:clapper:
On April 7th I called Howard Hill Archery and ordered a new Wesley Special. Picked out the riser wood, glass, tip overlays, etc. Then I gave them the exact handle dimensions I needed on the bow. I was told that it would be 4 to 5 weeks delivery on the bow. Hmm...I wonder if that's true or what they tell everybody. Most custom bowyers are 4 to 5 months and that stretches into an additional 4 to 5 and sometimes over a year.
Next Tuesday, May 5th will mark 4 weeks since I placed the order. So, last night I decided to send an email and check on the bows' progress. I received an email from Craig. My new Wesley Special is ready to ship. Gentlemen, that's three weeks and two days from the date of the order and it is shipping out TODAY! Well done Craig!
I'm going to have him make me one in the near future hopefully. That is really quick. Hope you enjoy it.
Show us some pics if you can.
Yep, and as long as everyone continues to think that A Hill bow will knock your fillings out or give ya a brain tumor for shooting it :bigsmyl: Congrats on a sweet bow, and don't forget the pics! :thumbsup:
Ken
I ordered a Big Five recently and received it in two weeks. It is a great bow and on outstanding performer.
Lynn Hunt
Craig has got to be the best I have ever had dealings with.Makes a great bow and his customer service is next to no one.You will be talking to him again Danny !!!!
I've bought a bunch of bows from Craig over the last number of years. The best "Craig Story" I have is a few years back. I was on the phone with Craig about some bow matter and we got to talking about the Bear Cub. I was having severe shoulder problems at the time and told him that if I could get another of my restored antique sewing machine sold, I'd probably be ordering one, maybe 25#, to shoot until I got back in order. Well, I think it was four days later someone bought one of my machines and I called Craig to order the bow. His response: "I put it in the mail this morning. I knew you were hurting and needed something to shoot." Sure enough, two days later a beautiful little 56" 26# Bear Cub showed up on my doorstep. Now, admittedly, the Cub is a simple bow to build, but he had to have started on the layup about the time I hung up the phone on that first call!
I have ordered several bows from Craig over the years and, the longest lead time ever was six weeks (most delivered in 3.5 4 weeks). Craig is great guy to deal with and, a top notch craftsmen.
Glen in MA.
I ordered mine April 2, hit my door step 22 days later and looks and shoots great.
Here are the spec on my new Wesley Special:
Chechen (chi-chen) riser (to match the chechen riser on my Massie Model "M");
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/IMG_0311-1.jpg)
66"; 58# @ 28" black glass back and belly; 5th bamboo lamination brought down the sleeve to give some contrast between the black glass and chechen riser; elk antler tip overlays with laced elk handle wrap.
I'll get the pics posted when it arrives....Now, where is that FedEx truck?
Huh? Wha' happen' to that "Wesley"? !!! :^)
Has Craig changed the specs to a take-down, hybrid?
:) :thumbsup:
Please READ my last post. The riser of the Wesley is Chechen TO MATCH the chechen riser of my recurve....I only posted the pic of the recurve to show folks that don't know what chechen looks like....
Hope the pic of the recurve didn't cause anyone to stroke out. :eek:
Can't wait to see pics of the finished bow. I was looking at his web site last night considering placing an order.
>>>Hope the pic of the recurve didn't cause anyone to stroke out. [Eek!]<<<
Momentarily came close... came close! I:^)
I'll have pics of the Wesley up as soon as it arrives.
Craig is awesome!!!! I have ordered a Redman, Sirocco and Wesley special from him. All are great to shoot and was made to my spec's in the time frame he said. Not only does he make a great bow, but him and his family are quite knowledgable and great people. they have my buisness for as long as I live.
It is sooooo refreshing to get a bow while you are still excited about placing the order! I love doing business with Craig and Co. and love shooting those sweet sticks when they come. I have three on the rack and keep thinking about what else needs to be in the collection. :bigsmyl:
I also ordered a Cheetah from Craig and got it a week early. Flawless craftmanship and performance. I traded it because it was getting heavy for me ...must have been the bow cause I know I`m not getting weaker..lol.
I`m wanting another as quick as the wife allows. Hate to admit it but after 24 years of marriage she still is the boss.RC
QuoteOriginally posted by Dick in Seattle:
I've bought a bunch of bows from Craig over the last number of years. The best "Craig Story" I have is a few years back. I was on the phone with Craig about some bow matter and we got to talking about the Bear Cub. I was having severe shoulder problems at the time and told him that if I could get another of my restored antique sewing machine sold, I'd probably be ordering one, maybe 25#, to shoot until I got back in order. Well, I think it was four days later someone bought one of my machines and I called Craig to order the bow. His response: "I put it in the mail this morning. I knew you were hurting and needed something to shoot." Sure enough, two days later a beautiful little 56" 26# Bear Cub showed up on my doorstep. Now, admittedly, the Cub is a simple bow to build, but he had to have started on the layup about the time I hung up the phone on that first call!
Thats an awesome story right there my friend! :clapper: :clapper:
RC, you're a wise man. Any man who tells you that he is the boss in his household is either lying to you, or doesn't understand the concept.
Craig Ekin is a good man.
Must have a shop full of bow makin' elves! Thats an insane turn around!
OK folks, the Wesley Special arrived today. Four weeks and one (1) day from the date of order and the bow is in my house. Here are a few pics that I promised.
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/IMG_0337-1.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/IMG_0333.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/IMG_0334.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/IMG_0335.jpg)
Specs once again: chechen riser (notice the brown, red, black and green coloring) elk antler tips and elk handle wrap; 66" 58# @ 28" and it shoots awesome!!!
Nice :thumbsup:
Great lookin bow Rick,, all the best with her,,Frank
Ric,
"Somewhere between forty and falling apart; got a bum knee, a bad back and a teenager's heart."
And potentially the wisdon to know when to say when. (As all of us 50 and over should have).
I like your signature and love the looks of your new bow.
Good luck and great shooting. Let us know how she pulls.
Billy
Billy -
See you're from Natchitoches, come on over to Chester on the 15th and see for yourself how she pulls. We'll be there all weekend.
Danny (Ric)
Nice bow man....
Sweet-lookin' bit-o-gear.
That's a beauty! I really like the looks of the Chechen riser. That's one of the woods you don't see very often on a Hill. Love it man, congrats and enjoy!
Ken
Fine looking stick, proud for ya.
The tip overlays are awesome.
Many of you know that "Ric O'Shay" is my bud. He is the first to see my new bows and I'm the first to see his. What you might not know is that (Ric),Danny to me, is the shooter in this group of two. I go to 3-D shoots with him to carry his gear, so he won't hurt himself. I carry the gear, he carries the trophies and belt buckles that he wins. Well, things just got worse. He has had this new, beautiful Hill "Wesley Special" less than 24 hours and is shooting 5 arrow groups at 20 plus yards with all arrows touching. I know, cause I was there. He removes all the arrows, with one hand, at the same time. That is just not right. You know how bad that is for my ego. About the time I think I'm gaining on him, he goes and buys another tack driver. Guess I'll just have to practice more and whine less. Until then, anyone got a wheel barrow? I'm afraid he is going to ask me to start carrying his winnings, as well as his gear. :banghead: :banghead:
I feel for ya buddy! :clapper:
"He removes all the arrows, with one hand, at the same time" - Now that just aint right! :smileystooges:
I must jump on the band wagon here and say some more good things about Craig.
Top notch fellow and humble as the day is long.
Fantastic craftsmanship and is a true living legend in our beloved sport.