Hickory backed vs. fabric backed red oak

[Tvirge1]

I made my girlfriend a burlap backed red oak bow for Christmas (my first bow). It shot pretty good, about 30 pounds at 26 inches but she let her dad shoot hit who drew it full draw (around 30 inches) twice and then it broke.   I am now going to make a hickory backed bow maybe with ipe for a belly wood (suggestions welcome) and I am just wondering, in general, how much more durability can I expect out of a hickory backed bow vs a fabric backed red oak. Thanks

[kybowhunter2]

I'm building my second bow right now out of a red oak board. My first was hickory with fiberglass drywall tape for backing. I've not used fabric or a wood backing. You should try the drywall tape if u get a chance it's strong and cheap if that's what u are goin for. The only down side is its kinda ugly but you can paint it or apply snake skins over the top. U can get it at walmart and I put it on with titebond II or III.

[Pat B]

No bow will survive being overdrawn. Keep pop's hands off of her bow.
an old archery saying goes...a bow fully drawn is 9/10th broken!

[mwosborn]

x2 what Pat said.

The design of the bow/type and quality of wood/quality of tiller all determine how far it can be drawn.  Generally speaking for a nonbending handle bow subtract 10 and divide by 2 and you have a "approximate" draw length.  Of course this can vary!   :D

For his 30" draw he may need a 70" bow.

Now to your question - given the same basic design and length, a HBI bow would be considerably more durable to a BBRO bow - IMO.

[red hill]

The first thing I teach my science students when we work on our bow projects is... Never draw another persons bow. Period. I learned that the hard way with my first bow.  

But to answer your question. I think a hickory backed bow is more durable. However, PatB is right. Keep it away from her dad. Maybe make him one.