Samick Discovery ILF Recurve Bow Review and Testing

[@michaelmitchell5045]

Just got my samick discovery riser today. Using medium black max 2.0@45#. Certainly out shoots my Satori in all aspects. Just beautiful.

[@peterd8037]

Folks, just bought this bow today from you in 55# 62". Thank you so much for the phone service and your video material; it is what helped make me decide on both the bow and your shop. Cheers!!

[@3RiversArchery]

Our pleasure!

[@chuckbert3117]

A very nice bow. I bought mine for hunting but thinking of buying a new riser for targets. I also think it’s one of the best buys out there for a machined aluminum ILF riser

[@ryukage6695]

As with everyone else, am a little concerned about the noise from the demo. With all that, I am torn between the discovery and the wood risers (17" trad and the carbon-Z 15")... Would love to see video featuring those risers as well for a fair comparison.

[@ThirdLawPair]

I've seen some tests where foam core limbs did close to 20 fps better than equivalent wood core limbs. It seems that here you only got a performance advantage with the light arrow. Is that to be expected generally?

[@Wingman115]

Nice clean looking setup. I need to review one of these.

[@gigilaco]

Can you start specifying whether bows come in a left-handed model? I think I can speak for all LH archers when I say finding a good bow for us is hell.

[@3RiversArchery]

We do specify in our descriptions and drop down options what bows are left handed and right handed. There is only a handful that we carry that are right handed only (mainly imported bows). We are always conscious of our left handed shooters to stock a wide variety of bows that match them. As for listing it in the title, I'm afraid that would make them too long for easy reading. We are hoping to have search filters set up that allows for left/right hand filtering and even by weight. So for an example, if you only what to consider left handed bows in 40# pull weight, you would be able to easily sort that way. I'm afraid I do not have a timeline on when that will be available.

[@gigilaco]

3RiversArchery thank you!

[@k_dot33]

Is it center shot or how far past center

[@ka-bar5060]

I appreciate your review. I'm looking to get into trad shooting after owning a compound for 10 years. I really like this ILF setup. I've also been looking at the Sage because I don't want to break the bank, but I also know myself enough that I like performance and the foam core offering for this bow setup looks really nice. Any guidance is appreciated as my goal is to shoot target/3-D and once I am comfortable hunt with what I choose.

[@PooMonkeyMan]

Two questions regarding this bow: 1) Is this a redesign of the Samick Bear Hunter from a few years back? And 2) say someone gifted me this bow with a set of unknown limbs, without looking at the markings, how can I find out if the limbs are the wood core limbs or if they're the foam core limbs?

[@3RiversArchery]

1. I cannot say it is a redesign, but looking at pictures next to each other, I can see why you ask. It does look like an upgraded design for sure. 2. If you can see the core lamination, foam is normally a grey color, where maple (most common wood core) is a yellow-ish color. If the limb is fully dipped and you cannot see the core lamination then it really gets tough on being able to tell. Just how they "feel and perform" when you shoot.

[@xfactoroutdoors165]

Like the color choices.

[@outdoorman808]

Nice demo thank you

[@TheTinkeringMachinist]

Sorry if I missed it, did you say what poundage the limbs you were shooting for the tests are?

[@3RiversArchery]

I believe it is 50# @ 28" limbs for both sets I test.

[@thedevilsadvocate886]

Are risers specific to long bows and recurves? Do they all hold the limbs art the same angle? Im looking to build a simple but durable long bow for hunting. I only need attachment points for a minimalist riser and sight. (Camo is a plus) Any recommendations on riser and limb combos. Again - power, durability, accurate enough for big game, affordable - like an AK-47 equivalent. Thanks

[@3RiversArchery]

There are longbow specific metal risers that lean more to the longbow shooter. They do have a different limb pocket angle as well. I would recommend our DAS DX5 longbow riser: www.3riversarchery.com/das-bows-risers.html and to pair it with our DAS longbow limbs (DAS connection) www.3riversarchery.com/das-bamboo-core-longbow-limbs.html

[@philipholman9898]

Shit a compound for yrs, these old timers at the club shot instinctive long bow /recurves. They shot each other's knocks off. I was just amazed that a stick performed so well. While I had every gadget known to the archery world on my 1500 dollar compound. I got tired of of the sights the releases the whole shebang of what goes with that style of shooting . I'm looking to go to instinctive shooting . The company makes a wood riser bow just under 200 and this machined version. What's the main performance difference

[@dme7689]

Where is the bolt position for the stated poundage of the limbs? All the way in, in the middle, or out? Meaning is a 50lb limb roughly 46-50, 48-52, or 50-54? Thanks...

[@3RiversArchery]

I'd say normally in the middle. These were adjusted so the limbs pull 50# @ 28" as limbs can have some "wiggle room" so we checked them to make sure for the testing.

[@dme7689]

@@3RiversArchery So you're saying that if I buy 50 lb. discovery limbs from you they will be roughly 48-52 lbs? I know your DAS limbs would be 45-50... correct?

[@3RiversArchery]

All limbs fall in the 2 lbs range from mark. You still purchase them at a flat number, say 45, but they can be +/- 2 pounds from there and still be considered within specs (as an industry standard).

[@forgetyourlife]

@@3RiversArchery how many threads minimum do the bolts need to be in the riser at the lowest setting?

[@angkit216]

Bro I am interested to buy but I’m heading for bamboo limbs what you say about it for deer hunting?

[@3RiversArchery]

You can get just the riser and use any ILF limbs you like on it. The bow (riser and/or limbs) are great for the bowhunter and it is a solid riser in a good length. The limbs are black, which is not as common for ILF limbs, and they perform great. Even with heavier weight arrows. So we do recommend this bow for the bowhunter.

[@skuteralwarez8243]

And what is felling when you shot not from the machine? What is hand shock and wibrations?

[@3RiversArchery]

Hard one to write down on how it feels shooting. It drew smooth, with no stack for me. As for hand shock and vibrations, that comes down to bow tuning. With a proper weight arrow and brace height, you really shouldn't feel much, if any, from a bow. Not a direct answer, but I hope it helps some.

[@rich7036]

I just got this bow from 3 Rivers Archery about 2 weeks or so ago. This is an awesome hunting bow. There is no hand shock. It’s a little heavier than my other bows but nothing that can’t be handled, I just wasn’t use to it. Spend time tuning this bow with a good set of arrows and you’ll have a quite accurate bow. I got the foam core limbs 50# and they are smooth drawing and fast. If I was to recommend this bow to a friend, I would. If I was to buy another set of limbs for this riser, I would. It’s a great bow.

[@efrainberrios9187]

Im really thinking about investing in this bow, but is it really not able to shoot from the shelf? I prefer to shoot from the shelf.

[@3RiversArchery]

It can be shot off the shelf, but the rest needs to be built out a fair bit to make it work.

[@greenhoodedvigilante458]

Can I shoot off the shelf with this bow?

[@3RiversArchery]

It is possible to shoot off the shelf of the Samick Discovery riser, but you will need to have a bigger side plate, as it is cut past center a fair bit, so getting it back to center will take more side plate material.

[@greenhoodedvigilante458]

@@3RiversArchery I have another question. As samick discovery bow has ILF riser, how much draw weight of limbs can be adjusted? I have 27" draw length. So if I buy 40 lbs limbs for minimum hunting weight bow, that would be less than 40 lbs in my draw length. Is it possible to increase limb's draw weight enough to get 40 lbs on my draw length?

[@3RiversArchery]

Normally an ILF riser can be adjusted for weight 5% up and 5% down. If you limbs are rated 40# @ 28" (standard measurement) they will be roughly 2 or 3 pounds less per inch decrease in draw length. You may be maxing out the adjustment, but it is possible. Though, you would really need a bow scale to measure the weight before hand and during the process. Limbs are allowed by an industry standard to not be exact measurement of what they are listed. So you could have a set of limbs marked 40# @ 28", but they could be 42# @ 28" actually.

[@greenhoodedvigilante458]

@@3RiversArchery I found that separate ILF limb bolts for ILF riser are sold in your website separately. Can I use those on samick discovery riser? Will the increase the ability adjust draw weight more than 5% in this riser??

[@chrisneese8947]

How many pounds is the limbs you testing

[@3RiversArchery]

As I remember, they are 50# @ 28" limbs.

[@robertcrowther6134]

what was the brace height set at

[@3RiversArchery]

I'm not a 100% positive, but normally I go 7.5 to 7.75" for the brace height on these bows. So I believe that is what it was when I did the testing.

[@The_Machinist91]

What rest/plunger were used in the testing???

[@3RiversArchery]

The rest as a simple wire frame elevated rest, and the plunger was a compact plunger.The closest to it is this rest and plunger combo pack www.3riversarchery.com/vista-cushion-plunger-elevated-rest.html

[@pryan6562]

I've heard their limb bolts are little weak. are they? Can I get a metal one?

[@3RiversArchery]

The bolts or the ILF plates? Though, both are metal in the bow. You can replace them easy enough though if you have other components you want to use.

[@JoMonki]

So im looking to purchase one of these. And have a couple questions: I measured myself and I am 26.8 drawlength and I was recommended to start off with 30 lb what # does that put me at? I am new to all the bowing community and have no idea hahahaha and what arrows do I want for hunting and target practice? Do bows break alot? What I like about the Discovery is the adaptability from what it looks like to move up to different weights with different legs? arms? not sure hahaha

[@3RiversArchery]

You lose about 2 pounds of pull for every inch lower (and increase 2 for every inch past), so you are about 28 pounds at your roughly 27" draw. You can use the same arrows for target shooting and hunting, but you will need to check local game laws for minimum pull weight requirements. I like 10 grains for every pound of pull. So a 45# bow would use a 450 grain arrow. For target shooting you do not need that heavy, but if planning to hunt, it is best to target shoot with what you are hunting with. Laminated bows (fiberglass backed) have a very little failure rate, and most times it relates to how they are treated if they do break. Keep the weight of the arrow to at least 8 grains per pound of pull and you should be good. Yes, the Discovery's ILF limbs allow for very easy switching of the limbs to go to different lengths and/or weights. All without needing tools or a bow shop to change the limbs.

[@JoMonki]

@@3RiversArchery so I should be aiming for a 66" bow #30 with 300 grain arrow?

[@akukuat101]

I really want samick discovery, but i have a 30"draw length and max AMO 62", is it okay to use?plus i never have Take down ILF bow, been carrying 68" one piece longbow.

[@3RiversArchery]

You could use the Discovery with a 30" draw length. It would be smoother with a 64" bow though, but the 62" can handle the 30" draw.

[@akukuat101]

@@3RiversArchery thats a relieve to hear. Thank you for the informational video

[@TheFrostyrune]

Purchased one of these from yall, its on the way atm. I'm brand new to archery though so was wondering if you had any good suggestions for arrows for this and length of them for just practice shooting a target.

[@3RiversArchery]

We would be happy to help you pick arrows for your bow. As we need to know a bit more about what you are shooting, please email or call us. We do have our online spine charts too if that helps: www.3riversarchery.com/pdf/ArrowCharts.pdf

[@cactus6481]

How would the accuracy be if you shot it off the shelf? I was thinking about picking one up, but I do a lot of small game and hog hunting. So speed is really important, and I've always felt faster while shooting off the shelf of a bow.

[@3RiversArchery]

You would need to build the side plate out as it is cut past center a fair bit, but would shoot great off the shelf. It is radiused for it, just needs more side plate than normal.

[@Thunderkat65]

Can the Discovery be used for string walking?

[@3RiversArchery]

Yes, the Discovery can be used for string walking. The tiller is adjustable to make it easier for the bow to handle string walking as well.

[@vangthao888]

Does it come left handed?

[@3RiversArchery]

Yes, the Samick Discovery is available in left hand.

[@ChondonaBhumikChondona]

how much the product

[@3RiversArchery]

The 17" riser complete bow is here: www.3riversarchery.com/samick-discovery-ilf-recurve-bow.html and the 21" riser complete bow is here: www.3riversarchery.com/samick-discovery-ilf-recurve-bow-21-riser.html

[@alainmessier4565]

I bought one 60" with 60# R3 limbs and the grip is almost painful to shoot with as it feels way too small, and definitively NOT comfortable. I am looking for a way to quiet that bow, but the grip is by far the worst part on the bow.

[@3RiversArchery]

The grip can we sanded on to change up the feel, but if it is already too small, you may try adding putty material to harden on the grip. Like a Bondo, or similar product. This can then be sanded on to the shape and feel you like. Other option is wrapping it in material, or even gluing pieces of leather to "fatten" parts of the grip to your liking.

[@t3hnaku]

I just bought this bow from you and while I do love it, I have a few questions. I am new to archery, and while this bow shoots like silk (imho), it's loud, as in the limbs rattle in the pockets, maybe? I have a 28.75" draw with the included 50# limbs at 60"AMO. The competition shooters I ask at my range will barely discuss it as they insist the bow is too short for me... i'm 6'2 250#. But a draw length is a draw length, so says physics, and I say they are dismissive or elitists. I also don't want to admit my money to be wasted, heh. Regardless, even with the limb bolts tight down (thus pulling 60# at 28") it sounds a 1970's Cadillac, and sounds worse at a more relaxed 50#. What am I missing, or where to go in the Los Angeles area? For those curious, 1. it is a little top heavy, but only a little. I added a front stabilizer only to offset my 5-pin sight 2. no stacking at 29", draws like butter 3. the plunger button holes seem off-center, I have to adjust my spigarelli rest (so fancy) all the way to the top to match with my plunger, and even then I have to bend the wire up. but that could be me 4. olympic coaches will give u shit for a 17" riser, "don't shoot this, go get a used 25" riser"... motherf**ker, I can't bring a 72" into the bush, what are u thinking?!

[@3RiversArchery]

For bow noise, try raising your brace height. Also, the weight of the arrows you are shooting. The more mass weight, the less noise. As for tightening the bolts all the way down, that can be done, but better to have heavier limbs and the bolts about mid-way tightened down. As for bow length, it does come down to draw length and preference. If you are not feeling stack at your draw, then you are fine. Longer bows can be more forgiving though. At a 29" draw a 62" bow feels good (to me), but it will depend on the bow and the shooter. I shoot 64", but I like the way that feels to me. Shot 62" for many, many years just fine though.

[@rich7036]

I just got this bow also from 3 Rivers. This is my first ILF now and was not use to the noise as well. I put wool string silencers on it and put the brace height at about 8.5 inches and that significantly helped quiet the bow down a great deal. . You could also try limbsavers but that isn’t really necessary cause the brace height and string silencers should do it. Overall, I think this is a great bow. I have the medium 50# foam core limbs, which bring this to a 60” bow. Perfect for me.

[@Leehealy-wheninthewoods]

How heavy is your bow with the limbs tightened all the way down? Did you say 60lb?! I just got the same bow and it came tightened all the way down, I assumed I was being a wimp but it felt pretty heavy for 50lb. I took one turn out of each and a half turn more out of the bottom limb for tiller. Might do more out of the bottom limb to increase the tiller gap still. But I’m curious how many turns these bolts can be backed out, and at what setting is at 50lb?

[@raginroadrunner]

Magnesium riser?

[@3RiversArchery]

It is machined from a 7071 aluminum billet.

[@raginroadrunner]

Well done video.

[@Boemtie]

how is the balance? Does it tip backwards alot?

[@3RiversArchery]

The balance is very comparable to other recurve bows. It will tip backwards as a barebow. It does have a front stabilizer hole for combating this.

[@ulmwurttemberg1682]

thanks, man.

[@ZephrusPrime]

I would have liked to actually " hear" how the bow sounds while being shoot by a human.

[@chuckbert3117]

Mine had a bit of noise until I had an issue with the aluminum limb bolt freezing up and replaced the stock aluminum limb bolts with steel ones. Now the bow is about as quiet as can be.

[@culmerrninjanathan4624]

How are u using a mechanic draw,,, 😢that is sad,,,, hope u are dealing with a injury to your body in order to use that, ppl do not wanna see that

[@3RiversArchery]

A shooting machine is used to give repetitive draw point and the cleanest release. This allows for the bow to perform to its very best without influence from the shooter.