I was thinking about getting a take down bow for air travel and wanted thoughts and opinions about the bow sleave style of take down (like is offered by Howard Hill Bows).
Any issues about feel, or noise, or slippage?
Pawnee
I think a sleeve T/D system is a good solid dependable system,especially for heavier bows.I have a sleeved T/D Black Wolf 67#@28,works great.I also like the lock socket type too,like in the Black Widow's PL longbows and a few other bowyers that use this system.
I had a Hill, and currently have two St. Charles longbows, one of which was made in the early 90's, and shot a LOT. Neither has loosened or makes any noise. If you want simple, dependable, no tools takedown, this is the way to go.
I have made two with sleeves from 3 Rivers. Both are solid and work great.
Thank you for the input.
Does the metal handle feel OK - as opposed to the regular wood handle (both under a leather wrap obviously)?
I agree with the others.The sleeve has a long track record of holding up well.I had rather have it than most td joints in use today.
Obviously, you are limited to a straight grip, but there are two sizes available. If you can shoot a straight grip there's no difference. I understand that there are some bowyers who can make a T/D sleeve with a locator grip, but I don't know offhand who they are.
i believe i've used just about every type of 2pc bow t/d system available.
for a straight handle, the sleeve is an excellent way to go - both mating parts of the sleeve MUST be kept CLEAN (and very sparsely lubed) lest they either won't mate or won't come apart.
for any non-straight handle, the connexion hinge works out best for me.
I have owned 7 or 8 Wes Wallace T/D longbows made with the sleeve...they have what I would call a semi-locator grip. I can't use a straight grip when I am wearing big gloves and mittens shooting in the winter---just can't seem to grip the bow consistantly. So with Wes's bows, I don't have that problem. I like the sleeve system. Simple yet reliable.