1 piece recurve or takedown

[Recurve-4-life]

I am new to traditional archery and am going to be purchasing a bow.  I am 6 foot 1 and have a 29 inch draw length. I am trying to acquire information on which recurve to buy a 1 piece or takedown, what are the advantages of each?  Also would I be able to shoot a 54 inch with 3 fingers under without finger pinch or would 60" bow length be better?  Sorry I know I got kinda of winded here but I would appreciate your input.  Thanks.

[Gordon martiniuk]

I would stick to 60" bow for your draw  as far as a one piece bow or 3 piece it all up to you both are going to shoot well  a takedown is handy  but 1piece is very trad

[Langhorn]

Hey R4L!  Glad to have you in the gang!  First, I think as long as you purchase a quality bow you will probably be satisfied with either of the two.  Personally speaking, I really enjoy shooting the 60" bows.  I have a true 30.5" draw and the shorter bows pinch me pretty good.  That is something that may not be as critical in your case.  I must say though that I really, really enjoy the take-down bows.  Alot of things to consider when it comes to traveling, etc....as far as being able to be compact.  Another thing to consider is the possibility of having several different sets of limbs made for one riser.  Once you really become familiar to one riser, it is hard, for me at least, to shoot a different style bow.  If a limb breaks or twists you are not out of a whole bow.  Just some points to consider.  Hope they are helpful to you!

[Bill Turner]

One piece versus Take Down is a very personal question. I like the additional mass of the the TD recurve and the advantage when I travel with my TD bow, especially when I travel by plane. I own two TD recurves, a Massie Model M and a BW PMA-V. I seldom break them down, but I like knowing that I can. As for TD longbows. I have three two piece TD Massie "Longhorns". I find these bows to be very advantageous when traveling as well. I do not care for three piece TD longbows, however. I just like the more traditional look which you get with the two piece design. Once again I seldom break my TD longbows apart but I like knowing that I can if I have to for travel purposes.  

[Whip]

As has been said, there are two main reasons to get a takedown.  The additional mass weight is preferred by some.  That is more of a personal preference, and you might like something different than another guy.

The biggest advantage in my mind is the ease of travel.  If you think you might ever fly with your bow, get the takedown.  Then again, if you get a one piece and eventually want to fly somewhere you will have a built in excuse to buy a new bow!      And we all love excuses to buy a new bow!  

[Two Arrows]

If you are ever in my neck of the woods let me know and you can try out whatever I have on hand at that time.

[Mike Bolin]

I recently went back to a 3 pc. recurve. I had been shooting 1 and 2 pc. longbows for the past several years and really enjoyed them. I had/have some neck/shoulder/nerve damage issues I am dealing with and had to drop way down in bow weight. I bought a 3 pc. recurve at a weight I could handle and have since added a slightly heavier set of limbs and can do so again as I heal up and get stronger. Traveling to out of state hunts/shoots a 3 pc.is really convenient and an extra set of limbs takes up alot less room than taking an extra (back-up) bow. Good luck with your choice! Mike

[Zog]

If you get a 3 pc it is easier to experiment with different draw weights until you land on one you like.  Sure, you can keep buying and selling one-pieces until you finally get your ideal draw pull, but trading limbs gives you more options.

Then you can keep going down in weight with the same riser as you ruin your shoulders having fun with your bows    .

[Tater John]

Takedowns fit in your gun vault so dirt balls that kick in your door while your away making a living can't get to them.

Rusty

[Jedimaster]

Three piece take-down for me.  There are no draw backs.  Easy to transport.  Easy to get new limbs.  Mass in the riser = stability.  

Try a few, as many as you can.  Find one with a grip that feels natural or comfortable.  That is one of the most critical elements to shootability.  

There are short bows that can accomodate fellows with a longer draw and you should ask that specifically of the bowyer you choose.  If you want to remove any doubt that you can be comfortable shooting it then go for the 60" or longer bow.  Longer bows tend to have more stability anyway which makes them easier to master.  That is a broad statement and there are some fine shorties but that can be a general guide.

[jrchambers]

id go with a take down so you can easly buy or trade limbs to find exactly the lenght and poundage you like, then when i know what you like and dislike you can get a 1 pice that fits the bill. there is nothing wrong with having more than one bow, or ten.

[Pat B]

My first custom recurve(Gilbert Archery Canoochee Warrior[Jeffery's]) was a takedown because everyone told me how convenient it would be over a one piece. I bought that bow is 1988 and I don't think I have taken it apart more than once or twice. A one piece will cost less and shoot just as well. If you plan on traveling enough to warrant a take down than in my opinion it is worth it. If I were to buy another, it would be a one piece.     Pat

[Rick Perry]

one piece are purtier ........... I like em better !! ............ I have flown with a one piece and it was no big deal !!!! ............. I have had several takedowns ........... there are 2 truths about takedowns  ..... #1 .. most guys never do buy that second set of limbs!  ................ #2 .... most guys Rarely take em apart !

[JL]

TD's have their advantages. Getting different lenght/weight/configuration limbs is a big plus. I'm in the process of buying a set of LB limbs for my Zipper TD. If you have a 29" draw, I would be looking at a 62" or better bow. I have a 29" draw (on some days...) and find that I sqeeze all the performance out of a 60" bow has to offer. My 50# Snakebit is a 64" TD and I still get around 200fps with a 30" GT arrow.

The number one thing is how do you shoot a given bow. Regardless if it's a TD or one piece, how a bow feels to you is paramount. If a bow feels good to you, you will shoot it well. This can only be done thru trial and error. My suggestion is get and use a beater bow untill you can get to one of the major shoots this spring/summer. Unless you have a unlimited supply of $$$, get to a shoot, find the draw weight you are comfortable with (can't overstate DO NOT OVER BOW YOURSELF...) and go from there. The more you shoot, the more you'll find what works for you. Heck, you may prefer a LB over a curve and then you'll have to change your handle...

Whatever you choose, remember to take your time, learn from your mistake's and keep it fun.

Welcome aboard!

[NCMountainBoy]

Your height and draw length are identical to mine.  I have a one piece 56" @ 45# and a take down BW PMA II 60" @ 52#.  Both bows shoot very well for me.  It all comes down to personal preference, and to me personal preference is what I can shoot to the best of my ability.  I would definitely take the advice that JL gave of going to one of the major shoots and try several bows on for size.  What works for me may not be comfortable to shoot for you.  Shoot well and most of all have fun.

[mooseman76]

3 piece sure is handy, but if I were to have only one or the other I'd get a one piece.  I like the lighter weight in hand, the look and general feel of them.  Check out Rose Oak.  Brandon's King Panther is one of the nicest looking bows out there!

Mike

[BMG]

everyone knows that T/D outperform one piece bows.     :rolleyes:

[freefeet]

I just love the look of a one piece recurve, and looks is everything!

Isn't it?

 :D

[Teacher_of_the_Arcane]

Mr. 4-Life,

I hunted with a one piece recurve for more than thirty years....a Bear Kodiak Magnum, 50# @ 28".  During that time, I bought then sold a Bear Kustom Kodiak Takedown (3 piece).  Once I had the TD at home and was shooting it, the only time I ever took it a part was when I needed to ship it to it's new owner.

I've since had to retire my Kodiak Magnum (damaged in a moving truck), and bought a Tomahawk TD.  Again, since I've had it in my possession, I've not had occasion to take it apart.  I like the feature, but probably won't use it much.

One piece bows are cheaper, and I've not had a transportation problem with mine.

[Recurve-4-life]

Thanks for all the great input.