Samick Sage vs Black Hunter 60" Takedown
Quick take: The Black Hunter 60" Takedown costs $5 less; the Black Hunter 60" Takedown is the lighter carry (2.2 lb bare).
| Spec | Samick Sage | Black Hunter 60" Takedown |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $110 | $105 |
| Rating | 4.6★ | — |
| Type | Takedown Recurve | Takedown Recurve |
| ATA/IBO Speed | — | — |
| Length | 62" | 60" |
| Brace Height | 7.75" | 7.5" |
| Draw Weights | 20-60 lb in 5 lb steps @ 28" (25-60 lb at most dealers) | 20-60 lb in 5 lb steps @ 28" |
| Draw Length | — | — |
| Let-Off | — | — |
| Mass Weight | 3.4 lb | 2.2 lb |
| Construction | Takedown | Takedown |
| Setup | String it with a bow stringer (never step-through) to a 7.5-8.25" brace height and tie a nocking point about 1/2" above square. Limb swaps take two minutes — unscrew the brass limb bolts by hand and seat the new limbs. For hunting, run 40-45 lb minimum at your draw length; check your state's minimum draw weight (typically 30-40 lb for big game) and step up in 5 lb limb increments as you get stronger. | Buy a bow stringer (not included) and string to a 7.5-8" brace height, then tie a nocking point 1/2" above square. Replace the stock string with a D97 or Fast Flight Flemish twist — the community-standard upgrade that quiets the bow and adds speed. Limbs swap via two hand bolts; verify actual draw weight on a scale since marked weights can vary, and hunt at a true 40-45 lb+ at your draw length per your state's legal minimum. |
| Warranty | 1-year limited via Southland Archery Supply (register after purchase) | None published — seller return policies only (sold under multiple storefronts) |
Pros & cons
Samick Sage
- ✓Massive community knowledge base — every tuning question already answered on r/Archery and ArcheryTalk
- ✓Replacement/upgrade limbs cost ~$70-90 and are stocked by multiple US dealers
- ✓Pre-installed brass bushings accept sight, plunger, stabilizer, and bowfishing reel
- ✓Reinforced limb tips are Fast Flight string compatible for a performance bump
- ✓Comfortable, hand-filling grip that beginners shoot well immediately
- ✓Available 20/25-60 lb, so it covers legal hunting weights in every state
- ✓Around $110 from Southland, leaving budget for arrows and a good string
- ✓Proven on deer and hogs for 10+ years of documented hunts
- ✗Proprietary limb fitting — no ILF compatibility despite the takedown design
- ✗Stock Dacron string is mediocre; most owners replace it immediately
- ✗Fit and finish is basic, with occasional reports of rough shelf cuts and limb twist
- ✗Samick's distribution is confusing — prices swing from $110 to $160+ depending on seller
- ✗3.4 lb mass is heavier than modern 60" hunting takedowns
- ✗62" length is cramped for draws much past 29" — stacking reported by long-draw shooters
Black Hunter 60" Takedown
- ✓Repeatedly praised on TradTalk/ArcheryTalk as unbeatable value at ~$100-130
- ✓Bamboo-core limbs are smooth-drawing and quick for the price class
- ✓Phenolic limb tips handle D97/Fast Flight strings without damage
- ✓Exceptionally comfortable ergonomic grip that points naturally
- ✓Light 2.2 lb mass weight is ideal for stalking and long sits
- ✓Full 20-60 lb range with cheap replacement limbs
- ✓Forgiving of arrow spine per hands-on reviews
- ✗Marked draw weight commonly runs a few pounds off actual
- ✗Stock string is mediocre — effectively a mandatory $25 upgrade
- ✗No bow stringer included and no manufacturer warranty
- ✗Sold under many storefront brands with slight quality inconsistency between them
- ✗No accessory bushings on most versions — off-the-shelf shooting only
- ✗60" length starts to stack for draws much past 29"