Take Downs vs. regular (longbows)

[Drew]

I've narrowed my choices for my next bow to 2 models by different bowyers.

My question is one is a take down the other not.

Is the take down a option i should really look into? I can see where it would be convinent.

Any advice...

[JEFF B]

mmmmmmmmm i would say stick with the one piece i find the t/d a little heavy for walking around in the bush. but that is only my veiw. as they both have there good and bad points. good points for the t/d is ya can do  just that take it apart. bad point if ya keep taking it apart something has got to wear on it. good point for the one piece it is nice and light no parts to wear out. the only bad point is ya cant take it apart for transporting other than that it is all good. any way good luck with it drew.  

[Golden Hawk]

For huntin around home Drew I prefer the 1pc, but if I am going to be traveling to hunt I'll probably go to the T/D for the compactness. The T/D will also weigh a bit more most times and can be more stable to shoot in less than perfect wind conditions.

[JRY309]

It is a personal choice,for me I like a one piece longbow.Take down bows can be handy but do you really need that option,how often will you use it. Three piece T/D longbow can be nice because you can get different limbs at different weights and lengths.I think those type would be alittle more dependable then some 2-piece bows.I have had T/D longbows but never really took them down.If you really have use for a T/D I would go that way but for me I love a one piece.

[LV2HUNT]

The takedown is a bit more convenient for air travel because you could put it into luggage and not dedicate one of your allowed bags to it. It could also come in handy on backpack, horseback, and bush plane trips.

The three piece definitely weighs more than a one piece. In terms of multi weight limbs It would be handy but those additional limbs cost darn near what a bow does    .

So basically I think it is a travel question.

[indianalongbowshooter]

I like the T/D`s just for the added weight and stability, if you want a little more weight on a 1 pc. just add a quiver full of arrows...

[Bjorn]

You need both. I used to prefer one piece bows; but not anymore. Takedowns offer flexibility of limb swaps and easier back up, and compact for travel.
I have several takedowns and cannot tell the difference shooting them compared to a one piece. I never take my bows apart or even unstring them except for maintenance. It is nice to know that my bow will fit into a suitcase if I plan a hunt involving air travel.

[Scott S.]

I notice less difference between a 3 piece TD and a one piece longbow than I do most TD and one piece recurves.  

Rarely do most people disassemble the TD's unless traveling, but its a nice option to have.  On the other hand, its usually an expensive option if you don't plan to use it for either travel or changing limb weights.

You really did not specify whether 2-piece or 3-piece takedowns.

You might even get the bowyers to let you try a sample of both before you decide.

[Ironman]

I like a one piece longbow, I would use a T/D if i was traveling by airjust to save space.

[San Juan Slim]

I own about four 1-piece longbows.  This past year I purchased two different used takedown models--a Rampart 3-piece and a Wapiti Spike 2-piece.  Both shoot very well.  I took the 3-piece out for elk season and really never noticed the added weight.  I like the looks of the 2-piece because it looks just like a 1-piece bow when assembled.  I bought them for the possibility I might take another hunt where I needed to fly.  I have flown with the 1-piece bows in a travel tube and they are quite cumbersome to handle in airports.  Whereas the takedown can be packed in a duffle or siutcase.  I also think a takedown will be more handy when sheep and goat hunting or packing a few miles into an elk camp.  If you already have a couple of 1-piece bows, buy a takedown for these possibilities.

Mike

[User Name]

It sure is fun to take the bow backpacking, even when it's not hunting season.  Since I only own two bows there was no choice but a 2-piece for me.  2-pc bows are pricey, though.  I only found them from the better bowyers.  Not only does it have to be on a good, strong bow but the 2-pc adds about $90 to $150.

Look at this before you try your own, though.  I thought I was smart enough to make my own.

Actually I was smart enough to make my own, just not smart enough to make it work!

 

 

I have broken down and ordered a 2-pc made by the bowyer this time.

[Shawn Leonard]

I like a one-piece or a 3 piece, I have never liked a two piece T/D in recurve or longbow. If ya travel a lot a T/D is nice but I like one-piece bows now. Shawn

[Rob DiStefano]

For my longbows it's one piece for cars and three piece for aircraft.  A well made three piece longbow is a JOY to hold and shoot.  It's all about personal aesthetics and YMMV.

[LBR]

Do you need a td?  They are nice for travelling, if you travel with a bow.

I prefer a one piece, but I like a 2-piece td if I'm travelling.  The 2-piece looks, and more importantly to me feels, like much more like a 1 piece, especially in a longbow.

Chad

[robslifts]

do you wanna try my two piece northern mist drew I may be able to let ya use it to try out but it is 61lbs  so let me know or pm me  if ya want