Best bowyers making Hil style bow?

alex321 · February 22, 2014, 01:42:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by tomwatson:
Northern Mist. Steve understands the mechanics that go into a good American Semi-longbow. He will custom fit the bow to you. For instance, even though I draw 26 in, I ordered a 68" Shelton. Steve explained that he would custom tiller the bow to a 26in draw allowing for maximum performance.

Tom

I would be interested in the Classic or the Shelton, but it must be a take-down. Northen Mist do not seem to do a take-down of the Howard Hill style bow. So they are off my list

I am not after a fancy bow with exotic woods. I only want a really well made bow using stadard woods. I don't need anything just for show.

Cheers
Alex

2treks · February 22, 2014, 02:58:00 PM

Northern Mist has made 2pc bows for many many years.

cahaba · February 22, 2014, 03:05:00 PM

Steve at N.M. did the same for me. I draw 26" and ordered a 67" Shelton. I get a good full limb bend and great speed. Steve knows how to tiller a bow for short draw lengths.

LongStick64 · February 22, 2014, 04:39:00 PM

Alex you would be making a Giant mistake to take Steve Turay off your list. I have a NM Retro Classic and it is a ass kicker of a Hill bow. I'm not going to name other bowyers but from my experience, Steve's "Hills" perform at a much higher level. The cast is flatter.

NBK · February 22, 2014, 04:46:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Two Tracks:
Northern Mist has made 2pc bows for many many years.

Thanks for the clarification.
(This is also the guy that makes the "echo" hill style bow that everyone is raving about

!)

alex321 · February 22, 2014, 04:49:00 PM

I looked at Northern Mist, but could not find a 2 piece take down option. However, its been suggested that there is so I will have another look.

I think I will consider HHA, Northern Mist, Dave Miller and Big foot.

I am looking to start at 35-40Lbs draw length and work up from that eventually. Most people here in Europe stop at 45lb at 28". I have a 45lb longbow, but feel its just a little too much.

However, you guys seem to shoot much stronger bows especially in Howard Hill format. Maybe the design allows it. It seem like you spread the force over a wider area on the hand with these Hill bows.

Thank you all for your suggestions.
Alex

Kmurray · February 22, 2014, 05:10:00 PM

I've been fighting with "what bow/what bowyer" question for years now... literally year.

I finally pulled the trigger (yesterday in fact) on a Howard Hill Archery bow... So, since I just placed my order I can't reflect on the bow... but I can tell you that dealing with HHA was amazingly easy and smooth...

Being new, it's kind of intimidating calling, and speaking to the very people who's work is so well revered here. I spoke with Jason, and he was very helpful, very informative and in no way did he push or direct me/my desires in a direction that was not my own... It was an exceptional experience.

I'll be happy to report on the bow when it arrives.... Jason says 4/6 weeks... Which is a very short wait for a bow.

centaur · February 22, 2014, 05:22:00 PM

There are lots of great bowyers out there, but Howard Hill Archery is right up there, and they have been building bows for many years. They will make it work for you, and you will have a heirloom that you can pass down to your kids. Craig and Jason make it easy to order. Give them a call.

Bobby Urban · February 22, 2014, 06:29:00 PM

Northern Mist. Steve is about as obsessed with Howard Hill and his bows as he is with perfection in making them. Steve will make you a bow you LOVE or he will eat it. And if you know Steve he likely could.(eat it I mean)

Just have a pot of coffee brewed before you call - he likes to talk and is great to work with

David Mitchell · February 22, 2014, 08:40:00 PM

Alex321, Steve Turay will gladly make you a Hill style in a TD. He normally uses the connection system I believe it is called but agreed to make my friend one using the sleeve type system used by Howard Hill Archery. He is a custom bowyer--tell him what you want and I'll bet he will be glad to accommodate you.

mike g · February 23, 2014, 07:27:00 PM

Kmurry....
HHA always say 4-6 weeks, But usually deliver quicker....

Bill Turner · February 24, 2014, 11:36:00 AM

I own 4 TD HHA bows made by Craig. They have been making Hill bows for years. My take down bows are:

68", 45@28 "Wesley Special"
68", 50@28 "Half Breed"
66", 56@28 "Cheetah"
64", 53@28 "Red Man"

I like the mass weight added to the HHA TD bows. It seem to help stabilize the bow during and after the shot. Give Craig or his son, Jason, a call. They will be happy to answer any questions you might have about their bows.

centaur · February 24, 2014, 11:45:00 AM

Bill Turner sez, "I like the mass weight added to the HHA TD bows."
I agree. My t/d Cheetah is the most forgiving of all my bows, and I believe it has to do in part with the added weight in the grip.

Brock · February 24, 2014, 04:25:00 PM

Of the original HHA bows I like the Cheetah the best...

My Mohawk Sparrowhawk is the classic D shaped bow when strung.

Also like a Noble longbow...narrow limbs, D Shaped and the slightest bit of reflex on a traditional dished grip.

a Robertson Primal Styk or Purist is in my future as well...

I have heard good things about Northern Mist and Wes Wallace as well.

djohnson · February 24, 2014, 04:45:00 PM

I can only speak of my experience with Steve Turay. Great individual and all 3 of his bows which I have, have been FANTASTIC.

Tradcat · February 24, 2014, 06:52:00 PM

I CAN'T BELIEVE that NO ONE has even mentioned JD Berry in this thread...HHA and NM are PHENOMOINAL bows BUT JD Berry's bows are very close to perfection in a Hill style bow...F.A.Q (Fast,Accurate,Quiet)....IMHO
Tradcat

katman · February 24, 2014, 08:40:00 PM

Tradcat, JD Berry does not make a take down, I have asked him. Alex is looking for td.

Tradcat · February 24, 2014, 08:49:00 PM

Sorry...my bad ! I should READ before I open my big mouth

alex321 · February 25, 2014, 04:20:00 AM

Yes, its really must be a take down I am afraid...

Does anyone have any experience of the Northern Mist Superior. It says it has a mild R/D and Hill recommends only straight limbs for hunting.
Alex

WESTBROOK · February 25, 2014, 07:26:00 AM

Alex, I have a NM Superior and it is a great bow. They are a little quicker than the straight limb bows, just as quiet and you can it with a straight grip if you want.

I also have 3 NM straight limb bow with 1 more on the way.

NM is my longbow of choice be it straight limb or mild R/D. Not to concerned with what Mr. Hill recommends for hunting as one will work as well as the other.

Eric