HH bug got me ... Part One!

[Goshawkin]

Rossco's question about Howard's "Touch and go anchor" got me thinking about Howard's famous quote that goes something like " decide right now if you want to target shoot or hunt,because they're totaly different"
I know alot of guys take that to mean that Howard shot instinctive to hunt but used his "split vision" method to target shoot.

 I don't see it that way.I think Howard was talking about the speed and stance of the shot process. A target shooter has the upright stance and holds(in some cases quite a long time)at anchor.Probably not the best method for flying,running or charging game.

I think Howard was just able to get on his secondary spot very fast.I can get onto my secondary spot pretty quick and I'm VERY far from being a Howard Hill.And it's not a measured distance to the secondary spot,like a gap shooter.It's just a familiar sight picture from alot of practice.After alot of practice,you can recognise the right site picture for each shot pretty quickly. If you watch some of Howard's trick shot films,you can see him pacing off before he takes the shot.In those instances,I'd bet he knew exactly where the tip of his arrow had to be at that yardage,a gap shot

I just don't think he would abandon a system(Split vision) that worked so well for him just because now he was hunting.Doesn't make sense to me??? He also said that anyone could miss the first shot,but there was no excuse for missing a second shot and you could adjust your hold to make the second shot.Doesn't sound like an instinctive shot to me.

Byron Ferguson seems to do pretty well using his "Become the arrow" system which is pretty much the same as Howard's "Split Vision"

[stik&string]

Nick, that's a beautiful bow for your collection. Take care of your ankle!

when I start shooting without considering my secondary aiming, I find that my form gets sloppy. Really, there is no reason that checking your aiming should take anymore time, it all happens in the drawing process.  For me it is all about vision control and smooth form. When the focus is on, it is easier to see where your arrow is pointing without looking at it.

[Brazos]

I use the split vision style of shooting.  I find it like everything else regarding form.  The more you do it the more automatic it becomes.

[Brazos]

Ok I have a string question and never remember this being asked before, and yes I have read this whole thread.  So maybe we have something new to talk about and a few people can learn from.  The bow in question is a HHA bow I got new June of 2012.  I have always bought HHA strings.  Just called them up and say I need a string for my 68" bow, they sent one, all was well.  This past fall I decided to try out some of these FF strings all you guys rave about.  The first one I got I ordered too short though it was shootable so I dealt with it.  I got another one and the length was perfect.  I am have a new problem so here is my question.  The sting loop on the top limbs slips out of the string groove and if left alone will eventually pop loose completely.  I have noticed the top string loop on my custom string is much larger than the bottom string loop.  Seems to me if the top loop was smaller this would not happen.  My HHA strings the top and bottom string loops appear to be the same size and smaller than the custom string.  So what size of top limb loop should I ask for when ordering a custom string for a HHA bow?  This will be the third custom string for this bow in 9 months and am hoping to get this one right.

[Brianlocal3]

I like my bottom loop to be about the size of a dime and my top loop maybe the size of a nickle. This seems to be "perfect" for me.

[bicster]

I also had the same problem with my string loops popping out. I made my own strings with loops as tight as I could get them and that took care of the problem.

[Brazos]

Thanks bicster. I was hoping that was the solution.  My first string that was too short did not have the issue but since it was too short it gave me a higher brace height.  I think that changed the angle just enough to keep it from happening.

[cahaba]

I'm like Brian. When I ordered a custom string I told the maker to make the bottom string the size of a dime and the top the size of a nickel. No problems.

[Rob DiStefano]

we have some great custom stringmaker sponsors here at trad gang.  all will make a fine working string to your specifications.  

having been in that business for decades, i can tell ya it can sure be hard at times to nail the length and loop diameters.  it all depends on the bow and the input ya get from the bow's owner.

that said, i agree that the bottom loop needs to fit snug within the lower limb nock.  if that bottom loop is too large, you can whip it smaller with dental floss, a strand from an older bowstring or just some heavy thread.  

or learn to make yer own bowstrings.  it's really not hard and once you understand the process you'll make great if not perfect strings every time - check the "how to - resources" forum!

a super easy way to make the *perfect* bowstring length every time is to twist up flemish string by only creating the larger top loop.  make the bowstring a good 4" to 6" longer than normal and do not make a bottom loop.  take the non-loop end and fasten it to the bottom limb with a bowyers knot.  start off by allowing the top of the top loop to be 2" to 3" below the top limb nock.  brace up and check the brace height.  either undo the bowyers knot to adjust the length and/or twist up or down the string.  when the brace height looks and feels right, serve the center section.  that's how i do believe it was done many centuries ago.    :cool:

[Brazos]

Looks to me the bottom limb loop needs a similar size loop as the top limb ON A HHA BOW.  My Dave Johnson has the same string ordered at the same time and it works fine.  It has bigger tips on the bow with a more distinctive notches.  I guess it depends on the bow.  But I believe on the bow in question I need either a tighter loop or much higher brace height to make than angle work.

[Rob DiStefano]

Originally posted by Brazos:
...  I guess it depends on the bow.  ...

for the best of loop fitting, both bottom and top, absolutely!

the single loop bowstring i described above is actually a tillering string.  it makes for a positive no-slip bottom "loop" that just works.

since the self bows, and bowstrings, of yore changed brace height and length with the ever changing environment, it would make no sense for the archers of medieval times to have twin loop bowstrings.  one loop would work out best of all, imho.  and it's extremely cheap and easy to make.

 

[2treks]

My latest efforts.
need to tweak the quiver some, but it sure is working good right now. I like it.
Last winter at the Kalamazoo expo, I checked out a couple of Howard Hills personal Quivers, and that is what I am attempting to make. I talked with Turay this morning and he suggested a few things that I had forgot about(can't find my pics on this computer) and so I came home after Church and made some adjustments and it seems to be working better. Need to break it in now.
Thanks for looking,
I should point out that it looks long because it is. The arrows are almost 31" bop.

   

   

[Lambow]

That's a fine lookin quiver, Chuck.
Bow looks real good.
Did you get into making American semi-longbows?

[2treks]

Thank you Eric.
I did start to make and American longbow.
It is called the Echo, and I actualy brought the first one to the Great Lakes longbow Invitational this time last Aug to let a few guys shoot. I debut the bow to the public at the Kzoo expo last Jan.
Thank you.
CTT


 http://www.twotracksbow.com/store/index.php?dispatch=categories.view&category_id=184

[Bob B.]

Nice looking quiver Chuck, mine is about 25 or26 inches deep as my arrows are pretty long as well.  Sweet looking quiver buddy.

Bob.

[2treks]

That's where I am at Bob.
Thanks man.
CTT

[Lambow]

Well that's great, Chuck!

 I went over to your site and looked at em... they look real nice.

How'd you come up with the name, Echo?

[2treks]

Eric, What's old is new again. I love the classic days of archery.
CTT

[Goshawkin]

Chuck,Are you going to be making Shrew Hills for Ron now?