I'm toying with the idea of building a reverse handle Hill style longbow - like a Northern Mist Whisper that Steve Turray builds.  

Something that looks like this....



I'm thinking that I can just use my same straight longbow form, modify the riser portion of the form a bit with some shims, and go with the same stack thickness that I normally would use on a regular handle longbow.  Has anyone built both types and have any advice on the differences in designs?

I have built both.  You can definitely shim it to make it work.  As far as stack goes...I found that a stack would give me the same pound draw as my standard handle bow if I cut the reverse handle 2" shorter.  So my 69" and 67" would come out roughly the same for draw.

Hope this helps.  I've only built 2 reverse handles.  

Eric

Thanks Eric.  So if I keep riser length the same (16"), I'd need to cut my stack a little bit.  I'm trying to think of why that would be...What is it about the reverse handle that would increase draw weight?

Decreases draw weight.  Sorry if I didn't explain that.  I have to cut the reverse handle 2" shorter yo get the same draw weight

Oh...bow length.  I was thinking you meant riser length.  Duh.  Thanks for the clarification.

You can also calculate with 2" less drawlength; or better usuall draw-riser depth...
So the Bow can be shorter but will lose draw, maybe that even compensates a bit!

But...if you increase brace height by the difference in riser (8") you'll get that draw weight back.  So it depends on your plan.

I think what I'll do is use the stack that I  would for a 60 - 65# bow with my typical design and that should put me 55 - 60#.

This will be a project for after bow season.  It will be my Christmas present to myself  

Be sure to post this build.  I want to see how it goes for you.

Eric

I have made them and like them. They will point better.