In the late 80s early 90s in Alabama and pretty much all the Southern States required wood only for Longbows and wood or aluminum for Recurves. Now it is shoot what you have with the exception of wood only for Selfbows. There are a very few that still require wood arrows for the longbow and Recurve. The change started when people complained they could no longer get good wood. (BUNK) For a very short period of time that was true. The Spotted Owl nesting habits in the trees was a big issue back in the mid 90s and slowed production somewhat, that along with using the cedar for flagsticks caused a shortage for a short period of time. The biggest transition was caused due to people wanting to shoot aluminum and carbon because it was easier. Good wood has always been there and is still there. As far as the cost, well you are correct. When I first got into traditional I could buy a dozen raw POC shafts for about 8 bucks. Now, that will barley pay the postage. I shoot wood and will always shoot wood. It will do as well as aluminum in endurance and packs a good wallop in a hunting situation. Carbons are great also just to light and finicky for my use.

In the late 80s early 90s in Alabama and pretty much all the Southern States required wood only for Longbows and wood or aluminum for Recurves. Now it is shoot what you have with the exception of wood only for Selfbows. There are a very few that still require wood arrows for the longbow and Recurve. The change started when people complained they could no longer get good wood. (BUNK) For a very short period of time that was true. The Spotted Owl nesting habits in the trees was a big issue back in the mid 90s and slowed production somewhat, that along with using the cedar for flagsticks caused a shortage for a short period of time. The biggest transition was caused due to people wanting to shoot aluminum and carbon because it was easier. Good wood has always been there and is still there. As far as the cost, well you are correct. When I first got into traditional I could buy a dozen raw POC shafts for about 8 bucks. Now, that will barley pay the postage. I shoot wood and will always shoot wood. It will do as well as aluminum in endurance and packs a good wallop in a hunting situation. Carbons are great also just to light and finicky for my use.

codger wrote: Where are you located in Alabama? My Boss lives in Arab outside Huntsville. I really prefer wood I like the smell and working with it. I have been refletching aluminums this week several dozen to shoot out of my recurve it sure makes me miss the cedar but I built four dozen cedar practice arrows last year. Out here no one uses cedar with recurves so to compete on an even field i bought a bunch of aluminums they seem to be more durable as stump shooters also. a 70lb long bow sometimes destroys wood when stump shooting so i alternate when stump shooting. Im hoping to shoot tse first few shoots of the year with my widow then transition over to my longbows once I get my strength back where it needs to be.

most of my longbows are 60# 70lb and up ive got recurves from 55# to 68#. I do prefer Hill style longbows over anything else.

Sorry it took so long to get back to ya. I thought I replied but I recon I did’t. Robin got me back on track. Thank you Robin.

We are about 3 to 3.5 hours South of Arab and 25 miles East of Montgomery. Semi country you might say.

Yes at 70# POC does not like getting slammed into a fellow stump. I shot a 68# 68″ Furguson Safari back in the 90s. The POC wood break and the aluminum would bend. We did not have carbon back then. I stuck with wood and was more particular as to what I shot at.

If you have not tried Douglas Fir you should. It will still break but not as fast as POC. Much tougher. I would say it will out last POC 3 to one. Fred Asbell tried for two years to get me hooked up with Fir. I wish I had listened sooner. Good stuff!!