Recurve Bow for a Beginner?

[mupepe]

So I've been looking around for a somewhat cheap (<$200) recurve bow for a beginner. I probably won't be doing any hunting with it. I just want something decent enough to see if I catch the bug.

I think I've settled on a Samick Sage after looking around my price range. I can nab it for $130 and have enough money to throw some upgrades on it, buy some arrows and equipment (like a stringer). I'm looking to see if anyone can suggest something better.

[cmgee67]

If your willing to spend the extra 150$ the bear grizzly recurve is amazing. I had that bow and loved it. And it's one that will last a long time and is a very high quality bow. I never hunted but i shot for a couple years. But the one your looking at I have shot and it's a nice for the money as well

[mupepe]

That is definitely a nice looking bow but the sites I just checked it seems to be more like $250 more. I'm not sure I'm willing to commit that much yet (I know convincing my SO will also be much harder ). I appreciate the input though.

[mupepe]

Thanks! I didn't even think of Black Friday deals for this.

[mupepe]

So I checked BF ads for Dick's, Academy, Cabelas and Bass Pro. They only had 2 that came close to my budget and requirements.

Cabela's Ranger $74 - http://www.cabelas.com/product/home/top ... D576415080

Bear Archery Cruze $299 - http://www.basspro.com/Bear-Archery-Cru ... ID=vantage

Bear seems to have a decent reputation online based on my GoogleFu but I haven't really read up on compound bows much so I'm not quite as sure of what I'm looking at. Hopefully one of you can take a look and give me some insight if it's worth the $100 over my budget. I do like that if I take to the sport I can also use this one to hunt.

[mupepe]

Another question - When I look at the charts online based on my arm length they say I should have a pull length of 28.8" and get a 68" bow but for I have not seen any come close to that length. In fact, the Sage is one of the biggest at 62" and the Bear Grizzly is only 58". So I'm a bit confused.

[cmgee67]

My draw was a tad over 28 everybody has a different pull length but that's about the average. I shot a 50lb but the way I pulled it back was prob close to 55. The bear I liked because it was a shorter bow than some and easier to maneuver around with

[mupepe]

Thanks. Since you put that bug in me I think I'm going for the Bear actually. I'm looking at either the Grizzly or the Montana. I think I'll go look around this weekend and see if there is anywhere that might them and I'll see what feels better.

[Mike S]

My daughter has a Samick Sage, & likes it. She hunted with it the past two years (no chance to get out this season...), and the major disadvantage she experienced was the overall height. She's short, but would have to draw slightly canted if inside a conventional blind. She hasn't gotten a deer yet, but the advice we were given for hunting with a recurve was to use fixed blades (ie, not mechanical blades, as they may not consistently open with her 45# draw weight).

[The Annoyed Man]

I've actually been casually looking at recurve bows for a long time too. I don't remember the particular brand, although Samik sounds familiar, but the one I'm thinking of was also a take-down model which could be broken down into a smaller package for storing/packing, and then easily reassembled for use. I don't recall the exact model name or number, but pull weights were available from around 40/45 lbs up to I think 55 or 60 lbs.

[Mike S]

TAM,
The Samick my daughter has removable limbs.

http://www.lancasterarchery.com/samick- ... e-bow.html

Started out with 50#-ers, but that was a bit stout for her to get a good draw so I ordered her a new set from Lancaster Archery. I'm just hoping she sticks with it, not like her Dad who hasn't bow hunted in years (except sitting with her in the stand, which is more fun anyway).

[The Annoyed Man]

I've actually been casually looking at recurve bows for a long time too. I don't remember the particular brand, although Samik sounds familiar, but the one I'm thinking of was also a take-down model which could be broken down into a smaller package for storing/packing, and then easily reassembled for use. I don't recall the exact model name or number, but pull weights were available from around 40/45 lbs up to I think 55 or 60 lbs.

Sounds like this one: http://www.goprimalnow.com/Compact_Fold ... b-1-50.htm

I've been mildly interested in that one, too.

Actually, it was Samik Sage Takedown Recurve on Amazon that I was looking at, but I had seen the one you linked above before. This one is similar to yours, but about $60 less. OTH, it also seems to have a lot of complaints of breakage. Amazon also has the SAS Tactical Compact Folding Survival Bow, but it costs $199...........but it works:
https://youtu.be/MllVd_wu1YA

[mupepe]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. My better sense came back and I decided to spend the $130 on the Samick and if I like it go to the Bear Montana which is a 64 inch longbow for a more permanent bow. I know it's a longbow, not a recurve but damn if it isn't beautiful and finding a large enough recurve is quite the challenge.