So I just got a used bear grizzly(gainsville newer model with red dymonwood) for around 200 shipped.
After shooting it around 50 shots I can honestly say that the Sammick Sage One Piece is a better bow in general. This opinion is coming from a new archer but even still...I noticed the differences. The Sammick is faster (although it does have a FF string so that is a factor). The Sammick is lighter by a lot. Feels great to hold for long periods.
weights...
Grizzly -2lbs 1.25 oz
sage- 1 lb 9.9 oz
Even at about 7 oz lighter, the Sage shoots with less hand shock even at a low brace( mines is at 6 3/4in) due to the FF string.
The Sage's bigger grip not only fits my hand better, but it has a more "repeatable" feel, due to the sharper edges . My hand feels more locked in like joining 2 pieces of wood. You are probably thinking that its a hand size issue, but I also have a kodiak magnum that has an even smaller grip and it feels more like the Sage than the Grizzly. I prefer both the Kodiak and Sage grip to the Grizz.
The limbs on the Sammick are thicker and harder to bend side to side which I think makes the bow more forgiving. Probably due to the double wood lamination vs single in the grizzly.
The Sammick tips accept FF strings
As for looks, I think they both look great but my preference goes to the Sage. I like the stacks of different wood and the sharp edge on the riser gives it a slight masculine touch.
I think both bows are great and the Bear might even be a little smoother to pull. But at the price point for the Sage you can't go wrong. Even IF the sage costed more than the Grizzly I would still buy the Sage. 180$ for the Sage and I think 380-480$ for the Grizzly.
Im not meaning to spew hate on the Bear Grizzly. Im simply marveled at how Sammick was able to make a bow this cheap and still outperform a much more costly bow. Obviously this is all just an opinion but I much prefer the Sammick sage to the Grizzly. In the future I may change my preference but for 180...the sage is a great bow to have. Take it hunting and beat it up, buy another one and still spend less. Amazing.