What is the life expectancy on a Howard Hill longbow before the bow starts loosing its back set? Also, what amount of poundage will the bow loose?

With a glas-laminated bow, it shouldn't lose its backset or poundage, ever.  I've owned Hills for a number of years on and off, and have never had them lose backset or poundage. Keep in mind that not all Hills are built with the same amount of back set. Within limits/reason, Craig will build what the customer wants.  I believe he has at least two different amounts of backset and one straight bow as standard offerings.  He may even make one with string follow.  Don't know.  

I have Hills that have been shot near daily for 14 years plus a couple of older more vintage ones ... they are all set back and none have lost any noticeable reflex...
I mainly shot string follows now ... neither seem to have lost any poundage .

Orion, yes, Craig makes a string follow design in any of his models.  It's not listed in his catalog or web site, but you can ask for it.  I have two and they are great--both are Big Fives.  
Here is my gray glass Big Five string follow on the right next to my Northern Mist Shelton string follow....The NM has a bit more string follow.

 

Please define "String Follow" to me. I'm not sure what you are talking about but, I do notice that the limbs on your 2 bows bend more back than forward.

In a glass bow , the limbs are prestressed much like a selfbow that has begun to take "set" . The limbs , when unbraced are still somewaht drawn as in Dave's photo's.
they make a very smooth drawing forgiving bow . I have a Miller Ol' Tom string follow , A Belcher Union Jack in string Follow and a Hill Redman in string follow . T6hey sem to be my go to shooters .
I wouldn't worry about bows losing any poundage or taking any set .

Thanks Ben. I guess I was a little worried about limb set after hours of being strung, i.e. hunting, over the years of ownership. I love my Hills and want to possibly pass them on to my 2 sons when they get older.

Your supposed to unstring them?    

Speaking of string follow, Craig is making a new limited edition Robin Hood longbow with string follow......  

Wannabe, I don't usually unstring mine, and they have maintained the original backset. I had one made in the 70's by Ted Kramer, and it hadn't lost any of its significant backset. It's not a problem with a glass bow, although self bows are another story.

i only unstring my 2pc longbows for air travel.  a well made wood/glass laminated bow can be left strung seemingly *forever* with no consequences.

QuoteOriginally posted by Rob DiStefano:
i only unstring my 2pc longbows for air travel.  a well made wood/glass laminated bow can be left strung seemingly *forever* with no consequences.

What is your experience with 3 piece longbows and recurves? Any problems with leaving them strung?

I`ve got recurves that have been strung for 3-4 years.They shoot fine.RC

So, the Hill style bows that I see the limbs bent back toward the shooter, when unstrung, are made that way on purpose? The ones being glass backed that is?

Yep.

Any more information on the Robin Hood?

Thank you Orion. Much appreciate the education and willingness to share. Got my answer so, Mods feel free to lock this thread.  

Ben, checkout the howard hill archery site  ...  no pics but specs given .I'm ringing Craig tomorrow!
go on you know you want one ... 70" 60#  @ 29 " .. a Northern pig taker !

QuoteOriginally posted by highnoonhunter:
Speaking of string follow, Craig is making a new limited edition Robin Hood longbow with string follow......      

Pics are up on the HH site.  That is one very nice longbow.    

captainkirk

What is string follow and what does it do?