Does anybody here have both a Northern Mist Classic and a Bivouac Hill Jack?
I am wondering how the grips compare to each other?
Really shouldn't be much difference. Most ASLs have straight grips. The belly side can be rounded, oval or flattened, but that's the buyer's call if it's being made for an individual. There may be a slight difference in overall bow and grip width, no more than 1/8-inch. Dished and indexed (much less common on an ASL) grips should also be very similar. If you're having the bow built, you can specify the configuration. If not, there may be as much difference among bows of the same builder as between builders.
Thanks Jerry. That makes sense. Only so much you can do with a straight gripped longbow, I guess.
Years ago, I never thought I'd be where I am today. I've tried a lot of different bows just to find simpler can be better.
The two bows I shoot are a Hill Jack and a Union Jack. Earlier this year I bought a Northern Mist Classic and a St. Patrick Lake American Styk. The Northern Mist and St. Patrick Lake have very similar grips. Typical Hill style - a bit full or blocky.
Jim's bows have a more slender grip. Still the same overall dimensions in depth as most ASLs but a bit thinner and not blocky like the others. My bows have a very slight dish in the grips. The Union Jack grip feels a bit different than the Hill Jack because the Union Jack has one lam on the belly side while the Hill Jack has all lams on the back of the bow. It is hard for me to choose a favorite between the Hill Jack and Union Jack grips. Both feel great to me.
I sold my Northern Mist and American Styk because I prefer Jim's bows.
Thanks Phil!
Another question. Did you special order the slight dish in the grip or is that standard?
It must be standard. I bought both of my bows from what Jim had in stock. But i'm sure he could make whatever you want.
Hmmm. I don't know about a dish being standard. Most ASL builders build a straight grip standard. Maybe Jim prefers the dish. Dunno. Certainly ask when ordering. As Phil says, you can order the grip you want.
Thanks for the photo's, Phil. Nice looking grips to me!
They feel good in the hand too.
A conversation with the bowyer would work out most of the differences, personally I like a more formed grip on my D/R longbows. Currently, I'm rocking a Moosejaw Razorback and don't know what the grip is, just picked it up and started shooting, but I like it. Modifications can be made.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Here's my Bivouac Hill Jack. The handle looks pretty straight, I didn't specify anything special for the handle when I ordered it.
I think the difference is the belly side of the grips thickness,,,, someone else can confirm but NM's grip narrows on the belly side, Rob carter talks about it on a video.
Quote from: MnFn on December 06, 2025, 09:58:15 AMThanks Jerry. That makes sense. Only so much you can do with a straight gripped longbow, I guess.
Years ago, I never thought I'd be where I am today. I've tried a lot of different bows just to find simpler can be better.
I have this exact sentiment! I just talked with Jim again late last week and pulled the trigger on a Hill Jack - sent my deposit in. I've been itching to get at this for a bit now. This will be my first ASL. I was able to test drive one at ETAR. Lighter poundage than what I ordered, but was close enough to get me the gist of it. I'm very excited :bigsmyl: Should be done by April - ish. I'll put up some pics when it shows for anyone who is interested in how it comes out. 66", 52,53 or so at 28 .... brown glass on the back, curly maple under clear on the belly, I believe he is going to do an ebony riser. red-ish brown or brown leather grip with no stitching.
Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick .......... :biglaugh: