Which Hill and Why?

[Knawbone]

Been thinking seriously about buying a Hill bow,aithough Iv' never shot one. To me the shape of the bow and the way it looks just screams traditional glass long bow. I know you Hill shooters have yuor faverites. So please chime in with your favorite . Looking for something around 53# @ 26". Cougar,Cheetah,Rhino,Wasp,or Red Man, or Half Breed Are the models I'd most be interested in hearing about.WHICH ONE SHOULD I GET?   Iknow,Iknow Buy them all!

[lpcjon2]

I only have one and thats all I need its a Tembo. Hill bows can pry a truck out of the mud, beat of a tiger, or be used as a tent pole or javelin.Any one you but will exceed your expectations.

[Rossco7002]

I can't detect a difference in how the different models shoot. My recommendation - go for the woods you like best!

[Ben Maher]

Knawbone ...
I think that after years of owning , selling and shooting straight limb longbows , many many of which jave been built by Craig for either myself or my customers it comes down to personal aesthetic preference .
Which colour woods do you like ?
I am a fan of natural 'boo if for some reason I cannot get Yew ...
But IMHO they all shoot pretty much the same ... some people find 'boo smoother and less shocky , others say the same for yew ...so on and so on  YMMV .....

most importantly ... pics when you get it eh !

[Knawbone]

Thanks guys,Pics no problem Ben. 66" long for my 26" draw sound right?

[khardrunner]

My 69 inch tembo was the easiest bow to pull per pound that I've ever shot.

[Ben Maher]

Knawbone ...
sounds spot on ..... you could go shorter imho if in string follow ... but 66" in any configuration at 26" is gonna be sweet to draw , stable to shoot and long like a longbow should be .

[Greg Skinner]

I draw right around 26 1/2 and my two blanks are both 66".  I have a Tembo and a Redman.  I would hate to have to choose between them, but there is something about the shooting quality and smoothness of the Redman that is indescribable - OK, I'd choose the Redman but the Tembo is a bit snappier, just not quite as smooth.

[Stone Knife]

Half breed has the best of both worlds, Boo and yew. I had a Redman and liked it but I like my Big Five better, gotta be the Boo.

[Orion]

I've owned number of them, including some with carbon on the back.  My favorites are the Tembo and Big 5. Though my next will probably be a Cheetah.

I visited Craig a few years back, and he spoke very highly of juniper.  Cast very similar to bamboo, but it's prettier.

I think one can go overboard on the number of laminations in the limbs.   I've owned few Westley Specials, with five laminations, and they seemed a bit stiff by comparison to four and three lamination bows.  But in the end, it comes down to what you like to look at. There's probably not 5 fps difference between the bows regardless of lamination numbers or combination.

And you're right, they do scream traditional. Just very solid,good shooting bows.  Nothing to disappoint.  Good luck.

[Raging Water]

Owned several. Best performing combo for me is the Half Breed. Boo and Yew.  Plus, I love the looks of Boo and Yew.

However, the Mountian Juniper of the Cheeta is very nice.

In the end, it is more about the grip then the wood combos.

Matt

[Knawbone]

Thanks for everyones input. Decisions,decisions, what a fun way to end the day.

[smoke1953]

Redman

[Fletcher]

They are all great bows, but the first I believe really needs to be a Tembo or Big Five, 'cause that's what a Hill really is.

I have just over a 26" draw and my next one will be a reverse handled 62" Cougar at about the same poundage you mentioned.

[cbCrow]

Just my opinion but I don't think you will go wrong with a Tembo.

[Randy Koleno]

I bought a used Cheetah a while back. I sent it to Craig to be re-finished and reduced. It's 66", 49@28, (marked 45#) has just a bit of backset. I love the bow and think the juniper is beautiful.

 I just recieved a Tembo that I ordered from Craig. I stayed with 66", I draw 27". I ordered 40@28, it pulled 45# on the bow shop's scale last night. That's about what I was shooting for after reading about the weights marked on this sight. It's a string-follow, tillered for 3-under, and the handle, dished, was made slightly bigger than my Cheetah's per measurements I sent to Craig (feels exactly how I wanted it to). The limbs are carmelized (?) bamboo, clear glass, padouk riser. I only shot it at the shop last night, but I'm excited about the initial shooting. It seems to like 29.5" 2016's with a 145gr. tip the best, which surprised me a little. I'm really looking forward to a lot more expermenting.

 If one of them jumps out at me as a clear favorite, I'll chime back in.

[Benny Nganabbarru]

I own a Wesley Special, a Redman, a Wapiti and soon I will have a Crocodile. They're all good, I believe. It'll shoot, and it'll kill - just choose the combinations you like.

[Knawbone]

Thanks again everyone,Lots of helpful info,Now I have to decide on a handle style. I have a BBO with a straight handle I like very well, and my R/D are pistol grips. I like the looks of the straight on the hills. I think I would be comfortable with either.

[Knawbone]

BK, What are the woods on the Wapiti?