Samick Sage vs Southwest Spyder Takedown Recurve (2026)
These two are close enough that either is a sound first recurve, and both take standard ILF-style interchangeable limbs from their own maker so you can raise draw weight later without buying a new bow. The Sage is the older, more widely stocked design with the deepest supply of spare limbs and aftermarket parts. The Spyder is a refined version of the same idea with slightly better fit and finish and a stringer usually included. Buy on price and availability in your draw weight.
At a glance
| Samick Sage | Southwest Archery Spyder | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 62 in | 62 in |
| Riser | Hard maple and olive dymondwood | Hard maple and olive dymondwood |
| Limb attachment | Bolt-down takedown | Bolt-down takedown |
| Weights offered | 25 to 60 lbs | 20 to 60 lbs |
| Stringer included | Usually not | Usually yes |
| Fast flight rated | Check the limb marking | Check the limb marking |
Choose the Samick Sage if…
You want the design with the largest installed base. The Sage has been sold in volume for long enough that replacement limbs, strings cut to the right length, and shop familiarity are everywhere, and that is worth real money the first time you snap a string or want to step up ten pounds.
It is also the safer buy secondhand for the same reason: you can identify what you are looking at, and parts exist. If your local range has a rack of loaner bows, there is a good chance some of them are Sages, which means someone there can help you set nocking point and brace height.
Choose the Southwest Archery Spyder if…
You want the same bow with a slightly tidier build and the stringer already in the box. The Spyder is a direct evolution of the Sage layout, and owners consistently report cleaner limb pockets and finish. The included stringer matters more than it sounds, because it is the difference between stringing the bow correctly on day one and improvising.
The Spyder is also offered in a 20 pound limb weight in some listings, which is genuinely useful for a smaller adult or an older teenager who needs to build shooting muscle before moving up.
Check Southwest Archery Spyder on Amazon
Related
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these products side by side. Confirm current specifications and prices before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bow stringer for either of these?
Yes, and it is not optional. The step-through method, where you brace the lower limb against your foot and bend the bow with your leg, twists the limbs out of plane and has caused both limb damage and injuries when a bow slips. A stringer costs less than a string and applies even pressure to both limbs. Use one every time, and inspect the limb tips for cracks before you draw.
Can I put a fast flight string on either bow?
Only if the limbs are marked as rated for it. Modern low-stretch strings transfer far more shock into the limb tips than Dacron does, and fitting one to limbs that are not rated for it can destroy the limbs, sometimes suddenly. Some production runs of both bows are rated and some are not, so read the limb marking rather than the listing text. If there is no marking, use Dacron.
Which draw weight should a beginner order?
Lower than instinct suggests. Most adult beginners are well served in the 25 to 35 pound band for the first few months, because form collapses under weight and bad form is hard to unlearn. Remember that a takedown recurve is rated at 28 inches of draw and gains or loses roughly two to three pounds per inch away from that, so a long-draw shooter will feel more weight than the number on the limb. Bowhunting has separate legal minimums set by your state or province, so check those before choosing limbs for hunting.
Are the limbs interchangeable between the two bows?
In practice many owners report that limbs from one will bolt to the other, since both use the same general takedown pattern, but neither maker supports it and tiller and alignment can end up off. Treat cross-fitting as an experiment rather than a plan, and buy limbs made for the riser you own.
How we choose: we compare published manufacturer specifications, verified owner reviews, and pro shop guidance. We do not test gear in person. Draw weight and arrow spine affect safety, so follow your bow manufacturer's specifications and have setup work checked by a qualified pro shop.
