Can any one tell me about this bow and company? Mine seems to have been made in 1963. Also how do you guys feel about thoes soft rubbery jobs that go on the bow string called no gloves? thanx
I have a Hi-Speed. They are well-regarded by those who have shot them. I used No-Gloves back in the seventies. They were really hard for me to get onto the string without trashing the serving at the nock end... they were all endless strings that we bought at the store... so I just stuck with the tab. Folks say that they will cost you speed, but I figure there won't be enough to really matter.
The Howatts are typically a couple-few pounds heavier than they are marked.
Killdeer
They are fine bows. The Howatt plant makes all of Martin's trad bows, and Martin owns Howatt now.
Don't know much about Damon Howatt, the founder of the company, except he was an archer of some note back in the day.
If I recall, the Hi Speed was made in two lengths at different times. Mine's a 58"er.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v103/scattershot/002.jpg)
I've had a couple through my shop, and they are beautiful, well made, nice shooting bows. I'd love to find one for myself someday.
I'm working on a re-finishing job on mine. She's a 54 incher, 55@28. Fine shooter, fine looker. I like the Howatts and Brownings best of the vintage bows. They used some really nice woods in them.
Scattershot, yours looks like mine!
I better go check the rack... :readit:
Killdeer
I didn't do it.....
One of the classics that will shoot with the best of them!
Here's a 67 I had a little while ago that a gentleman in Colorado now owns.
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/bowjack/IMG_5040.jpg)
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/bowjack/IMG_5039.jpg)
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/bowjack/IMG_5048.jpg)
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/bowjack/IMG_5047.jpg)
This is a 72 I owned for a while before trading it to bownuts for a Bear Kodiak. It was covered in black spray paint when I first acquired it but was a really nice looking bow once I removed the paint.
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/bowjack/IMG_4202-1.jpg)
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/bowjack/IMG_4203-1.jpg)
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/bowjack/IMG_4205-1.jpg)
They are cool bows!
I'd also like to own one of a decent hunting weight.
I can not put down my 45# 1974 Hi-Speed... Great Bows.
They must have made three lengths, this one is 50#@28", 54" length. haven't shot this one in so long I forgot it was a shorty.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v103/scattershot/IMGP2923-1.jpg)
Mine's a '72 also, identical to Jack Shanks above, minus the holes though. 46#@28", 54". One of the best short recurves ever made IMO
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/bowjack/IMG_5048.jpg)
Look at all those crazy curves! Ya gotta do all that extra because you love your bow... and beauty! The first time I ever saw a Howatt, it was a Hi-Speed, and I thought it was one of the loveliest things I had ever laid eyes on. Well, second to a horse.
Killdeer
mahantango,
This is what the 72' looked like when I got it. The quiver bracket wasn't the only thing not quite right. I had to get the paint off that had been on it for over thirty years.
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/bowjack/141_0156.jpg)
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/bowjack/141_0157.jpg)
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/bowjack/141_0159.jpg)
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/bowjack/141_0160.jpg)
Wow, what a transformation! It's a beauty. What did you use to remove the paint? My Howatt Hunter had those same holes; I just put a Quikee Quiver on it and lived with it.
Top secret I'd hav'ta shoot formula only available with a special clearance from the FBI and CIA.
Oh heck, they give it to everyone that ask anyway.
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/bowjack/IMG_5158.jpg)
Wow!!! Can't believe someone did that to a great bow like a Hi-Speed. Glad you came to the rescue
What string length are you guys using on the 58" Hi Speed. Also mine is the only one I have seen with out the center stripe. Mine appears to be all rose wood and quite dark. I will try to post a photo but I am not that good at posting photos.
I use the no glove on my self made recurve, I call it "Forced Motion". I only use that bow for bow fishing now. For some reason or another, I prefer the feel of leather on my fingers.
All the years I have been at this game I have never run across a Hi- Speed. They look like really nice bows. I'd love to get my hands on one about 40-45#.
Martin continued to make a take-down Hi-Speed up until 5 or 6 years ago. I have a 58" martin Hi-speed T/D 50@28in.
Here's a 1961 version that I re-finished and put new limb tips on. It's 54" and 47# @ 28". I use a D-97 string on it now and it's a great shooting bow. I love the brazilian rosewood in the older Howatts.
I also have a 1984 58" model with a shedua riser. It's 45# and another great shooter. The Hi Speeds are some very nice short bows.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/Hatrick/HiSpeedRiser2.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/Hatrick/HiSpeedTips.jpg)
There is a Howatt Hi Speed on E bay now.
Here are a few Hi-speeds I've owned.
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Hi-Speed-12.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Hi-Speed58-92.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/54HS55lb-22.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Rabbits11Feb.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Sow2-16-09-3.jpg)
Hatrick, the 61 you have is the same as mine except my limbs have a reddish brown colour not black.