Howard Hill or Northern Mist?

[Magwa45]

I know each has its diehard adherents or fanatics. I have been saving up the dough and will soon have enough to get that custom bow. I should meet up with the Northern Mist company soon at a show and test their bows in person. But I have been thinking about Howard Hill Archery as well, although I have not had a chance to see any bows first hand. This upcoming show should solve the dilemma. But just let me know some arguments for each. Get me totally confused!;-)

[c ott]

Don, I'm pretty devoted to my Hills but I have my first Northern Mist on order, a Baraga. I'm looking forward to it. Steve offers the classic which is a true Hill style straight limb longbow, so you really don't have to give anything up by going with one or the other. Steve Turay and Craig Ekin are both a pleasure to work with no matter which way you go. I will say this though, and it's just my opinion....but if you have ever wondered about a Howard Hill Archery bow, you won't be content until you satisfy your curiosity.

[Shaner]

To tell you the truth I would think that they would be very similar. I've only shot one Hill bow a long time ago, but I own a Northern Mist and I can tell you that I am very happy with it. Its the straight longbow, 68" and 60#. Very smooth and stable, I've shot a lot of recurves and I wouldn't trade that bow for any of them. Not much info but hope that helps.
Shane

[SteveMcD]

Sorry I can't be much help. I have both Northern Mist and Howard Hill bows. I agree with C OTT, if you go with the Northern Mist Classic, you would have a Hill Style Longbow. However, I also agree, like myself. Sooner or Later you'll need to try a Howard Hill, as well. I would just add.. they are both great bows, you cannot go wrong either way you choose.

[Al Dean]

I had a Northern Mist Classic.  It was a good bow.  I have a Hill Crocodile that is by far my favorite bow.  In fact I have a Big Five on order.  I know with Hill you can get backset, straight or string follow limbs.  I don't know if Northern Mist offers the three styles.

[BobCo 1965]

Originally posted by Al Dean:
I had a Northern Mist Classic.  It was a good bow.  I have a Hill Crocodile that is by far my favorite bow.  In fact I have a Big Five on order.  I know with Hill you can get backset, straight or string follow limbs.  I don't know if Northern Mist offers the three styles.

I'm real glad to hear you are loving the Croc, it sure is a beautiful bow (most beautiful HH I've ever seen).   :cool:

[stabow]

Don I have a Northern Mist classic and several Hill bows and I don't think you could go wrong on which ever one you decide on both are great bows, but why not get a few of each you won't be happy unless you do LOL......stabow

[JRY309]

I have 4 Hill's myself and love shootin them.But I have never heard anything bad about Northern Mist,they are some fine looking bows.I wouldn't hesitate on either one.They are both great bows.

[Bowman0202]

I have both. Several Hills which I like very much, but I also have a Northern Mist Shelton which is a string follow Hill style bow.  It is one of the (IMUO) smoothest and best shooting bows I have, 68"- 62@28, Bamboo core with walnut riser and horn tips. You won't go wrong with either.  Steve Turay will let you try one out.  That's what got me hooked on the Shelton - he sent it down for me to try out and I "couldn't let go of it."

But.... I have three Wesley Specials of Craig Ekins (Hill Bows)a Big Five and a Redman, not to mention the two Shulz I have, which are also great bows. So, there you are.  Probably not much help but Craig and Steve are both great bowyers and fine people to deal with.

[SpankyNeal]

Don I have both as well. Two Hills and a Northern Mist Shelton with a Classic on order. There are differences between them but they are small and pertain to the shape of the grip (which can be shaped to taste by either bowyer), and the limb design. Both are excellent Hill style bows, both bowyers are great people to deal with and will go out of there way to make sure your happy! They are smooth, stable, hard hitting and a pleasure to shoot! Probably not much help either but eventually you will be like the rest of us and own both so pick your pleasure!

[SouthMDShooter]

I have never shot a Hill bow but i do have a northern mist baraga and its a great shooter, defenitly my go to bow

[WESTBROOK]

Always wanted a Hill style bow, but never got to shoot one. The only time I can find a Lefty to shoot is when I go to K'zoo. I shot Steve Turay's Shelton and it was sooo nice, I ordered one. Should be here next month. 68" #60 @ 29", Elm limbs, Bird's Eye Maple handle.

Dont think you can go wrong either way.

Eric

[James Wrenn]

Never seen a Northern mist but it would be my choice.  :D

[BaldingEagle]

Magwa45,
Steve will be at the BBTC in May - right near Baltimore.  I own one of his Baraga's and took a deer with it this year.  It is smooth shooting.  Steve is a really good guy to work with, and as you can see from the posts, has a variety of longbow styles.  His prices are very reasonable as well.  I had a Hill Big 5 with which I killed my first deer.  It shot great.  As has been said, you can't go wrong with either.  The one thing I like better about Steve's bows is that they have very little, or no handshock like my Big 5 had.
Have fun choosing.
John

[Magwa45]

This is going to be a hard choice! I wish I had more problems like that!;-)

[Benny Nganabbarru]

I'm no use in helping you make an objective decision; but I do love my Hill Redman!

[Yolla Bolly]

Magwa---When you get to see Steve Turay, ask him to let you try a Whisper:  mine shoots sweeter than any other I have tried---but then tell him he can't spend time building you one until he finishes my strings!