HH bug got me ... Part One!

[Hermon]

Just an observation and not a criticism of any sort here.  

When most bowyers make a bow model, the model is based on the physical design of the bow.  Example, a set back bow will have a model designation.  You can order it in many wood combinations, glass choices, etc.

Same bowyer makes a string follow bow, it has a different name, but can be ordered in usually the same wood, glass choices.

Anyone know why Howard Hill Archery chooses to name bows after the wood combinations?  From what I have seen, you can order two bows off the same form, with different woods and they would be different bow models.  And you could order a set back, a straight and a string follow and they would be the same bow if they were made from the same wood combinations.

I fully realize that the number of lams and what they are made of makes a difference, but I have seen people post that they had an extra lam added to be built like "x" bow, but it is still named after the wood combination.

Just seems like a confusing way of doing things to me.  But then again, I ain't the brightest crayon in the box either.  

[Brianlocal3]

Hermon,
Craig states in his booklet and website that the naming of bows is based off of Howard's way of "naming" his bows. Yes they are different models, but its actually names if that makes sense.
Much like if you built yourself a bow out of "x" combo and named it nighthawk, then you build yourself an identical designed bow but with "y" woods and named it leviathan.

[Hermon]

I see what you are saying, but when someone says they prefer shooting a Redman to a Halfbreed, maybe they prefer a set back to a straight(or whatever they may each be), rather than a yew vs. yew/osage.  

Thanks for the reply Brian

[Moots]

Fellows,

I have a J.D. Berry Vixen on order (three months out).  Are there any options or variations of the bow that you suggest that I order?  

For example, Brian, I saw one of your old posts that you ordered a JD Berry bow and wish that you had ordered a "radius shelf."  Is that correct?  Does that mean "radius" as opposed to "v-notch"?  

What suggestions can you give me?

Thank you,
Rob

[Brianlocal3]

Moots,
I'd ask James specifically that question.
In regards to the shelf, James will only cut his shelf flat but his sight window is radiused.  The issue I had at hand then was getting good arrow flight and what that boiled down to was my inability to properly tune which has been resolved.

James keeps options of the physical characteristics pretty limited, with exception to wood choices and grip size/shape. His explanation to me was to stay true to his design and what he feels makes an American Longbow (I.e. no tip overlays, riser overlays)

Again though, best left for James to answer

[Rossco7002]

That's pretty cool that he's 'keeping it real' with regards to the appearance of the classic ASL. Love those clean, simple lines that have been boile down to pure shooting enjoyment!

[Moots]

Thanks Brian.

[swampthing]

Tango down. 50# short drawn to 26"   22-yards. 1-yard recovery.
   

[Mike Mongelli]

Nice work Swamp!

[Brianlocal3]

Great shot!!!!!!
I just made a post in the recipes section for squirrel qnocii, that tender guy would work perfect

[Moots]

You folks eat squirrel and dumplings up there in New Hampshire?  Nice shot.

[Mike Mongelli]

I haven't had homemade gnocchi in years and never with tree rat... Sounds good!

[nineworlds9]

Nice kill swampthing!!!

Fellas,
I finally got Lamont Granger's Big River Hill that I bought from chetterB in hand after a 9 day USPS saga that had the bow headed to California instead of Florida...guess it wanted to take a vacation first!?  LOL

The bow is a lovely sight.  I've named it 'La Grange'.  

Phenolic riser, 4 lams of bamboo, white glass belly and black glass back.  66" and 50@28.

The craftsmanship is every bit as good as a Miller and she shoots just a nicely as the Old Tom I used to have.  I'm gonna give a straight grip one more go around.  The phenolic riser has some nice extra mass and I think this one might finally be my go-to Hill bow.  It seems a little special that it belonged to someone who was so well loved by the trad community.  

'La Grange' aka the 'tuxedo' bow:

 
 
 
 
 
 

[nineworlds9]

A few more of La Grange:

 
Neat black glass overlay on rear of handle
 
 
 
 

John McDonald really crafts a world class Hill bow.

[Brianlocal3]

Very nice bow nine! !!!!! Absolutely classyw

[Moots]

I really like the black and white together.  Great looking bow!

[akbowbender]

Nice addition to the stable, Chuck! I too like the black & white glass.  Very classy!

[Mudd]

Beautiful bow!

That's about as classic and classy as they come.

Thanks for sharing.

God bless,Mudd

[stik&string]

Swamp - Great shot on the tree rat!

Nine - awesome looking Big River

[nineworlds9]

Thanks fellas.  I talked to chetterB about the bow back and forth a bit before buying and just had a good feeling on that one.  Tonight I shot it and did a little better with a straight grip than I'm used to.  Maybe some Lamont mojo will shine down on me.  I intend for this bow to make the HGHH 2014.