Risers Aluminum vs. Wooden

[Molina]

Although most of the traditional risers out there are made of wood, there are a few aluminum risers.  From a hunting standpoint does aluminum make sense?

[AMB]

Don't quite understand the question.  I prefer a metal riser, more mass weight, NO hand shock and they are plunger friendly.  After I shot my first warf, I never looked back.  I have a Quinn Stallion now and am totally satisfied.  To each his own.  No matter what kind of bow you shoot, shoot it well!  I shoot the Stallion better than anything I've ever touched, that is why I am satisfied.

By the way, where in the heck is Cecil, AL?

[rastaman]

I have an aluminum A & H & a wooden one.  If stalking, i'll usually take the lighter one..treestand either one...i like the added mass weight of the metal riser.
JMO     Randy

[Bowhunter4life]

I prefer the metal riser for the reasons mentioned above.  More mass weight in the bow and the weight is where you want it to be.  To each their own though...

[pseman]

I have a Morrison(wood riser) and a Quinn Stallion(metal riser) and wouldn't trade either. The weight of each is about the same but the Stallion is much thinner and has a grip that is just about as perfect as you can ask for. The metal risers are usually cut well past center and allow for a plunger if you wish, or even shot off the shelf, allow for much wider range of arrows to be shot. I can shoot the same arrows from both bows even though the Morrison is 7lb heavier in draw. It is hard to accomplish this without such a deeply cut riser.

Also, if you want the versatility of quiver mounts, sight mount, stabilizer, etc then the metal riser is also a plus.

I will agree with Andy about the Stallion, it flat out shoots!

I think Cecil is near Montgomery, not too far from me.

[jhansen]

About the only real thing in favor of wood is aesthetics.  I prefer the look of a wooden bow.  There's also the fact that a metal riser gets colder to the touch in the winter.  Wood, by comparison, feels warmer.  To each his or her own.

John

[joe vt]

It does come down to the: "to each his own".

I have sold a metal riser and wood riser take down for the simple fact of them being too heavy physically. They just didn't point well for me and I didn't like all that weight in my left hand.

[Molina]

I asked the question because I am considering buying a metal riser Swan.  As far as hunting, does the metal riser make any noise when the arrow comes off the bow?

By the way Cecil is 10 miles east of Montgomery.

[rastaman]

I use the same rest on both...the metal riser has no effect on "noise"...they are both quiet.

[Jedimaster]

Both metal and wood CAN make noise but no more so for one than the other.  Certainly nothing that can't be taken care of.  Buy the bow you are comfortable and confident with and then adapt it to your style of hunting.  You'll never be happy with a bow you don't shoot well or like.

[koger]

I was a wood bow snob until this spring I traded for a 1974, BW, 126 hunter, Alum. handle, looks like a MAII, but with a hollowed out alum handle. The balance and feel was so good, I traded for another, with 2 sets of limbs and have never looked back. Have sold nearly all of my beutiful wood bows,recently bought a Quinn Stallion and like as good as the BW's!! These three bows shoot better than any other factory or custom bow I have had, I found out that I shoot these metal handle bows much better,especially past 20 yards. If You are looking to buy one, check out the Quinn, you will be amazed at the smooth draw, no handshock, no stacking, fast and quiet.Sam.

[Pete W]

I started shooting a metal riser this winter and now have 3, a Trad Tech Titan, A&H ACS CX and recently I made an old Hoyt TD3 into an ILF bow. The metal has it's advantages. It is heavier and the shooting qualities are excelent. I am not sure yet about cold weather hunting with these,but time will tell. For long walks I know I will be toting a wood bow.
Wood is definately better to look at.

Pete

[rbbhunt]

I have had a metal riser bow and all the good points above are true.  But the biggest problem is that it is cold in the winter.  I feel a metal riser transfers heat out of your hand much quicker, yet a wood riser has some insulating qualities.  At least to the point of not feeling as cold.  And I like the looks and feel of wood.

[Molina]

All my current bows are wooden and some with a leather wrapped handle.  I think the leather would help solve the "cold grip" issue on cold hunting days.  I usually have a super thin leather glove on while hunting anyway.

[George D. Stout]

Molina....you got some really cold winters there in Alabamy' 8^).  

Some of the metal risers (old ones...1970's) are as light as wood or lighter.  The old Bear Mag risers were/are lighter than the Futurewood models.  Get yourself a padded tennis racket wrap and it will insulate it plenty well for colder weather.

Another great insulater for skinny pivots like the Quinn, is the foam, double-stick tape.  Just wrap it around the grip then put some thin leather over top.  Instant insulation.

[BLACK WOLF]

One of the other benefits of using a metal riser is that in most cases...it transfers more of the bows energy into the arrow because the metal risers generally flex less than wooden risers.

I use to be a die hard Black Widow shooter and when I shot my DAS for the first time...it was almost like night and day. I love the beauty of wood...but I've come to appreciate a new found inner beauty with metal...and some of these metal riser bows aren't to bad to look at...especially if you dress 'em up a little  

Ray  

[R H Clark]

I hunt with a DAS Dalaa.I like the fact that it is nearly indestructible and with ILF limb ability,if I do have an accident I can get another set of limbs in just a few days.

[Molina]

Thanks George for the tip.  And thanks to everyone else for all the good info on metal risers.  I think now I am definatly going to get one.

[James Wrenn]

Metal risers can usually have a smaller grip,larger sight window and can be cut well past center.The only downside is there are no one piece bows with metal risers I know of.  :D  With a wood grip or a wrap on the grip they are no colder than any other bow when hunting.