#6 on this list
Fred Bear Take Down
Bear Archery
The Bear Archery Fred Bear Take Down is a modern homage to a classic, embodying the spirit of traditional bowhunting with practical takedown functionality. This bow is for the hunter who appreciates the legacy of Fred Bear, desires a reliable and widely recognized bow, and needs the convenience of a three-piece takedown for travel or storage. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a solid, proven design without the custom shop wait times or prices. In the field, the Fred Bear Take Down is a consistent performer. The riser, available in A and B lengths, allows for a decent range of bow lengths to suit different draw lengths. Its defining feature is the quick-attach limb system, where limbs are held in place by a secure detent, eliminating the need for tools for assembly and disassembly. This makes it incredibly fast to put together or pack away, which is a significant advantage for backpackers or when breaking camp. The "heel-horn" grip is distinctively Bear and comfortable for many, promoting consistent hand placement. Construction typically involves a phenolic or dymondwood riser paired with laminated limbs. While not an ILF system, Bear offers a variety of limb options, allowing you to change draw weight as needed. The bow is robust and holds up well to the rigors of hunting. It's not the fastest bow on the market, but it's more than adequate for hunting distances and delivers a smooth shot. Its wide availability means replacement parts or additional limbs are generally easy to find. The Fred Bear Take Down represents a blend of tradition, practicality, and proven hunting success, making it a favorite for many traditional archers.
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#7 on this list
SR Swift Takedown Recurve
Great Plains Traditional Bow Co.
The Great Plains Traditional Bow Co. SR Swift Takedown Recurve comes from a respected small shop known for crafting beautiful, high-performing traditional bows. This three-piece takedown is for the hunter who appreciates custom quality, often with exotic wood aesthetics, and desires a fast, accurate bow with a center-shot design. It’s for someone looking for a semi-custom feel and performance from a dedicated traditional bowyer. Performance-wise, Great Plains bows are known for their speed and smooth draw. The SR Swift is no exception, delivering excellent arrow flight and penetration. The center-shot design is a key feature, allowing for easier tuning and forgiveness, which translates to better accuracy in the field. The riser is typically crafted from attractive hardwoods, often with exotic accents, giving each bow a unique character. The grip is usually ergonomic and comfortable, promoting consistent shooting form. While not an ILF system, Great Plains offers a range of limb options to adjust draw weight. Construction is meticulous, with skilled craftsmanship evident in every detail. Limbs are typically laminated, often with carbon for added performance and stability. The takedown system is a bolt-down design, requiring an Allen wrench, which ensures a very secure and stable connection between the riser and limbs. Once assembled, it feels like a solid, one-piece bow, with no creaks or movement. Because it's from a smaller, custom-oriented shop, there might be lead times for orders, and direct communication with the shop is often necessary to confirm current status and custom options. It's a high-quality, beautiful bow that performs well in hunting scenarios.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Fred Bear Take Down | SR Swift Takedown Recurve |
|---|---|---|
| Bow Type | Traditional Takedown Recurve | Takedown Recurve |
| Riser Material | Phenolic or Dymondwood | Hardwood (often exotic) |
| Limb System | Proprietary Quick-Attach | Proprietary Bolt-Down |
| Assembly | Tool-Free | — |
| Available Lengths | 56", 60", 64" (with A/B risers) | — |
| Limb Construction | — | Laminated (often carbon-backed) |
| Center Shot | — | Yes |
| Origin | — | Small Shop Custom |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Fred Bear Take Down
- Tool-free assembly and breakdown for travel
- Time-tested, iconic design with smooth draw
- Exceptional durability and field reliability
- Good range of limb options for draw weight progression
- Promotes consistent hand placement with 'heel-horn' grip
- Proprietary limb system limits aftermarket limb choices
- Not the fastest bow, focuses on smooth performance over raw speed
- Distinct grip may require adaptation for some shooters
- Can be louder than some custom rigs without silencers
SR Swift Takedown Recurve
- Exceptional build quality and custom feel
- Fast and smooth drawing for a traditional recurve
- Center-shot riser for easier tuning and forgiveness
- Secure bolt-down system for rock-solid stability
- Elegant aesthetics with premium hardwood options
- Proprietary limb system limits interchangeability
- Higher price point due to custom craftsmanship
- Requires an Allen wrench for takedown/assembly
- Potential lead times for custom orders
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.