Samick Sage Review – Is It A Good Takedown Recurve Bow

If you're totally new to traditional archery and bowhunting, the Samick Sage is probably one of the first models you came across. If you've been participating in the sport for a while, it's probably one you've seen again and again. Since it's so popular and sought after in the archery community, we decided to test it out and produce a full review of the Samick Sage takedown recurve bow. 

What’s Included In The Package?

The Samick Sage comes in a full package with everything you need to start shooting except for an archery target. This includes all the necessary bow parts, such as:

• Riser: This is the main part of the bow that includes the grip. It's made of maple wood.
• Limbs: Because the Sage is a "takedown" recurve, the limbs, or flexible planks on either end of the bow, are removable. They come unattached, so you  have to assemble the bow. You can also change out the limbs for different draw weights. The Sage's limbs are made of laminated fiberglass.
• Dacron bowstring: The Sage's bowstring is made of 14 strands of dacron thread, which is flexible and durable while retaining tension. The bow is 62" long and ther bow string is 59". That creates a smaller brace height, which is more forgiving.

In addition to the bow, the package includes a lot of other extra features that will help you get started with your archery career:

• Stick-on arrow rest: The arrow rest makes it easier to maintain the correct trajectory and aim while shooting.
• 6 arrows
• 2 brass nocks
• Stringer tool
• Arm guard
• Finger tab
• Quiver
• Brass bushings: These threaded bushings pre-installed in the bow allow you to attach useful accessories down the line like stabilizers and sights.
• Assembly instructions: Since the Sage comes unassembled, the instructions help you put it together correctly.

Assembling the Bow

Assembling the Sage is fairly easy and straightforward, but you do need to follow the included instructions. To install the limbs, you just take out the takedown knobs, slip each limb into the limb pockets, and then screw the knob back in. It's important to make sure the limb is pressed down into the pocket as snugly as possible.

Stringing it is where it gets a little more complicated. If you string it yourself, you'll have to use some kind of bowstringing device. For a recurve, this usually involves a device that includes another string that attaches to each limb and allows you to use your foot as leverage to pull back the limbs while you slide on the bowstring.  

This process can be dangerous for both you and the bow, so make sure you've studied up on how to string a recurve bow correctly. 

Features / Specifications

Draw Weight

One of the best things about this recurve is that it has such a wide range of draw weights. You can select from 25 to 60 pounds. Generally speaking, lower is better for beginners because it's easier to hold the bowstring drawn while practicing aim and form. However, if you want to go bowhunting, most states require at least 40 pounds of draw weight, so keep that in mind.

Regardless of what you choose, you can upgrade the limbs at a later date since the Sage is a takedown recurve.

Draw Length

The Sage has a draw length of 28 inches. If you don't know your exact draw length, you can have it measured at an archery shop or estimate it by measuring your wingspan (the distance between the tips of each middle finger with your arms held out like a T) and dividing by 2.5. 

Because people's wingspans are usually similar to their heights, this gives the Sage a good draw weight for the majority of people. That said, if you're particularly tall—over six feet—or shorter—under 5'8"—it might not be right for you.

An incorrect draw length can prevent you from taking advantage of the bow's full power or make it difficult to aim and draw the bow properly. 

Pros and Cons

What We Like

A Wide Range of Draw Weights

With limbs available in draw weights from 25 to 60 pounds, the Sage has one of the bigger power ranges on the market. 25 pounds is great for someone just starting out while 60 pounds is enough power to hunt large game like whitetail deer.

Takedown Design

We really like that you can change out the limbs on the Sage. This allows you to start with a more manageable draw weight for practice and then work your way up.

Plus, the takedown design helps with storage and transportation. Whether you're a hunter who wants to put up your bow in the offseason or a target shooter who will be carrying the sage to club meets, the Sage is convenient.

Great Value

The Sage gets you some of the best quality for your money in a starter bow. Even if you're just starting out and aren't positive you want to stick with archery, you still get something you can shoot well with without investing too much. That way you can make an informed decision.

Durability

Even though it has a low price point, the Sage still includes a hard maple riser. Similarly, the limbs are made of laminated fiberglass. This is a tough design that can hold up to frequent use, so if you're looking for a bow for the long haul, the Sage is a good choice.

Accepts Accessories

The brass bushings allow you to attach accessories like stabilizers, sights, quivers, etc. This is great because it increases the versatility and usefulness of the bow. You can start practicing at the range but then install important hunting accessories when you're ready. Plus, you can choose the accessories that you like best.

RELATED: Keshes Archery Takedown Recurve Bow Review

Right or Left Handed

It's important to get a bow that matches your handedness, especially if you're a beginner. We were happy to find that the Sage comes in both right and left handed versions.

What We Don’t Like

Limited Draw Length

Because it only comes with a 28-inch draw length, it isn't ideal for archers with particularly long or short arms, which usually means archers who are particularly tall or short. Specifically, we wouldn't recommend the Sage for archers between about 5'8" and 6'0", which excludes many tall men as well as smaller men, most women and children.

Assembly Required

Since the Sage is a takedown recurve, the limbs are separable from the riser. However, it is possible to get a takedown recurve already assembled. We don't really like that you have to do it yourself when you get the Sage. Especially if you're a beginner, it's easy to make a mistake or assemble the bow less than precisely. That will affect your shot.

Plus, you're going to have to string the bow. That requires a stringing device and can be a bit tricky if you're a beginner. In fact, we'd recommend taking the bow to an archery shop to have it stringed if you're new to bow stringing.

RELATED: Best Recurve Bow Strings

Samick Sage Quality

Riser

The staff at Deer Hunting Guide love the Sage's riser. It's arguably the best part of the bow, a high-quality piece of maple wood that's durable and firm but still lightweight.

Limbs

The Sage's limbs are made of laminated fiberglass over a wooden core. The limbs themselves are decent quality, but one flaw we found was the takedown knob design. On the one hand, it's superior to a lot of other takedown models in that the pocket helps you install the limbs correctly. Nevertheless, you really need to be precise to prevent the limbs from being off and hurting the bow or takedown knobs in the long run.

Grip

As part of the riser, we really like the grip on the Sage. It's ergonomic and feels natural for most people.

We also appreciated that the maple wood stays warm. This is definitely better than a metal riser if you're bowhunting. You don't want a cold grip on a winter morning. Trust us on this one.

String

The Sage comes with a 14-thread Dacron string. This is good for most of the draw weights the Sage comes in. However, if you're getting one of the lower draw weights under 35 pounds, you may want a draw string with fewer strands, which you'd have to get separately.

The stock string is not the best. I recommend upgrading to a fast flight string or a flemish string.

RELATED: When To Replace Bow String

If you are going to use it for hunting, I would also add string silencers to keep noise and vibration to a minimum.

How It Shoots

This bow shoots great right out of the box and is a nice bow for a new archer. I was able to shoot tight groups after sending a few dozen arrows through it. The arrows are not the best quality, but they do come with field tips and fletching installed.

I was able to shoot much more consistently by changing out the stick on arrow rest for a bear hair rest, so that I could shoot right off the shelf.

I also changed out the stock string for a fast flight string and added string silencers. That drastically reduced the noise and vibration of the bow.

This an excellent bow whether you want to shoot targets or use it for hunting.

Is The Samick Sage Good For Beginners?

The Sage is one of the best recurve bows on the market for beginners. This is primarily because of the takedown design that accepts limbs with a wide range of draw weights. Beginners can start with low power so they can practice their form and aim. Then they can work their way up to heavier limbs as they get stronger.

Furthermore, the Sage is affordable but high-quality. This helps a beginner get a good idea of actual archery applications without going over budget and is ideal for developing proper archery form.

It makes a great first bow for new archers.

RELATED: How To Choose A Recurve

Is The Samick Sage Good For Kids?

The Sage can be a good choice for teenagers, but it's not great for small children. First and foremost, this is because it has a draw length of 28 inches that's better for people at least 5'8" tall. In other words, an older teenager who's already reached their full height and is looking to get into archery.

Plus, the Sage is a serious, high-quality bow. Even with the lowest draw weight of 25 pounds, it may be a bit too much for a child. They would be better off with a youth-specific recurve bow.

Is The Samick Sage Good For Hunting?

The Sage is an excellent bow for traditional bowhunting. This is because you can get it with a lot of power—up to 60 pounds of draw weight—that, when combined with a good hunting arrow will produce plenty of kinetic energy to take down big game like whitetail deer. You can also install important hunting accessories like a sight thanks to the threaded bushings.

RELATED: SAS Courage Recurve Bow Review

Samick Sage vs Southwest Archery Spyder

The Samick Sage and the Southwest archery Spyder are both great recurve bows. The Sage can be assembled without tools, while the Spyder requires an allen wrench, so the Sage wins from that perspective.

Both bows can grow with you as you get stronger, by changing out the limbs to a higher draw weight.

They are both a little loud when you shoot them and require string silencers, if you are going to hunt with them.

For the ultimate quiet recurve for hunting, check out our Bear Grizzly Recurve Review.

RELATED: Bear Super Kodiak Review

Final Thoughts

The Samick Sage is a great affordable bow that gives you versatility as well as the power for serious target shooting and bowhunting applications. It is one of our top picks for best recurve bow and we also recommend it for beginners who are just getting into archery and want to explore what the sport has to offer. You can get a manageable draw weight and then work your way up to bowhunting power.

If you are just starting out or if you are looking for a new bow, the Sage is the best bow that is affordable on the market today.

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