you have all seen it before...

[COLongbow]

For those of us still wondering...

One piece or take down.

I probably will never fly, and don't like allen wrenches. My next bow will be of the perfect weight, so no need for alternate limbs, and I don't see closing one in the truck door..

Why get a take down???

[jsweka]

'Cause some of them are really cool looking.

[Stumpkiller]

All of my current bows are one piece.  I just like the simplicity and smooth, organic flow of the looks.  I had a Dan Quillion Patriot and never broke it down.

[COLongbow]

Thanks for your responses so far, I know this topic has been brought up plenty.. and I've used the search function.

I'm just not one of you guys that will own 20 bows.
Only one. I AM Neurotic!

[ishoot4thrills]

I like one piece bows as well. But I've had some very nice 3 piece bows that were sweet.

But my heart belongs to the one piece bows.

I, too, am mainly a one bow man. I have my main bow(Kanati hybrid) and then I have a bowfishing/backup Browning Wasp. Oh, and I also have my osage self bow but it's too much draw weight, so I never shoot it. They're all one piece bows.

[BOWMARKS]

I like them to be able to change to different weight or styles of limbs.

[COLongbow]

By the way..
You know the difference between a psychotic and a neurotic, right?

A psychotic believes 2 plus 2 equals 5.

A neurotic knows 2 plus 2 equals 4, but he worries about it.

When it comes to trad gear, that's me.

[Daz]

As a psychotic mountain hunter, i know having a t/d in my pack so i can use two trekking poles when loaded going up and down is a wonderful thing.
I would never use a one piece for those hunts again.
That and the voices told me so.

[Ragnarok Forge]

You just stated the single best reason for owning a break down.  Your only going to own one bow.  Versatility trumps one piece in my book.  If you buy the right bow it will still look like a one piece.  Check out the Royals by Wes Wallace.  Tricia and I have six of his two pieces.  They are the only bows we shoot.

[Swiftspeed10]

if you really cant decide get some of the new 2 piece bows where the screw in bold is inside the leather grip so you can't even tell!

[amar911]

You have answered your own question. The only reason to own a takedown over a one piece is to be able to take it apart into pieces or change out the limbs. If you absolutely, positively will never, ever take the bow apart or change/add limbs, buy the one piece. If you are like most people and at some point would like to, or need to, take the bow apart for whatever reason, then a takedown bow is the way to go. I agree that a good two piece bow that breaks apart at the riser is the ideal solution for someone who prefers the feel of a one piece but would like to be able to take it apart on occasion. With a two piece bow, you don't need tools, there are no loose parts to lose, and the bow feels just like a one piece when it is together. The only drawback in my mind to a two piece bow versus an otherwise identical one piece bow is the added cost. And if you only have one bow, the cost will not be very significant.

It sounds like you only need a one piece bow if everything you say is accurate and will never change. Of course, if things do change, you can always buy a different bow.

Allan

[Lost Creek Bows]

I feel the three piece bow gives the archer alot to offer, added mass weight(which allows for errors in the archers form and release),  the choice of multiple limb options(different cosmetic qualities ,draw weights, and different lengths, allowing different types of hunting scenerios.

[J. Holden]

My first and only bow has been a three peice recurve.  It was nice to travel with.  Not even on an airliner mind you.  Just to be able to pack it away and know it was safe from damage inside my suitcase was nice.  Of course a nice hard shell case could solve that issue.  Anyway, over time my limbs got twisted because they weren't being realigned properly.  I now have a one peice (used Bear Grizzly) on the way.  Plus to me, there's a considerable weight difference in the hand of a one-peice vs. a take down.  Not a big deal when sitting on stand all day.  But hunting the hills of Nebraska all day and one would notice I'm sure.  My .2 cents.

-Jeremy  

[The Vanilla Gorilla]

Am I the only one who looses the dang allan wrenches all the time?  I swear I have a gnome in my house that keeps thieving them.  I finally bought a big T handled one and painted it pink. See how long that lasts.

[mahantango]

Definately a one-piece fan. Like the smoother lines - much prettier to me,and I don't care for a lot of riser mass either... Except for my Hoyt Gamemaster. That ones a keeper, go figure.

[Bowwild]

For most makes of custom bows I tend to like the looks of the take-down version more than the one-piece. Exceptions are the Super Wildcat by Brandon at Rose Oak and the PA vs the PSA by Widow -- I like the 1-piece better.

I much prefer the TD versions of Blacktail and Schafer. I like the bit of extra heft the TDs offer.

I rarely fly with a bow and I don't take my takedowns apart much, but for me the TD is the safer bet in terms of aesthetic satisfaction.

[Bill Carlsen]

For me it is purely the convenience of being able to change weights or getting new limbs if one should break. If you find a riser that really fits you having several sets of limbs for it makes it long lived and versatile.

[Charlie Lamb]

With a TD you just take it apart and go home. With a one piece you have to bash the thing into splinters against a tree when you miss a buck.... no brainer!!
   

[Easykeeper]

I'm pondering the same question as you.  I have a custom recurve on order and need to choose between TD or OP.  I'll probably go with a TD even though I think the OP is aesthetically nicer.  The clean lines of a one piece is tough to beat.  

There are a few things I like about the TD.  One is the ability to mount a quiver under the limb bolts.  I don't care for the strap on type.  It's always nice to be able to take the bow down and pack it securely, even if you don't think you ever would...just never know.  I also like the mass weight of the TD, speaking of 3 piece recurves here.

[Sixby]

The locket socket design twopiece is the best of all worlds. Its a onepiece unless you need a twopiece. Very convenient and solid and looks and feels just like a onepiece.
God bless you all, steve