So I will be in the market very soon for a new 2-pc takedown longbow and need your thoughts (yes I know I am playing with fire    )

Here are my questions:
1. pros and cons of the different take down systems - specifically any to stay away from?
2. which of the systems can be shot without a grip wrap and doesn't look terrible?
3. and because I'm going to get this question answered whether I ask it or not...who's bow do you recommend (did I just see a spark?    )

Get ahold of Craig Warren and check out his longbow made with the BowBolt. I think if I were in the market for a longbow that's where I would be looking.

I have two Robertson longbows with the connexion system.  Both are surprisingly quiet; no detectible noise from the coupling.

They would look very ugly without a grip wrap.

I never plan to shoot them without the grip wrap.

Every Robertson longbow I've seen seems to have a different grip wrap, so there's got to be one out there you would like.

Ive seen a 2-piece recurve with the BowBolt built by Craig Warren and it is pretty slick. I believe his website is  www.warrenarchery.com

There's none better than a 2pc Thunderhorn.

I've been reading up on the bow bolt and was thinking I might like to try and retro one of my bows.

Does anyone out there do that? Makes me nervous to even try...

The system BW and Big Jim and possibly others use is very interesting, but need a grip. I like the all wood look, but hey a man can dream  

Big Jim makes some good ones.

Great Northern

Robertson

Northern Mist

Black Widow

Michael Treadway

Shrew

Thanks for the suggestions Todd...like your website...looks like you do quality work.

I have owned the connexion system, the bow bolt, the Widow sleave system.   Connexion was not the greatest looking without the sleave, but worked well.  If you get the bow bolt, make SURE the riser wood can support one.   Ebony is a very poor choice, that I know for a fact.  I would not have one unless the riser had some phenolic in it.  Mine currently is in an all phenolic riser.    I really like the Widow sleave, and that will be my next takedown.

My problem is I want them all  

make sure you give widow a 2nd look

I second the Thunderhorn. Duane has such a unique and invisible way to hide his takedown system right down a glue line, you can barely tell it's a takedown. And his bows shoot.

I have had the Thunderhorn 2 piece,2 bowbolts,2 connexion hinges,a Widow and Big Jim locket socket,A few brass and stainless steel sleeve styles and the GN Jacknife.

I think these are all good systems.

The Thunderhorn is very meticulous and amazingly crafted.It does requite a couple small allen bolts and wrench.So a tool is required.Superbly done.Its expensive.So it may be cost prohibitive if your on a tighter budget

The Widow, Big Jim and Caribow locket socket is proven and secure in my experience.

The bowbolts slick and adds few ounces of weight.I would use all phenolic in that one as Irish elluded to.Mines all phenolic.I like it.

The Connexion hinge works well.Titanium screws in the right size are a must for installation of the hinge.I got one currantly and it functions well and is well done by the bowyer.The hinge is recessed in the riser overlays.I use a rubber roll on grip for that one.The bow with the hinge will flop around a bit when unstrung.My only complaint on that one.

The Fox Breed I had,had the brass and steel sleeve.It was solid and strong and that system does add more mass weight than any other.That can be a plus if you want extra weight in the riser.The grip on that bow was built up into a locator style grip with bondo or something so it was comfortable.Wes Wallace does the same thing with his Royal longbow,locator grip.Most you see have the straight grip which I do not care for personally.That one may be a bit frigid in very cold conditions it would seem.

The jacknife is very slick and proven.It works particularly well with the bushbow,critter gitter,traditional longbow and Fireball.Its a reliable system and can only be found on GN bows I believe.I like it alot!

Go to Dan Toelke's website  www.montanabows.com  and click on "Take Down Whips" to get a good idea of what the Bowbolt system looks like on a top of the line finished bow.

Wes Wallace Royals. I own two, the wife just ordered her second one, and I have another order pending with him.  Sleeve fit system.  You can't tell the bow is a two piece.  Can you tell I love them?

Wow geat info everyone. Steelhead your summary is amazing, concise and articulate...big help!

****** Griffon GL. Glassless so it is fast with no shock. Sleeve which is strong and just so simple.

my favorite was the thunderhorn 2pc but I now have a bowbolt navajo apache that I am really fond of

MikeM,

i never saw the thunderhorn system before. Checked it out on their website. Looks interesting. I wonder how much customization they can do to the grip with that. I'll have to look into it.

I did see a connection system explode on a widow once so I have always stayed away from that system!