Frank San Marco and yew longbow by Ed Blankinship.

Speed has been debated for ever, when you shoot 12-20 yards how fast does it have be. My "D" shaped longbow is fast enough. If you shot a heavy arrow speed becomes a non factor. Hill or Hill style are great fun and nothing looks cooler than a back quiver full of woodies and a straight longbow.

I shoot an Apex Predator "Cumberland" ("D" shaped) longbow and an osage selfbow (which, of course, is "D" shaped as well).

"Why - with all the other choices...?", you ask?  For the same reasons all of us here aren't shooting compound bows!    

QuoteOriginally posted by ron w:
Speed has been debated for ever, when you shoot 12-20 yards how fast does it have be. My "D" shaped longbow is fast enough. If you shot a heavy arrow speed becomes a non factor. Hill or Hill style are great fun and nothing looks cooler than a back quiver full of woodies and a straight longbow.

Very true statement!

I'm down to 4 bows and 3 of them are Hills. I have a Maddog recurve being built but, I am thinking of going primarily to using my Hills for hunting after this season. Just had to show 2 of  them:
Owl -


Red Man -

I`m shooting a Mohawk now and love it but I really like them Hill bows too.I see no disadvantage to shooting one and they are a pleasure to shoot. I have to admit I like the Mohawk...better.RC

There is NOTHING WRONG with straight end longbows. I have a hill style from a local bowyer that I've kept for 18 yrs now. Shoots quiet as a mouse and not all that slow depending on what arrow I use.

As for the 'speed' ... I have taken a bunch of critters with my straight end bows . The bows are silent and accurate ...that is all I need. Also i don't use 'heavy bows ' ... I pull about 50-52# at my 27" and still prefer the longer bows of 66" - 68 ". Compared to most ny bows are probably slow But I have no intention of changing. If it ain't broke don't fix it!
Archery is a very personal thing and as Dave said " if you have to ask you wouldn't understand...

1. Super quiet--no need to put junk on your string
2. Super light
3. Quick to point, quick to target (for me, anyway)

I really appreciate how quiet they are. They shoot better for me than the other designs. Quiet fast enough for me and shoot where I look.