the practice course the upper limb had frets matching the lower limb, it was still shooting pretty decent at this point. After a couple full course runs the limbs were fretted pretty much tip to tip and the drop in performance and draw weight was noticeable, but not extreme. One more run through the course Saturday and the limbs started taking some serious set, cast was getting sluggish and those chrysals were getting big! Draw weight was probably less than 35# at this point. Sunday morning made one more run on half the course. draw weight and cast are plummeting with each shot. By the last few targets the arrow was dropping 3 feet or more at 20 yds and the draw weight was under 25# at a guess. When we got back to the bow shop I took the string off and laid the bow to rest on the firewood pile. Even though this one failed rather quickly, I haven't given up on the wood. I'm on the scout for a bigger catalpa tree so I can get more width and try it again. Thanks for following along! Josh
