I always loved the look of a classic style Hill semi longbow. Problem was with every one I tried I could never get use to the way they shot compared to a recurve or R/D longbow. They always lagged in speed which I expected, but the grip and hand shock was more than I could take. I finally shot a Shelton stringfollow that I took a liking to and bought. I build a bow now and then so decided to build my own stringfollow form. I built several that turned out pretty well and shot a nice arrow. I always like a forward riser in a recurve so I decided to use my stringfollow form but cut the nocks and riser to make a backset forward riser bow. The results are below. I also took a liking to a really sweet shooting Dave Johnson backset with Eastern red cedar lams. I used some red cedar in this bow along with a 14" strip of phenolic in the riser. This bow is 64" and 45# @ 28". Cocobolo riser, all black glass and tip wedges. I am now sold on the forward riser Hill. I really believe the forward riser helps to stabilize the light mass weight. My shooting with a Hill has never been more consistent. They may look a bit odd but if you like a Hill style and never tried a forward riser you owe it to yourself to try on.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/Hatrick/AutumnWindHill0132_zps3d89e6f8.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Hatrick/media/AutumnWindHill0132_zps3d89e6f8.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/Hatrick/AutumnWindHill0112_zps7b309bc8.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Hatrick/media/AutumnWindHill0112_zps7b309bc8.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/Hatrick/AutumnWindHill0052_zps38ea4509.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Hatrick/media/AutumnWindHill0052_zps38ea4509.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/Hatrick/AutumnWindHill0072_zps7e1cd804.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Hatrick/media/AutumnWindHill0072_zps7e1cd804.jpg.html)
Very nice looking bow there!!!
I am sold on the reverse handle American semi longbows since getting my JD Berry Morningstar. I never cared for the glass over look so when James made his in the classic design (much like you have done) I jumped on it,
You have done wonderful!!! That is a bow to be proude of. Congrats
great looking bow
I hear you Brian on the "glass over" look. That's exactly why I designed this one with more of the "horn" look. Thanks.
I'm sure the bow shoots beautifully, but my challenge has always been the aesthetics of the reverse handle bow.
I loved the look of Fred Anderson's Chinook, which is a semi-reverse handled bow. It should have the qualities of a reverse handle, with, to my eye, a more pleasing profile.
Please do not take this as derogatory in any way, Hatrick. It's a beautiful bow and I'm glad you found a HH style bow you love to shoot.
I think forward handle Hills are gorgeous just as I think regular ones are. Nicely done sir.
That is a beauty for sure, great job. Can't wait for my Morningstar.
Very nice......well done. I really like my N.M. Whisper.
I like it! Nice combos on the woods.
I really like my JD North Star which incorporates the forward riser and string follow. Butter Smooth!
Tim
Sant-Ravenhill, not taken as derogatory in any way. I understand and all comments/observations are welcome. I didn't like them either for the longest time but just like women, who all had coodies when I was 8, but by the time I was 15 they were greatest thing going...and still are :D
Thanks Hatrick...I think I beat you by one year. About 14 I started thinking girls were pretty great. Definitely covered in coodies before that!
Really nice looking bow!
Beautiful bow, Dave, Great job!
Nice job !
So when do you start taking orders ;)
That's a gorgeous bow! I love the cedar lams with the black glass. :thumbsup:
Are you sure you don't got the string on that thing backwards? :bigsmyl:
just kidding....
Kirk, they do make you look twice and take some getting use to.
Hope you can make it to Baltimore again this year.
Very nice Dave! Greatjob there. God bless , Steve
Looks are one thing, and that bow looks fantasic, but how does it shoot? As you said, better than any hill style that you have tried before. I had a reverse back in 72, I am going back to reverse again, myself.
Beautiful Bow!
Thanks Steve, I appreciate that. Hope things are well with you.
pavan, I'm very pleased with the cast and tame release of this bow. I'm gonna cut some more red cedar and sassafrass lams this weekend so I can build a couple more. I have some bamboo and walnut as well but really liking the red cedar.
Nice looking bow! Sassafras makes a good limb.
Nice bow Dave. I think I`m gonna build one from my string follow form as well. RC
Sweet bow!
Great Job on your Bow!
That thing is gnarly. The woods look great together. :clapper: Now I have to find a reverse handled Hill to try on.
Very classy! I too like my Northern Mist Whisper.
Just when I am satisfied with my 'normal' Hill bows, threads like this come along to tempt me with yet another bow. I don't need another bow, I don't need another bow, etc, etc.
But, that sure is a sweet looking bow.