What I'm about to say is bad new for those looking for a "Magic" wood. I've tried just about everything but the top ten woods all perform just about the same. The heavier woods are a bit slower and best used in a shorter bow. Bamboo, Yew, Red Elm, Black Walnut, Cedar all work well in any length on a glass backed Longbow. Haven't really used the Black or Honey Locust as much as I'd like. Nor have I actually worked a bow in sub zero weather but have sold quite a number into areas where the bows will get a below zero workout and have not any returned. (I think you have to worry more about the finish than wood) My two personal bows are (short)Yew with a Bamboo core and (Long)Bamboo with a Yew core. Anybody out there with limbs of Chatke-Kok?? Snakewood???