I'm a longbow shooter, I like agressive R/D longbows that can fling a heavy arrow, and I am thinking about acquiring a 2 piece longbow. This would be easier to pack when traveling and would allow me to be a bit more stealthy when I pack into a wooded area when hunting.I also like to shoot a longer bow 64-66". I know there are alot of options so the question is: What 2 Piece Takedown Bow do you like and why? And is there a bowyer who makes one as an affordable option?
Thanks in advance.
I would say "affordable" is a pretty loose term.
If I were ordering a new longbow today, it would be a Mohawk Sparrowhawk 2-piece with the connexion system. I used a borrowed right-hander for a while and at first it annoyed me that it would come apart if turned upside down when unstrung, but I later came to appreciate that it did, in fact, come completely apart and could be nested together very compactly. Tie-wrap the string loops together so you don't lose the correct brace height and it couldn't get much simpler. Rock solid when strung.
I'm a big fan of the locket-socket 2 piece design. Black widow, ACS, Eaglewing, and Big Jim use this takedown method. It shows and looks like a 1 piece and I believe it to be much stronger then other systems out there. I believe most takedown options are around $125 give or take
As far as bows go either a eaglewing double carbon or a widow pl for me. Both have good service the eaglewing will be a little less $.
I just ordered a two piece Dan Toelke Whip HS. I like the take down for two reasons. One is the obvious for transporting and the other for the additional mass (Micarta and lug).
L8 2 Hunt:Both have good service the eaglewing will be a little less $.
Thanks, However my prices are probably about the same now. There is so much time involved in these takedown systems I have had to raise my prices a bit.
I just had an inquirey and He said , a couple of years ago your bows were less money than that. I said yes and so was gas and groceries and bow materials. A couple of years from now they will probably be higher yet. Thats the age we live in.
I do love the locket socket system and am actually planning one for myself. LOL I believe it is the best of all systems and the most fool proof. It is however very labor and time intensive.
God bless you all, Steve
A Chastain Wapiti Spike is available in a two piece option for $75 more. He uses a locket socket type system for more than 35 years, with a metal sleeve though. The metal sleeve has the advantage, that you can alter the grip by molding it with bondo, then cover with a thin leather or rubber grip to your liking if you want to. The locator grip is fine for most people though.
For $660 you get a 2piece TD bow to your specs, with your choice of lams. Design is a milder R/D, which makes bow stringers unneccessary and is easy in the field.
I shoot the BW PLX takedowns with the lock it sock it system. It feels like a 1 piece, but is very portable. It shoots my 780 gr CX shafts with finess...
I only have experience with the bow bolt and carbon sleeve. Both worked great, though I think I prefer the bow bolt by a small margin.
There are a lot of choice out there. I like the bow bolt system personally.. Great northern has a very nice solid break down in their "jackknife" but the hinge does not fit my grip.
I am convinced nobody makes a better bow than Dan and Jarod Toelke. The whip is perfect, finish is the best I have seen, the draw is very quite. I would not hesitate to recommend the Toelke
whip,
QuoteOriginally posted by L82HUNT:
I'm a big fan of the locket-socket 2 piece design. Black widow, ACS, Eaglewing, and Big Jim use this takedown method. It shows and looks like a 1 piece and I believe it to be much stronger then other systems out there.
X2!
Black Widow Plx...test drive one and you'll know why
Black Widow Test drive is a good idea, anybody have any experience with how that works and how much it costs?
We use the bow bolt and love it
(http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac260/Stjoeriverbows/62LBGowinstogethershelf.jpg)
(http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac260/Stjoeriverbows/62LBGowinsriserapart.jpg)
(http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac260/Stjoeriverbows/JoellaBates62LBstrung.jpg)
(http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac260/Stjoeriverbows/JoellaBates62LB.jpg)
QuoteOriginally posted by UrbanDeerSlayer:
Black Widow Test drive is a good idea, anybody have any experience with how that works and how much it costs?
I test drove a KB a while back. BW charged my CC the price of the bow and shipping. When I returned the bow they credited my CC back the price of the bow. I just paid the shipping. I can't remember for sure but think it was around $25 or $30 for me. It's a very good deal as far as I'm concerned.
As a novice selfbower I'd like to find a source for the bow bolt. Are they available through one of the sponsors on here?
Thank you,
K.C.
I like the Widow they have a couple on the classifieds
QuoteOriginally posted by oklahomaleatherman:
As a novice selfbower I'd like to find a source for the bow bolt. Are they available through one of the sponsors on here?
Thank you,
K.C.
Try Raptor Archery.
I have tried most, but the conexion style found on Mohawks, Robertson's and early JD Berry's. Nathan Steele of Bama bows is another bowyer using the locket socket. Have had great luck with this connection, however in more than one instance I had to heat a bit of bees wax and rub on the connection to stop irritating creaks while drawing.
No issues with bow bolt, but like Dan Toelke I think it's a good idea to use phenolic in riser. My first Toelke 2 piece did not have phenolic riser.
Least favorite was the brass insert style. Functioned fine, just didn't care for the cylinder grip.
Eaglewing
(http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu47/chromebuck/4a89c222-5c6a-4b50-8b20-7d644f253e7b_zps327182f8.jpg)
Kempf
(http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu47/chromebuck/DSC02111.jpg)
Toelke Whip (with phenolic)
(http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu47/chromebuck/DSC00493.jpg)
Toelke Whip (without)
(http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu47/chromebuck/354.jpg)
~CB
I have a locket socket ACS longbow 2 piece and it is a rocket... It goes together and comes apart quickly, it is solid and it performs like the ACS is known for. I have tested many longbows and nothing outperforms the ACS so if you like the locket socket look, that is the sweet dependable bow
The bow bolt adds some heft to the riser which some folks find quite appealing. I have to admit I like the added weight when it is in the riser. My one concern with the bow bolt is in how much abuse it can take in the real world of backpack hunting. I have not heard of anyone having issues though.
I am wanting to get a new 2 pc. longbow myself and I am going to ask for the carbon sleeve system like Big Jim uses on it. I have heard that this system is as strong as anything else and it is lighter than a bow bolt system. I want the lighter weight for back country hunting.
Kegan is now making a 2 pc. longbow using the carbon sleeve system and his prices are quite reasonable as compared to many other makers. His bows shoot very well according to many reviews.
I love the brass/steel sleeve in small size.Mine do have custom grips built up into locator style and pistol grips.Their wrapped in leather and you cant tell thier a 2 piece when strung.Super strong and solid and this design adds some mass wieght right where the hand sits.I like that.
The locket/socket style is great as well.
You asked for opinions - for me, I don't like 2 pc. I just sold all my 2 pc bows.
Some time ago I saw one and just had to have it, then ordered several bows with 2 pc. I used the breakdowns for a while, but then the novelty wore off and I was just leaving them together all the time, even to transport.
I really admire the construction and ingenuity of the 2 pc systems and they work great. The sleeve was my favorite of the connections, followed closely by the bowbolt. My least favorite was the hinge, because I don't like wood screws in the bow and it has to be strung to stay together.
I realized I liked the simplicity of the one piece, and the selection of the woods that you miss out on if you go with the 2 pc. Plus you go to the trouble and money to make 2 pc and still don't get the advantage of the 3 pc, in that you can't interchange limbs or replace a broken limb.
In restrospect I would have been better off saving the money and sticking with one piece. For me - put the extra money into better limbs, maybe carbon, nicer wood; the best quality shooter.
I keep a 3 pc for backpacking.
For the R/D bows you like I think the takedown system that Big Jim, Widow, Eaglewing and Bama use is with out doubt my favorite. I have built a few selfbows with the steal/brass sleeve system and it works great but does not leave much choice when it comes to grip. I have not had any problems with 2pc bows breaking and they sure travel well.....
Two of my Big Jim 2pc bows...
Now you see them ....
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Thunderchild%20Twins/BigJim604528002.jpg)
Now you don't....
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Thunderchild%20Twins/BigJim604528017.jpg)
A Yew takedown selfbow I'm currently working on...
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/PAandTradgangbowtrade2013001_zpscc8b0848.jpg)
One of the coolest takedown systems I've ever seen and owned was this one made by Gordy of Lightning Longbows.
What can I say I like 2pc bows :)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/bow032-2.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/EDDF4650-1.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/E82A7211-1.jpg)
Holy smokes those are some nice bows, coaster!
QuoteOriginally posted by eflanders:
I want the lighter weight for back country hunting.
Kegan is now making a 2 pc. longbow using the carbon sleeve system and his prices are quite reasonable as compared to many other makers. His bows shoot very well according to many reviews.
MY current bow of choice is an Omega R/D longbow made by Kegan McCabe. Its a shooter, but he is not currently in the 2 piece market. I shoot with him every week at our club and Im working on persuading him to make me a 2 piece takedown.
QuoteOriginally posted by Zog:
Holy smokes those are some nice bows, coaster!
Ditto!!