I am planning a tri-lam build with bamboo backing and ipe belly. The question is: what is the best core wood for such a bow? Maple is a natural choice, or possibly hickory. I've seen those. If I use 1/8" thick backing and belly, then nearly all the stress will be in the bamboo and ipe, which seems to imply I should use the lightest wood possible for the core and not worry too much about its structural properties. Eastern redcedar seems an excellent candidate. What are y'all's favorite "secret sauce" core woods for tri-lam bows?
Bonus: for the sake of discussion, why not use something absurdly lightweight, like paulowina or balsa? This is a terrible idea, right??