People's Army of Sonoma

I have been exploring the Archer template recently, and am looking to imbue a good bow for demons in general, and eventually the Slasher of the Veils.

What kind of bow is best? Composite for damage, or Short for speed?
I use bushido, so would need Mana leech. I also drink potions, so like a balanced bow. But is that worth using up an item property?

Here are 5 potential properties for the bow:

Slayer
Mana leech
Balanced
Stamina leech
Damage increase

But would I be better off removing damage increase (relying on getting DI from jewelry and talismans), and substituting another property?

Also, should I imbue a regular bow, then attempt to enhance it? I don't like the thought of losing an imbued item on the enhance attempt.

I am using my sampire for this, and find that the life leech is good for staying alive against Fire Demons. But would I be better off dropping necro for Magic Resist or something?

Any advice is greatly appreciated. So far I am enjoying archery!

demon slayer mana leech balanced di is what i use. comp bow for AI hits but magical shortbow is ok for fast hits that add up.

Thanks for the reply. here is what I have made, and love so far:

Exceptional Composite Bow
Demon Slayer
25% SSI
37% HML (max with this SSI)
44% HSL (max without using special ingredients)
45% Damage Increase

Weight: 499

It works great, and I've used it to easily clear the Abyss Entrance Mini Champ. The only problem with it is that I forgot to fortify it first, so only have 70 durability. Still, it's quite easy to make, so once I farm ingredients I'll make another.

So there's no balance on this bow, and I find that that is OK. As a dexxer, being able to chug potions is great for emergencies, since I am usually in the middle of mobs when I start to die. But as an archer, I am usually at the edge of the combat field, so can easily run off, equip a one-handed weapon, and chug a potion if I need to. Though as an archer, I get hit less often, and bandies seem to be enough for most situations.

Oh, the bow also makes paragon balrons much much easier. I can kill one without dieing! I have not tried slasher yet, but will get to it eventually.

If you're owning slasher ezmoad, sell me a Lavaliere that you get off him : p