3 piece takedown bows

[Venger]

My first question is: Do I loose out any by going with a take down bow over a one piece bow? A vague question honestly, but I don't know how to better ask. Distance/accuracy/smoothness in draw: this is what I refer to by my question. I read that compared to a 2 pic takedown, the difference between it and a regular recurve are null. I couldn't find anything on 3 pc takedowns.

Secondly, can I take any handle from a takedown and attach any draw weight or style limb that I wanted to? For example, if the takedown I bought came with 20# recurve youth limbs, could I replace them with say 45# r/d limbs, or trad longbow limbs? And is there is issues with getting longer limbs? Will it hurt/adversely affect the handle any?

And finally, any recommendations for a low cost yet good quality 3 pc. takedown to start off with?

[Hermon]

I am no expert but in my experience 3 piece bows are heavier that 1 piece bows.  As far as smoothness/accuracy/etc their in no difference that I can detect in the ones I have experience with.  3 pieces are heavier due to the hardware involved and many times the riser are of a laminated product which adds weight.  The other questions you have will depend on the bowyer.  Some have risers that will accept recurve and longbow limbs, some don't.  All of them that I am aware of, draw weight/limb length will not be an issue.  If you are buying new just ask the bowyer.  Good luck in your search.

[Jake Fr]

well as far as i know you wont loose any distance or such things as long as you keep your end up on them in practice i love 3 piece bows


also on some bows yes you can change the limbs but most times not limbs from other style bows unless it is stated or made for them like the ILF's some company's make it so they can though also a recurve riser will have a different angle to how the limbs set on it wich will not work for the longbow limbs but again there are some company's that will do both it's realy kinda neat to see what they can do with them all well worth looking into getting one of them

[Venger]

Great, thanks. that helps narrow it down a bit. My one worry behind a 3 piece was the idea that it was a multi-purpose bow in a way. And it is a generally well applied rule that multi-purpose anythings suck at all there functions, over a specialty product.

thanks for the quick replies.

[smokin feathers]

3 piece as good as 1 or 2 piece you usually can't tell the difference in performance comparing a 1 piece and 3 piece fro same bowyer at same specs just that the takedown usually has more mass. I had them all and I pretty much prefer a 3 piece for it's versatility easy to change limbs and styles on most and very easy to take down and pack for a distant trip

[Venger]

What is the proper section of forum to ask about 3 piece takedown bow recommendations for a first time buyer?

[GRINCH]

This is the proper section,3 piece bows offer versatility over a one piece in that you can from swap limbs if they are made by the same bowyer with the exception of ILF bows which you can use any ilf limb set on.The 3 piece is a little heavier which for me makes it more stable in the hand,every bow has its good points,why not try shooting a few various styles and make up your own mind.

[buckeye_hunter]

Olympic shooters use take down bows....    They won't sacrifice performance/accuracy for anything.

[stalkin4elk]

I used to have 3 piece bows and really prefer two piece bows now. The reasons are simplicity and speed of assembly, no hardware or wrenches to lose,lighter weight, and I think they are better looking.It is really personal preference for your style. Get both and sell the one that proves itself "hard to love".

[Roadkill]

I like the extra mass in the riser. I switch between my pronghorn takedown and my Chief elite without any thought of adjusting anything. Shoot the same

[Terry Lightle]

Have had both,prefer a 1 piece due to weight.I have traveled by air with a 66 inch 1 piece with no problems.Just my opinion.

[sawtoothscream]

i have owned several 1 piece bows and just got my 3 piece bow today. i like it much more. i like the extra weight in the riser, love that i cant take it apart for easy transportation as well. plus i can order heavier limbs and have 2 bows in one

[KentuckyTJ]

No loss at all. Actually I would say they are as a whole better performers. Three pieces are more stable through the shot due to the added weight. You can find them in a wide variety of sizes and weights. I tend to like my three pieces on the lighter side, but do own a heavy one that is a fantastic bow other than being too heavy (for my liking).

[Venger]

Back on this topic, is there any difference between wooden risers and composite/man-made ones? I should think composite riser to be slightly lighter, but I have no experience here. Are there any notable differences here between these to different variants of take down riser?

@grinch: Believe me, I would LOVE to sample some bows myself at a fire arms or archery store before I buy a bow. However, that isn't an option where I live. the nearest trad archery store is two hours away, simply too far for me. Thankfully though, I learned that a Gander Mountain nearby has an indoor archery range. Unfortunately there selection is limited to mostly compounds. So hey, you get what you got. Definitely looking into using what few bows they have in that range, just to get a feel for them all the same.

[flinthead]

I had a Buffolo and Trad Tech Titan and they were the most consistant shooters ever. Left them because the wooden risers[Hummingbirds,Dyes,ect.] look and feel so good. Can not beat the look of a exotic 3 piece longbow.When time will not allow shoot time , they look like art. If you are only interested in acuracy, almost indestructable,[and multiple options in grips]go for one of the above metal bows.   One Opinion.Roy

[buckeye_hunter]

Originally posted by Venger:
My first question is: Do I loose out any by going with a take down bow over a one piece bow? A vague question honestly, but I don't know how to better ask. Distance/accuracy/smoothness in draw: this is what I refer to by my question. I read that compared to a 2 pic takedown, the difference between it and a regular recurve are null. I couldn't find anything on 3 pc takedowns.

Secondly, can I take any handle from a takedown and attach any draw weight or style limb that I wanted to? For example, if the takedown I bought came with 20# recurve youth limbs, could I replace them with say 45# r/d limbs, or trad longbow limbs? And is there is issues with getting longer limbs? Will it hurt/adversely affect the handle any?

And finally, any recommendations for a low cost yet good quality 3 pc. takedown to start off with?

Lower price 3 piece takedown recurve makers;
1. Bob Lee has some on sale in the $500 range
2. Stalker; I think he has some in the mid $500 range
3. Timberhawk; base level is $525 I think.
4. Zipper has some around $600
5. Sarrels has some in the mid $600 range.

Thats all I am aware of currently although I know there are more out there.


In regards to being able to switch limbs and risers, you have to go with all ILF to really have the opportunity to interchange limbs and risers. You can interchange limbs on some bows by the same maker, but have to be careful and check it out. The big issue with changing limbs and risers is making sure the fit is correct. Most aren't unless you go with ILF equiptment.

[Venger]

Question: If the riser says it is for a weight under that of what my limbs are, will I damage my riser?
I ask because I am looking at a Samick Polaris riser, that, if I understand correctly, supports limbs at about 40#. The limbs I mean to get, and I intend to get at least two or three sets, range from 40-60#.
Also, the Polaris riser I am looking is a 66" riser. Obviously this refers to the limbs it takes, but can I put limbs on of a shorter length?

To all those who read my post and comment frequently, please know that I have read and heard your advice to visit a trad archery shop and shoot some bows for myself. However, I am unable to do this. I would absolutely LOVE to but am unable.The nearest one to me is a 2 hour drive away. And what research I have done into a nearby shop is inconclusive. I apologize if I am asking simple questions that may be easily remedied if I got out and did it myself. But at this time I do not have that option. All my knowledge that I can gain must come from those of first hand account and whatever I can read from online. I apologize if this is an inconvenience in any way.

Thanks always for the treasure trove of knowledge.
-Venger