"Better" is a very subjective evaluation. :confused: I own/have owned a lot of "Hill style" longbows, and I can honestly say that not once have I picked one up that just blew the rest out the door. They are all more alike than different. But what I can say, strictly from my own vantage point mind you, is that with the Hills the amount of string follow is not enough to matter or hardly notice. The Northern Mist has a noticeable difference in feel on the draw and on the shot--more gentle, a bit easier on the draw up front due to the greater degree of deflex of the limb toward the shooter. As for speed, I don't chrono my bows so can't specifically give any numbers but Steve says his NM Shelton only gives up around 4-5 fps compared to his standard reflex Classic. To my eye I can't "see" that sort of difference.
I do not currently own any Hill SF bows but do own a Redman, Owl TD, and Wesley Special in the standard gentle reflex design. I would happily still own a couple of fine SF Hills had the weight been a bit more comfortable for me--they were sweet bows too. My Shelton may well be the most gentle, pleasant Hill style longbow I have owned and shot. Again, my proviso--not by a lot! I also love my NM Classic. (In case you haven't gathered by now, I love longbows--heck, I love bows).
I also own ShrewHill number 1. Very slight string follow design, similar to the Hills. Fine shooter, much like the Hill SF bows I have had. I'm not sure it has enough SF to really matter either.
Workmanship: I give the edge to Northern Mist by a little, Hills next and the ShrewHill third. I have only seen one ShrewHill "in person"--mine. Again, not a great deal of difference in this area either. The NMs just tend to show a bit more refinement to my eye.
Having said all this, I can tell you that all three are fine bows and a person would not make a mistake with any of these and I like all three makes about equally. I have become convinced over lots of years and lots of bows owned, seen, and shot that there is no "WOW" bow that I have picked up that just leaves the rest in the dust. Too much competition and too many talented and clever bow makers for that.
IF I were planning to order another Hill style longbow, I would basically go with the one I could get the quickest (Hill--about 3 weeks on all my orders) simply because at my age (69) it isn't even a good plan to buy green bananas. :D I just am not going to get on a year to two year-long list at this point in my life.
Hope this helps. I really do find it difficult to objectively rank my beloved longbows! They get so darned jealous if they find out.
I would love to see some feedback from others who have experience with some of these bows to see what your evaluaiton is, so let's have at it.
Topic: string follow howard hill craig ekin bow (Read 258 times)
