riser question

[jhp0529]

I have been researching trying to decide what recurve i want to buy. I'm not looking for the prettiest bow. It is going to be used for hunting and maybe for fishing. I was thinking something around 58" to 60" with a draw weight in the low 50#'s. My max budget is around $400. My main question is this. What are the pros and cons of an aluminum riser versus a wood riser? I haven't been able to find a lot of information comparing the two, but I have seen some nice looking bows with an aluminum riser. I don't have a lot of experience with bows, so I am trying to learn as much as I can about them before I make a large investment. Please let me know any facts that are available and I am definately curious about everyone's opion on this topic.
Thanks
Jared.

[Orion]

Aluminum is generally heavier than wood.  Some like that.  Others don't. Most wouldn't consider aluminum as pretty as wood.  Aluminum tends to have a bit colder feel in the hand, unless covered with a leather grip, a minor inconvenience.  Aluminum risers are often drilled for a cushion plunger, though it's quite easy to modify/adjust the strike plate on wood risers as well.  Many aluminum risers are meant to be shot with a rest, not off the shelf, as most wood risers are.  Each works.  Just a personal preference as to which you like best.  With aluminum, you're pretty much limited to take-down bows.  Lots of one-piece wood-risered bows around.  Though I can't prove it, through watching sales on this site and the auction site, it seems that high-end wood risers hold their value a little better.

[Matty]

Orion is right on with that. Really Comes down to personal preference.  Opinion on my end is you should try both if you can.  I had one of the Hoyt Models to try for a while, I liked it.  It shot well, it was fast, but...cold, heavy, loud, and, the personal thing for me is it just didnt feel Fully Traditional. Now if I was sponsored and they were GIVEN to me I would shoot them , but I'm not. LOL I STILL donnt think Ive forund the "perfect bow" and I have shot and owned,,,MAAANNYYY of them, you just have to get them and try them. SOme will make you happy and some wont.