New Forward Riser Hill Style

[Hatrick]

I always loved the look of a classic style Hill semi longbow. Problem was with every one I tried I could never get use to the way they shot compared to a recurve or R/D longbow. They always lagged in speed which I expected, but the grip and hand shock was more than I could take. I finally shot a Shelton stringfollow that I took a liking to and bought. I build a bow now and then so decided to build my own stringfollow form. I built several that turned out pretty well and shot a nice arrow. I always like a forward riser in a recurve so I decided to use my stringfollow form but cut the nocks and riser to make a backset forward riser bow. The results are below. I also took a liking to a really sweet shooting Dave Johnson backset with Eastern red cedar lams. I used some red cedar in this bow along with a 14" strip of phenolic in the riser. This bow is 64" and 45# @ 28". Cocobolo riser, all black glass and tip wedges. I am now sold on the forward riser Hill. I really believe the forward riser helps to stabilize the light mass weight. My shooting with a Hill has never been more consistent. They may look a bit odd but if you like a Hill style and never tried a forward riser you owe it to yourself to try on.

 

 

 

 

[Brianlocal3]

Very nice looking bow there!!!
I am sold on the reverse handle American semi longbows since getting my JD Berry Morningstar.  I never cared for the glass over look so when James made his in the classic design (much like you have done) I jumped on it,

You have done wonderful!!! That is a bow to be proude of. Congrats

[J.T.]

great looking bow

[Hatrick]

I hear you Brian on the "glass over" look. That's exactly why I designed this one with more of the "horn" look. Thanks.

[Sant-Ravenhill]

I'm sure the bow shoots beautifully, but my challenge has always been the aesthetics of the reverse handle bow.

I loved the look of Fred Anderson's Chinook, which is a semi-reverse handled bow. It should have the qualities of a reverse handle, with, to my eye, a more pleasing profile.

Please do not take this as derogatory in any way, Hatrick. It's a beautiful bow and I'm glad you found a HH style bow you love to shoot.

[nineworlds9]

I think forward handle Hills are gorgeous just as I think regular ones are.  Nicely done sir.

[katman]

That is a beauty for sure, great job. Can't wait for my Morningstar.

[ron w]

Very nice......well done. I really like my N.M. Whisper.

[far rider]

I like it! Nice combos on the woods.
I really like my JD North Star which incorporates the forward riser and string follow. Butter Smooth!
Tim

[Hatrick]

Sant-Ravenhill, not taken as derogatory in any way. I understand and all comments/observations are welcome. I didn't like them either for the longest time but just like women, who all had coodies when I was 8, but by the time I was 15 they were greatest thing going...and still are   :D

[Sant-Ravenhill]

Thanks Hatrick...I think I beat you by one year. About 14 I started thinking girls were pretty great. Definitely covered in coodies before that!

[JMR]

Really nice looking bow!

[Bob Walker]

Beautiful bow, Dave, Great job!

[Pat B.]

Nice job !

[TxAg]

So when do you start taking orders  

[Jon Kaw]

That's a gorgeous bow!  I love the cedar lams with the black glass.  

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Are you sure you don't got the string on that thing backwards?  

just kidding....

[Hatrick]

Kirk, they do make you look twice and take some getting use to.

Hope you can make it to Baltimore again this year.

[Sixby]

Very nice Dave! Greatjob there. God bless , Steve

Looks are one thing, and that bow looks fantasic, but how does it shoot? As you said, better than any hill style that you have tried before. I had a reverse back in 72, I am going back to reverse again, myself.