I'm looking at a northern mist Ramer or Sprague what is the difference between stringfollow and back set I'm new to this ASL thing and I really like the idea of the Reversed handle Tia

can't help you -never had a string follow

had a bunch and all have had a little setback-lots sware by the string follow

have a Northern Mist classic which I love dearly

Sprague has more preload so will feel a little harder to pull early in the draw. It has a feeling of letoff as you get closer to full draw. The string follow feels a little softer at first but then builds evenly. The Sprague will be a little faster, the Ramer a little quieter.

Not trying to cause a stir. Northern mists are excellent. Didn't care for my Sprague. I would look at thr whisper or classic.

Thanks for the input

I have had and still have both backset and string follow and prefer backset. I just prefer the way the limbs load upon the draw.

I like backset better myself, faster and if made right not really any harsher. And had a whisper reverse handle which I thought was easier to shoot well than the traditional grip.

When the bow is unstrung, string follow limbs remain slightly bent toward the archer, backset remain slightly bent away from the archer.

This is what string follow looks like unstrung, RH bow with the shelf facing up.

This is back set, RH bow, shelf facing up. Alot depends on the bowyer. I've two string follow bows, same specs different bowyers one was noticeably smoother on the draw that the other. The backset bow pictured was as smooth as either one despite the almost 2" of backset, but it was also 69" in length compared to 66" string follow bows. As always it's about fit.

Neither really, although of the two I would take a little string- follow. I prefer deflex/reflex myself, much smoother on the draw and the shot, at least to my feel.

Mike E,

Thanks much for the photos detailing the difference! I am a Hill style ignoramus...

I have had all three reverse handle Northern Mists and kept the Whisper, all are top notch but prefer the Whisper myself.

String follow or set is just taking that much away from the power stroke. I just don't see an advantage. >>>----> Ken

Some folks feel the string follow is more forgiving and accurate for them.

I think you will get archers on both sides of the fence for thier own reasons and what they like personally.Is one superior to the other.Probably not since its a personel belief and choice as to what you like more.

Thats one reason Bowyers who build longbows build multiple styles of longbows typically.Straight limbs,backset,string follow limbs.Straight riser,deflexed riser,reverse handle,longer riser,shorter riser and even grip shape and dimesions etc.

I could see it boggling the mind when making a choice of which style to buy in a custom bow like yourself.

You may find you have one of every style someday and become an authority on ASL style bows like many on here who have traveled that road for a long time and have what they like personelly after trial and error

I think it's personal preference just like it is with most any longbow or recurve. I do believe a reverse handle, string follow is probably the easiest design to point n shoot,if the grip and overall feel of the shot suits you.

I would go with string follow just for the more forgiving nature of the design.Granted not a big difference vs backset.But then neither is the speed difference.

Both work fine. Just a choice.

Thank you gentleman you cleared a lot up for me I'd really like to find somebody in Southwestern PA who has these type of bows and shoot them for myself to see what I prefer but thanks again just something I'm one of the add to my Arsenal

there might be slight variations in performance and stability from bow to bow,,but agree with bassmaster,, both work fine

I have both. String follow has a softer feel both in draw and release. Maybe more accurate, no real noticible difference in speed. Backset feels snappier, I prefer backset.

My next ASL will have some string follow.

I’ve owned dozens of ASL’s

These days all mine are ordered with a bit of string follow

I’ve owned dozens of ASL’s

These days all mine are ordered with a bit of string follow

Wood bow makers try to avoid set,and string follow, but some times it happens. Bows like that are still usable for different applications.

Up for Strig who asked this same question today

Thanks bowhunt. Yea i forgot about this thread. It's a good debate.fun to talk about. no right answer. just love the opinions.

I like the string follow. I have a 30” draw and use a pretty low brace so at the end of the stroke all that is left is calm. Because of the difference in draw force, if you order a bow make it specific to your draw length, not the typical 28 AMO.

I personally shoot backset, straight limb, and stringfollow. All have their strengths and weaknesses. In most hunting situations I prefer the hill straight limb and the Shelton stringfollow. Would love to have a Sunset Hill but getting one is easier said than done. I find these two offer a blend of forgiveness and enough power to get the job done whether hunting or 3d shooting.

Interesting thread. Jim Belcher and Georgia Jeffery of Bivouac Bows are building a HillJack for me, and I believe that it will have a touch of string follow to it. Really getting excited about this bow and have been trying to follow all ASL topics lately. Keep ‘‘em coming!

I'll say that the quitetest bow I own is a JD Berry valor. It' a reverse handle with straight limbs. My shelton comes in at a very close second. Both shoot well and are some of the best for my style of hunting. I once missed a deer with the berry and it was quiet enough that he only walked a few steps away. The next shot got him in the boileroom. All happened in 15 to 20 seconds. Can't prove it but most bows make much more noise than this one. It's not the fastest but it excels at silence.

SF for me.

Dale Rohrbeck, I think you will really like the HillJack. I have had one since this past spring. They are a natural string follow and very quick. A real pleasure to shoot. I have 3 other ASl bows and they are all backset. The HillJack is my favorite and the one I shoot the most. As far as speed I realy don't notice any difference. This is just by eye not chrono. I don't care about speed anyhow, it is what it is. One thing, I believe Jim usually builds them with 4 lams, but I had my bow built with 3 lams of yew. Great bow, and great people to work with.

Straight for me.

Shortdraw, really looking forward to this bow. Yes, Jim & Georgia are great folks as well as talented bowyers. A couple of years ago I purchased their 1950s style Lonestar recurve, I liked it so much that I bought another in all green riser and limbs.

Dale,

I own a bunch of bows built by Jim and Georgia at Bivouac.

You won’t be disappointed

How many straight shooters have found their bows to gradually become string follow?

Why don't you call Steve, no one know a product better than the one who makes it. he's a great guy that will not lead you wrong. 1 906 458-5035 Bob

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