Downing vs drowning. And the winner is downing . Simple reading mistake. We all make them, and nice to see you have a sense of humor DH21. Pearl , Tim baker claims sassafras backed with raw hide backing will make a bow in the 40's in poundage. Some were, but I can't remember were a guy showed one at full draw . It was a long bow made Elb style, and had some good things to say about the wood.I don't think it was backed, and I think it was a higher poundage bow, so I just thought I would take a shot at one in the 45 lb. range at 72 to 74 inches long since the wood is at my finger tips.