who make a good hill style bow. please post pics if you have them?
Take a look in the sponsor classsified. Lot of good Bowyers out there. But check out Apex Predator bows.
John McDonald "Big River" bows:
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/BigRiverRiser.jpg)
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/BigRiverHillRiser.jpg)
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/Bigriv1.jpg)
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/Bigriv4.jpg)
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/Hntstk2.jpg)
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/Hntstk3.jpg)
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/yew2.jpg)
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/yew6.jpg)
Northern Mist
just get a Hill,go original! :archer:
Yep...Hill's and Northern Mist are nice too but at least for me there is just something special about the Big Rivers.
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/Wesley1.jpg)
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/Wesley7.jpg)
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/NM1.jpg)
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/NM4.jpg)
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/NM2.jpg)
I'm pretty fond of Northern Mist
Shelton
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h121/mandoman_2006/DSC01507.jpg)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h121/mandoman_2006/DSC01509.jpg)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h121/mandoman_2006/DSC01510.jpg)
Classic T/D
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h121/mandoman_2006/DSC01516.jpg)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h121/mandoman_2006/DSC01515.jpg)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h121/mandoman_2006/DSC01514.jpg)
thanks alot guys
All the ones mentioned plus Sunset Hill, David Miller, Steve Shultz, Dan Toelke, Jim Belcher, Jay St. Charles, and Alan Boice to name a few more. Lot's of others that are no longer in production as well which you can find used from time to time.
i have owned numerous , and still do , Hill style bows including a new Jim Belcher " Union Jack " with all yew lams [ i'll post opics over the coming days .....
to me the best are in no particular order... Miller string follow " ol' Tom " .
Howard Hill .
Liberty English
these companies/bowyers have , i believe provided the best service , reasonable prices and good turn around build time .
i have handled and shot the Northern Mist and they too were great bows . but for all round bang for the buck service and shootability etc call Craig at Howard Hill or Dave Miller at Miller longbows .
pm me with any queries
Ben
Uh, Hill style? Howard Hill Archery! Great bows, excellent workmanship, great service and VERY quick delivery time. What's not to like?
The Liberty "English" model I owned was a nice bow but I never considered it a Hill style in terms of design. One example the difference in the risers.
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/Lib2.jpg)
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/NM1.jpg)
For a Hill style bow, my first stop would be Howard Hill Archery ( http://www.howardhillarchery.com/ ). The price is right, the product is outstanding and Craig is a delight to work with.
Turns out they are deadly to groundhogs (also deer and rabbits, from my observations):
(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff187/GingivitisKahn/20091017_ac_05.jpg)
:D
I have heard good things about Mahantango bows (spell?) too. The bowyer is local for me so I plan to try and shoot a few this summer.
For personal experience, I recently got two Hills and a John Strunk. They are all great but I seem to prefer my plain jane Hill and Strunk over my Hill that has antler tips.
Can't go wrong with a Howard Hill, but if you want to try different bowyers, Nate Steen at Sunset Hill is really good. I've heard nothing but great things about Dave Miller, but haven't had a chance to try one of his bows yet. For used, no longer in production bows, find a Bighorn by Ron Maulding, especially a "Tamarack" model. For rarity, a bow by John Sherman is a great performer and pretty scarce. And probably the least known bowyer of Hill-style bows I've come across is a newcomer out of Kentucky, David Underwood.
Toelke "Super" D, not "shocky", well behaved, perfect fit/finish etc..
(http://lameycustomknives.com/Site/Other%20photos_files/100_4292.jpg)
All good recommendations. I forgot one from my personal list, Wallace Mountain. I had one and traded it off due to the light draw weight. Beautiful work and a real gem to shoot.
Bill Matlock Predator Classic
Good luck finding one.
wow thanks alot
Apex Predator.I`ve had Hills and the Predator "shines".RC
Craig Ekin!
http://www.howardhillarchery.com/
(http://i894.photobucket.com/albums/ac144/timwsmith/013.jpg)
Wild Horse Creek bows in KS makes a good straight limb longbow; Quiet, Very little handshock
Best Howard Hill type bow I ever shot was a Val Sorrentino. Jim
I know where a predator classics is- for sale
Elk whisperer , sent you a pm
God bless,Mudd
I have a Northern Mist on order. I love D style bows.
Allen Boice's English or English Elite. Faster and less handshock than a Hill. Quality is excellent.
Pete George & Jonh Shultz, if you can find one.
JCJ, that is a great looking Shelton. Are the limbs all Yew or just the veneer?
Eric
I've shot Howard Hill bows, Sunset Hill bows and Wallace Mountain bows. Loved them all and don't think you could go wrong with any of them. Shooting a Wallace Mountain bow right now and it really fits me.
Here is a Lefty Hill by Dave Underwood from Kentucky. Osage Belly, Bamboo back covered in snake skin.
(http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff14/LoneWolf73_photo/DSC02843.jpg)
Although Howard Hill Archery makes a GREAT and LOVLY shooting product, its not the way Howard Hill built his bows. Craig makes his bows the way John Shultz did. No bow that Howard built had wood going up on the riser. All the wood was behind the riser. This comes from Jerry Hill and Belcher Bows. The only wood that Jerry put on the riser was a Very thin vaneer. Also Mr. Howard's risers are only 13 3/4 inches long.
So I in NO way think that HHA is a bad product, the contrary. I have shot one and it is SMOOTH. Craig does what he does very good.
Thanks,
Joshua
I'm lucky enough to have one of Howard's personal bows. As stated, no wood up the riser, also nothing that would add weight to the tip... no overlays or inserts. Riser is 15". Except for the riser length, that's the way I build mine. I use a longer riser because of my short draw, gives me a little shorter working limb on the bow.
I'd go with the recommendations to get your first Hill bow from Craig. They're what most folks have and are referring to when they talk about a Hill style bow, so from there you have a standard to compare to if you get others, and all of those recommended are real good.
Thats true Dick, i forgot about the tip overlays. Howard did not use them either. By the way, Jerry likes the patch that I sent him and says thanks.
Thanks,
Joshua
I vote for Apex Predator bows i own one and just ordered another one today
Both Steve Turay at Northern Mist and Tom Parsons at Kimsha Archery make nice Hill style bows. However, there is still nothing like the original ... HH Archery!
in for a penny in for a pound :) . David Miller Sage. bamboo backed osage, string fellow, shoot off the knuckle. well shot in. 50#@28". POC 45-50# 28.5" bop. tail tapers shoot better for me. sweet as sorhgum molasses and just as smooth.
(http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww66/rustycraine/thesage1.jpg)
might as well go all the way :)
rusty
Sunset Hill and David Miller are my two favorites.
I would love to have a Sunset Hill but the two year wait is more than I can deal with :( At my age I wouldn't be able to shoot it by the time I got it......Dave
Frank SanMarco is building again. They are works of art and real shooters.
Rusty ... that is one sweet looking bow ! my Miller Ol Tom is a great bow . i just love my string follow bows , they point and shoot perfectly .
Ben
Can't go wrong buying from Howard Hill Archery. Craig is a real gentleman. His bows are top notch. Delivery time and price is superb. The product speaks for itself. I have three of Craig's bows and expect to own another before this year is out. :smileystooges:
A "Hill Bow" is from Howard Hill Archery. The rest are only straight limbed, traditional "D" shaped longbows. Here's a very nice example of a "real" Hill Bow from Craig Ekin.
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/IMG_0696.jpg)
Wesley Special with ebony riser, carbon backed bamboo limbs & black glass.
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/IMG_0686.jpg)
Oh yeah, Cape Buffalo limb tips. It "don't get no better" than this.
Danny
Just got my Big River yesterday Love it, I also second Northern Mists. Both great bows, I shoot well.
I have not tried any others yet!
QuoteOriginally posted by Ric O'Shay:
A "Hill Bow" is from Howard Hill Archery. The rest are only straight limbed, traditional "D" shaped longbows. Here's a very nice example of a "real" Hill Bow from Craig Ekin.
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/IMG_0696.jpg)
Wesley Special with ebony riser, carbon backed bamboo limbs & black glass.
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/IMG_0686.jpg)
Oh yeah, Cape Buffalo limb tips. It "don't get no better" than this.
Danny
Great looking weapon - love the tips!
Northern Mist ....
ANother vote for miller longbows.
(http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv247/pukingguts/P1010726.jpg)
Need your help... Are there web sites for Sunset Hill bows or Steven Shultz ?
No.
Thanks Dave, I've been searching like crazy, but could not find any...
A bit of a bummer that so many of the posted photos are already "unavailable." Geez.
pcg, the thread is over 2 years old if you look at the dates of the posts. That's why pics are not available.
Rockland, Nate (Sunset Hill) is not taking any orders at the present time was the last word I heard on his bows.
Miller or Hill, but really my no.1 vote goes to Miller, there's magic in his bows.
Even though this is an old thread it is still a relevant question and there are ALOT of good bowers making good Hill style bows. For my money and the only one ill be ordering new is a JD Berry Vixen or Misty Dawn.
But on the used market they are all game.
I'll throw another vote in for Tom Parsons of Kimsha, be hard pressed to find a better one IMO.
What would be the minimum bow length for a 29.5" draw in this style of bow? I have a 66" Robertson and that is my limit for length of bow right now. I have never had a bow longer than 64" and prefer 62" or less. I like the 66" bow so far but it seems very long compared the others even though it doesn't look so comapared to the others.
SC Hunter, you won't like the suggestion, but for "this style of bow" I would not go below 68" for a 29.5" draw--and would actually think 70" would be even better for a nice smooth draw. I draw 28" and with Hill style bows I won't go under 66" and much prefer 68". These bows are designed to be long. :D :readit:
I vote for a Millr
(http://i.imgur.com/Sx73oNB.jpg)
7 Lakes can be added to the list. My SF Carolina Night is the only bow I have that isn't for sale or trade.
QuoteOriginally posted by David Mitchell:
SC Hunter, you won't like the suggestion, but for "this style of bow" I would not go below 68" for a 29.5" draw--and would actually think 70" would be even better for a nice smooth draw. I draw 28" and with Hill style bows I won't go under 66" and much prefer 68". These bows are designed to be long. :D :readit:
Thanks I was afraid of that being the case. I know the longbow should be long but I don't like em' long. :biglaugh: I guess I have shot the modern longbows so much I am spoiled by the shorter bows. I really do like the looks of those bows and may give in and try one soon. I did shoot a 64" cheetah about a year ago and don't remember any finger pinch but I only shot it about 20 times. Thanks
Chuck Deshler at Two Tracks makes a great Hill Style bow. It's called The Echo. Super smooth, no shock, quiet and fast.
(http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h440/herndondt/C7D55C91-14AC-4CAA-A0AC-609E931EEC0E-1048-000001768730C7A5_zpseb245ee0.jpg)
Ooooh, and that ones a lefty too. :thumbsup:
I can also say that the Echo from Two Tracks is an awesome example of the American Longbow. It combines what I like about the "string follow" profile providing stability and accuracy with feel and quickness of the Classic straight profiles. Chuck has absolutely "nailed" the elliptical tiller that is so desirable in my humble opinion. Anyone that is a "Hill" bow fan owes it to themselves to try one of Chuck's Echo's. You will not be disappointed.
S.C. , David is right on the bow length, you'll want a 68-70" I'm in the same boat, 29.5". You get used to the extra length pretty quick and theres a stabilty in those long bows that cant be built into a shorter bow. Give them a fair chance and you'll fall in love with them. I also shoot 56 & 60" longbows (funny huh) and there nice.....for a short bow.
Eric
Gonna have to say jd berry vixen, 2 years and still loving it.
QuoteOriginally posted by WESTBROOK:
S.C. , David is right on the bow length, you'll want a 68-70" I'm in the same boat, 29.5". You get used to the extra length pretty quick and theres a stabilty in those long bows that cant be built into a shorter bow. Give them a fair chance and you'll fall in love with them. I also shoot 56 & 60" longbows (funny huh) and there nice.....for a short bow.
Eric
Thanks I am getting used to the 66" bow pretty fast. I guess it is worth a try most men would be very happy with a extra 2". :biglaugh:
Thats a cool looking set up Todd, Good luck in the swamp this coming weekend.
Thanks to you and the Ricker.
CTT
A Lone Eagle by Gene Smith.
quatermoon longbows makes a beauty.....shot two moose with mine
I met Bert Frelink of QuarterMoon bows last summer and he is a swell fellow and builds a real nice American Semi long and we don't hear enough from him here in the States. He is one of the originators of the NALS.
Bamabows makes a Hill style called The Tribute.
look on page 68 of the Hill Gang Hog Hunt thread.
There is awhole list of them for you.
ChuckC
Since we dredged this thread back up, I have truly enjoyed shooting my two Dave Johnson red cedar longbows. Dave builds his bows in the Howard Hill style. Short riser with long working limbs and no tip overlays. He does trap out the limbs which makes for a very quick cast. I'd recommend his product right up there with any and all the others that have been listed. I'll post up some photos of my two bows later today.
Danny
I just ordered and received a JD Berry Vixen for 3D shooting. It's 68" and 43# at my draw length of 28.5". Boo cores, old growth yew veneers with a rosewood riser. I used to have a Northern Mist Classic but I sold it, grip wasn't right (great bow though).
The Vixen is a perfect fit for me. Spoke to JD at length about what I needed, hand size, my other bows and how I shoot, and he made me a perfect bow.
The Hill grip is barely (1/16") dished, and it has a larger shelf, since I shoot almost vertical.
Also, it's shaped like a wedge, so it gets very narrow against my hand, but bigger on back of the bow, so ring and pinky finger can softly grip properly. Makes great contact against my hand bone for consistent placement: I really feel where the weight is pressed. Give JD a call, you'll be happy you did, the man has been building for 32 years and one of the first to build trapped limbs. No bow is smoother.
Enjoy!
Marco
QuoteOriginally posted by Lamey:
Toelke "Super" D, not "shocky", well behaved, perfect fit/finish etc..
(http://lameycustomknives.com/Site/Other%20photos_files/100_4292.jpg)
X2 on the "Super" D
Northern Mist.....Steve Turay
Northern Mist, Steve Turay
I have several Howard Hill Archery bows , I love shooting this style of bow, the long lean lines strung or unstrung are great to shoot as well as look at. I do have to say I have a David Miller "Old Tom" on the way, I spoke with Mr. Miller today and he said it was on its way and man I'm excited and can't wait to see and shoot it :) Yeeeha, thank you Mr. Miller :)
Ric O Shay, lets see those Dave Johnson's. I have my first bow from him on order.
My other bows are from HHA. They are all great. I was about to order another but went with Dave Johnson because his have a very unique look. I am anxious to get my hands on it.
Brazos -
Was up to my earlobes and sinking trying to deal with some family health issues. Will try to get those pics up soon.
Danny
Just posted my JD Berry Vixen thread with pics. Take a look.
Marco
Great thread.
Man, there's quite a few of 'em out there..
Steve Turay's bows have to rank right up there at the top.
I'm a JD Berry fan, so much so that its the only bows I own and shoot anymore. And like SC Hunter I have wanted a shorter bow, but am in love with American straightlimbed LB, and James solved that fix for me with his Northstar. 62" and smooth as any 68" bow I have shot
I have to say that I have been extremely impressed with JD Berry's bows.
I own one, have another on the way.
The vixen "Amazon Lady" is here and a Morning Star will be here soon.
I hope to get my hands on the new "North Star" 66" and in the low 50's in the not too distant future.
I tried the "North Star" in it's shorter version 62" and was super impressed but want badly to shoot that design in a longer version.
God bless,Mudd
I had forgotten I started this post. Lol. Well sense I did post it I have two northern mist classics one is 70" and 73@28 with a starihht narrow long/deep grip. The other is 68" and 65@28. With a wider shallower straight grip. I also got my hands on a HH jungle cat that is 66" and 64@28. I pull a good 29 1/2". I love them all. Have not shot my "bent limb" bows all year. Fixin to start looking looking for a light Poundage bow just for small game hunts.
My two favorite Hill style bows are a Northern Mist Retro Classic and a Shrew Hill. Very quick and responsive bows.