Bowhunting is a hobby all generations can enjoy. If you think your kid spends too much time playing video games, perhaps this would be a good alternative. This hobby can help your child develop their mind and body, and to do that they will need the right equipment.
Naturally, kids can’t hunt using full-sized bows, so we are here to help you pick the best youth compound bow. Our list is made up of what we consider the best picks, and if you read on you will surely find the best bow for your children.
Reviews Of The Best Youth Compound Bows
1. Genesis Original Bow
Best Overall
Great for novice archers
Lightweight and silent
Good for right- and left-handed kids
Not great for hunting
Not suitable for taller kids
The Genesis Original bow is the official bow of the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP). It is light, has a wide draw length and a light draw, so it is perfect for beginners. It can be easily used to teach children how both compound and recurve bows work.
The main target audience for this bow are children from the ages of 4 to 7 years. It can, however, be used by those much older, especially if they are beginners. Its price reflects this, meaning basically anyone can afford it. However, the quality is also excellent which makes this the best kids bow.
It is built with aluminum and comes with several accessories. These include a belt tube quiver, hex wrench, and adjustable arm guard and five arrows also made of aluminum. However, one downside is that this bow is not well-suited for hunting.
Kids can freely use this bow until they have grown enough to be ready for a real bow. It doesn’t matter if your kid is not right-handed, this product also works as a left-hand youth compound bow.
The draw weight of this bow ranges from 61lbs to 121 lbs. Everything about this model points to it being an excellent choice for when you want to introduce children to archery. It is flexible, durable, and the strings are high-quality. It is light so kids can use it without losing their balance.
The limbs on the Genesis Original bow are easily adjustable, which should make your life easier when it comes to fine-tuning the draw weight. The grip of this compound bow is comfortable, which is another one of its qualities that makes it a great choice for children.
2. Diamond Atomic Youth Compound Bow
Runner up
Adjustability
The superior quality of the build
Excellent design
A bit more expensive
Draw weight too low for hunting
If you are looking for something a bit more expensive, look no further than the Diamond Atomic youth compound bow. While this bow is designed for children, as something that will get them interested in archery, its quality is on the level of “adult” bows. It is also a product that will grow together with your kid.
This bow features a draw weight that can be modified from 6lbs to 29lbs, meaning it is highly adjustable. You can also customize the draw length quite simply. You can rotate the bow’s limb module until you are happy with the length. Reference lines are there to guide you, so there is no fear about this bow being too complex to set up and use.
The design on this bow makes it look just like adult bows which should make your kid happy. The bow is extremely light, weighing only 1.9 pounds, which is another thing that makes it great for people just starting out. Its limbs are stable and adjusting the draw length of the bow will not back them out completely.
The price of this product might be too high for some. Given as how many will be buying these bows for young children, you might not want to spend much money on them. This is one of the negative aspects of this product.
The Diamond Atomic youth compound bow comes in two color schemes, the blue and the pink graphite. This might be a good selling point for you if you are looking for a girl’s youth bow and are not sure about the color. The design of the bow itself should make them feel as if they were adult archers, which should motivate them to pursue this hobby further.
3. Barnett Vortex 45-Pounds
Most affordable
Adjustable draw length
Draw modules make usage comfortable
Includes certain accessories
Designed only for right-handed users
Inferior accessories
The Barnett Vortex 45-Pounds compound bow’s draw weight can be easily modified from 19lbs to 45lbs, which makes it a highly adjustable choice. Another thing that adds points to its adjustability is the draw length, which is between 22 and 27 inches. This compound bow is one that will stay by your kids’ side for a long time.
Adjusting this bow is extremely easy, since it has user-friendly draw modules. This bow will offer good performance even when the skills of the archer start to improve with age and experience. It comes with three arrows and an arrow holder, and is so simple to use that any kid can immediately start using it.
One thing worth mentioning is the five-year warranty that comes with this product. This means that you can plan on your children to use it for the long run. Keep in mind that this compound bow can only be used by right-handed people, which will make it inaccessible for some and is the only serious downside to it.
This is a great junior compound bow that will help you determine if your kid truly has an interest in archery and will be used while they develop that interest further. Naturally, you will replace it in time, but it will keep your young ones company for plenty of time.
It is relatively cheap so replacing it won’t be a huge deal. However, this also means that the quality of the accessories is not that high, so they might need to be replaced.
4. Bear Archery Brave Bow Set
Most durable
Lightweight but durable
Suitable for young children
Easily adaptable draw length and weight
Quality of the quiver not the best
Children can outgrow it quickly
This compound bow set features another bow designed only for right-handed children, and its quality is nothing to scoff at. Aimed at kids from ages 8 upwards and designed by a brand with plenty of experience, this is a bow that is well suitable for any kid with an interest in archery.
As most other compound bows, its draw length and weight can be adjusted. This product also comes with a built-in quiver, and you will get two fiberglass arrows as a part of the set. Some users complained that this bow can be a bit difficult to pull for some kids, which is something you should keep in mind when picking a bow.
Still, this bow is sturdy and enduring, so your kid will be able to get a lot of power out of it. Eventually, they might outgrow this bow, which is another thing you should be wary of. You might need to replace this bow with a bigger one relatively quickly.
Still, the price of this bow makes it really good for kids who are just starting out with archery. The quiver is not of the highest quality, so you might need to replace it.
The majority of the bows on the market target children 10 years of age or older, so the fact that this bow can be used by younger kids is a good selling point. If you do not like some of our other choices and you have a young child, this just might be the right bow for them.
5. Crosman Elkhorn Jr. Compound Bow
Best package
Comes with a lot of accessories
Quality of build is high
Extremely precise
Suitable for right-handed kids only
Low-quality arrows
This is another compound bow suitable for children younger than age 10. The Crosman Elkhorn Jr. compound bow is a lightweight, sturdy bow designed for kids between the ages of 7 and 10. Its build and the fact that it is made out of composite fiber makes it a great pick for children that are just starting to get into archery.
The first thing we need to mention is the fact that this bow can only be used by right-handed kids. This is one of the few negatives about it, other than that it’s a solid choice. Another slightly negative aspect is the fact that the arrows are of lower quality and should be replaced.
The length of this bow is 33 inches, and its draw length is 26 inches. These are not adjustable which might turn some people off. The draw weight of this bow ranges between 15lbs to 21lbs. However, the bow does come with a nice range of accessories, including a finger tab, a single pin sight, an armed guard and a two-piece quiver.
The fact that you do not get just a bow with this product is great, and will satisfy those looking for a more complete kit. Not only does this bow look like a real full-size bow, it feels like one. This has a lot to do with the fact that its limbs were made from composite fiber which makes the entire bow feel sturdy.
This bow is also notable for its high precision, thanks to its cam system. It comes with all-weather strings, cables and a cable guard, which all play a major factor when it comes to the great performance of this model.
Given the large number of accessories, consider this one of the best youth compound bow packages. However, some of them are not exactly the highest quality, such as the arrows. These should be replaced as soon as possible.
6. Diamond Infinite Edge
Highest longevity
Can be used until ready for real bow
Wide array of accessories
Extremely versatile
Needs to be tuned before usage
Some parts are of lower quality
If you decide to buy this bow, you will get a set that will suit basically your kid’s every need. This set comes with a robust bow, an arrow rest, a quiver, a stabilizer, a 3 pin sight, peep sight, a wrist sling and a nock loop. Some might not need all of these accessories, but for most they are a welcome addition.
This is another highly adjustable bow that can be used for range practice as well as hunting. It fits a wide range of height and strength, meaning that your kid could continue using it for a long time. It is available in two different models, for right- and left-handed children, which is always a plus. It is a great bow for youth hunters.
The draw weight of this compound bow can be adjusted from 5lbs to 70lbs, and its draw length ranges from 13 to 31 inches. The cams on this bow are designed to provide a smooth draw, and it has extra stabilizers which improve the balance of the bow. The shot your kid makes with this bow will be free of vibrations and will have a clean release.
You will most likely need to tune this bow before usage, meaning kids won’t be able to use it right away. This could be a serious downside to some, since you might not be able to tune the bow that quickly.
There is plenty to like about this set, and it offers a bit for children of different skill levels. Kids can use this set for target practice as well as in the open field. It is also a great compound bow for teenagers. It is highly adjustable, which is its biggest selling point if you ask us.
7. Barnett Vortex Lite
Most user friendly
Highly adjustable draw length
Plenty of accessories
Extremely user friendly
Poor quality of some accessories
Only for right-handed children
This compound bow is best suited for children between 10 and 13 years of age. Still, most would agree that it is best to avoid this product if your kid has experience shooting a bow. This means that this bow is best suited for complete beginners. It is simple and does not have any complex accessories, basically a great starter bow.
It is a high-quality product, but some of its parts might need replacing, so keep that in mind. Like many other bows, it is only suitable for right-handed shooters. This bow is adjustable and will grow with your children for a while, but since its maximum draw weight is 29lbs, expect to replace it after a while.
Most agree that children will outgrow this bow sometime during their early teenage years. This is why it is best to get this bow for a 10-year old kid, since it will last them the longest that way. It is a lightweight bow with the functionality of much larger models. With it, you will get a quiver, an armguard, a fiber optic sight and two target arrows.
This bow features modular adjustments that will fit the ability and strength of the archer. The draw length can be adjusted between the range of 22 to 25 inches. Other features of this bow include a fiber optic sight, a cable system, a synthetic string and an adjustable arrow rest. However, the accessories are not exactly the best quality, so keep that in mind.
8. PSE Mini Burner
Best for younger children
Lightweight
Looks and feels great
Available in right- and left-hand models
Can be complex for newbies
Some accessories should be replaced
The PSE Mini burner is a compound bow best suited for young archers aged 8-12. Its length is adjustable from 16 to 26.5 inches, and its draw weight range is between 29lbs to 40lbs. This makes it a highly adjustable bow suited for archers of various sizes since it is a small frame compound bow.
Although this is another bow aimed primarily at children, some of its features would put a lot of adult bows to shame. Once you unpack it the bow is immediately ready for use, which will surely make the youngsters happy.
It comes equipped with three carbon arrows, a five-arrow quiver, a 3-pin sight, and an arrow rest. It might be a bit too complex for completely novice archers. Be careful before buying it, because your kid might not be happy with needing to learn how to use it.
This bow is extremely light, weighing in at only 2.7lbs, so it should be easy to use for just about any kid. Its quality is high so it shoots really well, and since it has a stabilizer it hardly makes any noise. There is also practically no vibration present when using it. This is one of the bows that is available in right- and left-handed models, so you do not need to worry about that.
This bow can also be used for hunting, although it might be a little on the weak side when it comes to bigger game. This bow is definitely capable of performing almost anything a “proper” adult compound bow can. It also has the advantage of being smaller and lighter so your kids can use it for a long time.
How To Choose The Best Youth Compound Bow
While picking the best compound bow for youth might seem incredibly simple, there are many things you need to factor in before buying. Be sure to do plenty of research because picking the best possible compound bow might determine how much your kids fall in love with their new hobby.
The most important factors are the age and size of your children, since those will limit your available choices greatly. Then you need to look at the draw weight and length of the bow, its total weight and finally the accessories.
Age and Size
Every bow is suited for children of different ages and sizes. Youth bows do not come in a single size and you need to be careful when buying one. Pay attention to what the recommended age and size is according to the manufacturer of the bow. The majority of the bows will be appropriate for children throughout multiple years, but some fail to do this, so be careful.
It is important to find a bow that is well-suited for your child, and not force your child to adapt to the bow. If you force your child to use a bow that doesn’t fit them, they might develop some bad archery habits. This is why a bow that fits their needs is necessary.
Once you start noticing that your kids need to adjust their skills to the bow, it might be time to replace it with a bigger one.
Some bows, like the Genesis Original Compound Bow can be used by kids that are 4 years old. You just need to search thoroughly and you will surely find the right bow for your children available for sale.
Draw Weight
The draw weight of a bow used by children needs to be something they can manage easily. Still, since it is adjustable, it needs to provide them with a challenge as they get more experienced. The recommended draw weight takes the age, frame and bodyweight of the archer into account.
For example, children with a smaller frame, and a bodyweight between 55lbs and 70lbs, ages 3-8 would work well with a 6ls to 10lbs draw weight. On the other hand, older kids aged 9-18, with a bodyweight higher than 100 pounds need a bigger draw weight between 15lbs and 52lbs.
While this may sound complex, most bows come with helpful instructions from the manufacturer.
Draw Length
There is no standard draw length for children’s compound bows. Ultimately it is up to you to find the right balance between the height and weight of your child and the draw length and weight of the bow. Generally, most agree that children aged 3-10 should pick a compound bow with a draw length between 14 and 25 inches.
Still, if your child is larger than average, or is a bit older, you might consider getting a bow with a longer draw length. Again, this is mostly individual and rules might not apply to your kid. This is why you should do plenty of research before buying a bow for your youngsters.
Total Weight of the Bow
No matter the weight of the bow, eventually holding one will feel like a workout. A heavier bow will make the children feel tired more quickly, which is why the total weight is one of the key factors when buying a bow. Naturally, lighter is almost always better, but as always, you need to find the right balance. You do not want a bow that is too light.
In general, kids aged 3-8 are fine with a bow that weighs between 1.3lbs and 2lbs. Kids that are above average in size might opt for a bow that is a bit heavier, up to 2.8lbs. The older your children get, the heavier the bows they need will become. The Diamond Atomic Youth bow is extremely light, for example.
Kids can outgrow bows quickly, and you need to take plenty of factors into consideration when getting one. So when it comes to the total weight of the bow, it is important to consider the age, height and strength of the child.
Accessories
While most bows come with a standard set of accessories, some manufacturers go out of their way to include extra stuff. While this is the least important factor when getting a bow, it is a welcome addition that might help you pick one over the other. For example, the Crosman Elkhorn Jr. compound bow comes with a wide assortment of accessories.
Depending on the goal of your kid, you may opt for a bow with different accessories. The biggest difference will be in the arrows. You will find different arrows depending on whether you are looking for a kit suited for archery practice or one suited for hunting. Determining the goal of your kid will help you decide how important the right accessories are for you.
FAQs
Conclusion
The best youth compound bow depends on what exactly your child needs and other factors we talked about. We focused on overall performance and features that would fit the majority. When it comes to our picks, we believe you can’t go wrong with the Genesis Original Bow. We consider it to be the overall best pick for the majority of people and top rated in most categories.
Our runner-up is the Diamond Atomic Youth Compound Bow, another affordable product with high functionality. Still, all of the other bows we mentioned deserve your attention, so pick wisely.