Are you considering getting your child into archery? If so, then a compound bow is the perfect starting point.
Compound bows are an excellent choice for youth beginners who want to hone their skills in target shooting or hunting. Unlike traditional recurve bows, they have a pulley system that reduces the amount of force needed to hold the bowstring back, making it easier for your child to aim and shoot.
But choosing the right compound bow is crucial for your child’s success in archery. The wrong bow can lead to bad shooting form, poor accuracy, and ultimately a lack of interest in the sport.
That’s why it’s important to take into account several factors when picking out a compound bow for youth beginners. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about choosing the best compound bow for your child.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Compound Bow for Youth Beginners
Draw Weight: How to Choose the Appropriate Draw Weight Based on Your Child’s Strength and Skill Level
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a compound bow for youth beginners is draw weight. Draw weight refers to the amount of force required to pull back the bowstring.
It’s critical that you choose a draw weight that your child can comfortably handle based on their strength and skill level. As a general rule, you should choose a draw weight that allows your child to easily pull back the bowstring without straining or struggling.
Too much draw weight can cause your child to develop bad habits and become discouraged with shooting, while too little draw weight will not provide enough power for accurate shooting. You can determine the appropriate draw weight by having your child practice pulling back different weights until they find one that feels comfortable and provides adequate power.
Draw Length: How To Measure Draw Length And Why It’s Important
Another critical factor in selecting a compound bow is determining your child’s draw length. Draw length refers to how far back your child can comfortably pull the bowstring. If you select a bow with an incorrect or uncomfortable draw length, it can lead to poor accuracy and form.
To measure your child’s draw length, have them stand up straight with their arms outstretched perpendicular to their body. Measure from fingertip-to-fingertip across their chest, then divide by 2.5.
This number represents their approximate draw length in inches. It’s important not only to measure accurately but also to ensure that you select a compound bow with adjustable settings so that you can make any necessary changes as they grow or as they improve in skill level.
Axle-to-Axle Length: What This Measurement Means And Why It Matters
Axle-to-axle length refers to the distance between the bow’s two axles. This measurement plays a significant role in determining the stability and accuracy of the bow, especially for youth beginners.
A shorter axle-to-axle length (around 30 inches) is typically easier for youth beginners to handle, as it allows for a more compact and maneuverable bow. However, a longer axle-to-axle length (around 36 inches) provides more stability and accuracy at longer distances.
It’s important to find a happy medium between your child’s comfort level and the desired accuracy. You may need to experiment with different lengths until you find one that works best for your child.
Let-off: What It Is And How It Affects Shooting
Let-off refers to the amount of weight reduction after reaching full draw. It’s an important factor to consider because it affects how much pressure your child will feel while holding back the bowstring.
Higher let-off percentages (around 75%) mean that less force is required to hold back the string at full draw, leading to less fatigue and better accuracy. Lower let-off percentages (around 65%) provide more power but require greater strength and endurance.
It’s essential that you choose a let-off percentage that your child can comfortably handle without sacrificing accuracy or form. Remember, finding the right balance between comfort and power is key when selecting a compound bow for youth beginners!
Top Picks for Youth Beginner Compound Bows
Finding the right compound bow for your child can be tricky, but with a little research and some expert advice, you can pick out the perfect one. Here are our top picks for youth beginner compound bows on the market:
Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Compound Bow
The Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Compound Bow is an excellent choice for young archers. It has an adjustable draw length of 12-30 inches and a draw weight range of 5-70 pounds. This means it can grow with your child as they become more experienced and stronger.
The bow also has a smooth draw cycle and a high let-off, which makes it easier to shoot accurately. One of the cons of this bow is that it doesn’t come with any accessories, so you’ll need to purchase those separately.
However, this allows you to customize your child’s setup according to their preferences. The price range for this bow is around $400-$500.
Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro Compound Bow
The Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro Compound Bow is another great option for youth beginners. It has an adjustable draw length of 13-31 inches and a draw weight range of 5-70 pounds, which means it can fit just about any young archer.
Additionally, this bow comes with various accessories such as a sight, arrow rest, stabilizer, quiver, and peep sight. However, one drawback is that the cam system can be noisy when shooting arrows at high speeds.
Nevertheless, this bow’s versatility and affordability make it popular among parents looking for quality gear without breaking the bank. The price range for this bow typically falls between $300-$400.
PSE Mini Burner Youth Compound Bow
The PSE Mini Burner Youth Compound Bow is designed specifically for young archers. It has a draw length range of 16.5-26 inches and a draw weight range of 6-40 pounds.
This makes it easier for children to learn the proper form and technique without straining their muscles. One downside is that this bow doesn’t come with as many accessories as some other options on this list.
However, it’s affordable, and you can easily add additional accessories later on as your child becomes more experienced. The price range for this bow is around $150-$200.
Genesis Original Compound Bow
The Genesis Original Compound Bow is an excellent starter bow for young archers who are just starting out. This bow has a fixed draw length of 15-30 inches and no let-off, which means it’s easy to shoot accurately even at lower poundages. One downside to the Genesis Original is that it cannot be adjusted, so if your child grows or gains strength quickly, they may quickly outgrow the bow.
However, this model’s simplicity and affordable price make it an excellent choice for parents who want to introduce their kids to archery without investing too much money upfront. The price range for this bow typically falls between $150-$200.
Each of these compound bows offers excellent features that make them ideal choices for youth beginners looking to learn the sport of archery. When selecting a compound bow from this list or elsewhere, consider your child’s strength and skill level alongside their personal preferences when making your final decision.
Accessories to Consider When Buying a Compound Bow for Youth Beginners
Arrows: Material, Length, Weight, and Fletching Options
When it comes to arrows, there are a few things to consider. First, the material of the arrow can affect its durability and speed. Carbon arrows tend to be more durable and fly faster than aluminum arrows.
However, they can be more expensive. Next, the length of the arrow should match the draw length of your child’s bow.
You want to make sure that the arrow is not too short or too long as this can affect accuracy and safety. Additionally, the arrow weight should match your child’s draw weight and skill level.
Fletching options are available with different materials such as feathers or plastic vanes which help stabilize the flight of an arrow in different ways. Depending on what they will be using their compound bow for fletching is important especially when shooting over longer distances.
Arrow Rests: Types and Benefits
The type of arrow rest you choose can have a significant impact on your child’s accuracy with their compound bow. There are two main types – drop away rests and full capture rests.
Drop away rests provide minimal contact with the arrow shaft which reduces friction and improves accuracy over long distances while full capture rests hold onto both ends of an arrow shaft providing extra guidance while shooting.
Drop away rests work best when shooting at longer distances because they reduce any resistance from contact with the rest so that arrows fly straighter but Full capture rests can provide additional stability helpful for archers who have difficulty keeping a steady hand while shooting.
Sights: How They Work & Importance In Accuracy
Sights are essential accessories that help improve accuracy by providing visual aids for aiming at targeted objects from various distances. They often come in single pin or multiple pin configurations depending on how many target distances will be used.
Single-pin sights allow for more precision while multiple pin sights are better for archers new to the sport who need additional help with their aim. It’s important to choose a sight that is easy for your child to adjust and comfortable to look through.
Release Aids: Types Available
A release aid is a mechanism that releases the bowstring consistently without affecting shot accuracy or consistency. There are several different types of release aids available, including wrist strap releases, handheld releases and back tension releases.
Wrist strap releases attach to your child’s wrist and use a trigger to release the bowstring while handheld releases attach directly to the bowstring with a trigger to shoot arrows when released.
Back tension releases operate without triggering hence providing extra safety but require more practice before becoming proficient in using them effectively. It’s important to choose a release aid that fits comfortably and provides the level of accuracy needed for your child’s shooting ability.
Maintenance Tips for Your Youth’s Compound Bow
Maintaining the compound bow is just as important as picking the right one. Regular maintenance helps to extend its life and improve its performance. Here are a few tips to help you keep your child’s compound bow in top shape:
Clean It Up
After every use, clean your child’s compound bow with a soft, dry cloth. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on the bow during use. Make sure you don’t use any harsh chemicals or solvents that could damage the bow.
Check for Bowstring Wear and Tear
The bowstring is one of the most important components of a compound bow. Inspect it after each use for signs of wear and tear, such as fraying or loosening strands. If you notice any damage, replace the string immediately to avoid potential accidents.
Lubrication is Key
To keep your child’s compound bow functioning smoothly, make sure it is adequately lubricated before each use. Use a good-quality lubricant on all moving parts, including axles and cams.
Final Thoughts
Picking the perfect compound bow for your child can be challenging but rewarding when done right. Remember to choose based on their skill level and strength while considering factors like draw weight, draw length, axle-to-axle length, let-off, and more.
Knowing how to maintain your child’s new toy will also ensure excellent performance by regularly cleaning it up after every use; checking for wear and tear on its string; lubricating all moving parts before each usage; ensuring that arrowheads are sharp enough which can prevent blunting due to frequent target practice.
So go ahead! Get out there and pick the best compound bow for your little one, and with some care and proper maintenance, watch your budding archer grow and thrive!
Related: Unique And Creative Caving Jokes