Take-down systems??

[Kenneth]

What's the most foolproof or strongest takedown system?  I like the looks of the bow-bolt because it's simple and looks very sturdy, but it doesn't allow for a leather or beavertail grip wrap; at least I've never seen one with a grip wrap.  How's the connexion hinge for ease of use and durability?  Does the little area missing on the grip feel wierd or do you not even notice it?

thanks,
Ken

[Hawkeye]

Shrew bows use leather with the bow bolt.

Here's a photo of one they had in stock... for a few minutes!

http://shrewbows.com/instockbows/

Notice the thin horizontal line in the center of the grip?  That's all that shows.

[Taiga Recurve]

Chad Holm makes some awesome take down long bows with a bow bolt system. He is a sponsor on this site and a great guy as well. Take a look.
www.holmmadetraditionalbows.com

[SveinD]

A simple forum search just octupled you answers  

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=056058

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=070343#000000

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=077422

-SveinD-

[Ben Maher]

i've had connexion hinges on a few bows and its a great system . i have however returned to ordering my bows with the sleeve t/d . a great and sturdy system that feels rock solid in the hand . you will most likely be rather limited in handle shapes though.

[Kenneth]

thanks for the info guys.

[coaster500]

I really like the look of this on a Big Jim Bow. Really nice, clean T/D....

[Rob DiStefano]

i've used 2pc t/d longbows with the sleeve, bow bolt and connexion hinge.

i absolutely prefer the connexion because it's a fast, bank vault safe lockup that will not stick or fail to mate no matter the temperature. humidity or dust/dirt conditions.

[Rob DiStefano]

i do like the mechanics and looks of big jim's t/d sleeve, though!

[newell38]

jack harrisons carbon sleeve system is the strongest ive seen so far and the coolest looking.  we have had test bows 100@28 with this system and they are still going strong!  plus they look really cool!

[James Wrenn]

I like the fiberglass or carbon sleeves and the Connection hinge best myself.Both work well and are not effected as much by temp changes as the metal sleeves.You can also use both in a variety of riser wood types unlike the bow bolt or beveloc systems.

[Kenneth]

it's funny I was just looking at Big Jims takedown system.  Rob, do you notice a difference in the grip feel with the connexion hinge?  I'm thinking about a getting a takedown hawk and saw that's what Vince uses.

thanks,
Ken

[Ceb]

I tend to think the one Fred Bear came out with in 1970 is the best, probably not what you had in mind though.

[Ragnarok Forge]

Slip fit is what I prefer.  Feels rock solid in my hand.

[highnoonhunter]

I like the looks of the Bevel Lok that kustom king sells. It looks like it could be installed just under the leather wrap if one wanted too. Don't know of any bowyers using it ..............

[stabow]

I would like to see the BW Locket socket, I did the search got all the post but no picture, would like to see one. The connection hinge works fine......stabow

[Orion]

Best connection depends somewhat on the riser design.  I still prefer the sleeve for a Hill style bow.

[VA Bowbender]

Originally posted by Ceb:
I tend to think the one Fred Bear came out with in 1970 is the best, probably not what you had in mind though.

I agree, no muss, no fuss, no tools.

[Moooseran]

I have 2 shrews with the Bevel/Wedge lock and like the system. The bolt looks like a Welding Cable connection.

[BigJim]

Back before I was building bows, I shot a takedown with a bow bolt at the Kalamazoo expo. Now it was built in a 62# bow with a solid wood riser. First mistake was a solid wood riser. I shot it 5 times and thought, I like this I think i'll buy it and then on the six shot, it flexed in my hand and then exploded into pieces.
There were many things that that boyer did wrong, and I think that the bow bolt might be fine as long as bows don't get above 50 #'s +- but didn't trust them enough to use that system when I started building my take downs.
Not one of my personal bows is under 86#'s and I draw a 64" bow to nearly 30"s. They are carbon fiberglass socket style td's and have never had a problem. You can't tell they are take downs ever until they are taken down. No difference in feel, no difference in shooting and maybe as much as 1-3 oz. different in weight but I doubt that much. Anyway it works for me.
Bigjim