JImmyDee, I discussed the tip overlays with Craig. He did say the tips were already reinforced, but he said the added overlays greatly increased the integrity and strength of the tip. This and use of B-50 would result in a marked improvement in the durability and longevity of the bow. I did ask him about decreased performance from the weight, he said the overlays add no practical weight and that I would not be able to detect any change in cast or speed. I also spoke to his son Jason today, he is of about the same size and draw and he also likes small handles like me. Both he and his dad recommend I go with the small handle based on the low torque Jerry Brumm handle I've used for the last 15years. It ended up that we both basically prefered near identical rigs, right down to string design and arrow nocks.
Deadsmple, Jerry Jeffer, and Orion, Craig is the one who recommended that I get the extra lamination of bamboo. He made it clear that I would most definitely notice an increase in smoothness with the added bamboo. I was speaking to Craig's son today and found out that my choice was identical to his. He can pick or choose any combination to try and his choice was the same. Both encouraged the extra bamboo. He did say that if I were going to a shorter length, I may not notice much difference. Maybe this is where the confusion comes from on this topic.
Dick and TSP, Thanks. My current go to hunting longbow pulls 64pounds at my draw. I've stayed in the mid-60s range for as long as I can remember. I have no issue with the weight and can work the bow as easily as if it were 50pounds. I was willing to go as high as the mid 70s to ensure it lost little or no cast/speed with my prefered 650grain(10gpp) hunting arrows from my current bow. Craig was confident that the combination of the 66" length, the 65pound draw, and the extra bamboo lamination would more than meet this requirement while being super smooth.
Thanks again,
Daddy Bear