I have a question concerning backing material. Between Hickory and Bamboo which would make a better backing?

Both. Bamboo is 10x (or so) stronger in tension than hickory, hickory is easier to work with and obtain locally.

Bamboo is a superior backing material to even the finest quarter sawn pignut hickory. "Bamboo" is a little vague. don't fall for the less expensive, lesser quality Moso bamboo that is advertised all over the place. you get what you pay for, and for a little more money, you can get better quality Maso bamboo.

Bamboo is harder to work but better in performance for me.  Hickory is great too and easier to work.

wher can one obtain the maso bamboo as apposed to the moso.
thanks
wayne

Bamboo and Rattan Works.

Where is maso from?  How is it different that moso?  I'm curious about all types of bamboos, I've made bows with moso and black bamboo.  

For some reason, I thought it was the same stuff, just spelled differently.  Kinda like bowdark, osage, hedge, bois d arc all mean the same thing.