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  • Samick Sage vs Spyder [Nov-22 updated]

Samick Sage vs Spyder [Nov-22 updated]

Making a Samick Sage vs Spyder recurve bow comparison is very difficult. They’re very close.

If you’re done any research on recurve bows, you probably cross to Samick Sage or Spyder sooner or later.

But I understand that many people decide what they buy according to two things… Budget and User Reviews.

These two bows featured with its affordable prices and hundreds of satisfying user experiences.

which is better? samick sage or spyder

Quick Summary

Before we start, I’d like to say that, If you’ll start archery and this will be your first bow, both of them are a great choice for a beginner. There are only some tiny differences we’ll mention here.

Quick Answer!

Firstly, both of them are starter bows!

Spyder has been designed by the engineers who designed also Samick Sage. So, it can be said, Spyder is the newer version of Samick Sage.

Although Samick Sage and the Spider bows are nearly virtually identical, the most featured difference is the riser look.

  • Sage riser design has more sharp edges, on the other hand, Spyder has a more rounded, smoother shape. Get Samick Sage, if you want to spend less money on the bow to have more budget for the accessories.
  • Get Spyder XL, if you want a lightweight bow and especially if your draw length is more than 27 inches. Because the Spyder is more stable at 27 inches drawing position and more. 

Yet, both of them shoot straight well and can count for best budget bows.

For more information, Let’s dive right in…

traditional takedown recurve bow

Bow Review: Southwest Archery Spyder

Southwest Archery is a US brand based in CA. They’re in the industry for over 20 years. Spyder Recurve Bow is the most popular and successful takedown recurve model of the Southwest Archery.

spyder recurve takedown bow

Spyder bow can be count as an entry-level traditional bow. Design engineers who work for Samick Sage ones moved on the Southwest archery. So they carry a similar design to this company as well.

Spyder comes with 2-versions.

  • 62 inch Standard Spyder
  • Southwest Archery Spyder XL (64 inches long) it’s suitable for tall archers. If you're too tall for both Samick and Spyder and don’t know what to do, Spyder XL is a perfect solution for you.

Spyder 62’’ bow is fitted for people who have 26’’-29’’ draw length. Spyder XL is appropriate for people to have draw length 29’’ and above.

These high inch options also provides a more stable bow, and easier to use if you’re a bigger person.

These versions are the same as Samick sage and Samick journey. So, you’ll have some options while selecting which size you’d like to use.

Pros

  • Spyder has every feature that Samick has and add more value to the archer.
  • The bow comes with all the essential parts you need.
  • Accuracy is high level for a recurve bow.
  • Better performance than the Samick Sage at high draw lengths
  • Improved aesthetics
  • Various of draw weight options
  • Left/Right hand option
  • Limbs can be changed according to your changing needs
  • Lightweight
  • Can be used for bow fishing
  • Pre-drilled for allow accessories

Cons

  • More expensive than the Samick Sage
  • The string is not suitable for experienced archers. Even for beginners, I recommend that they change it as soon as possible. A good string for recurve bow is not more than 10 dollars.
  • Arrow rest can be damaged in time. It looks cheaply made.
  • You’ll need a tool to take down and assemble the bow.

Bow Review: Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow

Samick Sage is a Korean brand. Yet, they’re a well-known and trustworthy company in the industry since 1975. Samick Sage is the most well-known recurve bow for years.

samick sage takedown bow

Sage provides new archers easy quick purchases that they every need to get started.

Sage is known as a very quiet bow as well. So far, there is no mention from any user complain about the noise problem for this bow.

Design of the Samick Sage creates an excellent feature with mobility.

Pros

  • Can be used for bow fishing
  • Pre-drilled for allow accessories
  • No need to use a tool to takedown
  • Limbs can be change according to your changing needs
  • Various of draw weight options
  • Left/Right hand option

Cons

  • Heavier than lots of same-level takedown bows(from Spyder as well)
  • The string of the bow must be changed for experienced archers. The biggest complain about Samick Sage bow is about its string quality. 
  • It is slightly a bulky bow.
  • Sharper edges on the riser. That may be uncomfortable.

Samick Sage Deluxe Option

Inside the package depends on which option you order. You can simply order just a bow or you can order with all your needs as a beginner archer. So, be sure that you order the proper package according to your needs.

Buying Bows Online?

I’ve been buying bows and many other accessories online for years and never had any problems.

Another tip for ordering online is to getting a great deals with combining items that you need like arrows or other accessories.

 However, before you buy it, just don’t forget to check the seller’s return policy. If you don’t think this is a good choice for you, you can always return!

Samick Sage vs Spyder Recurve Bow Comparison

The big plus for both bows is, their price is in a very affordable price range. Both bows come with a very wide range of draw weights. So, you can start as a low poundage beginner bow or you can go higher with draw weight as a hunting bow.

samick sage vs spyder recurve takedown bow

Appearance is the most critical parameter in buying a bow. Let’s admit it, we all want the coolest looking bow for the lowest possible price. 

But visually differences on Samick Sage vs Spyder are so tiny. So you can define your ‘’reason to buy’’ according to our comparison guideline.

Here’s the list of main differences between both models. We’ll look into the details in a couple of minutes.

Samick Sage and Spyder Comparison List

  • Spyder is around half-inch longer than Samick.
  • Sage has a limb bolts which is easily turn by hand. On the other hand, you need a tool in order to attach Spyder limbs. While it can be an advantage sometimes because of tool-free assembly easiness. It also might be a problem because you can not apply a higher torque with your hands  to assemble harder limbs.
  • The Spyder is a bit more comfortable with its riser. One of the distinguishing feelings is that the Samick Sage looks rougher. Of course, this isn’t a bad thing. It doesn’t affect the shooting. But it feels different.
  • The limbs are the same.
  • Spyder is a little lighter and thinner than the Samick Sage. On the other hand, Sage design is a little chunky. Apart from that, the handling is completely similar.
  • Samick Sage color scheme the dark and light contrast. But the Spyder feels like the riser is more streamlined than the Samick Sage. In short, it looks and feels like a sleeker version of the Sage.
  • Spyder bows taking down is quicker and easier than the Samick Sage.
  • According to the user experiences, Samick Sage seems a quieter bow than the Spyder.
  • Carrying your bow is super easy for both of them. They’re the best takedown recurve bows in the market today.
  • Carrying your bow is super easy for both of them. They're the best takedown recurve bows in the market today.
  • Spyder is visually similar to the Samick Sage. It can be said that Spyder is the next evolution of the Samick Sage.

Samich Sage vs Spyder Comparison Table

SAMICK SAGE

SOUTHWEST SPYDER

Draw weights in lbs


25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60

Draw weights in lbs


20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60

Brace height in inches


7.5-8.25

Brace height in inches


7.5-8.25

Weight


3.4

Weight


2.3

AMO Length


62 Inches

AMO Length


62 Inches

Max Draw


29 Inches

Max Draw


29'' (Spyder), 32″ (Spyder XL estimated)

Riser


Wood and Hard Maple

Riser


Wood and Hard Maple

Limbs


Laminated Hard Maple and Fiberglass Coating

Limbs


Laminated Hard Maple and Fiberglass Coating

R/L Handed


YES

R/L Handed


YES

Takedown


Tool-free

Takedown


Need Allen wrench to takedown

Hunting


YES

Hunting


YES / More stable than Samick Sage at heavier draw weight

Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow

Southwest Spyder Takedown Recurve Bow

Warning!

Samick Sage and Spyder takedown bows are suitable for both hunting and bow fishing. They’re very accurate and can create enough kinetic energy for killing purposes.

Yet, as you guess, if you’re not an experienced hunter who uses recurve for hunting, both bows are not a good choice for hunting. You might be wounding the animal instead of killing it. That wound might make the animal suffer it days or even weeks after it run out from you.

Remember, your draw weight will directly affect the bow whether it is suitable for hunting or not. If you can increase your draw weight, you can also create more kinetic energy.

Samick Sage Arrow Riser vs Southwest Spyder Riser

For me the most important part of the bow is grip. It should be comfortable and make you feel great when you’re shooting.

Southwest spyder bow riser

Both Samick sage and Spyder grips are made by several layers of wood. This combination gives the bow colorful look, stabilization and durability.

Both bow risers felt like using a medieval bow that you’d watch in fantasy movies or video games.

One of the reasons these bows risers great for beginners is its simple design. You don’t have to buy or adjusting unnecessary features.

Both risers is exceptionally durable considering using by beginners. There is no additional material for grip.

Samick sage vs spyder recurve bow

Let’s talk about the differences.

Similar look with the spyder. The riser is a little bit fatter than the spyder. In the aesthetic side of view, the lines are sharper than the spyder.

Spyder riser is handcrafted from mainly white oak. But, made by four naturally combined wood.

Samick sage Made from Laminated Hard Maple and Olive Dymondwood.

Overall, the finishes well polished and smooth. – nice looking and feeling riser. It fits around the hand nicely. It has a very smooth design. There are no sharp edges.

Sage has a limb bolt that is easily turned by hand. On the other hand, you need a tool in order to attach Spyper limbs. While it can be an advantage sometimes because of tool-free assembly easiness. It also might be a problem because you can not apply a higher torque with your hands to assemble harder limbs.

Additional features for Riser

  • standart bushing for sight.
  • stabilizing mount – which can be use for stabilizer or a bow fishing reel.
  • rubbery plastic rest.
  • mechanical rests/plungers

Reinforced limb tips allow the bow to be Fast Flight and Flemish string compatible. Perfect for hunting deer bowfishing or target practice.

Samick Sage has a combination of laminated diamond wood and hard maple. Spyders similar to that but has a new redwood finish. The advantage of the laminated materials is to give the bow stabilization. These risers won’t shrink or warp.

Spyder has a shinier and harder riser. It’s more difficult to bend than Samick Sage.

Samick Sage Limbs vs Southwest Spyder Limbs

Takedown bows will give you the ability to change the limbs to upgrade your bow over the years.

Limbs can be used with both Sage and Spyder. They are 100% compatible with Samick Sage as well.

As we mentioned before, limbs are attached by using a hex wrench in Spyder. It’s another difference from lots of other same level bows and Samick Sage. Samick and most of the takedown bows using a finder screw to attach the limbs.

Limbs are aligned with a bolt and aluminum tray. Using a tray is an inexpensive method to keep the limbs aligned.

Expensive bows frequently use dual pins are bolt to stabilize the limbs. Spyder’s rounded edges make the tray look better.

The Sages have a pretty consistent quality, replacement limbs are easy to find and inexpensive.

Samick Sage Brace Height vs Spyder

Samick Sage and Spyder bows recommended brace height is the same. The recommendation is between 7,5 – 8,25 inches.

Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow Package vs Spyder

Although they’re completely made by different companies. Both bow designs are so close that they even reflect on their boxing and packaging design. It’s difficult to say, there are big differences between both packages.

Bonus: Samick Sage vs Spyder Accessories

Buying the bow online and then visit an archery store to select right accessories for you might be your first option.

But here I also prepared a quick accessies guideline for you.

Here are some the most popular things can be used with both bow option and all additional stuff you need...


Samick sage and Spyder can be carried basically everywhere, it's pretty cheap, and they’re a nice bow.

Carrying your bow is one of the most critical parameters which is skipped by most of the archers. Considering, you’re buying a takedown bow, that means you need to carry it from one point to another in a proper way.

Here’s the best option for you, This case can be easily used on both bows, whether you choose Samick Sage vs Spyder.

Proper Sight for Samick Sage and Spyder

pre drilled recurve bow risers

Both risers are drilled for stabilizer or bow fishing reel adaptation from the front. And there are some drilled holes for rest and cushion plunger and bow sight.

sight for samick sage or spyder

Using a sight in traditional recurve bow is unusual. But it’s not impossible. This budget-friendly sight is an affordable high-quality option to adapt a sight on your Samick Sage or Spyder recurve bows.

Proper Stabilizer for Samick Sage and Spyder

stabilizer for samick sage vs spyder

You will be surprised the first time you shot with your recurve bow with using an aluminum stabilizer. After seeing your accuracy increase you won’t shot without using a stabilizer. SAS archery aluminum stabilizer is a cheap solution for your Spyder and Samick Sage bows.

Proper Arrow Rest for Samick Sage and Spyder

Using the recurve bow’s wooden rest might not be satisfying in time. You can easily adapt a basic compound bow arrow rest or a simple sealskin plate on your traditional recurve bow.

Proper String for Samick Sage and Spyder

Both bows come with a very basic string. That may not be a problem for beginners. But in a couple of months, you’ll want to change it with a more professional one. Here’s the most affordable and durable string that I can suggest to you. It’s perfectly fit with both recurve bow models.

Choosing the Right Arrow for Samick Sage and Spyder

The hard part is the finding the right arrow for each bow weight.

These carbon arrows are inexpensive and fly great with both Sage and Spyder.

Arrow length can be defined by your draw length and bow weight combination. But you can always go to your local archery shop to define and get the right arrows for you.

But I’ll recommend you using traditional arrows with feathers. Eventually, you’ll be using a traditional bow as well. Besides, plastic vanes on arrows used for compound bows, suitable for traditional bows. Wooden arrows with feathers will give you a straight flight with recurve bows.

Conclusion

If you’re trying to choose between these two bows (Samick Sage vs Spyder bows) which one should you get. I can say that both of them are top-notch bows. But the tiny differences that we talked about can help you to decide. 

But we can definitely say that Spyder Takedown Bow is the next version of Samick Sage. This bow carries all features of Samick Sage and takes itself to the higher place with tiny differences.

For me, Spyder is one step forward because of its better aesthetics and performance. If you have a draw length that is around 26 inches or more, you should get Spyder XL. It’ll be a much better fit for you to prevent staking and a more comfortable shooting experience.

Stacking means the limbs have reached their flexing limit. This can happen in certain draw length.

Samick Sage claims it’s made for draw lengths up to 29 inches. But you should consider the production tolerances as well. So you can accept it’s 27 inches. Because it starts stacking around 27 inches.

Apart from that, the other big con for the Samick Sage compared to the Spyder is its sharp edges. Some archers could find it uncomfortable.

But if you want to spend less money on the bow, so that you will have more budget for the accessories, Samick Sage can be a great option too.

Thanks for reading. I’d like to hear your thoughts and experiences about both bows.

References

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