Hill style bows need advise

[dad]

I'm thinking real hard about ordering one of these types. This is not my first attempt. I did order a Hill bow from HH Archery. Lesson learned that a straight grip will shorten your draw length about one inch. Had one made at 28 and draw length with that bow was 27 lost limb action. The bow was 45@28 and 68". What would you recommend for length of bow @ 27? The bow will be every day use from animal round leagues to hunting. I will try to find a used right handed one first. Any other advise will be very helpful and Thank you in advance.

[khardrunner]

66" would probably be best IMHO.

Try a few used and see what you like. Any of the guys building this style do a great job. Dave Miller, Nate Steen, Nate Steele, Craig Ekin, Dave Johnson, etc. You can also call them and have them customize a bow for your DL and needs. They know best.

[centaur]

I would agree that 66" would be a good choice. Having said that, I have 64", 66", and 68" and like them all.

[Shawn Rackley]

I would go with 66". Should do it. And all the guys above make great bows. I really like my jd.berry vixen. Been pretty hung up on it for a few years. Its a great set back limbed bow.

[Greg Skinner]

My draw length is about 26 1/2 and I like 66".  I have 5 different HH or Hill style bows that are 66".   I also have a Cheetah that is 68" that I never shoot because it just feels as though I'm not getting the limb action I should.  Sometime I would like to try a 64" but I don't wish to spend the money just for a trial.

 I would go with 66" if I were you.  If you can't find a used one that meets your specs you might consider a blank from HHA or 7Lakes. I've finished both and been pleased with the final result.

7Lakes
 

HH Redman
 

[Jim Wright]

Dale, I would talk to the Bowyer, because of differences in design there is no direct correlation between draw and bow length. I shoot Toelke Super Ds and my 29" draw is easily accomodated by the 64" bows that dan has made me. There is not a hint of stacking and handshock is more of a rumor than real and they are QUIET!

[Knapper]

Hi Greg;

Who made the bow that is a hinge takedown that you have a photo of?  I like that.

Tom

[Knapper]

I noticed it says HH Redman did not know that HH had a hinge.

[JRY309]

I draw 27" too,and have a 66" and 68".Hard to say which one is better I like them both.I have had a couple a 70" Hill's also,they were fine.I wouldn't go shorter then 66" with my 27"

[khardrunner]

I think it was a u-finish blank from his post knapper

[Orion]

Dad:  You'll find very little difference in the performance of a 66- and 68-inch Hill bow if they are both the same weight at the same draw.  You lost a few pounds of draw weight because of the shorter draw length, not really lost limb action.  Well, the limbs don't flex as much if they're not drawn as far.  Maybe that's what you're saying.  

For some reason, most HHs are a few pounds heavier than marked.  Maybe you still had a 45# draw at 27 inches.  Ever put the bow on a scale?  

I'd also recommend a 66-inch bow for a 27-inch draw.  Don't need greater length than that for smoothness, and it's a tad easier to maneuver. Good luck.

[Goshawkin]

I draw 26.5" and have/shoot HH style bows from 64"-70"
They all shoot fine for me.The difference between 66" and 68"? 1" on the end of each limb.
Guess I concentrate on what I want to hit to much,cause I don't notice the difference when I'm shooting.

[Kevin L.]

I draw 27" and the 66 bows shoot best for me in regards to getting full use out of the limbs. I have a couple of Hill-style bows at 68" and they seem to lack the "snap" with heavier arrows that I get from my 66" bows, but draw a little smoother and are a tad more forgiving for target shooting. My buddy just got a 70" Hill, but I haven't had a chance to try it yet, never shot one that long.

[SportHunter]

I draw 27" on Hill style bows and my 66" Shelton is my top bow; however, I really like my 70" Grevy as well. When you lay them side by side there isn't much difference in limb profile and overall length.  The 66" is a bit more nimble to maneuver and will do everything you need, and your bowyer can customize the bow to perform at your 27" draw.

[Rob DiStefano]

imho, the minimum for a 27" d/l is 66" for an afl.  if well tillered it will pull nice 'n' smooth.  increase the bow length if you want to further increase the smoothness.  all bamboo limb cores and veneers are smoother yet.  ymmv.

[dad]

Thank you for the replies. I will be going to Kazo on the 25Th to try some out. I know Steve from Northern Mist will be their and others also. Thanks for the advise. On the draw lenght I'm a firm beleiver in using all the limb, if I short draw I'm not getting all of the limb power.

[58WINTERS]

I've had 66"& 68" bows all straight limbed Liberty English and Howard Hill's . Bamboo and yew cores weights from 47-60. Draw 27-27-1/2 . I prefer the overall feel of the 68"
58

[Greg Skinner]

Knapper, the Redman HH with the hinge TD is from a blank that I got and installed the hinge in the finish process.  Here are a few pics of the build-along

 

 

 

 

[arrow flynn]

I draw 27.5 at the completion of my time with bob wesley at his school I had him order for me a hhill longbow he would inspect it before sending it to me he said the. 70 lnch would shoot the best tor me.