Abstract: A diamond drill coring bit having an annular crown and inner and outer concentric side surfaces. The crown is formed from a number of radially extending composite segments spaced apart circumferentially by a circumferential spacer material, all integrally bonded together. Each composite segment consists of a number of diamond impregnated segments spaced radially from each other by a radial spacer material. The diamond impregnated segments have greater abrasion resistance than that of the radial spacer material such that the radial spacer material will wear at a controlled rate greater than that of the diamond impregnated segments. The radial spacer material has greater abrasion resistance than that of the circumferential spacer material such that the circumferential spacer material will wear at a controlled rate greater than that of the radial spacer material but not so great as to prematurely expose the composite segments.