I have a pernambuco bow but I did a "blind" test of about 8 bows of made of varying materials and weights. This particular bow just felt the most comfortable to me. The luthier was interested in trying to sell me a bow with more fancy doodads (wrapping and I believe it was a solid silver tip?) but I couldn't tell enough of a difference in my playing and comfort level to justify the cost.

I recently tried a friend's bow. I know it was not a pernambuco bow but beyond that, I can't tell you anything except he paid under $100.00 for it and it was a little heavier than my bow. Sometimes I like the extra weight and have thought about purchasing one for those occassions.

I wish I had a more exact answer for you. If you are shopping for a bow, take several home and try them out. You'll know which one is for you fairly quickly.

Michelle