Couple of Hill Bow ?'s

[SteveL]

I have a 53lb@28" Big 5 (draw 28 1/2)and I'm using Stu Miller's Dynamic Spine finder to choose a spine. Should I use the generic selfbow/longbow choice? And what should I use for the center shot offset - I was thinking +3/16, maybe 1/4 with the leather side plate.

Generally speaking if I want a 29 1/2 fir shaft with a 160 grain point what spine weight would you choose.

Thanks Guys,
---steve

[Looper]

I think you'll need around a 65-70 spine.  With Surewoods, they'll be heavy.  Around 650-670 grains.  If I were you, I'd call Braveheart Archery and get a sample pack of 60-65, 65-70, 70-75, just to be sure.

[SpankyNeal]

I've never had much luck with the calculator for my Hills. If the bow actually measures 53@28 (Hills have a rep for measuring 3-4 lbs. over the marked weight) then I'm thinking 65-70 as well at that length, and maybe even 70-75 especially if your shooting a FF string. A test pack is always a good idea if your not sure, because what works for one guy with that bow, doesn't work for the next who shoots it!

[tg2nd]

What Spanky said.

[Hud]

If your bow is center shot, a heavier spine usually works best.  But with a traditional style LB, I have found my best flight comes from about 5 to 10 lbs of the draw weight. with about 55#, I would start with 55-60,or 60-65 with 160 gr. fp. Much depends on the bow design and whether it is set up for a dacron string or Fast Flight (or similar). In your case a call to Craig might be easiest, IMO.

[David Mitchell]

Spanky is correct--all my Hills scale 4-5# heavier than marked.  I just got a beauty from the classifieds here.  Wesley Special marked 48@27 but actually scales 53@27!  I don't know why this continues to be the case, but I just factor that in whenever I order or buy one used.  Never been wrong yet!

[yamapup]

With the strike plate, your Hill is +3/16 for use with Stu's calc. Do weigh your bow at your draw length to find your actual draw weight. Use the generic longbow/selfbow choice. If I'm not mistaken, Stu lists the Martin Stick which is a similar type of bow and calculations will come out almost identical. Pup

[R.V.T.B.]

My Halfbreed is 55 @ 28 and I draw 29" and get 61 on my scale.  I ordered in two batches of test shafts from Surewood recently and found the 70-75 fly like darts.  Finished arrow weight of 685 grains with a 160 grain field point.  I just ordered three dozen shafts yesterday.

[Rob DiStefano]

almost all craig hill longbows are 2-5# heavier than listed.  email stu miller directly about using his calculator.