I had ordered from Craig a Hill Wesley Special string follow. I loved the bow and wanted to downsize the bows I had, I sold it. Big mistake, now that Craig retired.

Northern Mist has a two year wait. I had several Sheltons and a Whisper. I also shot a Classic which was a great shooting bow too.

I see St Patrick Lake has a American Styk which is also a string follow. When they first came out there were some differing reviews. Now that they have been around for a while I assume they are fine bows. They look great.

Has anyone had the American? If so what do you think about it.

I will have to order new since in my old age I am shooting lighter draw weights. They are hard to find in the used market in my draw weight.

Gil,
I own 3 of them. Buy with confidence . Great bows and seem super fast for String Follow. Mine has the same Point on at 40 as does my Backset from other bowyers

I had one of the earlier versions and didn't care for it. It had razor sharp string nocks that ate through strings.  Plus the price is pretty high for what you get. 

I know Northern Mist bows are impossible to get right now, so if I couldn't find one used in my specs and wanted to get a good string-follow ASL, I'd consider any of the following before a SPL:  Mahantango Redtail Classic; Bivouac Hilljack; Two Tracks Echo; or a JD Berry Misty Dawn.

There are a couple other great bowyers out there making Hill-style bows (e.g. Nate Steen; Dave Miller, Gordy Morey; and Mark Belitz) but those are a bit harder to come by. Good luck with your search!

Thanks.

I am also thinking about a Mushin. If you own a Mushin how do they compare in your opinion.

I have had many backset longbows in addition to string follow. The draw curve of the Mushin looks smooth to out to 30".

Gil

I am getting good reviews from some owners. I had heard some complaints when they first came out similar to yours.

I will check out the other bowyers you mentioned too.

Thanks
Gil

I have a Yukon made within the last 6 months, nothing bad to say. I love the grip and the heavier mass in riser. Easily my favorite longbow.

I think I am going to just keep checking the want ads.

I don't like buying new unless I have shot them. For now I will just search for a used Howard Hill or NM. Used I will give SPL a go to see if I like them. The newer ones will be serialized.

Thanks for the info.

Gil

I have one of the Mushin Styk takedown with a G10 riser.  The riser is cut to center, and it's certainly a good bow.  I also have several northern mist longbows and I'm currently shooting a 3 piece NM Skanee.  One of the things I like about the Northern Mist bows is the radius shelf and the ridge on the sight window that gives minimal arrow contact.  The wear on the leather is a small dot.  The Mushin stick I have doesn't have much radius on the shelf and no ridge, so the wear on the leather is pretty much the length of the shelf.  I realize that this could be adjusted by taking the leather off the shelf and padding it out.  I just really don't care to monkey much with stuff.  The bow shoots good the way it is, and is smooth drawing without stacking, and minimal hand shock for an ASL.  There are some fit and finish nitpick type things I wish were different.  There are some areas of the sight window that are absent of any bevel of the glass at the edges.  I like the Northern Mist bows, and I don't think anyone out there has the fit and finish / attention to detail that Steve has.  I would suspect that with Howard Hill not currently producing bows, the NM lead time will continue to be long.  As far as the St. Patrick Lakes bows go, I doubt you'll be disappointed.  I've killed deer with it, but I don't see it ever being my #1 go to.  It's a bit lighter in draw weight than I normally shoot, so I end up shooting it when I get tired and want to keep going.  Erik was easy to deal with and communicated with me through the process.  The bow was done very close to the quoted lead time.

I wound up picking up a Hill Tembo, 70" 50# @ 29" with a slight string follow.

Thanks for the responses
Gil

I saw that bow Gil! It looks like a good one. 

I've had one SPL.  It was a takedown Yukon Styk and while seeming well made it just did not fit me like the northern mists I like.  Grip was a bit sharp and slightly thick and it just wasn't as smooth as Steve makes them, either.  That's just me. Everybody is different on what they like.

The best ASL I ever had was a Schulz Tembo he made for HHA. It had a name on it "Sagitarius". 60# @ 28" with antler tips.

Hopefully this one will shoot just as good.

I just got an American styk.   Seems like a fine bow.  I've only fired a few dozen shots with it during a walk with the dog.  Plan on going for a tent trip or two for ptarmigan on top of the country here.  It's a 2 piece, American styk, Spalted maple veneers with bamboo cores.   55# at 28".  It fires smooth. And despite just picking up some flu flus I had tuned for another bow it seems accurate.   I'm just starting map shooting as we go. 

Sorry.  Not good at posting photos

I've tried every angle but it won't upload upright.   But you get the picture,....or several...

Few more

I have a Mushin Styk. It is 48@28, 66". I think it's a very nice shooting bow and performs well.Yew and bamboo limbs with an Osage riser.

I had an American Styk.  Beautiful bow, 68" long and 43# at 28".  I really liked that bow but, for whatever reason, I had a devil of a time being consistent with it so I sold it. I have ASLs by two other bowyers that I can shoot very well but this bow, no matter how I tried, just gave me fits.

The workmanship is excellent and it's possible I'll try another sometime

I found the opposite so far.  I don't have the time or comfort being minus temps out. To tune a set of arrows for it. So grabbed a few I used with my Martin Savannah 55 #.  And o was suprised how well they flew and where I'm aiming. Now, I've only been stumping. Few dozen shots only.  Plus, the four fletched flus will make them fly decent anyway.  But each shot is directly with the previous.  I'd like to try it on a good flat target just to see. But I've been judo pointing because of the snow.  But so far it accurate. An I'm not that great. When I get a chance I'd like to tune a good set for it. I think it will be consistent and accurate. Even for me.

Where did you get your quiver Phil?

It is a Sunset Hill that I bought used but like new from Flint Kemper.  I was going to order one and wait and this popped up for sale the same day.