It is that time of your youngster’s life; they have asked for their first compound bow. Whether they want to follow in their parent’s footsteps, or feel inspired by Katniss Everdeen’s impeccable skill, we are here to help you find the best bow possible! If you are new to the sport of archery yourself, there are a few things you may want to know to ensure your child is safe, and has the best chance at success!
Fitting a Compound Bow for a Child
If your child is uncomfortable shooting their bow, they will not want to use it; buy the right bow.
There are many options to choose from! You want to be sure that you get your child a bow that fits both their ability, and their physical dimensions. Compound bows are very personal tools. If the specifications are not just right, an archer may injure themselves, and be unable to perform to their full potential.
One of the most important factors in safety and functionality is draw length. This is the measurement from a bow’s string in resting position to the point your child will have to pull. If the draw length of their bow is too long, it is more likely that they will torque the string causing misfire, loss of accuracy, and injury to their gripping arm. It is actually simple to measure for your child’s draw length. First, measure the span of their arms from the tips of their middle fingers. Then divide that number by 2.5. The resulting number will be the approximate measurement for the draw length of their compound bow.
The second important factor to keep in mind is the draw weight. This is how much weight is held in the string that your child will have to pull over-and-over. Most people think that they want a bow with the highest draw weight they can possibly pull. This is never the best choice, as their arms will get tired during practice causing flaws in their form, and mistakes while they shoot. To give your child the best chance at success, get them a bow with a manageable draw weight. Very young archers should start with a draw weight of less than twenty pounds. This will give them a chance to develop their technique.
Compoundbowsource.com recommends that children that weigh between 40-70 pounds should use a bow with 10 to 15 pounds of draw weight. Those between 70 and 100 pounds can often safely pull 15 to 20 pounds.
It is important for youth to get their hands on various bows. This will give them a feel for what they prefer. If you notice them shaking the first few times they pull the string, try a lower weight. The retailer will be able to give you personal assistance to find the correct specifications for your child. Check out our homepage for more information on how to test the draw weight, and draw length of different bows. Most modern compound bows have adjustable draw weight and length of varying degrees. These will be explained further below.
Bows for Younger or Beginning Youth
1. Genesis Mini Bow
The youngest archers will have a ball with the Genesis Mini Bow. This bow is suitable for children between the ages of three and eight years old. Many professional archers deem this bow to be the best for first-time learners.
This is the least expensive bow on this list, though it does not lack in quality. There is no back wall, so any child can use this bow as long as their draw length is between fourteen and twenty-five inches. This is a nice feature, as you will spend less time tuning the bow as your child grows.
To change the draw weight, simply turn the bolts on either side of the riser. One revolution in either direction adjusts the weight by 1.4 pounds respectively. The cost is about $150 for the Genesis Mini, along with the full kit of supplies!
This bow is a great value because it employs the time-tested technology used in Bear’s professional bows. The only difference is the fact that it is scaled down to fit a child’s needs. No wonder it is backed by so many youth archery organizations!
2. Bear Archery Brave
The Bear Archery Brave is a great starting bow for just about any child 8 years old and up. This bow features a wide range of draw lengths, perfect for a growing child. This is a bow that even many adults enjoy! The draw weight is only adjustable between fifteen to twenty five pounds, but that is enough for a young child to use for several years.
I would suggest this bow to any child that has a flourishing interest in archery. The reasonable price, and long lasting design are a great combination. Even if your child strays from their interest in archery, the initial investment is around $200, which is more bearable on parent’s wallets than many other options. The range of draw length allows this bow to be enjoyed by any member of the family!
This bow is very easy to tune. You do not have to deconstruct it. The bow comes complete, and ready to shoot! Included in the product is: 2 Safetyglass Arrows, an armguard, 2-piece arrow quiver, finger tabl, Whisker Biscuit Arrow Rest, 1-pin sight, and a temporary tattoo.
3. PSE Chaos
You have seen the PSE Chaos in our other reviews. This professional bow allows over ten inches of adjustable draw length, and is easy to adjust. Like the Genesis Mini, the PSE Chaos is built with the same materials and design as an adult professional bow. It has the same performance as these bows, but is adaptable for children, and adults with small stature.
PSE is known for their solid back wall. This keeps young archers from overdrawing their bow. One of the most notable features is the choice the user has when it comes to draw weight. The PSE Chaos can be adjusted to suit archers who pull anywhere from 19 to 60 pounds. Though it may not be suited for the youngest archers, it is a good choice for children approximately five years or older.
Female archers may be able to use this bow into adulthood! This bow comes at a higher price, starting at $209 for the bow alone. However, the durable, adaptable, and professional design make the PSE Chaos wise investment for the tiny archery enthusiast in your life!
For more options for women, read: The Best Compound Bows for Women
4. Diamond Infinite Edge
Last, but certainly not least, is the Diamond Infinite Edge. This happens to be one of the most user friendly, highly adaptable bows on the market! The draw length is easily adjusted between 13 and 30 inches. The weight can also be adjusted an amazing five to 70 pounds. This is the best compound bow for anyone to start on, and can be used by anyone in the family.
It is one of the only youth bows you will find that can grow with your child well into adulthood. It comes in at the highest price on our list at $349, for just the bow or $479 ready to shoot. The $479 package includes everything an archer needs to hit the trails in search of a tasty supper.
Though the cost is over $100 compared to the competition, no other youth bow is as long lasting, or flexible to the degree that it can be used by one child for well over ten years! It is made with the same design and quality as Diamond’s professional compound bows.
That means your child will be able to use any of their professional bow attachments and add-ons as they progress. The only reason to replace a Diamond Infinite Edge is a strong desire for a new bow. Other than that, this bow is good for life!
You can also read: The Best Compound Bow Brands for 2017 or our overall best compound bow reviews
Final Words
These are the top brands to look at when choosing a compound bow. Every other youth bow on the market will be compared to these! If you want top quality, and low price, the Genesis Mini Bow, or PSE Chaos are good options. The biggest difference between these two choices is that the Genesis Mini does not have a solid backwall. Your child will have to feel their own draw length out to keep from overdrawing their compound bow. The backwall of the PSE model is very sturdy, which will save your apprentice archer from developing flaws in their form.
If you want a compound bow that is prepared for a long life of use, and seemingly unending growth spurts, the Diamond Infinite Edge is the best choice. There is nothing better than the security that this adaptable model offers.
Parents can feel comfortable knowing that their purchase will fit the needs of their child as long as they have that bow. Do you think these are the best compound bows for youth? Which bows have your young hunters and huntresses loved?
