Understanding different custom bow wood choices?

[GCook]

Well, I have a bow that's as purty as any I've seen, shoots a 10.2gpp arrow close to 190fps, is fairly quiet and has killed several critters so far so I'm inclined to say if you pick the right bowyer you can have both.
But, it won't be cheap and it won't be quick.  Hopefully it will be worth waiting for like mine was.

[Tucker]

I have this book and it is pretty good for describing characteristics of different woods. Generally the denser the wood the stronger it is and more suitable for handle risers.

[JohnV]

All wood options are not the same. That makes sense when you think about it because each type of wood has its own characteristics.  Bamboo limbs are going to behave a little different from red elm.  A bowyers limb design may favor a particular wood in the limbs.  Ask the bowyer if there is any difference in the different wood options. 

[dnovo]

I've had a number of longbows built with bamboo cores in them. I've picked up used longbows where I don't know what core wood was used. I just got a new longbow in October with maple cores in it. It feels a bit more snappy than some of the others. Is it design or woods? I don't know. I just enjoy shooting it.