Howard Hill Longbow Draw vs Length Question

StickSlinger74 · March 15, 2012, 10:41:00 AM

I'm considering a Howard Hill Longbow and was looking at all the posts on bow length vs draw length and didn't see a definitive answer to my question. I'm looking at purchasing a 62" bow and my draw is 28.5". I draw back to 29" but when I settle into my anchor it's 28.5" Is the 62" bow going to be too short? I don't know anyone who has one in this length to try. So if you've shot or currently shoot one at these specs please give your thoughts and opinions!

Thanks,
Buddy

khardrunner · March 15, 2012, 11:28:00 AM

Yes it will be too short. For a 28 inch draw most people enjoy bows of 66-68 inches at least. That's kind of part of the deal... long bows are long.

StickSlinger74 · March 15, 2012, 11:30:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by khardrunner:
Yes it will be too short. For a 28 inch draw most people enjoy bows of 66-68 inches at least. That's kind of part of the deal... long bows are long.

That's what I was thinking! I've got several longbows but none are the "D" shapped, Hill or Hill style bows. Was looking to pick up a deal on a used one but was leary of the length. Thanks for the input!!

awbowman · March 15, 2012, 11:48:00 AM

I hear you drop the "2" in your draw length and add a "6".

i.e. 28" DL = 68" HH.

26" DL = 66" HH

Buddy, I sent you a PM

JRY309 · March 15, 2012, 12:09:00 PM

With a 28.5" draw I would go for at least a 68" in a Hill.I draw 27" and wouldn't go shorter then a 66" Hill.My two Hill's are 66" and 68".A Hill is not design to be a short bow,unless you have a short draw length.R/D bows are designed for shorter lengths with longer draws.Email Craig at Howard Hill and ask his advice on length.

March 15, 2012, 05:06:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by JRY309:
With a 28.5" draw I would go for at least a 68" in a Hill.I draw 27" and wouldn't go shorter then a 66" Hill.My two Hill's are 66" and 68".A Hill is not design to be a short bow,unless you have a short draw length.R/D bows are designed for shorter lengths with longer draws.Email Craig at Howard Hill and ask his advice on length.

There you have it...good advise all around..

GMASIUK · March 15, 2012, 05:25:00 PM

You would most likely enjoy a 68" or 70" Hill the best. A 62" is way too short for your draw IMO.

StickSlinger74 · March 15, 2012, 05:29:00 PM

Thanks to all of you for the replies! I learned something today about the HH bows I didn't know!

Ben Maher · March 15, 2012, 06:16:00 PM

I am a fan of "longer bows " in general and Hill style bows are no exception.
For my just on 27" draw length I prefer 66" is string follow and 68" in a reflxed bow. Many moons ago I owned a couple of 64" Hills, wanting to try shorter for ease of travel etc and did quite well with them .

In fact If i just kept shooting them I'd probably be very happy with them as a hunting bow ... but it was when I picked up my old halfbreed , battered and well used at 68" long that I remembered why I love these bows in the first place ... smooth and forgiving and in the field that equates to a fine accurate hunting tool.

March 15, 2012, 08:55:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Ben Maher:
I remembered why I love these bows in the first place ... smooth and forgiving and in the field that equates to a fine accurate hunting tool.

Yeah Ben!
Gotta feel it to understand it.

Overspined · March 15, 2012, 09:06:00 PM

This is what I see happen. A 28" draw or even 27" can shoot 66 or 68" bow. Most, not all, would be better served with the 68". I fall in there too and I see no difference in performance but a definite greater enjoyment with the 68".

BowHunterGA · March 15, 2012, 09:21:00 PM

After modifying my shooting style over the past 4-6 months I now draw just over 28". I just purchased a 70" longbow and couldn't be happier. I have one 55" bow and just sold another 66". Personally, I will stick with 68" or longer and I have to say I prefer the longer 70" bow.

Llamma1 · March 15, 2012, 09:30:00 PM

I shoot a D shaped longbow. My draw is 28 and my bows are all 68. I got those specs from the bowyers bible and found that it works well for me.

Basinboy · March 16, 2012, 08:59:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by StickSlinger74:
I'm considering a Howard Hill Longbow Thanks,
Buddy

Don't you have enough bows??????
LMAO!

Rob DiStefano · March 16, 2012, 09:40:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by StickSlinger74:
I'm considering a Howard Hill Longbow and was looking at all the posts on bow length vs draw length and didn't see a definitive answer to my question. I'm looking at purchasing a 62" bow and my draw is 28.5". I draw back to 29" but when I settle into my anchor it's 28.5" Is the 62" bow going to be too short? I don't know anyone who has one in this length to try. So if you've shot or currently shoot one at these specs please give your thoughts and opinions!

Thanks,
Buddy

no, a 62" afl hill-style longbow is not too short a bow length for a 28.5" draw length if you enjoy a bow that will stack big time. :D

for a 28.5" draw and an afl, you will appreciate the smooth stack-free draw of at LEAST a 68" bow length.

click on the first link in my sig line.

StickSlinger74 · March 16, 2012, 09:58:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by Basinboy:

QuoteOriginally posted by StickSlinger74:
I'm considering a Howard Hill Longbow Thanks,
Buddy
Don't you have enough bows??????
LMAO! [/b]

NEVER enough or too many!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You still in Illinois?? How'd the project turn out?

Gil Verwey · March 16, 2012, 11:07:00 AM

My draw is similar to yours. My Hill bows were all from 66" to 70".

I do have and shoot RD bows at 62" with no problem, but I would not go below 66" on a Hill.

At 66" they don't seem long at all and I get the same feel as I do in my 68" and 70" bows. I think 66" is the best of both worlds for hunting. I did hunt with a 68" Ron Maulding Hill style longbow for many years and I never felt the length was a draw back.