I would like a Hill style bow. I have an opportunity to get a Robertson Mystic. What are your thoughts on these bows? How do they compare to Howard Hill Bows and the Northern Mist Classic. Thanks.
I don't think they have the same straight profile. Aren't they considered a reflex/deflex?
The Robertson Mystical is a mild to moderate deflex reflex design that takes on the classic "D" shape when strung. Dick has made a few changes to his design since he started with it in the late 70's, but they are all great bows. I have four Robertson longbows ranging from his early Heritage model to a 2003 Vision Overdrive. They are my overall favorite longbows and somebody is gonna have to come up with something very special to knock them off their mountain.
Unless you are getting the Robertson for significantly less than what a new Hill would cost you, I would advise really thinking about it. I have a custom Mystical made in 79 or 80 I don't really remember anymore, that I would never sell. Not because it is such a great bow but mostly for sentimental reasons. Also because any amount over $100, I would kind of feel embarrassed to take someones money knowing that they could get a much better bow for only a few hundred more. A brand new Hill is in the $500 range and there are plenty of other Hill style bows in that range that I feel are also much better performers than my Mystical.
The overdrive is an amazing, underated bow. I don't even think he advertises it, but he will make one for you. It has the classic d shape when strung, but has much more reflex in the limbs. The bow shoots a heavy arrow very hard. I would never consider a howard hill type bow, when this one looks the same and shoots better.
What Fletcher said.... I got 2 Robertsons and 2 N.Mist Hill style, if I had to choose I'd keep the Robertsons
Eric
Goosespirit is right on the money! Vision Overdrive is a very well kept secret. My OD smokes an arrow downrange at only 53#'s. Beautiful D-shape when strung and unstrung has a radical reflex that I reckon gives it that OD feeling! Dick and Yote make incredible bows. Then again beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What's nice to me(Robertsons) may be not nice(Hill) to you. Love my Robertson longbow.PBNJ
You know I got home and shot my Robertson Overdrive and realized it's not a Vision but a Purist! I can't keep track of the evolution of Robertsons bows. Does anyone have any insight to the changes over time and the hows and whys of design changes that Dick and Yote came up with to the present stable of bows?Thanks in advance,Paul
Dick's first longbows were named the "Heritage". Rocky Miller started making Heritage bows, so Dick changed the name to "Mystical", altho I don't know just when. I bought my first Mystical in '88. He has tweaked his design and forms over the years and used different forms for different bow lengths. The Vision and Purist were upgrades to the Mystical and have now moved to being the standard. The Overdrive option was added around 2000 in response to the hybrids, to increase the performance while maintaining the classic "D" shape when braced and drawn. The design certainly does both.
Thanks Fletch, that was very informative. You don't hear much about the overdrive I wonder how many are out there.Thanks again, Paul
I have one and love it.... 64' 57@27" . Mine is a Quest, which I think is a Vision but with the Pierce Points in the riser. It is actually quicker than the Roberson Fusion hybrid I have.
I have a Robertson buffalo bow, anyone know where that longbow falls in to the line up?
Re: the Buffalo Bow. Dick told me that Jay Massey was visiting and made up a flat bow on his mystical form. They both liked it and Dick added it to his line. Mine shot very nice and was quiet, smooth and comfy to shoot. Not quite as quick as the regular Mystical.
Thanks for the input!!