Could use suggestions on a Hill style longbow with a $200 budget

[forestdweller]

Does such a bow exist? I'm looking to get a longbow that is deep core (like the one Hill and Byron uses) for around $200 (not much more than that.

Does such a bow exist? I'd like to use one in longbow only tournaments and perhaps for hunting as well depending on how much I like the bow.

I took a look at the Samick Red Stag but it looks more like a flatbow to me. I like the slender narrow limbed look of the Hill style longbow.

Something that's cut to center at the least would be preferable but not a must for me in a bow.

Thanks!

[tomsm44]

I've seen a couple in the $350-$400 range I think, but not positive since I'm not a Hill guy.  Might check the used market.

[Alvey]

what draw weight are you looking for?

[forestdweller]

45# since it will be used in tournaments and I want maximum control over the bow without much fatigue.

[Orion]

Very few narrow limbed Hill style bows will be cut to center.  Not much width in the riser to work with, and cutting to center weakens the riser quite a bit.

[nineworlds9]

for a true Hill style bow and your budget I would look for a used bow that has some age and mileage to it.  In that draw weight and in top shape nearly all true Hills I've seen from any maker are 275-300+ at the cheapest.  

The center cut will be a problem.  I have yet to encounter any true Hill that was center cut its a materials/design constraint.

Why does it have to be a true Hill?  Find yourself a used Mohawk Sparrowhawk and call me in the morning, Lol.

[Caleb Monroe]

The first thing I thought of was a used Bear Montana. Not exactly a Hill but probably could find a used one in your price range.

[Petrichor]

I was thinking Montana as well.  You can pick up a good one in your range sub 200.  While it has a slight reflex it has a D shaped profile when strung.  Also happens to be cut on center.  I have seen several Hill longbows used on the Footed shaft but I believe them to be much heavier than your wanting.  Keep you eye on the footed shaft and RMS they both have used montanas I believe if your interested.

[damascusdave]

I have a one of a kind Mongoose forward riser mild d/r longbow, one of the nicest shooting bows I own, I bought used for 215 recently...you have to be willing to take some risk and loosen up your standards a bit...nothing wrong with shooting a longbow in another class if it does not meet the rules...unless of course you are planning to get very competitive in which case you will be spending a way more on good arrows, some of which you will break or lose in the learning process...the bow is in fact only part of the equation...I probably have 300 dollars worth of tabs looking for just the right one for target work (which I found)

DDave

[Caboo]

Damon Howatt ML-14, Len Busbee at Traditional Archery Sales in FL has a couple.

[STICKBENDER98]

X3 on the Montana, I know a couple guys who bought them because they were cheap to play around with, and have fallen in love with them!!!

[PEARL DRUMS]

Build one! Hickory backed ipe is a lovely Hill style bow wood combo. Keep it under 1" wide and around 70" long. Glue it up flat and straight and you will get just a bit of follow. No forms or fancy tools needed. Just a dead flat surface and 15-20 c-clamps.

[Sam McMichael]

Your best bet for your price range is to find a used bow. Even then, it may not be all that easy, so look diligently. Don't worry about the cut to center item - it is no big deal. Hill style bows, for this reason, often need lighter spined arrows than some of the other styles, but when properly tuned, a Hill style bow can be extremely accurate.

[tomsm44]

Just out of curiosity.  Do you build anything?   Reason I ask is that I build knives and do a little leather work, and I've never actually had to buy a bow.  I have built knives and traded for a couple nice $500-$600 bows though.  Materials typically cost me $100 or less.  Takes some patience to find somebody that's interested that either builds or has a used bow like you want.  I think lots of horse trading goes on in the trad community.

[pete p]

the only thing new that might even resemble a hill is a samick outlander 68", at least thats all i can think of. otherwise your best bet is used.

[tomsm44]

I was drooling over at RMSgear.com and I noticed several of the old Bear longbows in that price range.  Not exactly a Hill bow, but thought I'd mention it.  They also had several Hill style bows around the $300 price range, but most of them are 55# plus.