[kjflyfish]

An all-wood track is definitely easier to build and will have the same performance characteristics as any other material. The only problem you run into is durability. If you don't reinforce the front section, it is almost inevitable that at some point (a drop or a big wave) the shaft will get hit and rip through the front section of the enclosed track. I know, because one of my guns did this - there wasn't any change in performance, but now it has another battle scar.

That was my go-to gun and had lots of use, so the chances of tearing an all-wood track increase with how much you use it. I have a big tuna gun with and all-wood track, but I don't use it much, so I'm not worried about the track.

Going with a poured epoxy front section is the easiest way to fix the problem. If you have an orbital sander, you can use the dust collected in the bag as a filler for the epoxy - it ends up giving it a more natural color and doesn't stand out as much, plus it's very strong.