Hill or Liberty?

[72highboy]

Hello guys,
I know everyone has their opinions but I have think I narrowed my search for my first custom bow to either a Hill or a Liberty. So I am looking for input on pros and cons of the two. The Hill will be a cheeta which is juniper with  2 inner bamboo lams...which I think I might add an extra bamboo lam if I go that way. If I decide the Liberty it will be a Chief. Either bow will be around 54 @ 28 and 62" for the Liberty and either 62" or 64" for the Hill. Lastly they must have the locator style grip.

Thanks for the input/help.

Jon

[Brian Krebs]

I have never shot a liberty; but found the Cheetah not only a beautiful bow; but near impossible to put down. Its a great bow.  

[aromakr]

Jon:
You couldn't have selected two better bows to choose from, I have owned both. Might I suggest you reconsider the length if you are drawing 28" especially with the Hill, I would not go any shorter than 66" and probably 68", personally I shoot the 66" with a 27" draw. The main difference between the two will be limb style. The Hill will be narrower and thicker, where as the Liberty will be thinner and wider and a little more backset. I think the Liberty will have a little longer riser making the working part of the limb shorter.
Bob

[72highboy]

Bob,
I have about a 26.5" draw, that I was thinking I could get away with a 64" Hill....I guess I can talk to Craig when/if that time comes.

Thanks Again,
Jon

[Stone Knife]

I have two Hills and love them, one is a Redman 64" 47# @27 the other is a Big Five 66" 48# @28. I draw 27" 64" would work out good for you.

[fishone]

I have both also. In my opinion, 2 different bows comparing the Chief to the Hill. The Chief is r/d while the Hill is basically staight limb.
The Liberty comes with a locator grip and with the Hill you can also get a locator grip but it is different than the Liberty. The 2 Hills I have are 64" and I draw 27". I wish I would have gotten 66". You cannot got wrong with either bow or bowyer, both great.

[Ben Tiller]

Hahahaha, I totally thought this was a political post for a second!

ben

[SlowBowinMO]

Did you check out Sunset Hill as well?  Just curious, you've certainly picked some nice bows.

Decisions...  

[72highboy]

I am thinking they both must be great, since I almost never see any  for sale on the classifieds. Makes you think that people like them and keep them forever.

[David Mitchell]

I own both--a Liberty Contender and three Hills.  The Hills are hands down my favorites.  They seem more stable on the shot to me and I can shoot them better.  I much prefer the straight grip as well. Once you get the feel of it no other style will feel as good. These are basically two very different type bows so in a way you're comparing apples to oranges.  My suggestion is to get one of each then you won't have to decide--except every time you go out to shoot! HA.  The real choice you have to make is do you want a modern R/D bow or a great traditional longbow?  I would go no shorter then 66" with the Hills.

[72highboy]

One more question to add....Is the Liberty cheif cut to center? I can't tell by looking at the website. I know the Hills are not.

[aromakr]

highboy:
The liberty is cut very close to center.
Bob

[Roadkill]

My Chief is not cut to center.  I have shot Hills and prefer the grip on the Liberty.  I have two of Allen's bows. Shot the chief today.

[Roadkill]

As Bob said it is close to center, not not to center.  Easy to tune and pleasant to shoot.

[AkDan]

I have a liberty chief, ordered two more recently.

All are take downs.  If the next two shoot like the first one, there will be more in my future!  I need not say more about that issue.

I would like to get a wesley special just cuz, but I see the liberty as my main go to bow for some time to come.

[Dick in Seattle]

those who know me know I'll go for the Hill every time, especially the Cheetah (If you can't have a Longbowman's Choice).  However, I thought I'd comment on length.  I draw 25 plus a smidge.   I'm fine with as short as 60" (my take downs) but I've gradually come to a clear preference for 66" in my one piece customs.    I think I'd recommend you go at least that long.

Dick in Seattle

[laddy]

Have you considered a reverse Hill?  You could get plenty of string angle with a shorter length.

[Pete W]

The Liberty can be ordered with the center shot /grip cut the way you want.
I did a review on the Chief Elite in my trad reviews this year at  www.peteward.com
It is a very good shooter with no hand shock, and an easy bow to like right from the first arrow.
Allen is a top notch bowyer with quick delivery times.

[longbowray]

i've have a cheetah 62 in t/d that is my goto bow it 60@27 i also have big hands a do not get know pinch from it i also have more hill 66,68,64

[cahaba]

I have a liberty Contender and a Liberty English. The English is my favorite hunting bow but I would like a Hill also. If possible try and shoot both and see which feels right for you.