Great Northern vs Howard Hill

[Hoosierarcher88]

Looking to put in my order this week for a new longbow build but im having a hard time making up my mind. Ive had several great northerns and loved them but have never owned a howard hill. If you were to spend your money on one would you rather it be a great northern traditional in 66" or a Howard Hill tembo or wesley special in 66" and why.

[Michael Guran]

I’m of the mindset that life is short and I should try different bows. And everyone needs at least one Hill in the stable!

[Orion]

Agree with MB.  Given that they're both pretty much straight bows, they'll shoot similarly, but a Hill has a totally different/larger grip.  You may or may not like it, but worth giving it a try.  BTW, I have or have had both and like them both, but they are different. 

I'd go with a Tembo or Big 5 or some other 4 lamination Hill.  The extra lamination in a Wesley Special just stiffens it up a bit, IMO. Not everyone would agree with me, of course.  Get Craig's opinion of the various models before deciding. 

[Sam McMichael]

Ive got 5 Hill bows, including two Wesley Specials and like all of them. I also have 2 Cheetahs and a Big Five. One of the Cheetahs is a standby hunter at 55#. Truthfully, though, my current primary hunting bow is my Shelton from Northern Mist. Even though my draw length is probably better suited to a shorter bow, I prefer 68". All my Hills and both of my Northern Mists, along with 3 Bamboo Longhunters and a Death Wish by Steve Welte are all this length. I liked the Great Northern, but the wait time from Hill was shorter, so I went that route. I believe that whichever you choose, you will get a nice bow.

[Steelhead]

I like the smallish grip quite a bit on the GN traditional longbow.Its probably my favorite as far as grips go on ASLs.But thats just me.Not sure what type of grip you would like.

Hill may have more grip options?Dished,straight,bigger smaller etc.?

[Hoosierarcher88]

Ive had a shelton and loved it and the hill style straight grip but also loved the straight grip on my great northerns.

[ron w]

In my opinion, which some will tell you that means nothing, I think the Wesley Special seems to perform a bit better.  But. I like them all  !!!

[Nomadic Pirate]

Lately I get Craig to make me my bows without the leather grip and they feel much better.

Gotta try one Hill in your life

[Part Time Archer]

I have a Northern Mist Shelton ,so impressed with the quality. I swear Steve can read your mind and deliver exactly what your thinking about.

[UncasUK]

Back in the 80s I had a H&H big five 61lb at 28'' lovely bow nicely finished but hand shock
was quite strong, I don't have any experience of Great Northen bows.
But I would be enclined to order both and sell the one you like least.
Or find some other archer who has one or both and see which you like best.

[toddster]

Shoot one first, there should be a club near you, and/or a group of trad gangers and guarantee at least two have a Hill bow.  I have shot a great many longbows over the years and the two you mentioned are great.  I went with a Howard Hill Tembo for my first bow, and bought more since, but really need to shoot them side by side.