Can anyone give an opinion about the characteristics of the Howard Hill takedown vs the one piece?  

Does the take down suffer in performanc?  Does the sleeve "wear out"?  

I'm about to buy a Wesley special, 50 lb in either one piece or takedown.

thanks
Jeff

I have a 51# @27" take down Halfbreed that is my favorite bow. I have never owned a one piece, so I can't compare, but I can't see how the performance would be any different.  I have the small sleeve TD and it fits my hand better than any other bow I own. I have 14 or 15 other bows and I always reach for the HH. I actually don't take it apart very often, but it's nice to have that option for travel. The takedown may not be cut as close to center as the one piece, but I shoot 35/55 GT's with 360 grains up front which gives an foc of 25%(630 gr total wt.) and they fly very well.  I just recently tried the 6 strand DF97 string that O.L. was talking about on another thread and it makes a great bow even better. I think the sleeve system is probably the most solid of any of them.

if you don't travel by plane or drive a small car, opt for the one piece. Craig does a great job either way and my t/d's are sturdy and that bit of extra weight is nice, but the 1 piece is near indestructable. Either way ...your Hill is a good buy. Never noticed any difference in performance and the t/d system is as sturdy as they come.

I have two one piece Hills and a TD with the sleeve.  There is no difference in performance--only in the feel of the grip.  I do prefer a straight grip that is deeper than the sleeve and a bit narrower.  Otherwise I see no difference. They are great bows...Dave

Second what Michell said.  One big difference is the way it feels in hand.  The Wesley is a very lightweight bow (physical weight) and it is a dream to carry in the woods.  The sleeves will make if feel a bit more bulkly.  I go through the same scenario as you are right now about once every year - think about a two piece and end up staying with my HH Badger one piece.  However I did saw a Roberson in half and made it a two piece with the sleeves - it actually shoots better! Not as finicky about spine and shooting style as it used to be.

I have stayed away from a HH takedown because they only offer the TD with a straight grip. I have a "Wild Boar" with a locator grip that fits me to a tee and I just had a Wesley delivered today that has the large dished grip. I have not shot the new Wesley yet, but it sure feels good. Maybe someday I'll give a TD Hill a try, but for now I'll have to call on my Massie takedowns when I'm flying. With that said, I think I'll close it down and go to the house. That Wesley Special needs to be shot.  

Bill, you lucky dog  

The sleeve may wear down and develop a little play over time, but it can be tightened back up. I have a St. Charles Pacific Yew selfbow with the sleeve that's 15 years old, and the brass has worn down some and it has a little play in it. Jay told me to install two brass screws into the brass sleeve, one at the top and bottom, then file them down until I get a tight fit. He said this would return it to like new condition and will last for many more years. I like my one-piece Hill bows with the wide waist straight grip, so the small takedown fits me very well. There is no difference in performance between the two that I can tell, however some people do like the extra weight the sleeves provide to steady the bow arm. Either way you go I think you will be pleased. Ken