Takedown longbow

[Greg Owen]

I am just beginning in traditional archery again after 20 years away. I have a couple one piece longbows, but would like a takedown also. What are the advantages/disadvantages to 2 piece or 3 piece takedowns?  Who makes them? I need to decide between 2 piece and 3 piece first and then which one. I'd like to order one in the next few months so that in a year or so I will be ready to use it. Thanks for any and all information.

[jacobsladder]

there is two very nice ones on the classifieds right now...both sellers are top notch guys...one is a crow creek and the other is a lewis hollow...both great bows and very good prices....

1 advantage would be more mass in the riser..another would be you can break them down for traveling..good luck on your journey!

[bushytail]

I think 3-Rivers sells the 2 peice takedown componets to make your bow a takedown.That might be the cheapest way "IF" you don`t ruin your bow.If you do it right,you`ll have a awsome bow.If you don`t mind spending $$$$$$$$ Black Widow is known for their takedowns.Good customer service to.

[Greg Owen]

Thanks for the info. I will look into it. I am still in the learning stage

[Woodduck]

If I had the money, I'd get the two piece Mohawk. I know some that have it that I respect and they are full of praise.

[L. E. Carroll]

I have several both 2 and 3 piece, Love the fact that the grips on both the 1 and 2 piece Griffin's are almost identical.  Best LB grip for me.

However I also have a 3 pc Pronghorn and a Great Plains 3 pc with 2 sets of limbs.  These are also very fine bows and very fast. Plus, you have the option of changing limbs with a 3 piece. It also allows taking a spare set of limbs instead of a back-up Bow [especially important when flying].  Another benefit is if you like a recurve grip but want LB limbs most bowyers can build a grip you will be happy with and will possibly allow use both recurve and LB limbs.
Gene

[bentpole]

Tuff decision, I have a Two Piece Mohawk  and a Lewis Hollow 3 piece takedown. I have the Hollow listed in the Classifieds. I like Traditional  D shape Longbows better.The Lewis Hollow is a hybrid. Both bows are outstanding. The only reason the Hollow is up for sale is because she's too good a bow not to be shot. It depends on what you like. What bow fits you? If I had an interest in a bow I tried to shoot it first.Some bowyers have a try before you buy bow. If I was lucky I found a used one shot it and  made a decision. Then I either kept that bow, or sold it and ordered one to my specs, or sold it and moved on. Getting back to your question though, a three piece you can order extra limbs for . You can have a set for 3-D and hunting.  A 2 piece you don't have that option. Hope I helped.

[jwingman]

I will try to answer your question regarding the 2 piece vs the 3 piece takedown.

3 Piece takedown - heavier mass weight. Can be a real advantage for some, not so for others depending on what you are looking for. I like and shoot a bow better with a bit higher mass weight. Limbs can be purchased that provide different weights or lengths on a three piece. Also, the price might tend to be a bit less for a three piece. Handles on three piece takedowns can be everything from a recurve style grip to a straight handle. Can usually be packed into a shorter package for travel.

2 piece takedown - Packs easier for travel. Keeps mass weight of the bow lowered some. Keeps the bow as close to a one piece as can possibly be done and still come apart. Cleaner lines to the bow.

  I have both. I like both. Depends on what you want but they both do have there advantages. Good luck in your decision. - Happy holidays - jwingman

[Greg Owen]

Thanks for the info. I do like the looks of a one piece, or of a 2 piece longbow. The 3 piece seems too modern for me, but that's just my personal opinion.  I was leaning towars a Shrew or a Griffin but the Mohawk looks nice.  I am almost thinking I should go to the Kalamazoo expo at the end of January and drop in on the inlaws. Its so hard to find bows to see/try close by here. I do have a bowyer about 6 miles away and might just give the local man some business, but he doesn't do a takedown. I really appreciate this information.  I think I have decided on a 2 piece, now to decide on a brand

[owlbait]

I like my Zipper T/d recurves and am looking at adding a Zipper t/d longbow. The advantage: interchanging limbs and risers, risers that feel the same and fit between bows, hte ability to buy new limbs as bowyers make design changes.

[Jack Shanks]

I have a JV Outback 3 pc that I really like but I wanted a 2 pc for backpack and horseback style hunts. I ended up with a Dan Toelke Whip before my last Mt goat hunt this past September. It is exactly what I was looking for in a bow. I can carry it out of the way in my backback and assemble and disassemble it quickly when needed. My only regrets, I didn't have it before I went on some of the other hunts I have taken.

[todd smith]

Greg Owen,

There's a take-down system that we're just about to launch that would work well on your Montana if you wanted to convert it to a take-down.

The end result is a t/d similar to what Black Widow is doing these days.

Pricing is nearly completed and production is in the works.

Folks will be able to convert almost any one-piece longbow to a two piece t/d.

If you pm me I'll keep let you know when they're ready to roll.  todd

[Greg Owen]

Thanks Todd, when its ready I will take a look at it.

Maybe I will take the opportunity to trap the limbs and cut the tips and make it like a new bow. I have to learn sometime.

[swampbuck]

I've been liking my 2 pc Centuar very much.I've also got a 3 pc hatfield(recurve)and a 1 pc LB.I hardly ever took the 3 pc down but after getting the 1 pc I missed that option the 2 pc travels well and the 3 pc you can get extra limbs...tuff call LOL good luck

[akbowbender]

I have a 64" Kota Prairie Nomad that I really like. It has a short riser with a small cross section at the grip. This is my first longbow, but I have no problem switching between it and my much heavier Pittsley Predator recurve.

The 64" length was a special order by the original owner (jwingman) because of his long draw length. My draw length is right at 28", and I shoot it just fine. One of our club members with a longer draw has been shooting it with impressive results, and now he is hounding me to sell it to him! His current TD longbow has a heavy riser, which he doesn't care for because it is too different from his Toelke Whips and Widow.

[Whip]

As some have already said, there are advantages to both, and it boils down to what you personally prefer.  I have a 2 piece Griffin that is a great bow, and of course the Shrews are very similar.  They make great 2 piece bows.  But when it comes to air travel, I actually think a 3 piece travels a bit easier.  My Griffin is 64", so when broken down is still more than 30" long.  A three piece breaks down to be more compact.
If you can get a chance to attend Kalamazoo, that would be well worth the effort.  Lots of great bows there and you will be able to see and shoot them all.   If you do, make sure to stop by and check out the RER 3 piece LX.  There will be plenty of others to try as well.