Best Youth Compound Bow | 7 (still) Recommended for 2023

When choosing the best compound bow for kids or juniors, there are a few things you need to consider.

Of course, you need to decide what size compound bow will fit your child best.

Also, you will need to look at the draw weight of the bow. When buying a bow for a child, the child’s ability, skill level, and comfort should be considered.

You should also find a reputable dealer that can help you make the best decision for your child.

Among many other things which are important to consider.

In this article, you will get a lot of answers, so you can make better decisions when buying a compound for your kid. And, with these tips in mind, finding the best suitable compound bow will be a bit easier.

What to consider when purchasing a compound bow for a child?

Introducing children to archery can be a rewarding experience for both the child and the parent. However, it’s important to ensure that the child has the right equipment to practice.

One of the most critical pieces of equipment is the compound bow, which needs to be properly sized, weighted, and adjustable to suit the child’s physical abilities and skill level.

Below you can read the key factors to consider when purchasing a compound bow for a child, including size and weight, draw weight, adjustability, safety features, quality, the importance of seeking professional guidance, and trying before buying. By following these guidelines, you can help your child enjoy a safe and successful archery experience.

1. Size and weight: The bow should be appropriately sized and weighted for the child’s age, strength, and physical abilities. A bow that is too heavy or too long can be difficult for a child to handle and may lead to accidents or injuries.
2. Draw weight: The draw weight, or the amount of force required to pull back the bowstring, should be appropriate for the child’s strength and skill level. A draw weight that is too high can cause the child to struggle or strain, while a draw weight that is too low can be too easy and not challenging enough. A compound bow for a child would be a bow which has a low draw weight and draw length. The lower draw weight and draw length will be easier for a beginner to handle, and it will be safer too. This way, it should be easier to learn the proper shooting form and technique.
3. Adjustability: Some compound bows come with adjustable draw lengths and weights, which can be useful as the child grows, gets stronger and develops their skills. This can save money and ensure the child can continue to use the bow as they get older.
4. Safety features: Look for compound bows with safety features such as a finger guard, wrist sling, and arrow rest. These features can help prevent accidents and injuries.
5. Quality: Choose a high-quality compound bow that is made from durable materials and has a good reputation for reliability and safety. Cheaper bows may not be as well-made or may not have the same safety features.
6. Professional guidance: It’s important to get advice and guidance from a qualified archery instructor or coach who can help you choose the right bow for your child’s skill level and physical abilities. They can also teach your child proper form and safety techniques.

What is the recommended and best youth compound bow for a beginner?

Some popular brands for youth bows include Diamond Archery, Bear Archery, PSE, and Genesis.

These options are all great choices for beginners, but it’s always recommended to try them out and get guidance from an experienced archery instructor or coach to find the right fit.

Here are 7 recommended youth bows for beginners:

Genesis Original Bow

This is an excellent beginner bow for children due to its lightweight design, low draw weight, and adjustable draw length. It’s also designed to promote good shooting form and technique, making it a popular choice for schools and youth programs.

Here are some of its key specifications:

• The official bow of NASP®
• Genesis Original has a draw weight of 10-20 pounds, which can be adjusted without a bow press to fit a wide range of users.
• The draw length can be adjusted from 15-30 inches, allowing the bow to grow with the user as they get taller and stronger.
• The bow has a mass weight of 2.8 pounds, making it easy for young archers to handle and hold steady.
• Axle-to-axle: 35 1/2″
• Brace height: 7 5/8″
• It features a single-cam design, which helps to reduce tuning and maintenance requirements while also promoting accurate and consistent shooting.
• The riser is made from durable aluminum, which helps to provide stability and strength to the bow.
• Available in a range of colours and finishes, making it customizable to suit individual preferences.
• Designed to promote good shooting form and technique, which can help beginners develop their skills and improve their accuracy over time.
• The bow comes with a moulded competition grip, which helps to provide a comfortable and secure hold on the bow.
• And it is made in the USA.

You can shop the Genesis Original bow at Genesisbow.com for the price of 175$ and up, depending on the kit.

Diamond Archery Edge SB-1

This bow is another great choice for beginners, with an adjustable draw length and weight range that can accommodate a wide range of ages and skill levels. It also features a solid back wall for a more comfortable and controlled shooting experience. The Diamond Archery Edge SB-1 is a versatile compound bow that’s suitable for both beginners and more experienced archers.

Here are some of its key specifications:

• The Diamond Archery Edge SB-1 has an adjustable draw length range of 15-30 inches, which can be set in half-inch increments, allowing the bow to grow with the user and accommodate a wide range of body types.
• Adjustable draw weight range of 7-70 pounds, which can be changed without a bow press, making it easy to adjust the bow to the user’s skill level and physical abilities.
• The Diamond Archery Edge SB-1 features a binary cam system, which helps to reduce tuning and maintenance requirements while also promoting accurate and consistent shooting.
• It has a let-off of up to 80%, which reduces the amount of weight the user needs to hold at full draw, helping to increase accuracy and reduce fatigue.
• The bow weighs 3.6 pounds, which provides a balance between stability and portability, making it easy to carry and hold steady.
• The Edge SB-1 has a brace height of 7 inches.
• Available in a range of colours and finishes, allowing the user to customize the bow to their individual preferences.
• It comes with an R.A.K. (Ready, Aim, Kill) accessory package, which includes a 3-pin sight, arrow rest, quiver, stabilizer, and sling, providing all the essentials for a complete archery setup.
• Made in the USA and is backed by a (non-transferable) limited lifetime warranty.

Bear Archery Cruzer G2

The Bear Archery Cruzer G2 is versatile, user-friendly, and suitable for both beginner and more experienced archers., with an adjustable draw length and weight range that can suit a range of body types and skill levels. It also has a smooth draw cycle and forgiving brace height, making it forgiving for beginners who are still learning proper form.

Here are some of its key specifications:

• Adjustable draw length range of 12-30 inches, allowing the bow to grow with the user and accommodate a wide range of body types and shooting styles.
• The bow has an adjustable draw weight range of 5-70 pounds, making it easy to adjust the bow to the user’s skill level and physical abilities.
• The bow features a dual cam system, which helps to reduce tuning and maintenance requirements while also promoting accurate and consistent shooting.
• Let-off of up to 70%, which reduces the amount of weight the user needs to hold at full draw, helping to increase accuracy and reduce fatigue.
• Weighs 4.5 pounds.
• Brace height of 6.5 inches, which helps to provide forgiveness for users who are still developing their shooting form and technique.
• Available in a range of colours and finishes.
• Comes with a complete package of accessories, including a 4-pin sight, whisker biscuit arrow rest, stabilizer, quiver, peep sight, and nock loop, providing everything needed for a complete archery setup.
• Made in the USA. Lifetime warranty.

Overall, the Bear Archery Cruzer G2 is an excellent choice for beginners and more experienced archers who want a versatile and reliable compound bow that can grow with them as their skills and abilities develop.

Mission Hammr

The Mission Hammr is known for its accuracy and consistency, making it a great choice for beginner archers who are just starting to develop their skills. It also has an adjustable draw length and weight range to accommodate growing children and can be used for target shooting or hunting.

Here are some of its key specifications:

• Adjustable draw length range of 17-29 inches, which can be changed in half-inch increments.
• Adjustable draw weight range of 16-70 pounds.
• Features a single cam system, which helps to reduce tuning and maintenance requirements while also promoting accurate and consistent shooting.
• The Mission Hammr has a let-off of up to 80%, which reduces the amount of weight the user needs to hold at full draw.
• Weighs 3.4 pounds.
• Brace height of 6.75 inches.
• Available in a range of colours and finishes.
• Complete with accessories, including a 3-pin sight, arrow rest, quiver, stabilizer, peep sight, and nock loop, providing everything needed for a complete archery setup.
• Made in the USA and Limited lifetime warranty.

Overall, the Mission Hammr is a great choice for archers who want a versatile and reliable compound bow that can be used for both hunting and target shooting. With its adjustable draw length and weight range, single cam system, and high let-off, it’s also a great option for beginners who are just starting to develop their archery skills.

Bear Archery Pathfinder

The Bear Archery Pathfinder is a high-quality and durable youth compound bow that’s designed to provide a safe and enjoyable archery experience for young archers. Here are some of its key specifications:

• Bear Archery Pathfinder has a draw weight of 15-29 pounds.
• Draw length can be adjusted from 14-25 inches.
• Durable composite riser and limbs, which provides stability and strength to the bow, ensuring it will last for years of use.
• Brace height of 6.5 inches.
• Comes with a whisker biscuit arrow rest, which helps to ensure consistent and accurate arrow flight.
• Available in a range of colours.
• Bear Archery Pathfinder is designed to be easy to set up and use, making it an ideal choice for parents or coaches who want to introduce young archers to the sport.
• Made in the USA and limited lifetime warranty.

Overall, the Bear Archery Pathfinder is an excellent choice for parents or coaches who want to introduce young archers to the sport of archery. With its adjustable draw weight and length, durable construction, and included whisker biscuit arrow rest, it provides a safe and enjoyable archery experience for young archers who are just starting to learn the basics.

Bear Archery Brave

The Bear Archery Brave is a reliable and easy-to-use youth compound bow that’s designed to help young archers develop their skills and confidence in the sport of archery.

Here are some of its key specifications:

• Draw weight of 15-25 pounds.
• Draw length up to 19.5 inches.
• Durable composite riser and limbs, which provides stability and strength to the bow, ensuring it will last for years of use.
• Brace height of 5.5 inches.
• Comes with a whisker biscuit arrow rest, which helps to ensure consistent and accurate arrow flight.
• Available in a range of colours, including Realtree Edge and Flo Green.
• Designed to be easy to set up and use, making it an ideal choice for parents or coaches who want to introduce young archers to archery.
• Comes with a complete set of accessories, including two safety glass arrows, an armguard, a quiver, and a pin sight, providing everything needed for a complete archery setup.
• Made in the USA and limited lifetime warranty.

The Bear Archery Brave is an excellent choice for young archers who are just starting to learn the basics of archery.

Bear Archery Royale Youth

The Bear Archery Royale Youth is a high-quality, reliable and very good youth compound bow that’s designed to help young archers improve their skills and accuracy.

Here are some of its key specifications:

• Draw weight of 5-50 pounds.
• Draw length can be adjusted from 12-27 inches.
• Let off: 75%
• Bear Archery Royale Youth features a durable composite riser and limbs, which provides stability and strength to the bow.
• Brace height of 6 inches.
• Comes with a whisker biscuit arrow rest, which helps to ensure consistent and accurate arrow flight.
• Available in a range of colours, including Realtree Edge and Royal Blue.
• Easy to set up and use. An ideal choice for parents or coaches who want to introduce young archers to archery with a compound bow.
• Comes with a complete set of accessories, including a 3-pin sight, a quiver, and two safety glass arrows, providing everything needed for a complete archery setup.
• Made in the USA and limited lifetime warranty.

Overall, the Bear Archery Royale Youth is an excellent choice for young archers who want a reliable and accurate compound bow that can help them improve their skills and accuracy.

How to Choose the Best Youth Bow for a Beginner Archer

A starter compound bow is significantly more adjustable than traditional wooden models. This means that you can adjust the draw weight of a starter compound bow, making it easier or harder to “draw” depending on the child’s arm strength. As children grow and become more comfortable with archery, they can move up to more advanced models without having to buy an entirely new setup.

Nevertheless, starter compound bows tend to be pricier than their wooden counterparts and may put a slightly bigger dent in your pocketbook. Regardless of the type of bow chosen, make sure that you are purchasing quality components and string so that your child is safe while shooting.

Starter youth compound bows are a good way to introduce kids to the exciting world of archery without breaking the bank.

Some of the key features you should consider. A bow with a draw length of 24-26 inches would be ideal. It is also important to choose a bow that is adjustable so that it can grow with the child as their strength and skill improve over time.

In addition, you should look for a youth bow that has an adjustable draw weight of 5-30 pounds, and a forgiving brace height of 7-8 inches. These features will help create the best possible experience for your young archer.

What happens if the brace height is too high?

To enhance the archery experience, it is also important to choose the right accessories. A beginner’s package should include basic equipment such as an armguard, release aid, arrows, and quiver.

Do you actually need an armguard for a compound bow [answered].

When selecting accessories, look for products that are designed specifically for youth and made of lightweight materials to make it easier for your young archer to handle.

By focusing on the right equipment, accessories, and instruction, you can ensure that your young archer has the best possible start to their archery journey. With the right youth bow, your child can develop archery skills and grow in confidence and ability over time.

What are the best arrows for youth compound bow?

When choosing the best arrows for a youth compound bow, it’s important to choose arrows that are appropriately sized and weighted for the child’s strength and skill level.

How do you calculate arrow weight?

Typically, this would be a relatively light arrow with a lower draw weight.

The arrow would probably be made of a durable material, such as carbon or fibreglass.

It’s important to make sure that the arrow has the correct length for the child’s draw length.

Some good options for youth arrows include:

• Bear Archery Youth Safetyglass Arrows can be used with youth compound bows. They are made of a combination of fibreglass and carbon, making them durable and resistant to damage. These arrows are also designed with safety in mind and feature safety nocks to prevent accidental release of the arrow from the bowstring. They are also lightweight and have a small diameter, making them easy to handle for young archers. The Bear Archery Youth Safetyglass Arrows are durable and will last for a long time.
• The Gold Tip Lightning arrows have been a highly popular choice for archers of all skill levels for many years. Due to their durability and affordability, they are an excellent option for children. These arrows are made of carbon and are designed specifically for youth archers. They have a low-profile design and are lightweight, making them easy to handle, and better the chance for a more precise hit. Made of carbon-fiber, they provide a lightweight and long-lasting option.
• Easton Genesis V2 is the perfect arrow for your child’s first archery experience is the Easton Genesis V2. It’s an excellent choice. These arrows are designed to be ready to use right out of the package, with pre-installed fletching and nocks. They are also made with high-quality materials and have high accuracy. Furthermore, the Easton Genesis V2 line is compliant with the current standards for youth NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program) competitions. This makes them not only a great option for children just starting to learn archery but also for those who want to compete in youth tournaments.

And, as always, it’s best to consult with an archery professional or coach to determine the best arrow for your child’s abilities.

What age is appropriate for a compound bow?

The age at which your kid can safely and responsibly use a compound bow will depend on several factors, including the size of your kid, strength, and maturity. Furthermore, it is essential to seek instruction from a qualified instructor before attempting any bow activity, as the improper use of bows can lead to bad results.

With that said, the age at which kids could start handling compound bows is commonly accepted to be age 8 or older. At age 8, most children have developed enough hand-eye coordination and physical strength to learn proper technique safely.

Many experts also suggest that age 10 is the best age for learning how to draw and aim a compound bow correctly.

Regardless of age, understanding the rules of safety surrounding a compound bow is paramount. As long as these guidelines are followed and proper instruction is obtained, an appropriate age for beginning compound bow use can easily be determined.

How do you teach a child to shoot a compound bow?

When teaching a child how to shoot a compound bow, safety should be your top priority. Start by having the child handle the bow while the arrow is not loaded. Make sure they understand where the arrows go, how to hold them correctly, and how to use the arms effectively in line with their body.

It’s also important to teach them when it is safe and when it isn’t safe to load an arrow into their bow. After they know how to properly handle a compound bow, teach them aiming techniques, followed by shooting form. Start out with short-distance shooting until they get more comfortable shooting at longer distances, gradually increasing after each session.

Remind them of safety precautions throughout the whole process, and teach them that patience and practice are key for accuracy and safety! Once your child knows how to safely handle and shoot a compound bow, reinforce positive behaviour by praising successful shots – this will help motivate them to keep practising and will develop their skills even more with time. With careful instruction and patience, any child can successfully learn how to shoot a compound bow.

What bow draw weight for kids?

For bows meant for kids, a draw weight of around 14-23 lbs is ideal. This is light enough for most kids to handle, while still incorporating the fundamentals of archery into their practice.

Some kids at the age of 8-10 can draw more than 20 lbs, and some can’t because not all are equal in strength.

It is important to note that this draw weight may vary depending on the age and size of the child. Therefore, it is best to consult a professional archer or bow technician before selecting a specific draw weight for your children.

Also, as children grow and develop their archery skills, they may need to upgrade their bows in order to challenge themselves further. Ultimately, the goal is to find a draw weight that is comfortable enough for children to use without strain or fatigue.

When setting up your child’s bow, it is important to make sure that all components of the bow are properly fitted. This includes the arrow rest, peep sight, bowstring and string silencers, as well as any other accessories that may be necessary.

By doing this, you can help your children become comfortable and proficient in their archery practice.

It is important to keep in mind that the draw weight of a bow will affect the accuracy and distance of an arrow. A higher draw weight can provide more power when shooting, while a lighter draw weight can be better suited for target archery or closer-range shots.

How to set up an indoor archery range (step-by-step guide).

Depending on your child’s goals, it may be beneficial to invest in a bow with an adjustable draw weight. This will provide them with the flexibility to increase or decrease the draw weight used, as well as allow them to upgrade their equipment as they improve their archery skills.

Ultimately, it is up to you and your child’s coach or instructor to determine the perfect draw weight.

Teach your kid about safety when practising archery

Teaching your kid archery can be a really fun way to get them to practice a new skill. However, safety is an area that must not be overlooked. Before your kid attempts, any shots with the compound bow, make sure that you are at a safe distance from other people. Additionally, make sure they understand the importance of following safety rules every time they handle their compound bow.

Have them keep the bow’s tip pointed in a safe direction at all times, and remind them that safety starts with always thinking about where their arrows may go if they fire them off.

Explain why it’s important to watch out for others in their vicinity who might get injured from stray arrows. Choose an open space with some distance from other people or animals. As part of their training, have your kid play games like aiming towards targets, so that even if they miss, no one gets hurt when shooting arrows.

Safety tips are essential for kids learning how to shoot a compound. So be safe and always think about what you are doing.

Can you practice archery in a public park?

Can a 7-year-old do archery?

Yes, a 7-year-old can learn and participate in archery with proper instruction and supervision. Archery can be a great sport for children as it can help develop their focus, concentration, coordination, and discipline.

The recommended age for children to start learning archery is 8, but ultimately a child’s strength, maturity, and physical ability determine their readiness for archery.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that children of this age may not have the strength to pull a bow with a high poundage, so it’s important to select a bow that is appropriate for their size and strength. Also, it’s important to ensure that the child is mature enough to follow safety rules and handle the equipment responsibly.

Therefore, if you are considering introducing your 7-year-old to archery, it’s a good idea to seek guidance from a qualified instructor who can help you select the right equipment and provide proper training on safety and technique.