In a recurve I think the walnut is just a tad smoother and I have read it is just a little faster. On purely a performance standpoint I don't think it makes enough difference to base your decision on it. Out of all the hunter II's I have had the 58" with yew limbs was by far the best performer but the yew is an option and does cost more. I have had hunter II's with elm, walnut,yew,and locust limbs and I would rate them yew 1st walnut 2nd locust and elm were more or less the same. And yes I was on a chek mate buying spree last summer good luck I am sure Chad will chime in