Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Karebru on February 25, 2011, 05:29:00 PM

Title: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: Karebru on February 25, 2011, 05:29:00 PM
How many prefer a one-piece bow over a take-down, and shoot them exclusively? Why do you prefer a one-piece?
Is it a matter of weight, balance, looks?
Thanks!
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: Jwilliam on February 25, 2011, 05:33:00 PM
I prefer one piece longbows and takedown recurves. Still haven't figured that one out myself.  :biglaugh:  To me I just like the looks and feel of a one piece longbow, and like the same things about a takedown recurve.


Bill
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: Rob W. on February 25, 2011, 05:33:00 PM
I have always liked the lighter weight of a one peice. When I put my quiver on seems to balance perfectly. Rob
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: TDHunter on February 25, 2011, 05:35:00 PM
Ive got both. I like my one piece the best, but i think it's because it's that much more simple and less to go wrong. Now in saying that I've had nothing go wrong with any of my take-downs and they shoot just as good. And when it's time to travel some where and I need a take-down to put in my suitcase well then I like my take-down better.
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: Night Wing on February 25, 2011, 05:35:00 PM
I have two take down recurves. If I can ever justify getting another bow, it's going to be a one piece recurve.
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: Ky Double Lung on February 25, 2011, 05:36:00 PM
I like the lighter weight of the one piece, although a two piece longbow would travel much easier!
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: Rooselk on February 25, 2011, 05:50:00 PM
Whether longbows or recurves, all my bows are one-piece. For me it's just a preference primarily based on looks rather than function. If I travelled by air I would probably purchase a take-down, but that's not something I do. Then again I really don't find transporting a one-piece bow any more difficult than transporting a rifle.
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: magnus on February 25, 2011, 06:26:00 PM
All one piece for me also. Simple and light. Appeals to my eye more as well.
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: Mojostick on February 25, 2011, 06:30:00 PM
Having been a compound shooter, I cannot use a bow that has metal bolts and requires an allen wrench, without feeling dirty. LOL

I guess if I wasn't a former compound shooter, it probably wouldn't matter. But for me, I'll never own anything other than 1 pc bows. Just my taste alone, I don't care what others do as far as their trad bows.

It's like metal risers. While metal risers have been around for a long time, I'd never own one for the same reason as above, but if a metal riser floats your boat, knock yourself out and enjoy.
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: dino on February 25, 2011, 06:31:00 PM
I prefer a one piece longbow because of the lightness in the hand but have had to go to two piece bows for travel.  Airlines have made it very prohibitive to travel with one piece bows.  If I drive, I take my one piece exclusively. dino
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: Canadabowyer on February 25, 2011, 06:42:00 PM
One piece for me. I like the light feel so much I won't hunt with a bow quiver.  Bob
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: gobblegrunter on February 25, 2011, 06:52:00 PM
I've read/heard from several one-piece owners that they actually ship the bow via USPS to their destination ahead of their arrival. It seems to work well. I've never flown anywhere for a hunt and don't foresee that happening anytime soon. Given that fact, the cost-effectiveness of the 1pc over the 2pc, along with the fact that the option of shipping the bow ahead of time (should the opportunity to fly to a hunt arise) exists...I'll take the good 'ol 1pc...
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: mcgroundstalker on February 25, 2011, 06:56:00 PM
I like a one piece bow in both long and recurve styles. Slim lines and lightness works for me. Then again, I can see how a take-down would be better for airline travel or even with a group of fellas in one vehicle on a hunting trip.

... mike ...  :archer2:  ...
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: Doug in MN on February 25, 2011, 07:00:00 PM
Have both one piece and 3 piece takedown longbows and I like both for different reasons.
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: Keefer on February 25, 2011, 07:01:00 PM
One piece for me even though I have a Fox takedown...I always seem drawn to bows with no limb bolts or metal hardware on them...Nothing wrong with takedowns but if I had my choice it would defintly be a one piece...
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: Huntschool on February 25, 2011, 07:14:00 PM
I don't prefer a one piece over a TD.I have both one piece and TD's.  I like them all.  

The TD recurve stays together and strung 90% of the time. The one piece recurve hangs un strung. The LB stays un strung and the TD LB stays together but un strung... Its a two piece BW PL and I can not tell the difference between it and my one piece PL.
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: DeerSpotter on February 25, 2011, 07:19:00 PM
If I was ever to get a take down longbow, I would get the "Bow bolt", I just have never liked bolts on the front of limbs ,That is just me ,See I told you have an attitude ! I have had a couple take downs and I could never got used to them. I think I shoot better with a one piece.

I like a lightness of it. There's just something about that continual line from one tip to the other ,Can't explain it ,Mentally ,I understand the power that goes into the arrow on that basis .

See I told you can't explain it !

Carl
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: Archer 1 on February 25, 2011, 07:24:00 PM
All one piece for me,Longbow, or recruve. I just like the looks and weight of them better.  :archer:
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: koger on February 25, 2011, 07:44:00 PM
I like a 3 piece takedown recurve, for several reasons.
1. I like a little more mass weight in the riser, seems steadier and more dead in the hand.
2. If I damage, fall, or break a limb, I can buy a replacement set.You cant do that with a one piece. I had a older bow, was my favorite years ago, a Black Widow onepiece. Delaminated in the limb one day, I just about cried. Always easy to store when traveling, especially if you got 2-3 trad shooters in a truck, Duuhhh!
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: meathead on February 25, 2011, 07:44:00 PM
I just like the lines on one piece bows.
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: JRY309 on February 25, 2011, 07:48:00 PM
I too like one piece bows,especially with longbows.They just have cleaner lines to me.
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: chad graham on February 25, 2011, 07:52:00 PM
one piece for me as well,i just like the look and the longer working limbs make a smooth drawing bow.
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: recurvericky on February 25, 2011, 08:23:00 PM
I just made a 2-piece longbow using a bow bolt and love it. I can tell no significant weight difference than with a 1-piece. Personally, in the future all of my longbows and probably my recurves will be 2-piece.
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: greg fields on February 25, 2011, 08:30:00 PM
I shot one piece for years, took 3 years off and shot takedowns, sold them and back to one piece.  I think they shoot faster, or at least seemed it to me, lighter, less noise.....  i like takedowns for some of the reasons mentioned before though also.....  I guess I like em all after thinking about it........
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: COLongbow on February 25, 2011, 08:38:00 PM
I'm having the same quandry myself.

Been looking for my lifetime bow, and thinking that if I have only ONE it should be a takedown...'cause if I would ever fly to hunt (doubtful), pack it in on a horse (probably not), or need to stuff it into my pack for some reason that I can't hold it in my hand (really?)that it should be a TD.

Probably won't ever break a limb as I'm very careful with all my outdoor gear, especially my bow, and my LTB will of course be the perfect draw weight for now and into my later years...I guess that takes care of all the reasons to have a TD.

All the pro's of having a one-piece still remain.
In my position I don't foresee ever being in the position of having multiple bows....so...what to do?
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: kadiak kid... on February 25, 2011, 08:41:00 PM
one pc. all the way...looks,light weight for long walks...short risors,long limbs...and i just love em...
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: eagleone on February 25, 2011, 08:42:00 PM
one piece for me- i dont know why- smooth lines? more trad? i dont know- i tell you what tho- some guys on here make some BEAUTIFUL take downs
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: tippit on February 25, 2011, 08:49:00 PM
I have mulitples of both.  I only shoot my T/D bows when I fly to hunt. Every T/D that I've shot feels stiff in the riser.  Where as a one piece seems to bend in the riser.  The only T/D that come close is a bow bolt longbow.  JMO...Doc
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: hvyhitter on February 25, 2011, 09:00:00 PM
I like one piece bows better, I have a TD that hasnt been appart in 6 years that I keep just in case I ever get to go on that buffalo hunt in Austraila. I'll just get heavier limbs and it'll fit in my baggage. Other than that I feel that one pieces are just smoother and balance better.
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: ishoot4thrills on February 25, 2011, 09:38:00 PM
I own and love a Pittsley Predator Classic take-down. But, I do love a one piece as well.

Now, if only Pittsley would make a one piece!   :pray:
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: Ringneck on February 25, 2011, 09:56:00 PM
I much prefer one piece bows. They look better to my eye and are lighter weight.
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: COLongbow on February 25, 2011, 10:15:00 PM
Rooselk had a great point.

I never had any complaints in my former life about transporting  a full size rifle anywhere.

Can a sweet one-piece bow be any different?
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: Holm-Made on February 25, 2011, 11:14:00 PM
I have only gone on one hunt where I had to fly.  I flew with my one piece bow and it wasn't an issue.  This was 8 years ago, maybe the airlines are stricter now about luggage sizes, I don't know.
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: straitera on February 25, 2011, 11:23:00 PM
One piece LB's only 33 years straight. Simple & very effective w/o fear of problems; losing parts, noise, adjustments, etc. In my case, if it can go wrong it will...at the wrong time.
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: Stumpkiller on February 25, 2011, 11:59:00 PM
All my bows are one piece.  Owned a three piece briefly and sold it.  Quiet and graceful.
I like the looks and lightness - though my Explorer is a hefty bow.  

If I needed a take-down I'd hope for one with as little hardware visible as possible.  Just personal tastes.
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: reddust on February 26, 2011, 07:00:00 AM
I like one-peice,they are more natural feeling for me.I have take-downs but they seem more cumbersome.
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: Hopewell Tom on February 26, 2011, 09:04:00 AM
I like the one piece for the simplicity. I never considered the takedown until I got on this site and see all the fantastic pieces being offered by our very talented bowyers. I'm probably not flying anywhere to hunt, but have a Zipper on my wish list.
But, longbows one piece only, recurves 3 piece only.
No science involved, personal preference only.
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: Covey on February 26, 2011, 09:23:00 AM
I have a takedown, but I love the feel of a one piece. I'm sure the next one I buy will be a one piece. Unless I find a good deal on a three piece...you now how that goes! LOL! Jason
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: Javi on February 26, 2011, 09:26:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by Ringneck:
I much prefer one piece bows. They look better to my eye and are lighter weight.
I agree, there is just something about a takedown that just doesn't appeal to me at all...
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: bornagainbowhunter on February 26, 2011, 09:34:00 AM
I shoot one piece bows.  I just like the feel, looks, weight and the simplicity.  I have nothing against a takedown bow.  In fact I killed a deer with a takedown this year.  First 3 piece bow I ever hunted with except for bowfishing.  It was a very nice bow that shot extremely well, but my heart is with a "D" shaped one piece.

God Bless,
Nathan
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: moththerlode on February 26, 2011, 10:06:00 AM
Why can't you fly with a one piece ? it works with fishing rods.

I like one piece myself..just something about moving parts.
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: Zmonster on February 26, 2011, 10:22:00 AM
It depends for me. Im a sucker for 1pc bows, but my 3pc ACS's shoot like no other bow for me. I have a inbound PAX that I have always wanted to try, so we will see. I've ended up selling every 1pc bow I tried except for some classic bears that I keep around for nostalgic purposes. I absolutely love the lines of them, but the additional weight of the takedowns just flat out work for me. The PAX I have coming has some heft to it, so I'm hopeing it works out.

I had three super nice RER Arroyos that shot like the dickens but the first time I picked up a heavier bow, all changed. The additional mass in the risers made for a much more stable sight picture for me. I still haven't found a bow with both the perfect lines of a 1pc and the mass of a 3pc. The search continues...
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: Blackstick on February 26, 2011, 11:47:00 AM
I have 10 different recurves and longbows. Only one is a takedown, but that will change if a new A-handle ever comes into my local Bear dealer.
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: Karebru on February 26, 2011, 12:43:00 PM
Thanks for all the responses!
I'm at the point where I'm starting to develop preferences. Or maybe, choose a direction, is more accurate.
I'm not sure I believe in the idea that there's some holy grail bow out there that, when I find it, we will have a magical connection, and it will practically shoot itself.  (And I can't afford the quest!) I'm picking what feels good, and going with it. It's nice to know that others have the same preferences for the same reasons.
I'm liking the sleek look and feel of a one piece longbow. A light weight, streamlined bow seems to make me feel more connected to the arrow.  I tried a bow quiver for a while. It probably did add some stability, but it seemed to take away from that connected feeling.

No bolts.  ;)
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: Bowwild on February 26, 2011, 01:04:00 PM
Most of my bows (recurves only) are TD. Of the TDs I have I like their looks, heft, portability, and potential for changing limbs.

There are some brands (most actually) that I like the TD but not the 1-piece version. I prefer mass in the riser I(thus my high-preference for recurve).

I've recently bought a Widow PAX.  While some think it is a 1-piece version of the PSA (TD) I don't think so at all.  I have a PSAIII (TD) and I like it. But I think the lines and feel of the 1-piece PA are superior.

If I was going to own only 1-2 bows and planned to do some traveling, rather by truck or plane, I'd own only TDs. The 1-piece is a bit more to watch out for (limb tips in doors, etc.).

I rarely take my TD bows apart.
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: Bernie B. on February 26, 2011, 03:18:00 PM
If I spent any time in an airplane, I would definitely use a TD.  Since I don't, I only own one piece bows.  To me there's something about the looks of good one piece bows that I love.  A few years ago I bought a beautiful Martin Hatfield TD that just sat on my bowrack without being used.  I would always grab a one piece longbow, or my Martin Hunter recurve whenever I'd go shooting or hunting.  I traded that bow for a Spirit longbow last year and honestly feel that I have one of the best bows out there now.  That Martin Hatfield had less than ten arrows through it.  Just couldn't get used to the looks of it.

Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: stickem1 on February 26, 2011, 08:06:00 PM
One piece for me. I have never owned a take-down.
Someday...
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: COLongbow on February 26, 2011, 09:21:00 PM
Hey Bernie,
If you're talking about a Spirit longbow by Bryan Holley in CO, you're right on the money. That's one nice bow right there.
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: Ryan Rothhaar on February 26, 2011, 09:34:00 PM
Shot takedowns for years.  Recently went to one-piece recurves....why?  Cause Jack Howard never made a takedown!  I love the Gamemaster Jets and they have become my #1 bows.

I always liked a takedown to travel with, but frankly in this day and age with what they charge for checked luggage, I can ship my Jet in a bombproof tube, insured, by Priority Mail for what my 2nd checked bag would cost...so travelling with a one-piece recurve is really not an issue anymore.

Ryan
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: far rider on February 26, 2011, 10:47:00 PM
I'm a 1 piece guy. I shoot Hills, and I guess I just like things simple.
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: kongo on February 26, 2011, 10:57:00 PM
I own 1 pc. L/Bs & recurves . I don't like the weight of a 3 pc. recurves . I have owned 2 pc bows and they were just as good as a 1 pc .
Title: Re: One-Piece Only ?
Post by: Bernie B. on February 27, 2011, 02:53:00 PM
COLongbow, yes I have the Spirit longbow by Bryan Holley.  This guy knows how to make bows!

Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin

48# Spirit longbow
45# Martin Hunter recurve