Starter Bow

Boneyard Bowhunter · September 01, 2016, 09:58:00 AM

Hi Guys and Gals,
Well I have been shooting for over 50 years but I just had shoulder surgery and the doctor says that buy the time the indoor leagues start I'll be ready to start shooting again. I'm looking to buy a 40# pound bow to get started again. Don't want to spend a lot of money on it because by spring I want to start shooting my Bill Stewart again. Ive been looking at the Samick Sage and the Martin Jaguar.
Can anyone tell me what they think of the bows.

mec lineman · September 01, 2016, 10:15:00 AM

Maddog !

LBR · September 01, 2016, 10:19:00 AM

Between the Sage and Jaguar, I'd go with the Sage.

LBR · September 01, 2016, 10:20:00 AM

I forgot to add I'd change the string--it comes with a lousy string, but is a surprisingly good shooter with a good string. I like 20 strands of BCY-X.

Petrichor · September 01, 2016, 10:32:00 AM

X2 Maddog not much more and getting to pick your woods for a custom bow.

dirtguy · September 01, 2016, 11:48:00 AM

Think about a Great Tree Highlander to compare to the Samick. You can always get heavier limbs as your strength returns.

CRM_95 · September 01, 2016, 12:09:00 PM

I started with a Samick Sage and think it's great for the money. Like already mentioned above though a Maddog Prarie Predator can be custom made to your specs and won't cost much more.

September 01, 2016, 12:53:00 PM

The Sage is a great bow for the price. Nothing fancy, but they shoot just fine.

Bisch

TealCoin · September 01, 2016, 01:00:00 PM

My experience, limited yes; but very honest.

I purchased a #40lb samick sage for my father-in-law as a gift from Santa Claus last Christmas and after seeing it in person and shooting it multiple times, I decided against spending the saved money I had on a custom bow and went with the sage for myself. Great bow, doesn't break the bank. I tossed a Bear Paw Whisper String on it and let me tell you, that is one heck of a bow for the money. Well built and like I say often, even with the most expensive golf club; I still won't hit the ball straight.

This bow has enabled me to spend more money on things like: quivers, arrows, accessories, targets, my kids, etc... on and on why it's a great bow for the money.

Good luck either way and happy to hear you'll be shooting again. Best of luck to you!

Shadowhnter · September 01, 2016, 01:26:00 PM

I own 2 maddogs, and I certainly love them at any price. But a maddog is about 2x more money then the Sage.

I also have a Samick Red Stag, and my son has the Sage. They are both great bows for the money.

Between the two you mentioned, its the Sage all the way. Consider the Red Stag, which is barely a bit more money, and is a really nice finished and good looking bow, and feels better in the hand over the Sage.

Crooked Stic · September 01, 2016, 01:36:00 PM

Are the Martins made in America?

nek4me · September 01, 2016, 06:40:00 PM

Scott,
Sent you a PM.

Tradcat · September 01, 2016, 06:58:00 PM

MADDOG PRARIE PREDATOR

Shifting Shadow · September 01, 2016, 11:15:00 PM

I bought a used Sage for under $100. Wow! What a bow! The grip feels like it was made for my hand. Smooth and fast. No tool take-down. I like the Sage finish better than the Red Stag.

Bobaru · September 03, 2016, 09:07:00 PM

I bought a Journey (64" version of the Sage) as a back up bow. Shoots just fine. When my suitcase with my Brackenbury got lost, the Journey did every bit as well. Actually, I like the grip on the Journey just a little better than any of my other bows. It just points well.

Bonus: extra limbs are cheap.
extra bonus: limbs for my left hand Journey can be put on my son's right hand Journey which he just got... What's not to like?

Fattony77 · September 03, 2016, 10:19:00 PM

I agree that the Sage is the way to go, as far as value. Replacement limbs seem to be much more readily available, too.

As I recall, my buddy's Martin Jaguar was really heavy in the hand. Of course, if you prefer a heavier-in-the-hand bow, that may be the way to go for you. I also like the idea of buying American made products, but not to the point that I would sacrifice getting the best option for my needs.

txcookie · September 03, 2016, 10:48:00 PM

I wouldn't be trying this again if it wasn't for the sage. I can't believe this bow is sub 200. Smooth draw , easy to shoot , and fits my hand great.

Boneyard Bowhunter · September 04, 2016, 11:15:00 AM

Thanks guys,
I think When I am ready I'll take a ride down to Lancaster Archery and give the Sage a try.

txcookie · September 05, 2016, 08:40:00 PM

I don't think you will be sorry you did. I just can't get over how much bow you get for the price. I would have easily paid 200 250 and been just as happy.

Stump73 · September 06, 2016, 01:39:00 PM

So the sage is pretty good bow for the price. Plus you can get extra limbs for cheap if you wanna get heavier limbs so you can build back up to your hunting bows.