Forward Riser Hill - sweet!

[Hatrick]

Just finished this one. I took my stringfollow form and made a backset forward riser using Eastern Red Cedar for lams. I've only shot about 75 arrows through it but I have to say it shoots very well. I'm especially impressed with my consistency which I attribute to the forward riser.

I also want to say how much I enjoy this site and how much I learn from you guys on the Bowyers Bench. Some great posters here. I don't post much myself but thought I'd show this one. I really like the forward riser.... a lot!


Specs:
64"   45# @ 28" (backset is only 3/8")
2 - .145 - .080 taper lams  (Eastern Red Cedar)
1 - .140 parallel
2 - .040 black glass
White phenolic tip wedges

Riser is 14-3/4" with Cocobolo and a 1/4" strip of phenolic on the belly side
Slightly dished grip to the palm area
The grip is 5-1/4" in circumference (I like a big grip)

   

   

   

   

[BenM]

wow nice!

[jsweka]

Very Nice!!  These forward riser designs certainly seem to be catching on among Hill enthusiasts.  I have to admit that I use to think they looked like you strung your bow backward, but the looks are really growing on me and I've been toying with the idea of building one.

[bjansen]

Very nice...that is one I have never tried, but always wanted to.  Looks great

[red hill]

Nice, Hatrick. I like the profile, but what benefits do you gain with a forward riser?

[Al Dean]

very nice

[Hatrick]

You guys that like Hills and haven't tried one of these should really consider it. I think you'll like the results.

red hill, the benefit to me is more bow stability, especially for such a light mass weight bow. It places my hand far enough forward that I feel more control. I have more tendancey to continue to push towards the target rather than let my bow arm move side to side, if that makes sense. Really the same as any forward riser recurve. Look at the design of a Black Widow PTF or a 59 Kodiak and you'll see the forward riser. It's in all the BW recurves but more pronounced in the PTF because of the riser profile.

[fujimo]

very cool indeed!!

[red hill]

I've noticed the forward risers on all those bows you mentioned, hat rock.  And the stability does make sense.  Thanks.

[MoeM]

Really a nice bow and a beautifull wood combo!
The improved handling makes fw riser hills really worth thinking about!

[Buemaker]

Looking Good. Bue-.

[canopyboy]

I seriously considered just finishing one of my string follow blanks the other direction and making a reverse handle bow from it two nights ago.  

Very nice.  Where in Maryland are you so I can can come see it in person?  

[KellyG]

Man hatrick That looks cool but man I would have sworn you strung it backwards. Thanks for sharing.

[bsv]

Very nice Hatrick,Question? when you make it slightly dished do you sand thru the glass on the now belly side? do you have any pics with-out the leather grip? thanks Burt

[bigbob2]

Very interesting! Might have to try one myself.

[Scott E. Thomas]

Hey buddy, great looking bow. Now if you can keep it at Baltimore for the whole weekend maybe I can get a chance to put a few arrows threw it.      See you in the spring and God bless, Scott.

[Hatrick]

Hey Scott, I deserved that one   . Yes, I think I can keep it for the whole weekend this time and I would be most happy to have you fling some arrows threw it! I will most definately see you in the spring.

Canopyboy, If you have a couple of stringfollow blanks you really ought to try one "the other way." You might be surprised. I live in Sykesville not far from Route 70 and 40 minutes east of Fredrick Maryland. Let me know if your ever up this way.

bsv, my dish really rotates towards the palm area. I did sand through the glass on the left side but not completely through at any point. Though I don't think that would ever be a problem.

bigbob2, for anyone that currently has a stringfollow form I would say why not give it a try.