You can get an idea on what different woods look like at this page as well. bow wood

Durability and dings really aren't much of an issue with my CM's. I've dragged them through the Pacific Northwest jungles and northern spruce/pine forests in rain, shine and snow for the past 8 years or so and they've held up very well. The odd scratch and character mark but that's to expected. Even my kid's long bow he's had for 3 years still looks new, and 10 year old boys aren't that easy on equipment.

RC