Favorite D shaped longbow

[Rob DiStefano]

Originally posted by Orion:
The D-shape on current mild r/d longbows isn't quite as D-shaped as it is on Hills and other straight or slightly setback limbed bows. ...

"...isn't quite as D-shaped"?  

In what way?

Besides using my peepers alone, the test for me is with a 6" metal straight edge laid and moved slowly along each limb.  If there aren't any significant flat spots I call it a curve.  "Significant" because ALL curves are created from "flat spots".  There ARE SOME "mild r/d" limbed bows with tips that exhibit a small about of flat, but not a Mohawk, Liberty, Horne Traditionalist, Abbott, Sunset, etc., etc.  What you will find with a reflex longbow ("Hill style") is MORE curve near the tips.  To me, a curve is a curve, and my 'Hawks all have contiguous classic "D" limb curve when braced.      

[James Wrenn]

Never shot one but sure like the way those Mohawks look.Abbot makes another I like.Never shot a Hill that agrees with me.

[Rob DiStefano]

I've had a fair number of Hill longbows.  I sure do love the looks and aesthetics.  I don't like the "teardrop" cross-sectioned straight handle, would rework them rounder and with a bit of "locater" added.  I find I need to be more aware of my form when shooting a Hill - the reflexed limbs are just less forgiving than a mild r/d longbow.  And the right string, brace height and using heavy arras helps smooth out the Hill hand shock.  No, you don't have any "hand shock" shootin' yer Hill?  You ain't spent time with a good mild r/d longbow to realize there IS hand shock with a Hill.

[WidowEater]

I notice hand shock in many straighter limbed longbows.  I would probably never notice it though if I had never shot ultra high quality (in my opinion) recurves and r/d longbows.  I really like the mild thump in my hand though.

[Bowman0202]

I shoot Northern Mist (Shelton), Ron Maulding's, Hills and a Schulz.  My shelton is probably the "smoothest", with my Mauldings being almost a tie and the others a close second.  The bows I've gotten the most "hand shock" out of have not been my Hill styles but some of the R/D's I've shot.

I prefer the solid hand placement the straight grip affords one and am able to shoot them much more consistently and accurately.

Best suggestion is for you to try different ones out and see which fits you best.

[Rob DiStefano]

Originally posted by Bowman0202:
... Best suggestion is for you to try different ones out and see which fits you best.

That IS the best advice.    

[3Under]

Love my two piece Wes Wallace Royal with 'boo limbs, Maccasar Ebony limb veneers, and a combo of Gabon Ebony/Maccasar Ebony Riser. It has the small sleeve with a locator grip. For me, it is more forgiving than a Hillstyle Longbows and it has no noticable handshock.
It's 66" Nock to Nock, 56 lbs. @ 28"

[3Under]

Here is a few photos of the Royal:

[Orion]

Rob:  You're right re Hills having more bend toward the tips.  That's where the capital letter D has most of its bend as well.  That's what I call a true D shape.  A lot of others form more of a crescent.  Also D-shaped, but not quite as much, at least that's what I was trying to say.  Really doesn't make much difference, of course, except maybe to penmanship teachers.

[Rob DiStefano]

Originally posted by Orion:
Rob:  You're right re Hills having more bend toward the tips.  That's where the capital letter D has most of its bend as well.  That's what I call a true D shape.  A lot of others form more of a crescent.  Also D-shaped, but not quite as much, at least that's what I was trying to say.  Really doesn't make much difference, of course, except maybe to penmanship teachers.

Yep, I agree - the slight Hill reflex allows for much more of a "D" brace shape than those somewhat snaky mild r/d's.  In the long run, it's all a compromise of sorts.  Heck, even those aggressive r/d "stealth" hybrids that have a "D" shape have their own issues, too - that dang noodle limb wobble.  The best compromise for me is a well designed and well built mild r/d longbow that uses Tonkin cane exclusively for the limbs - still has a classic curved arc when braced, a bit more arra speed, and a smoother finish to the shot.  Love my 'Hawks.

[SouthMDShooter]

Im throwin out another vote for the northern mist baraga. Its just an all around great bow and i have all the confidence in the world when its in my hand

[overbo]

I've had pronghorns,robertson,morrison,and shot a few others but for me the best D shape longbow is a Fredrick Baron.Very little reflex w/ very tapperd trapped limbs and narrow tips.Much like the Berry's and Harrisons but have yet to shoot either.

[HATCHCHASER]

MOHAWK!

[ghost rob]

The Northwind Tempest has been a pleasent surprise in it's accurate shooting abilities. It's got my vote.

[AdamH]

Now I just need Vince to build me an "Osage MOHAWK" !!