Hill t/d by Craig Ekin

[Irish Archer]

Not sure when yet, but I'm going to order a Hill from Craig. I'm trying to decide if I want to make it a t/d or not. I'd really like to have one for traveling, but only if I like the grip.

I'm looking for side by side riser photos of standard and t/d (to compare) if anyone could help me out. I have rather large hands and am just wondering about the feel.

I know I could ask Craig, but I figure that there are more photos around here than Craig would ever keep for himself.

Also, other than the feel, do they shoot any differently?

Ok Hill fans, what can you tell me? Thanks for all of your help.

[Dick in Seattle]

the td sleeves come in two sizes.  Tell Craig to use the large one.   I've had both and prefer the small, because of my small hands, but can shoot both.   i found the grip "feel" quite comfortable on the sleeves.   Obviously, there is no shaping, just the sleeve, but like I said, it felt good

If you do get the td, be sure to pull it apart once a month or so and periodically renew the wax.  If they just hang on the wall for a year, they're a bear to get apart.

[Irish Archer]

Dick,

In your opinion, did the t/d shoot just as good as the one-pieces?

[Daddy Bear]

By most standards of measure, I have large hands and normally wear L or XL gloves. I've spent years shooting Jerry Brumm's small "torque free" straight handles on his Critter Gitter bows. Craig's small sleeve take-down grip using cow hide leather matches the Critter Gitter near exactly in feel. IIRC, the small sleeve grip may even be slightly smaller than the standard one-pc grip. I do not think I'd order a Hill bow from him without using the small sleeve as it feels so natural to me.

[Dick in Seattle]

I had three Hill TD's and one, a 60" Redman, was my goto bow for a year.   In everyday shooting, I was never conscious of whether I was shooting a td or not.   One observation that is just a feeling... no actual data, but I kind of felt like just maybe the td grip was less subject to torquing in the hand.

I don't have a Hill td now, and I rather regret that, but I'm making my own longbows (flatbows actually) and not shooting any of the wall full of other great bows I have, so I'm reluctant to invest in another.   I may have to get my courage up and try doing one of my patterns in a td sleeve.... gulp...

[Irish Archer]

You're the man! Just do it.

[Orion]

Sure would be nice if you could try out a few.  Like Daddy Bear, I prefer smaller risers/grips and have a few GN Ghosts and Critter Gitters and some Hills.  I agree that the small TD grip is close to the size of a CG grip, but it's smaller than a standard Hill grip, which is usually about 2 inches deep back to belly, give or take a little.  The larger t/d sleeve would be closer to the standard Hill grip size.  

Sometimes sleeve size may be somewhat dictated by bow draw weight, i.e., a heavy draw weight bow requires thicker laminations.  Now the riser can be slimmed down to still accommodate a small sleeve, but it may not be as aesthetically pleasing.  Generally, a larger sleeve will be stronger because it retains more of the riser wood within the sleeve.

The T/D sleeve will add about 6-8 ounces or so to the riser weight.  Most folks like that.  Gives a little more heft to what normally is a very physically light bow.

All in all, it boils down to personal choice.  Either size will work.  Good luck.

[Irish Archer]

That's the problem. Around central Ohio, I just don't see any Hills at the 3-D shoots. I'd ask someone to try their bow but you have to see one first.

But then, I wasn't aware that there are two different sizes of sleeves. That's good to know.

I wish I could just hop a flight to Montana and see for myself. But that ain't gonna' happen.

[SpankyNeal]

Randy, my hand is 7 1/4" long from the begining of the wrist to the end of my middle finger, and I really like the small takedown grip. Here's a pic of the 2" deep Hill grip on a Wesley that I had, and it was too deep for me! The other pic is of two St. Charles bows of mine. The one on the left has the small sleeve which fits perfectly! The one on the right may be the large sleeve, but I don't know for sure, but it is slightly bigger than the other one. The sleeve adds a little weight, which can be good on a Hill from an accuracy standpoint, and stiffens the riser some. I think they shoot just as well, maybe better than the standard bow. Good luck with your purchase!

Ken

   
   

[pktm]

I just picked up a T/D Howard Hill Cheetah in a trade. Compared to my other two Hills, I don't miss a beat. To me the key component in a Hill bow is to find the sweet spot in brace height. The grip really doesn't come into play much. I have small hands and the T/D is I assume of the large sleeve. Like I said, I didn't miss a beat. Go for it, Craig makes a great bow.

[Daddy Bear]

To give you an apple to apple comparison, my hand measures 10". This puts me dead in the middle between L and XL glove size. I find the small sleeve to be ideal for me. It is natural to point with no torque.

When I spoke with Craig's son, he also prefered the small sleeve for his personal bow and he is similar to my size. I've also noticed a broad brushed range of persons having everything from small to large hands all giving positive feedback on the small sleeve. It may be as previously noted that persons get accustomed to a small grip and choose the small sleeve out of habit moreso than any actual testing. But for me, I cannot warm up to a large grip:)

later,
Daddy Bear

[tradtusker]

contact Tradman 25 he has a T/d hill and would get you some pics.

[Irish Archer]

Thank you all.

[Jason Jelinek]

I just got a T/D Wesley Special blank.  I haven't finished it off yet, but it feels really tight and solid.  I got the large handle.  I don't have large hands and it feels pretty good.  Then again, I loosely grip the handle when I shoot.

[Greg Skinner]

I think the key is whether you like shooting the straight grip handle.  I have 2 St.Charles TD's and 1 HH Halfbreed TD, all with the same size small sleeve.  I personally prefer a straight grip so I have no problem whatsoever with the TD sleeves.  If you aren't sure it would be best to try someone elses first.  I just this week finished a Tembo blank one piece from HH.  I got it with black glass over carbon on the back and it is really a looker and a snappy shooter.  I'd post a pic, but I've never been able to figure the photobucket thing.  If you are into do-it-yourself projects the blank is a great way to go.

[Irish Archer]

I'd love to try a blank, but a fella has to know his limitations. I'd love to think that I have the skills to finish one but the reality of it is that I probably do not.

But thanks for the ideas.

[RRock]

If your around Lancaster, I have a one piece HH with a straight grip you can try.