RE: slate?
 

Good choice Wickman, I think you will be glad you got it. Not that the Ole Yeller by K&H isn' t a good choice too but I' m from the school of thought that you should always buy the best you can afford. Good luck with the Cody! ;)

RE: slate?
 

The Cody is a great choice I own an Envy Glass and a CodyII Slate with a Heavy Hickory and a Bocote striker and I love them both. In the near future I want to get my hands on a Woodsman in some sort of configuration. I heard one recently and loved that one too. Just didn' t have enought cash flow to get the woodsman and the Cody II.