Hickory or Ash?

[Blackie76]

Planning out my next bow.  It's going to be a Red Oak core with a Locust and Walnut riser. It's going to be a straight-forward longbow, 66". I'm looking for it to come in at around 45-50#.

Any thoughts about which would would make the better backing? Hickory or Ash?

[Osagetree]

I say Hickory..

[okie64]

Never tried ash as abacking so I cant help you there. Used hickory a lot and it works great.

[Pat B]

Hickory.  I've made a few hickory backed red oak and all were successful and good bows.

[2crazy2run]

Made an ash bow...laminated... for my 6 yr old....plenty of pop!... white ash is beautiful.... about to lay up on with a maple core for my ten yr. Old.... will post how it goes...gonna try to hit 35 lbs for him.

[canopyboy]

Ash is tough and good in tension, but on a pure material properties basis hickory is better.