Starter Bow

[Boneyard Bowhunter]

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]

Maddog !

[LBR]

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

[LBR]

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]

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

[dirtguy]

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

[CRM_95]

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.

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

Bisch

[TealCoin]

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]

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]

Are the Martins made in America?

[nek4me]

Scott,
Sent you a PM.

[Tradcat]

MADDOG PRARIE PREDATOR

[Shifting Shadow]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[txcookie]

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]

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.