HH bug got me ... Part One!

[sticksnstones]

I was catching up and see the 3u/split discussion. I had a few finger injuries in the last year and I thought I'd share this.

I shoot 3 finger split, all my bows are set for it. First injury was on my ring finger, I went to 2 under and it shot perfectly without moving the nock points. Once my finger was healed I went back to 3 finger split.

Recently I had a bad cut on my forefinger, I just dropped it off the string for a few nights and used my middle two fingers with 2 under and got the same results. Thankfully I'm back to 3 finger split again.

The bows all gave me a little "3 under twang" and it was noticeable but I'm completely confident I wouldn't ruin a hunt over a small issue with one finger or another.  Just a little hip pocket trick in case anyone can use it in a pinch.
Thom

[Brianlocal3]

James, glad you got you to out!! Dont let them best you with your own bow though!

Stick, thanks for your observstions

[nineworlds9]

Thanks for the tip Thom.  I have experimented with 'two finger split' (-ring) to good effect on lighter bows 45/-.

[moleman]

Seems I won the Osage Custom on the St. Judes auction, 69" 69 @ 28 all Osage w/clear glass, I cant wait to get my paws on it!
If the old girl shoots as good as she looks, there may be some changes in the rankings around here!    

[Brianlocal3]

Paul, I am a huge fan of one offs myself. I just couldn't hang with you this year!!!!!!!!! We just got back from vacation otherwise you would have had to dig into the savings account! Good win Paul

[Goshawkin]

Originally posted by Knawbone:
Wow Nick, that looks outstanding, need to see a full pic or two. Congrats on another nice one.      

David,Here's a full pic of the bow,sorry best I could do with the phone.
 

[kestimator]

Beautiful Goshawkin!!!!

[centaur]

On my recent trip to HHA (see post), I asked Craig if he would do a limited edition TG bow if there was interest. He is up for the idea if there would be enough takers. Craig was a lot of fun to talk to, and if you ever get to Hamilton, it is well worth stopping in and visiting.

[toddster]

I am up to for a special edition bow for us, wink.  I regret not going to hamilton and visisting when I drove out to yellowstone.  Perhaps another adventure is in order.

[DarrenAltizer]

After shooting recurves and reflex longbows most of my archery life, I ready to catch the bug and get my first HIll style bow.
My question, which I know can be subjective to each person, is where should I get my first one from? Straight from HHA, or from another builder?
All your suggestions will be helpful cause I am always looking for information on good bowyers.

[centaur]

HHA is certainly a good choice, but there are lots of others. Steve Turay and David Miller immediately come to mind. HHA has a much quicker turnaround, if you are looking to get a new, made for you, bow in a month or so. The others will take quite a while longer to get you shooting.

[Brianlocal3]

Centaur is right on. I will say, and it's no secret I love JD Berrys, that I do not believe there are finer American longbows made than the Berry Vixen, Morningstar and Misty Dawn.  Do some shopping around, call each bower and look at some pics.

[Goshawkin]

Originally posted by DarrenAltizer:

My question, which I know can be subjective to each person, is where should I get my first one from?  

I'd go with the classifieds on here.Some really good deals on some great bows. It'll be easier on your wallet too if you don't like the bow.Probably be able to sell it for what you paid and try another.When you find a bow you really like,you can have that bowyer build one right to your specs if you want.

[nineworlds9]

For a first Hill Id definitely buy used and try a Hill bow first.  Also, shoot it for at least a while before you judge how you like the style, days or a couple weeks isn't enough IMHO.  Some guys are quick to judge that they dislike Hill bows before really learning the basics on grip/ form/ thump.

[DarrenAltizer]

Thanks alot guys for the help! I really appreciate the feedback. Probably will head over to the classifieds.

[Bowboy_AR]

So I think I'm pretty close to ordering a custom Hill from HHA (my first custom).  I acquired second hand a very nice Cheetah a few months back and just love it (posted pics here).  Just HAVE to have another one!  Would love any input on my choices, good or bad:

Tembo with caramelized bamboo lams, myrtle riser with straight grip, brown glass back and clear belly.  That much I'm fairly set on.  I would like to have the visible fades on the riser - was wondering if there's any negatives to this because it SURE looks NICE!  

I'm back and forth on length and stringfollow or backset... I draw about 25.5" with my 68" Cheetah.  At times I think 64" with stringfollow... next day, I'm at 66" with backset... and all other combinations of those choices.        It's probably 6 with one and half-dozen with the other and I just need to shut up and order the bow.  Any input though?  Thanks!  Love this thread!  

[Brianlocal3]

Bow,
First off GREAT CHOICES.  I LOVE colored on back , clear on belly. My favorite is brown back/clear belly. Loving your choices! With that draw you can get away with alot in the short range. Personally I would ask Craig his suggestion because he knows his models better than anyone. The Tembos rock.  I have a VERY similar bow on order now with James at JD Berry.

[Bowboy_AR]

Thanks for the input, Brian! I like clear glass a lot on the belly too and really think the brown glass on the back is a nice classic look!

[khardrunner]

25 inch draw I'd vote for 64" or 66"

If 25.5" is your max draw, mine is 26 plus a bit, and your release is crisp, as in you don't lose any of your draw in the act of releasing, a 66" that is very lean to the tips will shoot fine.  However, a 64" with backset and fast flight ready on a standard grip or a 62" reverse handle that is mean and lean will give a bit more cast.  The advantage of the reverse that is fast in the tips is you can get a soft in the hand bow that is still stable.  I would bet that you would like a standard 64" with a straight grip the best, make sure that the grip is the right size for your hand.