bamboo/river cane vs. hardwoods

[michael kavouklis]

i am curious to know if some of you think bamboo or river cane arrows are tougher or more durable than some of the popular hardwoods? are they more forgiving of spine?...I have heard bamboo referred to as "natures carbon" and that spine does not need to be taken into account when shooting it?

[TomMcDonald]

Originally posted by michael kavouklis:
...and that spine does not need to be taken into account when shooting it?

I find that hard to believe.

[Pat B]

Spine always has to be considered. Because of the natural taper and quick recovery cane arrows are not as particular when it comes to spine. Because of the taper, you can reduce the measured spine by about 10# and if you leave your arrows long you can reduce the measured spine by 5# for each inch over 28". I can easily shoot a 65# spined cane arrow from my 50# self bows by cutting them to 29". For me, cane arrows are way tougher than any wood arrows I have used. Pat

[Swamp Pygmy]

I think what they mean is the cane is tapered. So it comes off the shelf easier. It also grows in rather uniform thicknesses. You can cut whatever nodes are the right size to be an arrow. You'd probably have to do much more sorting and shaping with hardwood arrows than with reeds. I think thats what they meant.

[shikari]

little more work than wood,but the effort is well worth all the result,cane or bamboo is the best for me atleast.