Samick Sage vs KESHES 62" Takedown
Quick take: The KESHES 62" Takedown costs $20 less; the KESHES 62" Takedown is the lighter carry (2 lb bare).
| Spec | Samick Sage | KESHES 62" Takedown |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $110 | $90 |
| Rating | 4.6★ | — |
| Type | Takedown Recurve | Takedown Recurve |
| ATA/IBO Speed | — | — |
| Length | 62" | 62" |
| Brace Height | 7.75" | 8" |
| Draw Weights | 20-60 lb in 5 lb steps @ 28" (25-60 lb at most dealers) | 15-60 lb in 5 lb steps @ 28" |
| Draw Length | — | — |
| Let-Off | — | — |
| Mass Weight | 3.4 lb | 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. | Use the included stringer tool to string to a 7.5-8.5" brace height and tie a nocking point 1/2" above square. Limbs swap with the two knob screws in under a minute — start light (25-35 lb) for form, then buy 45-55 lb limbs for hunting; keep your draw under the 29" max. Replace the stock Dacron string and stick-on rest before hunting, verify true draw weight on a scale, and check your state's legal minimum (typically 30-40 lb). |
| Warranty | 1-year limited via Southland Archery Supply (register after purchase) | KESHES money-back guarantee; no long-term warranty published |
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
KESHES 62" Takedown
- ✓Around $90 with string, rest, sight, and stringer tool included
- ✓Widest draw-weight spread in the class (15-60 lb) for growing shooters
- ✓Reportedly made in the same factory as the Samick Sage, and it shows in the woodwork
- ✓Pre-installed brass bushings support sights, stabilizers, and bowfishing rigs
- ✓Very light (~2 lb) and comfortable for long practice sessions
- ✓Money-back guarantee with responsive Amazon-based customer service
- ✓Huge review base means known quirks and fixes are all documented
- ✗Included sight, rest, and string are throwaway quality — replace before hunting
- ✗Instruction manual is confusing for the absolute beginners it targets
- ✗29" maximum draw length rules out long-draw archers
- ✗Proprietary bolt-on limbs, not ILF, and high-weight limbs go in and out of stock
- ✗No long-term warranty, just the return-window guarantee