The pine cones look gorgeous BUT dig into your hand and as Orion pointed out, there are disadvantages.

karim

I find checkering very helpful in maintaining a consistent grip, but others do not.

My pinecone doesn't bother me at all.

I like the grip to settle into my hand as I draw. Ive had several bows that had checkering and never shot them as well. They sure looked good though. Different strokes I guess- I'll take mine smooth.

BTW I always thought some type of tribal design wrapping the grip would look cool.You could probably find something at a tattoo shop.
SL

I've had a couple bows that had so-called checkering in the grip area.  It was more like course chicken scratches, and in my opinion detracted from what was otherwise a beautiful high end bow.  Not sure why some of the well known bowyers would even offer that quality of checkering on their bows.
If I were wanting checkering on my bow, I would send it off to a professional gun checkerer and have them put in some Fleur De'Lis or other fancy pattern and really add to the quality and value of the bow.

I prefer no checkering at all.  I had A shawnee with pinecones and one without and I prefered the shawnee without.  No more checkering for me, Thank You.
B.

I have Brant's "old" Shawnee riser with full pinecones, and I have Morrison risers without pinecones and others with half and full pinecones. I prefer the pinecones. I also have other bows with and without checkering. They all shoot well, but I like having a grip that does not tend to slip in my hand. To each his own.

Allan

I have 2 Schafers with the checkering and wouldn't have another bow without checkering . It makes the grip more consistent.

Jack

You may want to try a Bow Saddle or a rubber grip first they do not dig into hand just gives you a non slip grip.