Damon Howatt Hi-Speed vintage?

almico · February 21, 2021, 04:20:15 PM

Hey Gang, I just picked up a "new" Howatt Hi-Speed and was wondering if anyone has an idea of when it was made. I browsed the catalogues at vintagearchery but couldn't tell specifics. Here are some pics:

Keefer · February 22, 2021, 06:38:00 PM

I'm thinking it's a 64 but could be a 63 . I have one looks just like it I'll try and share some pictures

Keefer · February 22, 2021, 06:53:53 PM

Here's a group of mine

Keefer · February 22, 2021, 06:59:36 PM

almico · February 22, 2021, 08:17:58 PM

Yep, that could be its sibling. Beautiful bow.

Keefer · February 23, 2021, 04:56:45 AM

Alan,
Here's a batch of them but I Sold my 54" to a buddy but all the others are still in my "Stable" of bows.

doubleo · February 23, 2021, 10:51:19 PM

Beautiful bow Alan.

mangonboat · February 25, 2021, 11:05:20 PM

It's a 1962 knife-edge Hi Speed. Congrats.

Tom · March 04, 2021, 08:28:01 PM

I also picked up a '64 Hi Speed and although in not quite as fine as either of the examples shown with a little tlc it will be a fine shooter I hope. What brace height are you using for these bows? I draw 29.5" so am somewhat concerned about finger pinch but will shoot for awhile to figure it out. Thanks for any suggestions on BH.

Keefer · March 07, 2021, 05:47:55 AM

Tom,
In the 1964 catalog the recommended fistmele (brace) was at 9 -3/4" which seems like a lot and I believe I have mine at 81/4 " to 81/2" but can't remember off top of my head because I haven't shot them in a year or so.
The design didn't change a whole lot from the Hi speed for a few years that I can tell other then the sight widow and some of the tip width but I think that was due to which bowyer was working on that particular bow when it was being shaped from what I gather from Larry Hatfield.
The grips are very deep on some and you may notice a few have a higher heal but I believe if memory serves me correctly I read that would of been a custom request .
Try around 81/4" and work your way up with a few twists and see how your arrows fly .
I've noticed a lot of the catalogs show some older 60 model year bows have a higher brace then in today's bows but most are just recommended as a starting point and it's up to some to find that "Sweet " spot where they can tune an arrow to their liking.
Keefers

Keefer · March 07, 2021, 05:55:16 AM

Mark ,
The knife edge is where the sight window is rounded over or the edge is taken off and not a 90 degree edge as bow faces you while drawing .
I didn't see that in his pictures but would like to see it turned if you don't mind taking another picture.
Those are hard to find and know they are out there .
I have only one knife edge and it's my Diablo in my pictures of the 4 I posted.
I'm not saying it's not a knife edge just want to see a better picture of his is all
and not sure if I'm seeing a shadow on his that appears to be a knife edge .
You may be correct but I just want to see a closer picture with it turned.

Tom · March 07, 2021, 08:27:46 AM

Thank you Keith for the response and will try the 8-8.5 range and see where I end up. BTW. beautiful collection of Howatts you have.