I'm finding that my preference is swinging toward my one piece recurves.
I love my CM and Kota TD's but my Prairie Swift, K-Mag, Mamba, and Red Wing Hunter are all lighter, more "alive" in the hand, and I just shoot them better (especially the Mamba!)...
What are your thoughts?
I like the feel of the extra weight that I get from a 3-piece TD.
B.
I personally like the one pieces better...Curtis
I've always been a big fan of the one piece for overall feel and shooting, but I also liked the convenience and advantages of the take down. Since I shoot and hold my bow a lot more than I transport it, I ended up with mostly one piece bows in the rack.
Then I got my Firefly take down longbow. I'll admit I never really "got" the take down longbow craze, until I tried one! Mine only weighs 1 3/4 pounds, it literally is like having a take down and a one piece at the same time. No wonder guys like these things!
So I ended up with the best qualities of both. If I was only going to shoot 'curves I'd likely still shoot mostly one piece bows though. I like a bow that is light in the hand.
I dunno. My current inventory is (2) 3-pc & (5) 1-pc, all are longbows. I have a real problem deciding what to shoot or hunt with. I like them all and enjoy shooting them all. I guess when I'm carrying the bow through the woods, I favor the 1-pc bows. Shooting longer shots, I probably shoot the 3-pc bows a little better and favor them.
I like the looks of the 1 pc. bows alot better
I always liked T/Ds but now for the last year or more I prefer my one-piece. I shoot them better they seem quieter. I also like the way they look as well. My Arroyo is my main bow now. Shawn
Have always had 1-piece bows. Never liked the looks of a 3-piece bow. I guess most 2-piece look like a 1-piece though.
Steve
I've always been torn between the two. Because of the additional weight I've always found my TDs to be a little smoother and more stable. The one-piece is a joy to carry and I own a few-well more than a few- but I have really only considered my old TDs "my bows" for almost thirty years. Having said that , I still think everybody has a "best" design for himself and I don't think there is much to support either camp in determinable "fact." Shoot the one that flips your nickle cause they all work. Grant
Love the T/D's. For whatever the reason, I just can't stand the looks of one piece bows and would never own one. I have never seen one that I thought looked good. Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.
one piece !!!!!!!
One Piece and a two piece for travel. I do not like the looks of a three piece bow and like the feel of a one piece more then either a two or three piece bow. Like BD said "Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder".
1 piece for aesthetics and Td for utilitarian reasons.
I like my voodoo kustoms 3 piece take down there fast ,smooth, accurate and very little hand shock . also very easily packed away for travel or when storing at home .
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p203/jadoris/000_2042.jpg)
If traveling is not an issue, one piece by all means.
I've always liked one piece bows until I traveled to do a couple float trips these past few years. A t/d bow would have been far easier from the commercial aircraft to the bush flight and every thing in between.
The 1pc bow counts as a bag on the commercial aircraft too and can be a $50 expense if you need to exceed the standard bag count. Considering the costs of those kinds of trips its not a lot of money, but its still significant when you consider you can buy a few days worth of freeze dried meals for $50. :)
On my first trip I shipped the bow and a good chunk of gear via UPS 10 days before hand to minimize the airline baggage logistics and cost. I have to say the separation mojo from my bow during that 10 day count down was not fun either. There's something to be said about shooting your bow right up until you head for the airport and the fact that a packed t/d is nearly impossible to damage. Plus, if you pack it discretely you can carry it on board too.
That said I will own a t/d, maybe 2 before my next long range adventure. - eric
I like the one piece bows myself. I have owned some take downs and they were great bows also. I guess it boils down to personal preference and an individuals needs. Some people travel and like the portability of a take down. I on the otherhand only hunt within two hours of my home so it is not much of a benefit to me. Leonard.
I have never had a bow quiver fit rock solid on a one piece bow. After several shots they slide out of place or they vibrate after release (beleive me, I've tried them all). For that reason only, I prefer a takedown recurve so I can attach the quiver to the limb bolts.
My longbows are all one piece. Just seems right.
One Piece. Mine was a Martin Mamba. Short enough to fit across the back seat of our Ford Escort!
you can put a three piece curve in your suitcase and pack clothes around it for safety's sake. I used to fly with a 68" LB in a PVC case....never again!
I prefer 1 piece bows but like the convenience of takedowns when using our van when traveling with the family.
Jason
I prefer 3-PC T/D bows. As a person who buys, sells and trades more bows than the norm, and one who has a less than understanding wife of my thirst for THAT bow, I find 3-PC T/D bows easier to camoflage. For you folk that live in Yorba Linda, that means it's easier to find hiding places! ;) :D :biglaugh:
Bill
I started making 3 piece take down longbows and have fallen in love with that style. Easy to pack on a trip, the heavier riser helps my shooting I think and I enjoy being able to switch out different weight limbs with the same riser. I find that really helps me stay consistent when I need to switch bow weights.
Can I throw a wrinkle in this by bringing up 2-piece bows? :coffee:
Have always loved the classic lines of a 1 piece bow, But I like the extra weight of a TD. I have several of both and like them all.
Burnie
Personally I love the look of a one piece. That's why I bought my Chek Mate Kings Pawn Deluxe."She was just calling my name at the shop. I just wish I could find a hardcase for her.
As far as takedowns I love the look of the Chek Mate Hunter II and the takedowns from Cascade bows. Smooth graceful lines for a takedown
As this is about preference, I prefer one piece bows, period. I have never seen a three piece that appealed to me. They all look clunky.
Having said that, only a fool could possibly miss how convenient a three or even two piece bow would be easier to fly with. As 90% of my hunting and shooting is out my back door that isn't an issue for me.
Bows are kinda like fly rods.....the fewer pieces the better.
Vic
I think 1 piece bows look much prettier, but my next one will almost assuredly be a 3 pce for travel reasons.
One piece bows only for me.I dont like the look of take down bows.
Another vote for 1 pc. I shoot them better, Ive always liked the look better and quieter. At least for me. I'll stick with my Arroyos.
Sometimes a take down would be more conveinent, but I'll still take my 1pcs over them.
Regards
I like and own both. I find some three piece bows are beautiful and the same can be said for one piece bows. I personally shoot better with some mass in the riser. I hate that, but it's a fact, so you will rarely see me in the woods with a one piece. In fact, I should sell some to help finance my new take-down but they are just so nice.
I'll be shooting three piece takedowns from now on. No need spending money for something I don't use. Oh well, that's my resolution to keep until at least February.
take down without question. It might be rare you need to take it down, but when the time comes you want to, you can. Longbow or recurve, you wont regret going it. Though it doesnt look as 'traditional' really. It's functional as all get out if you travel at all.
I shoot a Fred Bear Kodiak T/D recurve... I love the versatility of the T/D when traveling. Also, Fred 's design allows for tool free limb removal/change out in field. And, the bow shoots great....Best I ever owned.
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :archer2: :archer2: :archer2:
This will possibly blow you all away since I am a bow builder and build a lot of three piece bows.
Buttttttttttttt
I personally love the simplicity. light weight , elegance , and beauty of the onepiece.
Three pieces have their place but if I have choice I will be hunting with a onepiece every time.
I just started building my Talon in a onepiece because I love the way the bow shoots but I personally like hunting with a onepiece.
I love the 3 piece for its versatility in regard to limb lengths and different poundage limbs.Also love the the conveniece of the TD capability for traveling purposes.But I still like the looks and feel of a one piece better overall.Its mostly aesthetics though that makes me like the one piece more.
I love the one piece myself. Wish I could like the takedowns a little more because of the availability of longer recurves for my long draw but I just prefer the one piece...S
I used to prefer a one piece. But now my only bow is a 3 piece. It shoots great and is so much more convenient traveling in a car.
I find one pieces to be highly unhandy.I'll take a 3 piece anyday... you can change the limbs and they weigh more too. :thumbsup:
I like the look of one-pieces but like the option of takedowns.
In wet season monsoonal downpours, my preference is for a one-piece.
I like the one piece for hunting, light weight and simple.
for airline travel, nothing beats a t/d stick bow. other than that, there's absolutely no need to go that route, imo.
t/d 2pc stick bows have come a long way since the old brass tube sleeve connectors, and the connexion hinge and bow bolt are two good examples of t/d systems that really do feel like a 1pc.
so if you have a remote chance of attending that dream africa nyala or oz buffalo or hawaiian goat hunt, go t/d! :thumbsup:
Most of my recurves are TD 3-Piece. I have one that is not and another on order that will be a one-piece. I prefer TD most of the tie because of versatility, greater heft, portability, and in a couple of cases I think a particular model looks better as a 1-piece, but not always.
One piece for me also.
I shoot a Fred Bear Kodiak T/D recurve... I love the versatility of the T/D when traveling. Also, Fred 's design allows for tool free limb removal/change out in field. And, the bow shoots great....Best I ever owned.
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :archer2: :archer2: :archer2:
I like a take down.
2pc best of both worlds...
I like a 1 piece,I like the slimmer look and feel,I would considder a 3 piece if I had to Travel with a Bow,I just don't like a Bow with a Big heavy looking Riser,
Kurt
All I've ever had was one piece longbows untill a week ago, picked this one up for 250 bucks. Just couldn't pass it up because it is made by the same guy that made my favorite one piece. Now I'm changing my tune a little plus I can pack this one on my motercycle a lot easier than the one piece. Darn thing shoots good too.
(http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu3/dmanwarren/anything002.jpg)
(http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu3/dmanwarren/anything004.jpg)
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Moose that shooting has absolutely nothin to do with the shooter either .. Hahaha
Is that white riser ebony? Its really striking.
One piece for me. Just like the look and feel.
Jerry
Best of both worlds. Black Widow TD PL longbow and PRS recurve.
Feel like 1 piece and 2 piece TD
i say one piece they look better and how often would you take one down anyway
I have a preference for several of both!
Take downs for travel and one piece for the pure enjoyment of shooting. Back when I could just hand my bow to the "good looking" stewardess there was no reason for TD's. Now is a totally different story.
I shoot a Black Widow PMA II. I prefer a takedown for ease of travel, plus if I were to damage a limb I could order a new set rather than a whole new bow. I also have a 50# and 62# set of limbs for med. or larger game.
I'll have to add though, that I really admire the graceful lines of a one piece recurve!
I prefer the TD for traveling.
One piece. I have considered a takedown for a backup bow, but have not needed one yet.
Onr piece...have had several 3pc takedowns that never came apart/never changed limbs. Too easy to just slide in a bowsock for local travel. I do still have a take down in case I ever do need to fly with one but dont see that need anytime soon.
Like other said, i like the look and the feel of one piece bows... Even if there is a few TD 3 pieces that look realy good. And I think that the versatility of the 3 piece TD bows is hard to beat!
For me it's like asking if I like brunettes or redheads.
I like both :)
I prefer one piece bows,don't know why,just do.
I have several of both 1 piece and 3 piece design..Love the looks of the 1 piece bows, especially my beautiful "new to me" Hyak longbow by Fred Anderson. :eek: ;)
However, seems like every time I head out the door hunting... I always pick up a 3 pc td.. Morrison, Schafer, Kwyk Styk or Tall Tines.. they definately are the ones I shoot the best... :wavey: :coffee:
I don't even consider building myself a one piece anymore. My two piece adds little to no weight to the bow and is nearly impossible to identify as a two piece. you certainly couldn't tell by shooting it or by noise. I know of no one using this takedown design on one of the larger riser recurves, but it is certainly possible. It would just eliminate the possibiity of changing limbs.
BigJim
Cant decide I love em all
One piece bows for me, even though I have a few take downs for travel, they just look and feel like a traditional bow should. RW
well i like t/d for traveling. if not traveling a one piece. longBow or recurve.
I am glad to have both and love both the styles,but if I had to own only one it will be a TD.
if yer *absolutely* sure yer not gonna fly out to hunt, a 1pc makes dollar $aving $ense.
most 2pc piece bows will feel just like a one piece. any 3pc just won't do it, for me. having the advantage of easy airline traveling makes a 2pc the only longbow type for me ... and it sure do feel like a 1pc!
Takedown means one less pc of luggage but beyond that it's up to U......
I really dont have a perference untill i go to get on a plane or ship my bow to a hunting spot then i love my 3 piece
I'm with Big Jim on this one. I get the benefits of a TD with the looks of a one piece in Longbows. I do prefer a 3pc in my Recurves though.
(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z208/DannyBoats/DSC00333.jpg)
(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z208/DannyBoats/DSC00307.jpg)
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(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z208/DannyBoats/DSC00249.jpg)
I'm very picky and have never liked the look of one piece bows and never will. I would never own a one piece, that's just me. I love 3 piece takedowns.
I like the convenience of the take down since I travel some... but I really want a one piece Toelke Whip... so... don't know.
I love the three piece--the extra weight and the ability to travel with it make it a clear winner in my book. I do think that one piece bows are very pretty though
I think it is safe to say that if you're travelling, you're gonna choose function over form, and go with a TD. But as clearly indicated here, most guys appreciate the aesthetic lines of a one piece over a TD. Not wanting to be negative here- but I think a one piece Silvertip or a Dale Dye is almost perfection. However, even if you were giving it to me for free, I would not accept either in a TD.
I too like the looks of one piece bows, but cant argue with the convenience of takedowns for travel or changing draw weight with different limbs
Take down for me
I have always liked the looks of TD's better than one-piece bows, although I have been tempted by a few. I have finally recognized that to shoot consistently well, I need to concentrate on one or two bows and reduce the inventory. So for me, takedown's offer not only the carrying and packing convenience, but allow different draw weights. Kind of like the competition skeet shooter--.410 through 12 ga with the same gun, just different barrel sets and the total weight, balance and swing all the same.
My next, and LAST bow will be a td.
Ya never know when your gotta tuck that sucker in your apacolypse go-bag.