Favorite Howard Hill Archery bow model

Tradcat · August 09, 2016, 09:36:00 AM

OK fellow tradgang brothers and sisters... Please give me your favorite HHA bow model & why. I'm leaning towards a Redman and need some input from y'all before I pull the trigger. Thanks

David Mitchell · August 09, 2016, 11:02:00 AM

I have a Redman I like very much because I like the looks of yew and it is a time honored core material, but I also like any Hill I have owned. :D They all come off the same forms and the difference between models is undetectable by me. The difference in models is only core material and how many lams are used. Basically pick the one that aesthetically appeals to you. I think if/when I order another it would be the Legend Stick.

Bill Turner · August 09, 2016, 11:36:00 AM

I have owned and still own several HHA bows. The "Cheetah" and the "Half Breed" are my favorites. I have a TD "RedMan" 64", 48@28 with ebony riser and limb tips that I love but when shooting 3-D or just practicing I always gravitate to the bows with bamboo limbs.They just seem to be more forgiving.

starshooter · August 09, 2016, 11:51:00 AM

You ll love the "Redman" I have that now and it resonates with me every time I look at it. Any HH bow will do that. One caution- do not overbow ! Be prepared to learn a different way to shoot. It's a humblng
Experience.

M

Tradcat · August 09, 2016, 12:06:00 PM

Thanks guys... Please keep the comments coming

Jim Picarelli · August 09, 2016, 05:08:00 PM

The Redman and Big Five are two of my favorite Hill's. I don't think you could go wrong with whatever model you choose

frank bullitt · August 09, 2016, 05:48:00 PM

Tembo!

Blackhawk · August 09, 2016, 05:59:00 PM

I have the Big 5 and Tembo and like them both really well, and cannot tell any difference in performance. The Tembo is a string follow model, but???

Just pick the one you think looks the best.

BTW, I hope you've been browsing the thread "HH Bug Got me". It's on the first page here with over 280 pages of pics and comments.

Sam McMichael · August 09, 2016, 06:09:00 PM

I have 2 Wesley Specials, 2 Cheetahs, and 1 Big Five. I like the Wesley best, but following an injury it is a bit too stout - both of them are 65#. They are smooth bows. Next I like the 55# Cheetah. The only reason I like my Wesley better is that it was the first custom bow I ever had, so sentiment figures in. I can't tell any real difference in performance other than that caused simply by the increased poundage in my Wesley. I feel that same way about the Big Five, but it is a bit lighter than I generally prefer. I have shot a bunch of Redman bows, and they are very nice. I just can't afford one yet.

Green · August 09, 2016, 06:23:00 PM

Halfbreed. The combination of Yew/Boo really performs, and looks good doing it.

fireball31 · August 09, 2016, 06:24:00 PM

I love the big 5. It is the most aesthetically pleasing to me. I like all off the laminations of bamboo to be on the back of the bow. Not to mention I still rue the fact that someone stole mine out of the back of my truck when I was at work.

Tajue17 · August 10, 2016, 08:56:00 AM

Redman was the one I liked the most but his model with the red elm lams is nice too I forgot the name think it was ruffed grouse,, I'm a big fan of elm in longbows though.

Ric O'Shay · August 10, 2016, 09:09:00 AM

The Tembo performs as good or in most cases better than the other models. Three (3) laminations work super and you don't get the decreased performance and feel of the extra layers of glue as you will in the four (4) or five (5) lamination models. Talk to Craig and you can get a Tembo with any wood you want. I like yew, but the Tembo with yew on the back and belly with a center lam of bamboo is great.

Tradcat · August 10, 2016, 09:13:00 AM

Thanks for all the input guys. Next question: back set, straight or string follow ? I know this is all subject to personal preference but I'd like to hear why you prefer the different profiles. Please advise. Thanks again !

Tradcat · August 10, 2016, 10:33:00 AM

I like the three lam idea in the Tembo model that Danny suggested with bamboo sandwiched between two yew lams ! Would you go backset, straight or string follow and why ? Please advise. Thanks !

Orion · August 10, 2016, 11:54:00 AM

If you sandwich bamboo between two laminations of yew, you no longer have a Tembo. It's then called a Halfbreed.

Regardless, to address your next question. I like backset because it's faster than straight or string follow. String follow may have the softest draw, but is also the slowest. Straight is in-between.

two4hooking · August 10, 2016, 03:20:00 PM

I love the old Schulz built Tembos. A well built Tembo would be my choice.

Of Craig's profiles I think I would choose the straight or backset.

Tajue17 · August 10, 2016, 05:23:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Tradcat:
Thanks for all the input guys. Next question: back set, straight or string follow ? I know this is all subject to personal preference but I'd like to hear why you prefer the different profiles. Please advise. Thanks again !

if your a decent shot already with a ASL (because I think string follow is more forgiving and easier to tune) you will only get to have one bow then back set!!! because I think it has a bit more oomph and you still get decent cast with a heavy arrow..........funny thing is my current favorite ASL is my stringfollow I'm just loving that bow but If I could only have one its backset.

August 11, 2016, 11:18:00 PM

http://www.howardhillarchery.com/limited-edition-longbows/black-mamba.html

Rob DiStefano · August 12, 2016, 08:12:00 AM

this is highly subjective stuff and there is no right answer.

NO ONE can "help" you make yer own decision about what model HH is "good" for you. heck, they're ALL GOOD in one way or many.

since most of us will never get to hold and shoot a particular bow and draw weight that we have in mind, it will ALWAYS be a crap shoot of sorts as to how you'll feel about a bow that just arrived at yer door step. another reason why there are so many bows listed on the classifieds.

SO - just go with whatever tickles yer fancy, and what matters most is not getting the right model, it's getting the RIGHT HOLDING DRAW WEIGHT for ... YOU. that alone trumps all the other stuff.

GOOD LUCK!