Help me pick my first hill style longbow for hunting

[julienkoz]

I'm looking to try my first hill style longbow and am hoping you can help me narrow down what you think I'd be happiest with.

The only bow I currently own is a #52@28" 64" long Bear Montana.  I draw 25-26" at 5'11" tall. I tried to weigh the string and as far as I can figure, I'm pulling about #[email protected]" usually. I'm pretty happy with the weight but could stand to go a little heavier - maybe about #50. I hate the locator grip on it and want a straight grip. I use it for hunting strictly so forgiveness is a TOP priority. I can handle the 64" length, but I always wish it was at least just a bit shorter for convenience - but not at the expense of forgiveness/accuracy - I'd like to find the right balance. I don't care about speed - I'd rather hit the deer where I want than miss with more fps. From the research that I've done, it sounds like a reverse handle bow with string follow/forward set is about right. Would the reverse grip and string follow be a noticeable help over say, a Classic hill style bow? What do you think about my list of requirements here and is there any other info you need to make a solid recommendation?


*Sent the above message to Steve at Northern Mist Longbows last week, but haven't heard back and his site appears to be down. Hope he's alright. I just joined the member classifieds, so I figured I'd ask here!

Thanks!

[Grizzly63]

Hi
Have you looked at howard hill archery.

[bucknut]

The forward handle string follow would surely be the most forgiving of form flaws and such, but I wouldn't go less than 64". I have found 66" seems to be the perfect length for me. I'm 5' 8" and draw around 26.5".  Steve at Northern Mist would be a good builder as would JD Berry.

[Baylee]

Before jumping in to a custom ASL I’d find a local shoot or even if you have to drive a ways, to shoot a few different ASLs. On paper a reverse handle string follow may fit the bill. But in reality a backset straight gripped ASL may fit you better and you may like it more. You really need to shoot a few to get an idea. RMSG Rocky Mountain Specialty gear sells used bows with a 7 day trial. I’ve bought Northern Mist and Howard Hill archery bows from their used list. The price of return shipping is a lot cheaper than a new custom bow and there’s a chance you’ll find exactly what you want used,save money and wait time on a custom. Northern Mist is about a year wait right now.

[trad_bowhunter1965]

I hope this helps take a look at this post on Hill styles bow and you can PM these guys and get a lot of feedback,
 https://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?topic=84642.0

[Rob DiStefano]

My strong advice is to call Howard Hill Archery and either Craig or his son will give you the good scoop for a bow that will fit and shoot well from the get-go.

I will add ... I have a Strong preference for all bamboo cores and veneers, for their smoothness of cast.  I also prefer black or brown glass to avoid some of the pitfalls of clear glass, and a slight locator grip shape that bests suits my style of gripping the handle. 

[Sam McMichael]

There are a lot of good bowyers out there making Hill style bows. I have 5 bows from Howard Hill Archery and 2 from Northern Mist. I can definitely recommend either of them. I have shot lots of other makers' bows that were nice. In my most limited knowledge, I think just about any well balanced ASL will do the job. You don't necessarily need a forward handle bow for the stability and smoothness you seek, but they are sweet shooters.

My bows are all bamboo cored except one of my Northern Mist Sheltons. It is yew, and I think it is as pretty as any bow Steve Turay has ever built. If you hold it on point, all these Asl's will do it to it. Unlike a lot of shooters I have a short 25" draw but prefer 68" bows. I don't feel I'm losing anything significant for shooting the long boys.

The advice to go to some shoots and trying out various ASL's is wise. Find what you like then go for it! A used bow may be a good move unless you are certain about the specs you like. It costs less and will still give many years of good service. Your entry indicates you have signed up for the classifieds. One word of caution - a whole lot of us have bought numerous Hill style bows. They are just that much fun.

[bucknut]

FYI There is a hell of a deal on a Northern Mist Ramer in the classifieds.