I ready to order a new Hill bow had a Big 5 and that's what I have on my mind to order. In what way is the Wesley Special a better bow than the Big 5?
Tom
I can't answer that question 'cause I haven't shot a Wesley Special, but, I recently loaned my big Five to herndondt. I like shooting it. It is slight string follow. It is whisper quiet. I hope Todd gives it back. :help:
Todd was drilling the broadhead target this afternoon. I think he likes it too.
Maybe someone who has shot both will be able to jump in.
I own 2 Wesleys and 1 Big Five. I like both style bows and can't truthfully say that one performs better than the other. Both are light in my hand and draw smoothly (all are 68" long, which I think is an advantage in smoothness of draw). Accuracy is good with both. Both are handsome, well made bows.
I do have a slight preference for the Wesly but can't give you any rational explanation why - it just grabs me the way some bows do.
Either bow would be a great choice, so I would definitely advise you to shoot both before making a final decision. No need to have second thoughts no matter which choice you make. Hill doesn't make any bad bows.
It kind of depends on the weight, draw length and length of the bow. It also depends on any individual bow. If it is of moderate weight and a more normal draw, the biggest difference that I have seen between the Wesley, the Big 5 and the Tembo is the number of lams of bamboo. The only advise that I would give is do not get one that is too stiff and if you order a string follow don't get it too long. My next one is going to be a Cougar reverse handle 55 pounds at 26" and 64" long.
From what Craig explained to me, the extra bamboo lams help with smoothness at higher weights. I have owned both, and at my weight/draw/AMO, ( 55 @ 30.5") 68" I personally can't tell a big difference. The Wesleys, Big 5, and Tembos are the thoroughbreds of the product line with extra bamboo lams and are all very good shooters.
Have you spoken to Craig? He may can explain it better, and can also give you some other ideas on laminations not listed in his catalog. It really depends on what your goal is.
I currently shoot a custom Wesley Craig built for me, and I am VERY happy with it.
Tim
I have owned a 2 big 5's. That is what I would buy again if getting a Howard Hill longbow.