I have been researching trying to decide what recurve i want to buy. I'm not looking for the prettiest bow. It is going to be used for hunting and maybe for fishing. I was thinking something around 58" to 60" with a draw weight in the low 50#'s. My max budget is around $400. My main question is this. What are the pros and cons of an aluminum riser versus a wood riser? I haven't been able to find a lot of information comparing the two, but I have seen some nice looking bows with an aluminum riser. I don't have a lot of experience with bows, so I am trying to learn as much as I can about them before I make a large investment. Please let me know any facts that are available and I am definately curious about everyone's opion on this topic.
Thanks
Jared.
Aluminum is generally heavier than wood. Some like that. Others don't. Most wouldn't consider aluminum as pretty as wood. Aluminum tends to have a bit colder feel in the hand, unless covered with a leather grip, a minor inconvenience. Aluminum risers are often drilled for a cushion plunger, though it's quite easy to modify/adjust the strike plate on wood risers as well. Many aluminum risers are meant to be shot with a rest, not off the shelf, as most wood risers are. Each works. Just a personal preference as to which you like best. With aluminum, you're pretty much limited to take-down bows. Lots of one-piece wood-risered bows around. Though I can't prove it, through watching sales on this site and the auction site, it seems that high-end wood risers hold their value a little better.
Orion is right on with that. Really Comes down to personal preference. Opinion on my end is you should try both if you can. I had one of the Hoyt Models to try for a while, I liked it. It shot well, it was fast, but...cold, heavy, loud, and, the personal thing for me is it just didnt feel Fully Traditional. Now if I was sponsored and they were GIVEN to me I would shoot them , but I'm not. LOL I STILL donnt think Ive forund the "perfect bow" and I have shot and owned,,,MAAANNYYY of them, you just have to get them and try them. SOme will make you happy and some wont.