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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: S.C. Hunter on November 27, 2010, 07:42:00 PM

Title: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: S.C. Hunter on November 27, 2010, 07:42:00 PM
For the HH shooters what style grip is on your HH and why? I am thinking about getting one and want to hear from those who have them. Thanks
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: Ken Babicky on November 27, 2010, 07:51:00 PM
I have two Hills and have the locator on both. On my first I ordered it with the straight handle, never trying one before, but I was inconsistent in my hand placement and I am certain it had something to do with my initial struggles I had with the bow. I decided afterwards that I had nothing to lose so I got out the tools and put my own locator grip on it, (using one of my other bows with a locator I liked as a template). I immediately had more success with tuning and shooting and it became my favorite bow. There are alot of folks on this site who prefer the straight grip, but for me I'm just better off with a locator.
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: Benny Nganabbarru on November 27, 2010, 08:31:00 PM
My first Hill had a straight grip, but my second has a locator grip. When eventually I buy another, it too will have a locator grip.
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: Rob DiStefano on November 27, 2010, 08:36:00 PM
trust me on this - it doesn't matter at all what bow grip *ANYONE* prefers.  what counts is what grip feels best in YOUR bow hand.  try before you buy, else take a chance.  anything else is a waste of time ... trust me on this!  :wavey:
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: Dick in Seattle on November 27, 2010, 08:40:00 PM
Rob's advice is sound... it's what works for you or what you like most (which will probably be the same thing).  I started out with all locators and gradually shifted to all straights.  However, the last bow I built for some reason I made a dish and really liked that.
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: S.C. Hunter on November 27, 2010, 08:40:00 PM
Thanks, Rob I am just putting the question out to find the pro's and con's. I have shot a dished version that wasn't bad at all, and plenty of locator as that seems what everydody sells.


  I was more curious about the straight.
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: Canyon on November 27, 2010, 08:51:00 PM
I have locaters on mine except my takedown Hill. It has a straight grip by necessity and gives me fits. Someday I am going to master that bow.
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: Wannabe1 on November 27, 2010, 09:20:00 PM
I have one with a dished grip and one with a straight grip. I actually shoot both pretty well. I have never shot a Hill with the locator grip so, can't comment on it's feel.
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: David Mitchell on November 27, 2010, 09:29:00 PM
My preference is the straight grip.  I like them with more of a tear drop shape tapering to the belly side.  I own 5 Hills and several other "Hill style" longbows, but the Hills are my preference.
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: ron w on November 27, 2010, 09:42:00 PM
Dished for me.....
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: Raging Water on November 27, 2010, 10:01:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by S.C. Hunter:
Thanks, Rob I am just putting the question out to find the pro's and con's. I have shot a dished version that wasn't bad at all, and plenty of locator as that seems what everydody sells.


  I was more curious about the straight.
I have 3 Hills, straight, locator and dished. I much prefer Dished. It just feels right with that kind of bow. Plus, Craig’s dished is really nice. I have a Gordon Moorey Longbow that I got from Leo Markert.  It turned me on to dished.  Whenever I can, I try and get dished.
But Rob is right, what you like is the important thing.
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: TSP on November 27, 2010, 10:14:00 PM
Never shot a locator Hill.  But, the locator version has so little 'locate' in it (very mild compared to others) that I'd guess it wouldn't affect how it shoots to any great degree.  My preference relates more to the look of the bow.  I very much prefer the classic lines of the straight/dished styles.  It may sound quirky, but for these particular bows it just doesn't look right unless straight or dished.
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: JRY309 on November 27, 2010, 11:58:00 PM
I like a slight dished grip on my Hill,but have no problem with a straight grip either.Grips can be a personal preference for the shooter.
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: Raging Water on November 28, 2010, 12:52:00 AM
The heavier the draw weight in the bow, the more I like a dished grip.

I think the way the grip makes the bottom of the palm contact the bow makes the bow arm stronger.

I much prefer the dished grip when the bow gets over 80#.

My 2 Cents.

Matt
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: S.C. Hunter on November 28, 2010, 12:59:00 AM
Thanks everyone I have shot a dished and liked it but that has been a few years ago. I guess my memory was good on the dished grip. I am not sure about getting the straight since I have not shot one that I can recall.
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: Rob DiStefano on November 28, 2010, 06:53:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by S.C. Hunter:
Thanks, Rob I am just putting the question out to find the pro's and con's. I have shot a dished version that wasn't bad at all, and plenty of locator as that seems what everydody sells.


  I was more curious about the straight.
let me say this again in another way - it's all subjective stuff and the there is no right or wrong with ANY bow grip.  

the pro's and con's about ANY bow grip is totally in the mind and bow hand of the bow holder.  

YOU NEED TO DECIDE WHICH GRIP FEELS & WORKS BEST FOR YOU BASED ON *YOUR* REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE.  anything else is a crap shoot.

oh, you can't try out some or all of the bow grips you question?  join the club, and that's one reason why there's so much turnover in the bow classifieds.

ALSO, consider that certain grip types will feel completely different for certain brand and model bows ... and since almost no wood handled bows are cnc shaped or molded, there will be differences and inconsistencies from bow to bow.  feelin' lucky?  ;)

'kay?    :deadhorse:
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: Tajue17 on November 28, 2010, 08:47:00 AM
I found I like the dished grip better than straight but like someone said you really need to make this call for youself,, I once  strung a left handed hill backwards and shot it as a righthanded bow for fun and it worked pretty good and the grip felt pretty good too...
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: GingivitisKahn on November 28, 2010, 08:57:00 AM
Straight grip for me. Seems I'm very much in the minority on this topic.  Works for me!   :D
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: LongStick64 on November 28, 2010, 09:00:00 AM
I have three Hill with straight grips and one Longriver with a dished grip, while I prefer how the straight grips feel in my hand, I shoot better scores with the Longriver and the dished grip.
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: Irish Archer on November 28, 2010, 10:13:00 AM
I've only shot straight grips and like them very much.

When I order my new bow, it'll be a straight grip also. That way, when I finally shoot a different grip, should I like it more, I can turn down the straight grips to match. I'VE GOT IT ALL PLANNED OUT!
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: Bill Turner on November 28, 2010, 10:44:00 AM
I started with a slight dish, purchased a locator and now prefer the straight grip. Its an individual thing, but it does take time and experience to find the grip that is made for you.  :dunno:
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: SpankyNeal on November 28, 2010, 10:57:00 AM
All mine are either straight or the Shultz style slight dish...both work just fine for me. I cannot shoot a deep dish at all and it's very uncomfortable in my hand. The nice thing about the straight is that if you can't get with it, you can have it reshaped into either of the others for little cost. Like Rob said, you have to experiment, especially with Hill bows! If the grip will not let you heel the bow properly with the size and shape of your hands, your not going to enjoy the bow!
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: K.S.TRAPPER on November 28, 2010, 11:40:00 AM
I modified my Tomahawk grip to a slite dish and really like it a lot better then the locator type grip.

 (http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac248/TmPotter47/t1.jpg)

 Here's my new bow Charlie Lamb gave me, It's the first Hill style bow I have ever tried and I can't believe how well it shoots. I have finally found a grip I like, I can shoot all the other types and have but something didn't feel right but now it does.

 (http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac248/TmPotter47/t2.jpg)

Tracy
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: MikeM on November 28, 2010, 10:23:00 PM
All my current Hill's have the smaller takedown straight grip which I like better than the large grip takedown and the locator grip I had on a one piece Hill I sold.
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: Greg Skinner on November 28, 2010, 11:29:00 PM
I agree with Rob that it is a very subjective thing.  I will say that it might not be a decision that you can make quickly.  It took me over ten years (I'm probably slower than most) to figure out that I like the straight grip more than any other.  A slight locator or mild dish works OK, but the small takedown is really hard to beat.  A recurve style or deep locator hurts my wrist if I shoot it very much.  The straight just feels stronger and more natural.  My favorite current HH I finished from a blank and shaped the handle exactly the way I wanted - can't go wrong that way.
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: David Mitchell on November 29, 2010, 07:13:00 AM
KSTrapper, that's an interesting longbow in your second picture.  What can you tell me about it?
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: Mudd on November 29, 2010, 08:33:00 AM
I love how simple the straight grip works for me.

I am constantly amazed at how it perfectly puts my hand right where it should be.. up at the arrow shelf.

I think I could close my eyes and pick up the bow and my hand would be in the right place for launching an arrow.

My 2 cents worth.

God bless,Mudd
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: BobCo 1965 on November 29, 2010, 09:05:00 AM
On my Hills, I have had straight and locator. On my Schulz, I had a dished. Personally, I preferred the dish to the others.
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: K.S.TRAPPER on November 29, 2010, 05:59:00 PM
David, The bow in the second pick is a all bamboo and wood composite modeled after a bow Shultz used to offer called the natural.

Absolutely the quietest bow I have ever shot and one smooth shooter.  :D  3 lams of actionboo and one natural bamboo.

I can send you some more picks if you want to see them, Don't want to high jack the thread.

Tracy
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: David Mitchell on November 29, 2010, 06:59:00 PM
Tracy, thanks...it is an interesting looking bow. My e-mail is [email protected]. I would be happy to see more of it.....Dave
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: straitera on November 29, 2010, 08:28:00 PM
Rob is dead nuts about what YOU prefer. However, you need to give them all an honest chance. Straight Hill grips for me for 33 years. IMO, it's an honest grip quick to locate & shoot in one swift motion. Locators lock me into where I do not want to be. Therefore, I am slower to shoot pistol or locator grips effectively. Slight dish is my 2nd choice very close to the straight.
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: trapper on November 30, 2010, 07:36:00 PM
I own both but prefer the straight, both are fine it is just what feels good to you.
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: trapper on November 30, 2010, 07:37:00 PM
I own both but prefer the straight, both are fine it is just what feels good to you.
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: tomwatson on December 04, 2010, 01:12:00 PM
I believe that the Hill Style bow was designed to be shot with a Straight or Slight Dished (as on a Schulz Bow) grip. In order to shoot a Hill bow properly, one must "heel" the bow. The Straight grip and slight dished grip allows this to happen. The locator grip however, makes it more difficult to do this, allowing the so called "Hand Shock" to happen.
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: on December 04, 2010, 07:14:00 PM
I make my straight grips with a bias to the bow hand, that is when one holds it in the wrong hand it is too sharp while in the correct hand it bleeds the torque out of the the shot.  My locator shaped grips allow the bow to still be heeled,  have the bow hand bias, but allow for a little more of a straight arm and clearance for when shooting with gloves on the bow hand.  For me the size of the grip and the softness to the bow hand are critical. You can always order straight and if you don't like it, you can fix it to match your own hand.
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: Ralphie on December 08, 2010, 07:31:00 PM
My HH Cheetah arrives tomorrow with a wedge grip. It's not listed in the HH Archery catalog. It was described as thinner in the back, which helps to position the hand. The bow is only about 2-3 years old, so the grip style must have been made to order.
(Here's hoping it works for me ! ...)
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: royking on December 08, 2010, 08:16:00 PM
Having tried all the hill grips i realy prefer the straight grips.
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: Joe Subler on December 08, 2010, 08:58:00 PM
Does anyone know which grip Howard Hill preferred?

Cheers,
Joe
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: Mudd on December 08, 2010, 10:10:00 PM
I just ordered a  wedge shaped straight handle.
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: Ralphie on December 09, 2010, 05:43:00 PM
The wedge shaped grip Cheetah just arrived.  The shape sort of guides one to position the hand in the same spot each time. because the grip in the rear is only about 1/2" wide. I shoot best when I grab the bow with the meaty part of my hand, under my thumb, against the grip. The wedge seems to make this positioning easy to repeat.
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: Davesea on December 09, 2010, 06:22:00 PM
Looks like HH used the straight grip.  If you have not seen the HH catalog, highly recommend you order a copy.  It has some very cool historical pictures of Howard and shows great photos of his technique.
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: Hud on December 09, 2010, 08:38:00 PM
Howard shot a straight grip and heeled the bow. Between the American Longbow, R&D and recurve, it is the one that shoots best when heeling the bow. I have shot Hill bows since 1964 and I still believe he knew what worked and what didn't.
Title: Re: Howard Hill ( Which grip ?)
Post by: S.C. Hunter on December 09, 2010, 08:49:00 PM
Thanks for all the opinions.