I was wondering if anyone can tell me about Damon Howatt. I know they where bought by Martin Archery and use the same plant to build bows, but when did they start making bows, and where did the name come from, is it two guys last names or is it one guys full name? any thing you could tell me would be great, or is there something I could read up on to get this information. I have a couple of there bows and really love the way they shoot. My friend asked me some of these questions and got me thinking about it. thanks for your help.

Damon Howatt was but one person. Do a web search. If you are lucky Larry Hatfield will post here and enlighten you.

Damon Howatt was but one person. Do a web search. If you are lucky Larry Hatfield will post here and enlighten you.

I'm certainly no Larry Hatfield, but I'll offer my input:

"I know they where bought by Martin Archery and use the same plant to build bows" - Martin bought the Damon Howatt Archery Manufacturing Company from Bob Paisley in 1976. Bob bought the company from Damon in 1964(ish).

"When did they start making bows" - Damon began making bows in 1938, and built his first shop in 1944.

"Where did the name come from" - From the founder, Damon Howatt...one man.

If you have additional questions, post them here or PM me.

http://www.martinarchery.com/mag/iadamon.html

According to the Martin site Damon Howatt decided to retire in 1961 and sold the business to Bob Paisley at that time. Damon Howatt was killed in a car accident 6 months later at the age of 57.

Great info. epsecially on the Ventura. I just picked a 60# Ventura up and have been stumping with it this passed week and without a doubt one of the finer recurves I have ever shot. Love it. keepem sharp

Just built this bow rack for some of mine.

Top to bottom:

1. 1980 Hunter 48#@28"- first new bow I ever bought. Shot my first couple of bow kill deer with this bow so It's a bit special. I'll probably do a refinish job on it here soon. 2. 1998 Hunter 50#@28" 3. 1995 Purpleheart Hunter 50#@28" - My newest. Thanks Cameron 4. 1978(?) Monterey 49#@28" This one will go to the woods with me the next couple of weeks. 5. 1974(?) Super Diablo 45#@28" 6. 1971(?) Coronado 45#@28" with green Gordon glass. 7. 1962 Diablo 50#@28" white glass 8. 1974(?) Diablo 45#@28" 9. 1984 Hi Speed 45#@28"

.......sorry about that, ment to write before 'clicking'.......

"rp65", thanks so much for this thread. I too love my Damon Howatt's and I have know some of the facts presented here but did not know all of them. I too love my two Ventura's and my two Hunters. The wood combinations in these bows is a thing of beauty.

Possibly we can prevail on "Howattman" to educate us in how to determine serial numbers/mfg dates. I get REALLY confused about that. Also it seems that different years of manufacturer ued "better" or at least more beautiful colour/wood combinations. I have wondered about this. Was this just a sales thing or was there some other reasoning behind it. I have two Hunters, that while both are lovely, one is really beautiful ( solid bubinga riser). Jim.

You're off on some of your dates, Hatrick. Just from a quick look, your "78 Monterey" is a 1968, and your 1984 Hi Speed is a 1974 (curved accent stripe was only offered in 1974 and 1975 on the Hunter and Hi Speed, AND Howatt didn't make the Hi Speed in 1984).

Nice collection none the less.

Howattman: Did Howatt make a model called a Balboa, or is my mind failing me in my old age?

Howattman: Did Howatt make a model called a Balboa, or is my mind failing me in my old age?

Howattman, thanks for the corrections!!

I knew that the first digit of the serial number was the last number of the year made. For the most part I was taking (at least what I thought) were educated guesses.

hey...i don't see a ventura in there... ;^)...i got one...66", 50#@28" with BLACK glass...

nice bows...i've always like the hunter...both howatt and martin.

don, "hey...i don't see a ventura in there... ;^)...i got one...66", 50#@28" with BLACK glass..."

I'd sure love to have one!!

yes Howatt did make a "Balboa"

Dave,

That Monterey of yours is a sweet shooter...I'm going to keep an eye out for one of those.

FF

Dang Howattman....veritable cornucopia of DH knowledge :-)

BK

The Balboa was introduced in 1971 and stayed in the lineup until the late 1970's. They were considered "entry to mid level", but they were nice bows none the less.

Well since we are praising DH's, I will use this opportunity to show off my current collection: 3 1974 HH's and a 1995 purple heart Hunter. My current quest is a for a 1966 brazilian rosewood Hunter. Enjoy, I love the Howatts!

Dave

Dave, do you keep 'em strung?

Yup I do, no problems at all.

This lefty Vigilante, EVO1173, 33# and 69" tall, LOVES trapsing around the woods on a 3D or stumping adventure with a quiver of 1716 target arrows. Gotta look out for low branches, though!!

And it came to me from a very good friend, aslo a lefty. MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE, TOO!

Derek, yeah that Monterey is a sweet bow for sure and I intend on putting it to work the second week of November.

aknewarcher, some nice Hunters you have there. I happen to know where there's a pristine original condition 63 Hunter. I just can't bring myself to the point I'm willing to part with the cash for it. It has me thinking though.

Hatrick, works of Art are purchased EVERYDAY. But how many folks can actually USE a Picasso or Monet, for anything other than covering a hole in the wall??!!! That '63 Hunter needs to be enjoyed!!! GO FOR IT!! (Then eat Mac & cheese, or beans, for the next month or 2!!!!)

Guys thank you all for replying to my thread, it's nice seeing and hearing all this about Howatts.

the howatt archery plant is just over a mile from my house, think i'll check into a tour of the shop - howatts perform with the best of them in my opinion

I love the Howatt's. From a shooting standpoint they are my all time favorites and that is compared to may custom bows. Here is my current favorite a 1960's vintage, 62" Monterey. Smooth as silk and smoking fast.

I love the Howatt's. From a shooting standpoint they are my all time favorites and that is compared to may custom bows. Here is my current favorite a 1960's vintage, 62" Monterey. Smooth as silk and smoking fast.

Here is a left hand 48# old Howatt

Here is an even older left handed Howatt

ooops...sorry about the blank post.

Here's a 50# Hi-Speed from 1967.

I love the super diablo..I remember my Dad had one when I was 6 yrs old...Im 40 now...I still remember the bow as clear as day....Ive owned hunted and shot all my deer with my Mamba for last 24 yrs or so...great bows!!!

I got a old Super D and a Savannah now, wish I had the old hunter I once had. I shipped out a 65 pound hunter out to Montana and it is still being used for elk and deer. Love my Martin's, they have never let me down.

Great pics, guys. They're some beauties.

Harry, I hear ya but I hate mac and cheese plus there's no venison in the freezer...yet!

There are a couple of sweet Hunters listed on e-bay right now, but I'm bow-poor, gun-poor and rod-poor at the moment. Luckily, there are a couple Howatts in the stable already.

This is my first real bow, a Coronado given to me by my Dad, (now deceased), in 1972.

Scopus and Howattman: Thanks for the info on the Balboa model.

the balboa was actually started in 1967 and was only produced for a couple of years. i don't remember them being made in 1970? think they were dropped in 1968-69.

Just wanted to add my Ventura in Shedua. I nicknamed it "Marylin" as nothing has sweeter curves..... This bow can really shoot too. Jim.

Hey guys, I don't mean to hijack,But I just bought a bow for $40. Its a long bow. It says "Made by Howatt" on the bottom limb and on the top limb " Bushmaster Custom" Does anyone have any kind of info? Thanks JW

we built them from 1991 through 2000. 64", and not a bad bow! i shot a lot of animals with one. thumped a bit with light arrows, had good manners with 8-10 grs./lb.

Here's my old "Matador" 70" 38#...now that's a chunk of riser wood:)...4finger

Hey you howatt lover's selling this one 50# 60"amo @ 28 shoot very smooth and fast !! >>-----> 58

I just got a Super D from the classifieds and couldn't be happier. I have already killed a deer with it. What a neat design and sweet feeling handle. Very easy to point for me!

"the balboa was actually started in 1967 and was only produced for a couple of years. i don't remember them being made in 1970? think they were dropped in 1968-69."

Yep, you're right. I was thinking of the Bandito....not the Balboa.

Thanks, Larry.

This is my 95' purpleheart Hunter #140. Actual serial # is HH5140. This one has one accent stripe where most have two. Next season, I'm gonna get a deer with it. It likes heavy arrows and a higher than normal brace height.

Joe

"Frisky"....beautiful looking Hunter! I have a 50# @28" HHO 1092 in the same wood configuration, simply beautiful. It LOVES 605 grn arrows and 7 7/8" brace. Quiet and quick. Its my first choice when hunting this year. Jim.

If Martin Archery would produce an 60 Inch Model of the Old Matador they might put Black Widow down a few notches; That is if the used some pretty handle riser wood.

Larry Hatfield, why can't you find Rosewood for Bow Handles anymore?

You could make some kind of Presentation Model Bow and probably see quite a few of them....just an idea.

Jim: I'm experimenting with arrow weight. It seems my bow likes 525gr arrows and above,

Joe

Hey 4finger: if that Matador were a lefty, at that same weight (or maybe between 35-38#), I'd be MapQuesting a route out your way for my Jeep filled with goodies!! My gosh, what a thrill to shoot a 70" bow that would be!!

Had a Hunter that was an awesome bow. Put more than a few deer on the ground with that bow. Now hunt with longbow.

'60 Palomar I'm in the process of re-refinishing,,great target bow,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

"Frisky" why not try a few weight tubes. Thats what I did. 3Rivers has them and they are really inexpensive. I found the CX Heritage 250's cut 30.50" with 90 grns of tube to be perfect for my 50# Hunter. That said its pulling a bit more like 55# at my 29.25" draw. But I am finding out my Ventura do NOT like the heavier arrows. For my "hunting" Ventura, (same 55# at full draw) I'm trying some CX Heritage 350's @ 551 grns. They fly ok, but not like the 250's from the Hunter. I think I may be over splined. Jim.

Jim: I tried my own internal weighting and got good results with a 435gr PSE carbon. I got good results with 525gr woodies too. I'll try the weight tubes but am first going to see how my carbons fly out of the bow at 540gr, internally and point weighted. The bow is marked 50# but pulls 54# @ 28".

Joe

ttt

I forgot to say why I sent this thread ttt. You guys may be interested in the 2010 Martin line-up thread

I've had this Hi-Speed for about a year and it had been my go-to bow. Even more so than the custom bows I've got.

It is the 54", draws 50#, and hits where I look (as long as my form is on).

Leo

I've had this Hi-Speed for about a year and it had been my go-to bow. Even more so than the custom bow I've got.

It is the 54", draws 50#, and hits where I look (as long as my form is on).

Leo

Love those Hunters. I received 70#, 62" Hunter for Christmas last year. Stumped, hunted rabbits and shot 3D with it all year. Then the upper limb cracked while I was stringing it two days before opening day. Punched myself repeatedly, then went and bought a bow stringer.

I've owned a bunch of Howatts, and loved every one of them!

Hi, any one got a left-hand 50# Hatfield that they'd like to sell?

Regards, James.

Somebody tell me the Martin line-up of trad bows is not gone...please. I cannot believe it...

It looks like, there is a mistake in the history on the martin page (http://www.martinarchery.com/mag/iadamon.html).

It says, "In 1961, Damon Howatt decided to retire. He sold his business to Bob Paisley, owner of the music stand factory next to him. Six months later, Damon Howatt was killed when struck by another car at an intersection while driving his Volkswagen camper. He was only 57 years old when it happened."

But like Howattman said Damon died in 1964 with 61. And at archeryhistory is this image (http://www.archeryhistory.com/designers/designerspics/131ah.jpg)...

I went out and shot my Howatt Hunter before the cold set in. I lowered the brace height to eight and one-eighth inch and it shot great with both wood and carbon arrows, in weights from 432gr to 525gr. It pulls 54# at my 28" draw. I can probably lower the brace below 8" and still have a smooth, quiet bow. Earlier, it wouldn't shoot anything well with a brace below 8.75". I properly fit the nocks and it became a new bow! I couldn't believe a bow could go from a dog to a gem just by adjusting nocks, but I'll take it. I've got new carbons on the way and plan to make up some heavier arrows for the bow and see how they shoot.

Joe

Here's a 1972 picture of a Super Diablo I bought new. I loved that bow and wish I had never let it go. I killed many deer with it.

But then I got lucky and recently bought this 1973 version on **** for cheap as it was a filthy mess. It cleaned up real nice and looks almost new. Identical to my old one in poundage and looks. Shoots great.

Recently acquired DH Hunter #HH31033

62" 50#@ 28" An accurate oldie!

I since added a couple more Howatts.

This is a early 60s rosewood Hunter in 45#. It's my favorite bow but will be gifted to my son for his birthday in January. He shot it this year and loved it so this is my way of luring him out to shoot more.

Also an early 60s Montery in 40#. Pretty bow.

Dang, Rich! That's a beauty. Another with the curved sight window. Monterey no less. I don't know whether or not you should keep posting these beauties. Remember, I know where you live!

I have to start bringing some of these out to play next 3-D season.

All beauties.

Got a Hi-Speed a while back.

Fast bow.

Lefty.

Buzz, I know you don't have to but that Hi-Speed would refinish real nice. The rosewood will darken to a deep reddish brown once you take the old finish off. If you do, just remember brazilian rosewood is oily and needs to be sealed before you put the new finish on.

Yeah Rich, I have to see that Monterey in person.

Hatrick.

Bow looks OK in natural light.

Update on a new Howatt Catalina I got day before yesterday.

40#@28".

Cool thread. Just thought I'd bring it up. Great info and great pics.

Recently, I found a Purple Hart Hunter at a good price. The bow should be refinished. While I am considering doing the work myself, the bow merits professional work. The bow is beautiful.

Accordingly, I am looking for information about professional refinishing, names, and contact information.

I just found this thread while searching for information on a Damon Howatt bow I picked up several years ago. I'm hoping that someone out there can help me determine the manufacturing date and history behind this fine recurve. I believe it is a 1946, 50lb @28" Coronado. Unlike my other two Damon Howatt recurves, on this one the signature writing is very hard to make out and quite different from the ones I see posted here and other places on the web. I'll post pictures as soon as I figure out how to do it, but for now I'll describe the markings to see if it rings a bell with anyone.

On the leading face of the lower limb, the bow is marked with a # sign above 49 @28". The next line appears to read Ho4649. Below that is amo 60", with the standard Damon Howatt drawn-recurve logo under the amo 60". Those are all in white letering on a dark brown laminated-wood backing that covers what appears to be a light to medium-brown walnut type core wood. The capital H and 4s on the limb writing are very distinct, with long drooping tails on the right edge. That's how I can tell that the date is probably 46 because the 4 and 9 are clearly different in both the second and third lines.

Below the arrow rest on the left side of the bow are the name and signature markings that appear to read "Coronado by Howatt Archery." The H in Howatt exactly matches the style of H used on the limb face. Unlike other signature lines I've seen posted, the Howatt Archery on this bow is all on one line below the word "by", instead of on two lines the way you usually see it. The b in "by" is lower-case rather than the upper-case B I see on my other bow and most of the posted pictures. The Y in "by" and "archery" have very long drop tails that go well below the rest of the lettering. The odd thing is that where the "n" would be in Coronado actually looks more like another "Y" with a drooping tail (although it's much shorter than the ones on the Ys in the lower lines. With no other Ns to compare it to, I'm not sure if this is the just way Damon made his Ns on the early bows. Can anyone help me out? I love the bow and I'm really intrigued about it's history.

Your bow was not made in 1946...the decal you describe was used from 1962 on. As well, AMO was not adopted until 1968...your bow would be, at the earliest, 70's production.

I have a lot of Howatt's but do not have either a Coronado or a Balboa so can't nail down the date. They were made to produce a simpler, lower end bow with a solid riser without sacrificing quality. Given the 4 in the serial number I'd say 1974.

The "signature" on the riser was standard on all those bows.

DH's usually pulled a bit heavier than the marked poundage. @4-5 pounds. Had a Damon Howatt Hunter marked 65#@28 and it pulled 71#@28 so I was happy with 66-67# @27 1/2". Got bite with the custom bug and refinished the DH and traded it away, after about 20 years of hunting in Indiana.

FYI....Raptor Archery has a Bandito & a Del Ray in stock.

Thanks Pdiddly, as I explained, I'm looking for information on this bow because I really don't know much about it. I've got some good pictures of the markings that I'll try to upload so you can see exactly what I'm talking about.

I meant Bandito and not Balboa...the Coronado, Bandito and Cavalier were the lower end bows.

Did some research and they built the Coronado from 1967 to 1975 and then from 1980 to 1991. It was the predecessor to the Martin X-200.

They're regarded as very good shooters by those who own them. The wood is shedua.

Oops, looks like I have to do the pictures one at a time. Bear with folks, computers definitely aren't my thing.

I hope these photos help someone figure out exactly when this bow was made and possibly provide some other information about its manufacturing history.

Thanks for the pics...it's a 1974.

I was actually right about the Balboa also being a lower end bow...they only made them a couple of years. These three models of bows were less than the other models as they had one piece risers without lams so less labour. As I said already, they are highly regarded for their speed and smoothness, like the other Howatt's. The first number in the serial number was the last number of the build year, so since they produced them from 1967 to 1975 that's how I determined it was a 1974. I think the ones built later were different in looks.

Thanks, I had a feeling it was in way too good of shape to be a '46 but Howatt's numbering system is kind of hard to figure out. I'm still kind of curious why the word locations and cursive writing are different on this bow from so many of the others I've seen. It's almost like this one was hand lettered instead of printed by a machine as I'm sure they have been for quite some time. Who knows, maybe the machine broke down that day and they had to keep going. In any case, the bow is a fine shooter that should serve me well for many years.

Might as well keep this thread TTT.

Mid '60's Howatt Hunter I have been shooting for a couple months now.

Pretty good bow.

A little banged up, shoots good.

all the writing on howatt bows was done by hand. no machine involved, ever. i believe the coronado has been refinished and the person who did that re-wrote the verbage on the side of the riser. i don't recognize that handwriting at all.

Another nagging question answered by Mr. Hatfield! I always wondered about the signatures on the bows...interesting it was done by hand.

BTW, I keep track of all your answers Larry and compile them in my "book of knowledge" so I can remember what you are sharing with us and create a history of bows, styles and dates of manufacture.

Was this bow a 1974 btw?

appears to be that style riser.

Larry, Did you do the writing on the bows, and the script LH?

Question? I have two left-handed Damon-Howatt Bows:

Super Diablo 50# @ 28" AMO 60" ESO 6060

Hi-Speed 45# @ 28" AMO 58" H50 1005

What do the ESO 6060 & H50 1305 indicate?

Thanks for your assistance!

PandoraPaul

The specs indicate they were both bows made in 1970-71.

The Hi-Speed's specs are actually HSO, not H5O.

You have two numbers for the Hi- Speed...1005 and 1305...if I know the correct # I may be able to narrow it down.

Thanks so much for your prompt response. You are most certainly correct it's HSO not H50 The correct number on the Hi-Speed after the HSO is 1305

The Super Diablo is ESO 6060

I hope this info.can help you narrow it down for me.

Thanks Again!

Sorry...made an error.

Hi-Speed is a 1969 bow...

The Super Diablo spec is ESD, not ESO. I will need to see a pic of the riser.

Pdiddly - Thanks

RE: the Duper Diablo I just took a closer look. Looks like ESO at first glance, but I guess it could be ESD.

In regard to the Super Diablo's riser. I'm not set for the photo thing, but the riser has three narrow stripes Two being close together and the the third being a single stripe.

Thanks Again, PandoraPaul

ESD stands for Eldorado Super Diablo...is the main wood dark like rosewood?

Thanks for the clarification. Yes - It's dark like rosewood.

Thanks again!

My Super D serial number is ESD 0228 I didn't know that meant Eldorado. It is the only one I have had with clear glass belly and back. Thanks. >>>----> Ken

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