I have used several different type shaft woods. POC makes good shafts but aren't very tough. Ash makes a VERY tough shaft, but way to heavy for my set up. Doug fir is a little tougher than POC and could be my go to shaft. I have some Stika spruce coming to try. I may just be expecting to much but was hoping for a tough medium weight shaft but so far, haven't found it yet. Any help or opinions would be appricated. Thanks, Don
Sitka Spruce is likely to be lighter than cedar and about of the same durability. Doug fir is a good intermediate. Is sometimes a little brittle and it's sometimes hard to find good Doug fir, but good stuff is quite durable and about 10-20% heavier than cedar.
Chundoo (pine) and ramin are also a little heavier and more durable than cedar. My experience with them is limited, but a lot of folks like them.
Birch is my favorite........heavy,but not too heavy.Tough,and not too hard to straighten.Most of my arrows come out at about 640gr w/125g WW on the front.
Whispering Wind Hex pines are pretty tough,
So far with my limited experience, I am going to have to agree with Varmint on this one. White Birch is exactly what you describe, middle weight and much more durable than cedar. Also, note that I said limited experience, I have only tried Cedar and White Birch, but judging from others' comments Birch seems to be just about perfect. The problem that I have is I can't find any where to get them anymore.
Varmint, do you know where a person can pick some up?
jchunt,
try www.thenockingoint.com (http://www.thenockingoint.com) for laminated birch
I come by it hit and miss.If I have an opportunity I'll buy 4 dozen or so at the time since I never know when I'll be able to get it again.So,I guess to answer your question,I have no regular reliable source unfortunately.
I shoot a lot of Poplar. It's a little heavier and tougher than cedar and it is easy to straighten. It is between cedar and Pine on weight.
Dennis
Thanks guys, I think I'm going to look into getting some birch and poplar to try. Don
I am looking for some Hickory or Ash 11/32 tapered to 5/16 shafts. I could taper them myself too. I need them spined at 65-70#. I would like two-three dozen. I want to make some big game arrow's for elk and bear.