QUESTION: Which Riser should I choose?
ANSWER: With traditional bows (Recurves, Take-Down Recurves, Longbows and Take-Down Longbows), riser (handle) woods are chosen for color, beauty of grain, strength and ability to take a good finish. Avoid soft woods as they cannot stand the stress of a working bow. Avoid those woods with an open grain structure, those that will “bleed” color, or those whose oily nature prohibits a good finish. With the advanced technology of high stressed limbs found in compound bows, came multi-lamination risers made from blocks of 1/16” veneer. These laminated risers are very strong and are found in many colors. Another way to achieve a colorful riser is to laminate combinations of accent strips made of hardwood, phenolic or core-tuff. This will furnish strength and beauty.