Samick Ultra vs Samick Athlete

Hi, I currently shoot an Eclipse. It is a good riser, it shoots very well. However I don't like the style, paricularly the TEC bar, so I am looking to upgrade. I am fond of Samick, having done reasonably well with my inexpensive Universal limbs. So I was intrigued by the new Athlete riser. However, I don't get it. It is in no mans land. It is slightly cheaper than an Ultra or Masters, but considerably dearer than the beginner risers, and a chunk dearer than a mid range riser. So what is it ? Is it supposed to be a replacement for the Ultra ? Does anyone have any ideas ?

[Rik]

Originally Posted by Kiwi

Hi, I currently shoot an Eclipse. It is a good riser, it shoots very well. However I don't like the style, paricularly the TEC bar, so I am looking to upgrade. I am fond of Samick, having done reasonably well with my inexpensive Universal limbs. So I was intrigued by the new Athlete riser. However, I don't get it. It is in no mans land. It is slightly cheaper than an Ultra or Masters, but considerably dearer than the beginner risers, and a chunk dearer than a mid range riser. So what is it ? Is it supposed to be a replacement for the Ultra ? Does anyone have any ideas ?

*I* think it's a new mid-range riser.
The reasoning is simple - the name. "Athlete" is the name given by Samick to a set of mid-range limbs. Not in the top tier like the Masters or Extremes. So it would be daft to give that designation to anything other than a riser of a similar level to the limbs...

It can't be a replacement for the Ultra - I don't think they've made anything which is better than that yet.

Originally Posted by Rik

*I* think it's a new mid-range riser.
The reasoning is simple - the name. "Athlete" is the name given by Samick to a set of mid-range limbs. Not in the top tier like the Masters or Extremes. So it would be daft to give that designation to anything other than a riser of a similar level to the limbs...

It can't be a replacement for the Ultra - I don't think they've made anything which is better than that yet.

Except that the price would lead someone to think that it is not a mid range riser. Forget the fact that the name is the same as the Athlete limb, check the price difference. The Athlete limbs are about 230 euros, and the Masters and Extreme limbs are about 355 euros, so, quite a jump there. But with the Athlete riser, it is only about 40 euros less than the top of the range Masters and Ultra risers. I have read a few other forums, and this questions has been asked by others, but no one has any clues as to the quality, or the reason for this riser. Again, it really is stuck in no mans land. Because it was so closely priced, I ordered the Ultra. But someone who wanted a mid range riser would not pay 310+ euros for the Athlete when they could get the excellent Winact for 240 euros, and the very good Eclipse for 160 euros.

I'm pleased at your endorsement of the Ultra though

[DivingBirdie]

Is the Ultra painted or anodized?

Originally Posted by DivingBirdie

Is the Ultra painted or anodized?

Painted. But if you think it's Butt Ugly it doesn't matter either way.

[Ada]

Good point Kiwi, I have seen the Athlete riser and am very intrested in trying it myself as I'm on the lookout for a new bow, I didnt think of it as replacing the ultra riser so should be interesting to see if that gets discontinued, if you get to shoot it I'd like to know what it's like

[Rik]

Originally Posted by Kiwi

Except that the price would lead someone to think that it is not a mid range riser. Forget the fact that the name is the same as the Athlete limb, check the price difference. The Athlete limbs are about 230 euros, and the Masters and Extreme limbs are about 355 euros, so, quite a jump there. But with the Athlete riser, it is only about 40 euros less than the top of the range Masters and Ultra risers. ....

So it's an overpriced mid-range riser?

[Ada]

Well dont know about it being an overpriced mid range riser, I recently took a trip to a local archery dealer, and tried several rises, about 6 different ones I think (unfortunatly the Athlete was not in stock) In my opinion the best one was the cheapest, the winact, so I think it depends on the archer. If its over priced, I'll let you know once I have seen one

[greygoose]

It can't be a replacement for the Ultra - I don't think they've made anything which is better than that yet.[/quote]
Hi Rik,
I could not agree more.
Greygoose

[WhitehartFB]

It's a mid priced riser with matching limbs (foam or carbon foam) and has the same limb adjustment as the Masters.

Painted handle forged construction lighter in the hand than the Masters similar shooting feel though. I would liken it to a cheaper and lighter Masters Handle.

The handle is not intended to relace any other model because the handle is exclusive to one Europen distributor and is only sold by them to the dealers.