HH Style Longbows?

Widow's Son · April 01, 2012, 03:02:00 PM

A couple of weeks ago I pulled my 13 year old Roy Hall Navajo Stick out of the closet and discovered that I'm shooting it much better than I am with my recurves. This trend has continued and now I'm looking at some HH style bows. The Navajo Stick is smooth and fast but the hand shock is beginning to aggravate "arthur" in my left (bow arm) elbow. I'm wondering if a Hill straight limb would be smoother. I'm also looking at a Northern Mist Sheldon but don't know if I could stand the wait to get one. LOL I'm also not real sure which style grip would be better. I would probably order a locater grip from N.M. but there are H.H. bows in stock with a straight grip that look like would work for me.

Desicions, desicions.
Can you ever have enough bows?
Ross

3Feathers · April 01, 2012, 03:10:00 PM

I just switched over to HH-Bows and glad I did.No hand shock at all.I have a slight dish grip on mine.They shoot where I look,are also quiet.Made the move and It was the right move for me.

straitera · April 01, 2012, 06:27:00 PM

Handshock associated with any bow is way much more noticeable if you;re looking for it. HS is more consistent w/straight limbed "D" longbows than any other (I've shot). Fell in total favor of nothing but straight limbed "D" Hill/style lb's for the last 35 years w/o physical impairment. I prefer my Hill/style bows longer & in heavier draws.

Considering your arthritis, suggest a mild r/d such as the Robertson Mystical or Maddog, either in straight grip. *Straight grip only because of the change it brings from locator which obviously bothers your elbow. But, if you buy a slight locator grip, you can fill up the locator portion w/leather & regrip over the top for essentially a straight handle. Suggest you call Mike@Maddog & ask him a recommendation for your conditions.

Frank V · April 01, 2012, 06:46:00 PM

I shoot a Howard Hill 60lb & don't notice handshock. I do grip the bow on the knuckle of my left thumb which may be a bit more on the right side of my hand. I don't grip it in the web of my hand.
Frank

Widow's Son · April 01, 2012, 11:16:00 PM

Thanks Buddy, It makes sense to go with a straight grip. I never considered that the grip on my Navajo Stick is a locator style.
Great advice. I guess that's what they mean when they say there are no stupid questions.

Ross

April 02, 2012, 01:53:00 AM

Straighter grip and allow your elbow to bend a bit. Don't waste a lot of time at full draw, and hold the bow just tight enough so that it doesn't jump loose in your hand.

Rob DiStefano · April 02, 2012, 06:28:00 AM

i've had a few of roy's r/d longbows, all were good shooters. some things to consider before seeking out yet another stick ...

don't use a straight "full" bowhand grip - grip lightly, have your thumb and forefinger touch, and only allow the meat of your thumb pad to be the pressure point on the handle. this alone can make a dramatic change in the way the bow reacts after you release the bowstring, and i guarantee there will be far less jarring to the bowhand, wrist and elbow.
the relationship between the bow's ntn length and your draw length - is the bow borderline short for you?
is the brace height too high? changing the brace height, typically lower, can make for a sweeter shooter.
are your arrows of decent mass weight, at least 10gpp?
try a "skinny" bowstring - 8 strands of any hmpe fiber, padded at the loops.

Sam McMichael · April 02, 2012, 08:47:00 PM

Frank V, how long have you shot your Hill bow off that knuckle? I experimented with this grip for only a few months and developed terrible tendonitis in my left thumb. I changed back to a more regular low grip on the heel of my hand but the damage has been done. I sure hope you don't have this problem turn up.

HH Style Longbows?

Widow's Son

3Feathers

straitera

Frank V

Widow's Son

Rob DiStefano

Sam McMichael