I am starting a new bow but can't decide what to use. I have a good supply of edge grain red elm and also some action-boo. Any opinions on what you prefer. I have always liked both. I have even considered some black walnut. Thanks

boo all the way for me

I've got the boo is cut to size but I am still up in the air.

Elm and boo are my favorite cores-I use boo most because I have a good supply on hand.

Heres my findings, no clear winner in performance....

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=001491;p=6

If no special contrast is needed, I use  aboo in either natural or amber over red elm,just cause I'm lazy and don't want to fill the elm grain on edges of limb...  :D

I just finished two bows.  One with Aboo and one with elm.  I can't really "feel" any difference. As Kenny said, elm requires some filling to get rid of pores along the limb edge.  Aboo just sands up nice and smooth. If you aren't using veneers, I prefer elm over aboo under clear glass for looks.

Thanks guys I'm going to veener over the core so contrast is needed. After looking at those results kenny I see what you mean. I think I'll probably will go with boo but always trying to learn a little something.

Kenny looks like a wash to me, maybe the aboo is a lil smoother at longer draws if I am reading the numbers right

Thats what I thought too David, aboo and walnut had slight edge.  Not enough for me to tell by shootin em tho.

Oh, I gotta bump walnut stack up by .005 or a bit more to get draw weight, but no difference in speed. Guess physical weight is still about the same??

I have been using maple cores on every bow, with one exception where I used red elm and it came in way light, but I also miscalculated the stack. It seemed to come in even lighter than I thought it should though.

dave

Normally your heavier/denser core will be thinner, so it all works out pretty even.