Longbow length ?

[Buckwheaties]

Years ago I was a shooting H.Hill/ Shultz. I got back into longbows after taking the wheels around the block, and had real elbow (bow arm) pain. This was with a HH bow and not over bowed. I know all of the  discussions about Hills and hand shock and think I am one coming down on "Yes they do" side.
That being said, I really like the 66-68" longbows and am asking if I will have this same problem with any of them? does anyone make a 66-68" long bow without the handshock of a Hill? I am on the list for a 56" Shrew and really like the way it feels and shoots but am having second thoughts about such a "short" longbow?? regarding forgiveness etc??

[Bob Stager]

I hava a 66" ACS,a 66" Stewart slammer, and a 68" Fox Triple Crown and don't notice any handshock with any of them. I like the Hill bows, but I can't shoot them because of the hand shock that I feel. Bob

[LongStick64]

To me Hill's do have some handshock, shoot them exlusively for a time and you'll forget about it. If you really want to avoid a Hill but at the same time go longbow, look into a Great Northern Critter Gitter. Pound for Pound, it is the smoothest longbow I have shot and no handshock.

[smoked]

I shoot the longer ones much better, and the Hills do have a little shock. I actually like the feel and it is not enough to make me quit shooting them. I have had several short(60" and under "longbows") and while the were enjoyable to shoot, I could never obtain the accuracy that I wanted.

[BRITTMAN]

My Mohawk longbow does not have any shock and is very smooth drawing . As a matter of fact the reason I started shooting a Mohawk was because I was having joint pain in my elbow and shoulder . I thought I was going to have to give up shooting a stick because of the joint pain and a buudy turned me on to the Mohawks . No more joint pain and really love the bow and the bowyer is first class  

[huckbuck]

I would say to get rid of the second thoughts
you are having on the Shrew. I shot 62-64" recurves for years and also a few "longbows".
The Shrew is designed to be a very smooth and
"forgiving" bow. I've been shooting a 56" Classic Hunter longbow recently and shoot it as well or better than any bow i've ever shot especially on game. Unless you are just in it for target archery I would give the Shrew a chance before trying a longer bow.

[Buckwheaties]

Thx Huckbuck, i only shot a few arrows out of the Shrew and it felt and shot well BUT I really didn't have a chance to give it a "real workout" so I'm not really sure. I like your post. I am now shooting a 58" 3pc Toelke recurve and shoots well for me. The Shrew is only 2" shorter. I also appreciate the advice and comments of the others. As far as shooting the Hill for awhile and getting use to it, I tried and the elbow pain just got worse, so I think it's out for me..

[WESTBROOK]

Huckbuck is right about the Shrew. I too have a 56" CH, the rest of my bows are 66-68" LB. The Shrew gives up nothing to them.

As far as a "shock-free" Hill bow, I would check out the Northern Mist Shelton. They're about as sweet as they get.

Eric

[Ground Hunter]

If you want to shoot a shock free Hill bow - shoot a heavier arrow.  H

[Butch Speer]

Thunder Stick Archery makes bows from 56-68ins. I own a 58in. Mag. & it's just my opinion but, I think you would have to go a long stretch to find a better bow. It's smooth, quiet & forgiving. It shoots where you're looking & feels right in the hand. Jim Reynolds is a stand up guy & makes an absolutely beautiful bow. I've shot his MOABs, Thunder Stick III & my Mag & they're all great. Add all that & the price & you kind of feel like your cheating the man that sells it.

[Rob DiStefano]

there are more than a few bowyers that craft mild r/d longbows that have the classic "D" shape braced look without any hand shock and with a noticeable performance boost over reflex limb hill style bows.  my choice is mohawk, that's all i shoot.

 

short longbows (oxymoron!) employ limb and riser design along with high brace heights to allow longer draw length.  personally, they still finger pinch me too much, but only you need to figure that out.  imo, these short longbows absolutely shine for tree stand and blind hunting.  otherwise, gimme a 66" to 70" real longbow.  ymmv!

[mitch_jdc]

i am shooting a 60" pronghorn longbow and there is no hand shock at all. but i agree with them on the shrew have shot a 60 inch super shrew and it shoot excellent and drew like it was 10 pounds lighter than it was.

[flinthead]

I  have 62 inch Crow Creek and 62 inch Hummingbird 3 piece longbows and there is no handshock . I guess the weight of the riser helps. Flinthead

[Rob DiStefano]

Originally posted by flinthead:
I  have 62 inch Crow Creek and 62 inch Hummingbird 3 piece longbows and there is no handshock . I guess the weight of the riser helps. Flinthead

mass weight might help a tiny tad, but 'hand shock' is primarily a result of arrow mass weight, and to some degree, shooting form.

[GREASEMAN]

Dan Toelke's Bows have zero handshock and the cratsmanship is second to none!  

[Jim Wright]

Since you are already familiar with Dan Toelke why don't you contact him about his "Super D" hill style bow. I have owned Dan's recurves and still own and shoot a Whip but have ended up mostly shooting his D bows. You will discover there is no issue with handshock, they are QUIET, smooth-drawing, very forgiving and fast as well.

[ron w]

Try a Northern Mist Superior if you can,smooth and I get no hand shock. Excellent craftmanship and a great guy to deal with. I have 2 Hills and have no problem.....but everybody is different!!! I also have a Foley that's R/D but "D" shaped when strung, it's nice to shoot also!