Crossbows vs. Longbows

[Fantomen]

I can verify that material and construction matters a lot. A flatbow, along with many other types, depends on the dynamic between the elastic surface wood(front of bow) of the tree and the hard corewood(backside of bow). The bigger the difference between core and surface the more efficient the bow will be relative to its draw weight. That is why different kinds of tree are more or less suitable.

The bow is consequently built by first splitting the tree in four quarters and then you pick the one without branches or other defects. You work out the bow from the "back" leaving the elastic surface intact and carve away enough of the hard wood to get your preferred draw weight.

Laminated bows follow the same principle, but are built with materials of varying hardness/elasticity instead which are then glued or wired together.

You can elevate the effectiveness of your wooden bow by applying a string of elastic material along the front and some hard material on the back. The vikings of Iceland used sinews and bone for example.