Anyone have one of these guys able to compare to a HH?
I think I've nailed it down to choosing a HH cheetah or a two tracks echo. Pictures all info appreciated :)
Also experience with walnut lamination's?
Gimme all the details, draw feeling, after shot, quietness... everything.
Ari, I got an Echo in a trade from another guy on this site. I had only seen the Echo a time or two at shoots and never shot one and frankly it would not have been on my radar if I had been looking for a new bow simply because they are not much talked about on the sites...yet. He offered it in trade on a Bear SK I had posted for sale so I figured what the heck, might as well try it. The bow was in pristine condition just like new off the rack when it came. To say I am pleased would be an understatement. The Echo is as pleasant to draw as any ASL longbow I have tried. I have currently 7 such bows on my rack all by different makers, and the Echo is as smooth drawing, gentle on release, and quiet as one would wish for. I am shooting it with the string that it came with from Chuck--one of the low-stretch kind with Two Tracks wool scallops silencers. No pics to post but the specs on my Echo are--left handed, 68" long, 45@28, bamboo core with tiger maple veneers and myrtle riser, straight grip with brown suede laced grip. The Echo has just a slight hint of string follow--and did I say quiet? :) I have currently one Howard Hill on the rack--a Redman--which I really like. I have had several Hills so am able to compare them. All of the different models of Hills I have had shoot the same as far as I'm concerned. I think the differences are mainly in wood choices. This Echo shoots as well as any of them in my opinion.
One other note....I have arthritis in the joints of my hands and the knuckle on my right index finger (the hand that holds the bow) is especially sensitive to hand shock. It really likes the Echo. :D Hope this helps.
I found some pics in my computer that are on the way via e-mail.
I just picked up a walnut string follow echo and I was also pleasantly surprised. The bow is a string follow model and has very small narrow tips. It lacks nothing in speed and is quiet on the shot. The speed actually impressed me as it was a much lower DW then I was used to shooting. I would rate this bow significantly better than the recent Howard Hill offerings I have shot. My bow is 68 inches long and I twisted up a heavy fat Dacron string for it. It shoots great and is whisper quiet with no silencers. Sorry no pictures yet.
I'm the guy David got his Echo from. I think we are both highly satisfied with the trade. I really wanted the Bear for bow camp at Grayling.
David described the Echo as well or better than I could. A very pleasing bow to shoot and lacked nothing in the looks department. Here are a couple of pics for those who are not receiving David's.
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm312/bladepeek/Archery/Two%20Tracks%20Echo/DSC_0006.jpg) (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/bladepeek/media/Archery/Two%20Tracks%20Echo/DSC_0006.jpg.html)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm312/bladepeek/Archery/Two%20Tracks%20Echo/DSC_0003.jpg) (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/bladepeek/media/Archery/Two%20Tracks%20Echo/DSC_0003.jpg.html)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm312/bladepeek/Archery/Two%20Tracks%20Echo/DSC_0010.jpg) (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/bladepeek/media/Archery/Two%20Tracks%20Echo/DSC_0010.jpg.html)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm312/bladepeek/Archery/Two%20Tracks%20Echo/DSC_0007.jpg) (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/bladepeek/media/Archery/Two%20Tracks%20Echo/DSC_0007.jpg.html)
Ron, thanks for posting the pictures. I can truthfully say that if the Echo were my only bow I would be totally satisfied with it. Greg, thank you for your comments. I know that you know what constitutes a good longbow. Hope you guys have a blessed Christmas and great New year. :archer:
I purchased one of Chuck's earliest Echo's. I shot it at the Kzoo Expo right after he came out with it. I was immediately struck by it's characteristics. Stable, quiet and forgiving. It remains one of my favorite bows. 51#@28. 68" long. Tempered bamboo lams with a brazilian rosewood riser.
Chuck's bows are top shelf!! He made me a very special Echo-one that I will never part with. He is the best!!!!
I had one for about 18 months. Loss of job forced me to sell it and others, but I sure hated to part with that one. Chuck's craftsmanship is among the best, and this is a well built, great performing ASL.
You guys humble me. Thank you all.
Nice talking to you this morning Ari.
Aye it was a pleasure to talk to you and plan it all out this morning.
I really thank the guys on this site for pointing me your way or I would have never known about you.
Ari,
Chuck is a master at his craft and a pleasure to do business with. You will be amazed at how well that bow shoots. Chuck made me an Echo earlier this year and it was a stunning. I plan on having him build me another in the upcoming year. Those Echos are the real deal.
Bill-
Ari, you're going to be very pleased.
I've shot several of each myself. I find Chuck's bows to be smoother than the Hills. They both have their own thing going for them, but Chuck's bows are butter.
Its gonna be sweet.
RH 70" 50@28, wedge tips (no overlay), walnut cores with brown glass and myrtlewood riser, straight and narrow like Howard's, string follow and tillered for split.
Sounds sweet, Ari! I too just ordered an Echo from Chuck on Wednesday. Walnut lams, bolivian rosewood riser, green glass back and belly. Tentatively 66" 52@28. Super excited!