Long Draw- Hill type guys

Chain2 · July 09, 2016, 01:20:00 PM

I started with a Wesley Special. I don't think I gave it a fair chance before moving on. I'm ready for a Hill type now I think. What bow/arrow combos are you knuckle draggers like me shooting ? I'm 55 @ 31". Thanks guys

Sam McMichael · July 09, 2016, 02:07:00 PM

I don't have a long draw, but I do have several Hill type bows. Two are Wesley Specials, two are Cheetahs, one is a Big Five. Also, I have two Northern Mist Sheltons. I would definitely suggest you did not give the Wesley a fair chance, if you like the Hill style bows. I shoot wood arrows exclusively with my Hill type bows. Both Wesleys are 65# at 28", and I shoot 70-75# spine with 190 grain points and 65# spine with 125 grain points. My draw length is only 25" but I prefer 29" shafts. My 55# Cheetah shoots 50-55# and 55-60# pretty much equally well, as do both of my 53# Sheltons. The 50# Big Five does best with 50-55# arrows. The 40# Cheetah likes 40# spined arrows best. They all do well with 125 grain tips. I believe that my short draw and long arrows makes my choice of spine weights to be outside the specs most shooters would prefer. All my bows are 68" in length, which I find to be very smooth on the draw.

There are a lot of really nice Hill styles out there, but I have not owned any of them. I've shot a bunch of them and like most of them. But I can recommend HHA and Northern Mist unequivocally. Go for it.

two4hooking · July 09, 2016, 02:32:00 PM

Shoot it like a longbow and you will not have a 31 inch draw. Bend the bow arm elbow.

mnbwhtr · July 09, 2016, 03:04:00 PM

With a bent arm I'm drawing 30 3/4. My bows are made to weigh in at 30 and 70 inches long. Guess I haven't shot them like longbows for the last 35 years.

Benny Nganabbarru · July 09, 2016, 07:04:00 PM

70" should be fine. Ask Craig what he thinks. I've drawn mine close to 30" with no problems. Do I recall something about Craig making bows 72" long?

July 10, 2016, 02:52:00 PM

I wonder, what is the wing span of someone with a 31" draw. There use to be charts that compared draw lengths to wingspan, others put a yard stick to the breast bone. On the yard stick measurement, John Schulz insisted on, no stretching. The chart in an old book I have does not match anyone of us. At one shoot a really tall guy had to intentionally bend his arm more and open his stance to keep his draw at 30". He claimed that he shot better that way with wood arrows and and his Hill Tembo, I did not doubt him at all, he was a very good shot.

ron w · July 10, 2016, 02:59:00 PM

I don't bend my arm, I fully extend, roll my shoulder forward and come to anchor. The "C" shape of my index finger and thumb nest on my cheek bone, and I put the heel of my hand into the bow, I do the same with my lower grip recurves. I draw just over 29" when I'm in good form.I like Hill style bows 66" and up >>>----->!

neargeezer · July 10, 2016, 06:12:00 PM

In carbon arrows, you could look at Carbon Express to get the length you need. The spine would depend some on the weight of the points you use.

In wood, you might have to go with footed shafts.
Have fun and enjoy.

K.S.TRAPPER · July 10, 2016, 07:35:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by two4hooking:
Shoot it like a longbow and you will not have a 31 inch draw. Bend the bow arm elbow.

Man, what a great reply to a very simple question nicely asked from a member needing some help. NOT!!!

Tracy

July 10, 2016, 08:41:00 PM

Okay, I will restate it a bit. If one is shooting with a straight arm, there is a good chance that one will find it more comfortable to shoot a Hill style longbow emulating Hill to a degree. We have seen many people that get into Hill bows do the same, we have seen many more get frustrated when they do not adjust their form to fit the bow.

Chain2 · July 10, 2016, 08:51:00 PM

I was more curious as to what everyone shot. Although I do know what is being said about form. I appreciate all the comments. I think this traditional archery is line golf, you have to do what works for you. When you find it, you have to do it consistently. I like all the comments and advice. I always try all of them or at least part of all of them. I wouldn't be able to hunt anything smaller the the Goodyear Blimp if it wasn't for you guys. Thank you

ron w · July 10, 2016, 08:59:00 PM

You want to have fun with this and not become obsessed trying be perfect. Do what works for you, take advice from all, if you think it makes sense to you. A little knowledge from here, a bit from there and develop a package that fits your style. And again.......have fun!

two4hooking · July 10, 2016, 09:00:00 PM

Bob Swinehart used to go so far as to convince all sizes of folks to shoot a 28 inch or shorter draw length. He was a pretty good hunter.

Chain2 · July 10, 2016, 09:01:00 PM

I just had Sue measure my wingspan. I've never had it done. It is a scoche over 79". Thanks again guys.

K.S.TRAPPER · July 10, 2016, 09:14:00 PM

Nicely said Ron, and you are correct in every way

Tracy

JR Belk · July 11, 2016, 01:43:00 PM

I have a 30" draw and do very well with a 68" Northern Mist Classic. You would definitely be better off at a 70" Hill.

Moots · July 11, 2016, 06:09:00 PM

Chain2,

You want a 70" hill-style bow. I have a 30 1/2" draw, and own two 70" ASL's marked to 31". One is a Dave Johnson and the other is a Northern Mist Classic. They are both great-shooting bows, and Dave or Steve would build you a fine bow to accommodate your long draw.

Best,
Moots