Hill style bow shooters ....

[Bob B.]

Do you prefer back set or string follow and why?

Also, I am thinking of a Northern Mist Shelton, any thoughts?

Bob.

[David Mitchell]

I have Hills with string follow and with the normal back set.  Can't really tell a lot of difference.  My Redman in the regular profile is as sweet a longbow as I own.  I also have two NM Sheltons.  They have more string follow than the Hills.  I don't really prefer one style over the other but the NM Sheltons are very pleasant to draw and release due to the greater degree of string follow. The difference is more noticeable with the Northern Mists. In the pictures below, a Hill Big Five string follow is on the right and the NM Shelton is on the left so you can see the difference in the amount of follow. The slight amount of string follow in the Hills is so small it almost doesn't matter as far as I'm concerned--with the NM bows it is more noticeable.

 

 

[Ben Maher]

I prefer string folow as it is just a bit gentler at the shot and I don't really notice any loss in performance as my point on is still the same , or close enough that I can't really tell the difference .
The Northern Mists are sweet !

Having said that I have a few string follows by Craig and they are beautiful , sweet shooters .

[straitera]

Shot both w/little noticeable difference IMO. Really like the Hills w/normal set as they've performed for so long; however, I also own & shoot a Schulz & Ted Kramer. They all shoot very similarly & all have straight or very slight dish grips. Heard solid reports re NM bows! Never owned one.

[stik&string]

I too don't notice that much of a difference but my string follow seems a tad quieter on the release, but it's also 20#s lighter.

[dave kueber]

I like the string follow for pure shootability. To me, they seem gentler both in draw and release. Don't get me wrong I like to shoot all Hill style bows but the string follow bows I own (Sunset Hill and Northern Mist) are more natural to shoot IMO.

Dave

[sweeney3]

David,
I couldn't help but notice that your bows there are...Left Handed...  

[Benny Nganabbarru]

I have both types, and like both types. I'm not much use to you in your quest for advice.

[Lonala]

I have a wesley in stringfollow with a set of hush puppies on the string all you hear is the arrow hit and

 its also sweet shooting would'nt give it up...

[newtotrad]

Bob,
I can't say from personal experience, however, I was trying to make up my mind regarding backset or stringfollow back in June.  I decided to go with a NM Shelton which has stringfollow.  I had read lots of positives concerning Steve and the Shelton, then after meeting him and handling his bows at the Howard Hill Classic I decided to place an order.  He had a 6 month wait in June so I hope mine will be started within the next month.  Cannot wait to get it.

[Owlmagnet]

I have two Wesley Specials. Both have straight grips. One has string follow. The other has the standard back set. I think the string follow pulls a little smoother at the beginning of the draw. It may be a tad more quiet, but they are both pretty nice that way. I've never chronographed them, but I suspect the back set might be a tad quicker, but not much. I like them both, but I tend to prefer the string follow. My next Hill bow will definitely be another string follow. I have no experience with Northern Mist. Be well.

[ron w]

Get one of each...     ..then you can decide for yourself!! I kind'a like string follow!