I have been putting a hidden fiberglass beam in my recurve handles. My question would one see a difference in strength using  thin phenolic instead of fiberglass. I feel the fiberglass is better just harder on tools.

I think the glass would be stronger, phenolic in a strip isn't nearly as stiff as glass the same thickness.

No actual testing here tho, just gut feeling....

Thats what I am thinking also kenny.

me too

Me too!
Obviously you could use a thicker piece of phenolic to get the same strength.

Fiberglass is glass fiber reinforced polymer .... phenolic is linen or canvas or paper reinforced polymer ... granted they're different polymers, but there's really no comparison in terms of stiffness and strength.

We like using G-10..  Its super tough, available in various thickness, and a range of colors too.  Oh.. and it makes a great limb tip.

  G-10     Link

I use the G-10 in my bows.  Super rigid and adds more mass than the glass or phenolic.

Here is one I beam I made from Lignostone, a very strong material.