Hill style bows question

Steiger3208 · April 24, 2013, 06:23:00 PM

I have been checking out the Hill style bows lately and am considering purchasing one. I know a lot of you have shot many different styles of these bows. My question is I am shooting 43-45# so I'm interested in what spacific bow/bowyer in this style would give me the flastest trajectory for my lighter draw weight for longer shots? Thanks Wes

moebow · April 24, 2013, 06:30:00 PM

Wes,

The Hill bow is a work horse not a speed demon. It is made to shoot arrows at about 10 grains per pound and it is often said that bow weight plus about 115 will give you a "ballpark" arrow speed. So for your weight range expect about 160fps.

I'd add that there is really only one "style" that is defined as a "Hill" or American semi longbow. Just having straight limb tips does not make it a Hill.

Arne

Brianlocal3 · April 24, 2013, 06:42:00 PM

Give James a call at JD Berry archery. My Mistydawn is only 44@26 (my DL) and I am only shooting 8.5-9 GPP from it, there is no shock or negative side effects to it. My trajectory is fantastic. My berry Vixen and Morningstar (also Berrys) both shoot very flat arrows also. I have zero complaints from them and when compared to my other "Hill" style bows the cast seemed above average

bsv · April 24, 2013, 07:25:00 PM

Dave Johnson longbows,Dave is building bows again

Brazos · April 24, 2013, 09:03:00 PM

I got a 40# Dave Johnson recently and it sends my 400 grain arrows down range darn fast. Great looking, well made bow at a good price. I also shoot HHA bows and like them very much. They are my work horses. Though Dave Johnson and HHA bows are both considered Hill style bows they are quite different. The DJ has wider, thinner limbs, and a longer riser where as the HHA bows have narrower, deeper core limbs and shorter riser. They both shoot great once you get in sync with they way each one feels/likes to be shot. Back to your original question, which shots flatter for a lower draw weight? I would have to give the edge to the DJ but a HHA sure does shoot good and plenty fast (can't be much difference between the 2).

Shinken · April 24, 2013, 09:06:00 PM

I have heard that the HAWK by David Miller is peppy Hill style longbow, but it comes with a price tag and a waiting time....

Good luck in your search!

Shoot straight, Shinken

jsweka · April 24, 2013, 09:23:00 PM

I agree with Arne. These bows aren't setting any speed records and you will notice an arch beyond 20 yards. Heck, I notice and arch with mine that are in the 60# range that I don't with a r/d that is 5 - 10# lighter. Faster doesn't mean more accurate and I shoot my slow Hill style better than my r/d bows - even at the longer ranges.

Shawn Rackley · April 24, 2013, 11:00:00 PM

Anorher vote for a jd berry vixen. I got two and outta all the american styles i have tried they excel and are the best to me. And theyre pretty cheap compared to most.

arrow flynn · April 25, 2013, 10:49:00 PM

Jd berry has raised the bar with his hill style. My vixen has no handshock no small feat with this style bow.

NBK · April 25, 2013, 11:57:00 PM

If you are looking for speed in a D shaped bow check out Whippenstick bows, although I agree with moebows comment about speed concerns.

Horserod · April 26, 2013, 12:04:00 AM

It would be a good idea to check out Northern Mist Longbows. Steve's bows are not slow by any means! Horserod

hawaiiarcher · April 26, 2013, 12:17:00 AM

Aloha Wes,
Get a JD Berry Vixen or Morning Star. You can shoot a lighter GPI arrow without the handshock. Its is quiet and it comes with fast flight string. I have a Vixen & I'm waiting for Jim to finish my Morning Star. It will be close to the weight you are shooting.
Mahalo & Good Shoot'n,
George

Mike Taylor2 · April 27, 2013, 12:37:00 PM

I like the Carolina Night by 7 Lakes. Before you start shelling out the big bucks I'd give them a call. They are a sponsor here at Tradgang.

soap creek · April 27, 2013, 01:28:00 PM

Another vote for the JD Berry Vixen. I never noticed a big difference in speed between it and my recures. I'm sure there is some. I have shot others brands that were quite noticeable. James has it going on with his Vixen.

Mushin · April 27, 2013, 10:57:00 PM

JD berry

TSP · April 28, 2013, 09:23:00 AM

As already said, 'Hill style' bows (no R/D, straighter grip, low-mass riser, high-mass limbs) probably aren't the best choice if you are mostly concerned about speed. There are many hybrid-style longbows that are better designed for that. But if I we're hankering for a 'Hill style' bow I'd get... a Hill. Contrary to popular belief they do very well with both heavy or light arrows. I shoot my 51#er with both heavy (550-600 gr.) cedars and light (420 gr. aluminums) and see little difference in handshock. The arrow speed and trajectory is quite different, but that's the arrow not the bow.

Brazos · April 28, 2013, 07:57:00 PM

I am with with you TSP. get a Hill. Just a great and solid bow.

Bud B. · April 28, 2013, 08:40:00 PM

Two Tracks has a sale right now..his Echo is nice.

I have 7 Lakes on order as I type.

Bud B. · April 28, 2013, 08:45:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Steiger3208:
I have been checking out the Hill style bows lately and am considering purchasing one. I know a lot of you have shot many different styles of these bows. My question is I am shooting 43-45# so I'm interested in what spacific bow/bowyer in this style would give me the flastest trajectory for my lighter draw weight for longer shots? Thanks Wes

Dave Johnson: hands down it'll be the snappiest. Mine is of lesser weight than my HH Big Five and it throws a nice cast and speed. I love them both though!! I'm just a bit more accurate with the Hill.