Opinion on New Bow

[TealCoin]

Hello Gang!!!

Asking for opinions on a new bow before I purchase...

I currently shoot a Jim Taylor Longbow 45# at 28".  

Wife gave me the A OK to get a new bow with tax return/overtime work I've had.  

I'm looking at either the Bodink Slick Stick or the Samick Sage.

I know they are two different styles (Long vs Recurve), but I can not make up my mind.

That is my price point.  Looking to go 40lbs in draw weight.  

Anyone have experience in either bow or better yet, both bows?  I shot a black widow at the local club a while back, and boy what a difference.  I know Taylor's reputation and being a woodworker myself, the current bow I have is not "top notch", in fact far from that.  

Looking for any advice or suggestions, I know either one will shoot like a dream compared to a dinosaur bone Taylor hand me down.

Thanks Gang!!!

[tradarcher816]

My friends son has the sage, I helped him set it up a few years ago and I was pleasantly surprised its a cool little bow for the money.

[the rifleman]

Check out maddog bows before you buy.  Custom bow for the high end of your price range.

[the rifleman]

Check out maddog bows before you buy.  Custom bow for the high end of your price range.

[Msbow]

Tealcoin
I cant speak about the sage you can find tons of info about it on here or Google. I do own a slick stick it's a r/d hybrid longbow. You can get it in a 58" or 60" model up to 55#. I love mine, it has a pistol type grip like a recurve.
  There is a video on YouTube of a slick stick being dry fired at the factory over and over again with no failures. It's definitely a tough bow with a 30 year warranty, it's hard to beat that!!
  There's a guy on here called sheepdogreno that did a full review of the slick stick not to long ago with some good pics. I posted a few pics of mine on there hunting ready quiver and all.
  They are a little higher than the sage, but to be honest they should cost more than what they do. Pete Ward also did a good review of the slick stick you can google him.

[riverrat 2]

Become a contributing member to this wonderful site,and buy a like new bow from a fellow member. You can buy a bow that has all the performance,and quality materials,made right here in the USA and cost one of us close to a $1000 for right around $500-$600. If you are a contributing member you can start checking all the deals on the classifieds right away. Awesome stuff on there bud. As far as longbow vs. recurve....that is a choice that you need to make for yourself. Many prefer one or the other for a variety of reasons. I myself started with recurves,and then just got a curiosity for longbows. They are just simple,quiet,quick,light,and effective. I do not dislike recurves. Just find longbows...romantic. That's just my opinion/advise. Congrats on your new bow.        rat'

[atatarpm]

What Riverrat 2 said.  Times 100

[sheepdogreno]

I happen to own both a sage and a slick stick.I own the sage in 50# and the slick stick in 45#. In my opinion the slick stick is an awesome bow for the money. The sage is a real shooter too for an inexpensive bow. If I had to pick between the two I'd pick the slick stick. Search the bodnik slick stick on here I just did a full review last month. It is so much smoother than the sage for obvious reasons.

[TealCoin]

I appreciate the replys!!

I'd like to join to search the classifieds, but know that I'll end up spending more money than I can afford.  For some reason I forsee most bows costing $400+ in the classifieds.

I'm leaning towards the slick stick.  Never have shot a recurve, but I do know I enjoy my longbow now.  Just can't imagine the difference of a well made bow vs. what I currently am shooting.

[shreffler]

I've never shot a slick stick, but I know that if you bought a Sage you wouldn't be disappointed. For under $200 you're getting a whole lot of bow there.

I would trust Sheepdogreno's opinion the most here since he has both. Don't think you can go wrong either way really.  

[Tradcat]

Maddog archery Prairie Predator....best bang for the buck !

[LBR]

Haven't shot the Bodnik, but I know the Sage is a good shooter.  Put a good string on it (the one that comes on it isn't too good) and enjoy.

[bear bowman]

I'm not sure what your price point is but I just bought a striker sport. Really smooth shooting r/d longbow.

[TealCoin]

I've decided on the Samick Sage and going to order through Big Jim!  

Plan to upgrade to the Fast Flight String, as I've heard that is a no brainer and will be much better than the stock string.  

Plan to write a review with my experiences.

Thanks for all the information!

[MnFn]

You have made up your mind and I hope you are satisfied with your purchase.  I just know that a lot of us here have bought bows that we thought were going to be the be all- end all bow for us.

I would only comment because others might see your comment about bows in the classifieds being $400 and up.  Not true.  Chase Perry had a beautiful Liberty longbow that sold in the three hundred dollar range.  Another guy has a Pronghorn with two sets of limbs for I  think $325.  I had a Kota recurve like new for $325.  And remember those were asking prices shipped.
I consider the cost of contributor status as supporting this site WITH the side benefit of being able to buy and sell bows.
I would still advise people to support this site and have an opportunity to buy a very good bow at a very reasonable price.
Just my thoughts, and enjoy your new bow!
Regards,
Gary

[Burnsie]

Yep,  If you are patient and don't have to have a bow right now -  you can usually find one of the top name bows with most the bells and whistles for a fraction of new price.  Some good deals to be had.
Well worth the contributor fee.

[TealCoin]

Update...

I had a one week deployment come up just before I put my order in for the samick sage...  

During those 7 days, I had plenty of time to think about a new bow - I'm happy to say that I just became a contributing member of TradGang to not only see if I can find a new bow in the classifieds, but also to support such a great and informative website.  

Since I joined, I've increased my knowledge of traditional archery 10-fold.  I want to say Thank You to those behind the scene, as well as every member for sharing their experiences and vast knowledge of trad archery.  

Can't wait to be able to see what the classifieds have to offer!!!

Take Care All!

[MnFn]

Welcome to the contributor status!  You won't regret it.

One of the best things about this place is I continue to learn something all the time.  And a great place to buy gear.
Most of my bows, virtually all of my arrows, quivers, strings,  pack, etc have come from members here. Never had a bad transaction yet.
Best to you,
Gary

[Bladepeek]

TealCoin, that will probably turn out to be some of your best-spent money ever. Be patient and you will probably see just exactly what you are looking for in your price range.

Every once in a while, one comes up for sale so cheap that if it is any where near what you are looking for, you can buy it, try it and if it's not THE ONE, sell it for what you paid for it or more. You get more experience under your belt, have a better idea of what you really want and, Man, it's just plain fun.

Welcome to the "Bow Show"   :D

[TealCoin]

Bladepeek and MnFn,

Thanks for the kind words.  Blade, that is one thing I am worried about is that I will not be able to shoot the bow before buying.  Your adivce of being able to re-sell helps with that issue though.  I can honestly say that with my lack of "hands-on" with various bows (I only have ever shot my own, which is an old Gary Taylor 45# @ 28") that I'm sure most higher quality bows and new strings will blow me away!