HH bug got me ... Part One!

January 24, 2011, 05:58:00 PM

I should have added that I think that the bows available from Craig Ekin are quite simply great bows. It must be pointed out as well that this little tillering trick works for a 26" draw, the same bow had less than a two pound per inch build up out to 27 inches and only two pounds from 27 to 28 inches. The difference in this case was substantial, because the bows performance remained the same and the person that is now shooting it could not handle it at 50 pounds, but she can shoot it all day at 42. The person who has that bow now won't let anyone touch it, and i bet it would stack past 27 inches. i was in a hurry my wife left the interior lights on in my Suv and needed a jump.

January 24, 2011, 07:43:00 PM

Feed me!! This is ALL good!!

Interesting historical perspective blended with a lot of personal experience and preference..

Someone once said: "too many cooks spoil the soup" but that is not the case here..not at all.

Nate Steen . · January 24, 2011, 07:50:00 PM

Rob,

I agree with you, this longbow shooting should be a simple, enjoyable process. It's not rocket science. That said, there are reasons why some bows shoot better for some people than other bows. It is these reasons that we discuss openly on this forum, so that people can learn information that has been held 'secret' for so long. Maybe someone is learning something that will help them purchase a bow that will fit them and their shooting style.

These simple longbows are great in that they are so simple. However, they are not just a 'pull 'er back and let 'er fly' thing. If that is the approach one wants to take, then that is their perogative, and one of the joys of this sport. However, there are so many small things that can be adjusted, from limb tiller to handle size, to bow length, etc. that make the bow shoot as well as possible for that individual....very much the same as a ILF recurve bow can be adjusted in limb tiller, handle length, bow length, etc. to make it shoot as well as possible.

Why do we as archers accept that a tournament or other style recurve or R/D bow has umpteen ways to get it shooting and feeling perfect while a Hill style longbow must always feel thumpy, slow, and 'get used to it or sell it'? These "simple" straight end longbows can be made to perform splendidly....and all this 'forum chatter' helps further that end.

Nate

Rob DiStefano · January 24, 2011, 08:32:00 PM

nate, i couldn't agree more with you, sir.

there are those who will ask for a bow built by model, length and draw weight, with no other input. and they may be happy hunters with said bow, and kill tons of game for decades. or too soon, as the newness wears off, the bow becomes a dog to them, and it ends up in the classifieds. either way, more input to and from the bowyer is always a good thing. there is always the element of luck with a new bow, no matter who the bowyer or what the parameters. less chances are taken when you can work with a knowledgeable bowyer.

and, imo, a specific type of stick bow (i.e., hill straight or backset or string follow, or mild r/d or aggressive r/d, etc) does not dictate a specific shooting form be required, in order to reach its maximum potential.

however, if specific stick bow parameters are employed, as they apply to the archer in question, there is far greater a chance the resulting bow will be a better shooter.

January 24, 2011, 10:19:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Rob DiStefano:

.....however, if specific stick bow parameters are employed, as they apply to the archer in question, there is far greater a chance the resulting bow will be a better shooter.

I am by nature, a lot like Rob I think. Can be happy with something good but, if it can be better, even a little bit, I am interested.

Years ago my job was to eliminate process variation in aircraft fuel systems manufacturing. That in itself has nothing to do with trad archery but the mindset applies to all of life, imo.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it" is a good place to start but in my own insanity, I can't help but to tweak it a bit, especially if it doesn't cost more and the end result translates to my own personal view of perfection...in this case...perfect simplicity and historic beauty.

So, as Rob suggested, I will feed the knowledgeable bowyer with as much info as he "employs the specific stik bow parameters" to ensure that there is a better chance that my first of many will be a good shooter.

Not rocket science here...just good sense, imo

longbowben · January 25, 2011, 12:30:00 AM

This thread needs to get back to the basics i think people try to make this too difficult.I can give a bow to leatherneck and he can pound a bullseye with most bows very quickly from recurve to a hill.This is a picture of Dirty Bob first day shooting and shooting great all ready with his new to him Wesley Special.

longbowben · January 25, 2011, 12:31:00 AM

longbowben · January 25, 2011, 12:32:00 AM

Welcome to the gang Dirty Bob

tg2nd · January 25, 2011, 12:36:00 AM

Rob, thanks for not telling me.

SpankyNeal · January 25, 2011, 12:37:00 AM

And welcome to the Hill clan!

Ben, those of us that have been shooting them for a while get bored with the usual stuff, so we get picky!

longbowben · January 25, 2011, 12:48:00 AM

I just wanted to get back on track.There are lots of hill bows being built right now and i cant wait to see them all.What one person thinks is right is wrong to another we are all individuals and like things different from others.I would love to see your collection of hill style bows.Do you live close to pelee island if so i will be their in july 23-30.

Ben Maher · January 25, 2011, 01:03:00 AM

Onya Dirty Bob !
nice lookin stic mate !

Benny Nganabbarru · January 25, 2011, 03:03:00 AM

Nice bow, Dirty Bob!

GingivitisKahn · January 25, 2011, 06:54:00 AM

Man, that's a nice looking bow!

Rob DiStefano · January 25, 2011, 07:05:00 AM

yeah, enuf of this esoteric stuff.

another big 5 i had a few years back ...

Rob DiStefano · January 25, 2011, 07:11:00 AM

ah yes. an abbott! with really loooong fadeouts ...

longbowben · January 25, 2011, 08:08:00 AM

Rob, Dirty Bobs bow should look familiar to you.

leatherneck · January 25, 2011, 09:26:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by WESTBROOK:
What a great thread this has been! Lots of great info and Purdy bows!

Now that is a postcard pic if I ever saw one.

leatherneck · January 25, 2011, 09:41:00 AM

You know something just ain't right when three guys come home from work and are shooting Hills in the dark at midnight!! In teen weather to boot!!! Or should I say it was all tooooo right. I just could not wait to try Dirty Bobs new to him Wesley. It's 68" 50@28. Some may say this bow is too long for my 27" draw but I think the target will disagree. Man this bow was smooth! I didn't want to put it down. Dirty Bob was starting to give me dirty looks after about a dozen arrows.

And did it ever fit into my hand. Rob I'm loving that locator and I'm glad thats what my bow will have.

Dirty Bob shot this bow quite impressive. First day with it and he was smashing bulls at 10 yards. Now mind you he hasn't shot a trad bow since he was a kid. You would have thought he's been shooting for a year or so.

Bunnies at GORH better look out!!!!!

Congrats Bob on an awesome bow. You did good.

longbowben · January 25, 2011, 10:37:00 AM

And i was left out to just drink beer because im a lefty.If that bow would have been 5 lb heaver i think leatherneck might have stolen that bow.Keep your eyes out Dirty Bob :p