South makes some great bows...not only do they look good but they perform amazing also!
For the wood you might have to ask Ryan S...or South, I dont favor any particular wood so I let south decide. It is going to be used as a hunting bow 90% of the time so it will be scratched and what not.
The first night I got them, only shot at 10 yards in the garage. Second day I went out and shot a group at 20 yards and then one at 28. Lets just say, ill skip the paper tuning for this bow. Its not Perfect but it is good enough till I find an arrow to go with this bow. The only disappointment I have in this bow is... I didnt order one when I started trad archery