It’s always the joy of almost every parent when their kid has an active outdoor life because it means that they get to experience life away from a computer or smartphone screen.
Some outdoor activities also work to toughen up kids and prepare them for adult life better than indoor activities. One of the outdoor activities that your kids can engage in is archery. However, being the best at what they do means you giving them the best tools to succeed.
A youth compound bow is one such tool but the mistake that most adults make when buying the world’s best compound bow is forgetting that the bow is designed specifically for children. Here is all you need to know about youth compound bows from how they are used, benefits to what to look for when buying one:
What Is a Youth Compound Bow
Some outdoor activities like archery are important in installing kids with skills as well as physical fitness.
Usually, kids who start shooting and aiming compound bows when they are still young go on to become master archers when they are adults and not to mention it is a great way to bond with your kids as a parent.
A youth compound bow is the best thing that you can get your kid and it is a type of bow that is made specifically for kids with the right measurements and weight to suit a kid of any age. Most of the time, kids tend to follow in the footsteps of their parents or other adults in their life.
If your kid shows an interest in archery, therefore, you need to encourage them to pursue that passion rather than suppressing it and the best way you can do that is by getting them everything they need to succeed in that field.
Benefits of Using Youth Compound Bows
If you are thinking about buying a youth compound bow, here are a few benefits that you should know about:
Accuracy and Power
Since youth compound bows don’t rely on physical strength, they allow for more power and accuracy when aiming.
Allows Customization
Compared to traditional bows, youth compound bows allow for more customization in that such bows are made to accommodate tools like stabilizers and scopes.
Greater Distance from Target
With a youth compound bow, your kid will have more distance from the target which adds to the safety. You can make the process even easier by using spotting scopes of all kinds.
Requires Less Upper-Body Strength
The reason why most people prefer buying their kids a youth compound bow is that they are easy to use in that they require very little upper body strength compared to traditional bows. As such, they can be used by kids who are as young as 5 years.
How Does a Youth Compound Bow Work
The firing of bows has changed in the last couple of years and it is no longer just about you pointing it into the sky and lobbying an arrow.
Today, target shooting has become more common thanks to the technology that goes into the construction of compound bows.
If you are thinking about getting your kid a youth compound bow, you need to understand first how it works. The goal of any bow is to take the force that you put into it and transfer that energy or work to the arrow before shooting.
When the bow is drawn back, the energy that the archer exerts is usually stored in their bent limbs. When they release the bowstring their limbs spring back to a neutral state, changing potential energy to kinetic one that is then applied to the arrow.
Just like with all other mechanical systems, this process has its losses. First off, the amount of energy that is usually applied to the arrow is usually less than the energy that you apply to the bow.
The goal of the compound bow design is to minimize some of these losses. The more the energy that you apply to the arrow, the faster it will go and the flatter the arc it makes and this bow sight allows better accuracy.
Typically, arrows fired by longbow travel at less than 200 feet per second but some bows propel arrows at a speed of 370 feet per second. The draw cycle is not linear as the string is pulled back, the effort that is required peaks partly along the way and lets off at the very end.
This means that you are left holding a fraction of the peak weight of the bow when fully drawn, lessening the strain as you prepare to release the arrow giving you more time to aim and facilitate a stable shot. A compound bow, at the end of the day, applies the block and tackle technique of multiplying input energy over the distance and a bow release that’s quick and easy to adjust allows for a better shot.
How to Choose the Best Youth Compound Bow
When you are buying a compound bow for your kid, their opinion matters just as much. Chances are that the kid is new at that particular sport hence the reason why you need to prioritize how they feel when they are shooting.
For instance, is the bow comfortable or not? Compound bows are designed for young people since they are easier to use than recurve bows. Here are a few factors that you need to keep in mind when you are buying a youth compound bow:
Right or Left-Handed
While ambidextrous bows do exist, it is important to consider whether your kid will need a left or right-handed model. What this boils down to is a comfort.
Getting them a product that they are comfortable with will make it easy for them to improve their archery skills. The best way to determine whether to go with a left or right-handed bow is to have them face a picture or clock hanging on a wall and point at it.
When they are pointing, get them to close their right eye. If their finger moves, then you need to go with a right-handed model and if it doesn’t, a left-handed model will be more comfortable to use for them.
In this regard also, you may want to consider their age since there are models that have the recommended ages in the description and others are designed to grow with the kid.
Bow Weight
The overall bow weight plays an important role in safety and comfort. If a bow is too heavy, they may have a difficult time holding it and not to mention it can end up causing serious injuries.
If your child is older, it is much easier to find them the right bow than if you have smaller kids. This is because a majority of manufacturers don’t make bows that are meant for kids under the age of ten.
If you have a kid or kids who fall in this age group, it would be much easier to let them try out the tool before making a purchase but if this is not possible, then you need to buy the lightest option you can find.
Children who are under the age of 5 can start with tools that weigh 3 pounds or less which applies also if the kid is small or petite for their age.
In most cases, your kid will probably outgrow the bow in no time but at that moment, their safety should come first rather than trying to save money by purchasing a model they won’t find comfortable and that might end up causing them painful injuries in the process.
Draw Weight
One thing that most health experts agree on is that forcing a kid to draw a bow that is too heavy can have an effect on their physical development.
To prevent injuries to their growing bones and muscles, it is important to ensure that your child can draw the bow without straining too much.
All bows for youngsters have the draw weight listed on the product description, hence it will be easier getting one that fits them.
On average, most kids should avoid using bows that have a draw weight of over 10 pounds which also applies to those who are 70 pounds. When they are over 100 pounds in weight, then you may start thinking about getting them a more powerful bow.
Draw Length
One of the most important things to consider is the draw length. The best way to know the draw length of your kid is to measure their entire arm span and divide that by 2.5.
Since kids have small frames in general, you can expect yours to be on the short end of the draw lengths. Kids who are below 12 for instance, will most likely be in the 14-24” range. When you are determining the draw length, the size of the arrow and bow will also be determined by this.
Arrows and Broadheads
Just like a climbing tree stand is portable and lightweight, when it comes to archery and hunting, success is determined by the arrow and the best broadheads. Compound bows are an improvement of the traditional bows and they are now more efficient.
While a recurve bow is great for hunting deer, arrows in compound options are slimmer to allow better penetration and the broadheads have been greatly improved such that you have to be careful when attaching them to the end of arrows which is why this is an important factor to consider.
Expected Ranges
If you will be taking your kid to an archery range which is the best way for them to learn the skill, it is important that they understand the range rules.
You also need to be aware of the expected ranges so that you can buy them a product that matches that.
Material and Durability
Most of the time, things that kids use are regarded as toys but archery equipment should be treated like any other sports equipment. For that reason, it is worth noting that arrows and bows that are worn out or shabby can be dangerous to use.
When you are buying a compound bow for your kid, ensure that you buy from a trusted manufacturer and that it is durable and safe to use even when you are not around.
You need to be very careful about buying second-hand equipment or inheriting one from a family member or friend. If you need to, ensure that everything works perfectly.
If you are not sure about what you are looking at or aren’t sure the piece you are about to get is in good shape, you may ask a friend who is experienced or take it to the local archery range for a more informed opinion.
Dominant Eye
Just like you have a dominant hand, you also have a dominant eye that plays an important role when you are using a compound bow.
Normally, the dominant eye is usually the one that is behind the arrow. If your dominant eye, for instance, is the right one, then you need to use a right-handed bow and this is a very important factor to consider.
In order to determine the dominant eye of your child, give them the inside roll of paper towels and have them look through it.
The eye they use is their dominant eye and that should determine whether a right-handed or left-handed model will work for them.
Age
While there are compound bows for youngsters, their use is limited to a certain age. As your child grows, they may need more than one bow.
There are options that tend to grow with the kid and you may need to enquire before purchase whether they can still use it when they are older.
In most cases, however, these bows are designed to suit a certain age group and you may need to buy them another bow as they grow older or bigger.
Let-Off
Let-offs are important as they help children shoot arrows without necessarily pulling the draw weight thanks to the cam system that makes up most bows.
For instance, the maximum draw weight of 40 pounds and let-off eff efficiency of 75% means that you are only pulling 10 pounds of weight.
The let-off feature is what makes compound bows better than the other kinds in the market. Let-off is important since it allows the child to focus more on the aim rather than pulling the entire weight of the bow.
Size of The Bow
Naturally, kids grow up fast and before you know it they have outgrown almost everything they own. As such, it is natural for you to go with the rule of buying the big items in the hope that they will grow into them and save a lot of money,
This doesn’t apply to compound bows at all. The best thing you can do for your kids is to get them an item that is of the right size since it’s safer and more comfortable to use and it goes without saying that they are more likely to enjoy the activity with such a bow than a big one.
Package Options
Since archery is an equipment heavy sport, your kid will need a bow and arrows, quiver, target, arm guard and other accessories to succeed in the sport. As such it is very important that you consider what comes in the package.
Price
Youth compound bows are relatively cheaper than those used by adults and hunters but, at the end of the day, it is still important that you consider your budget before making a purchase.
However, even when you are on a budget, it is important to ensure that the equipment you get is made of high-quality material that is durable.
Pattern, Design and Color
Youth compound bows come in a variety of colors and patterns that are fantastic for kids. The bright colors, for instance, come in handy in locating the bow in case your kid loses it in the woods or grass.
At the end of the day, whatever color they are into is just okay. However, to save you money in the future, it is important that you go with neutral colors like black, gray or camo that your kid will still be into after years to come.
This is because as your kid grows, so do their preferences. They may have an inclination to a certain color like pink right now but as they grow up they start preferring bolder colors.
Additionally, if you are planning on taking your kid hunting, black or camo will do since these work much better in the woods than the bright ones.
Other Accessories
As mentioned, archery is an equipment heavy sport and as such the accessories that come with your compound bow make a lot of differences.
The basic accessories include the bow, arrows, arm guard, quiver and target. Other accessories that may come in handy include a bow sight that you can attach to the rise to help with the aiming, a stabilizer that adds heft to the bow to help with balancing and a release aid to help in pulling the string back and protecting their fingers.
It is important to ensure that the product you get comes with additional accessories if you are to get the value of your money at the end of it all.
How to Use a Youth Compound Bow
Step 1 – Nock the arrow
The first thing you need is to ensure that you nock the arrow to avoid dry firing which can break the bow in the process.
Step 2 – Find points of contact
The arrow needs to touch two spots where the tip is sitting on the rest and the nock clips sit on the bowstring. Proceed to put the release on your dominant hand ensuring that you are standing at least 10 yards from the target by using an easy to use arrow rest.
Step 3 – Pull into a full draw
Clamp the release around the D-loop and them pull it into a full draw.
Step 4 – Find the anchor
The next thing you need to do is place your hand with the release on your jaw or cheek creating an anchor point.
The string should be touching the tip of your nose creating another anchor point. After that, move your hand around enough to see out of your peep sight and then press it against the face.
Step 5 – Adjust the peep sight
In this step, you need to be able to look through the peep sight which is the small hole in the string. You may need to make a few adjustments by moving your anchor points until you can clearly see through the peep sight. It would also make things easier if you choose a reliable crossbow scope.
Step 6 – Pull the trigger
At this point, if you can see your sights in the center, go ahead and place the top pin on the target and then pull the trigger.
Hold the finish even if the arrow has hit the target to prevent the arrow from veering off the wrong way when you have dropped your arm.
How to Care for Your Youth Compound Bow
Step 1 – Ensure that the riser is safe
While all parts of a compound bow are important, the riser plays a very important role in determining the performance of the bow.
It unites all parts and if it has problems you can rest assured that the rest of the bow will malfunction which is why an inspection after every use is important.
Step 2 – Take care of your bowstring
The bowstring is prone to wear and tear which is the reason why you need to make sure that it is still functioning well. If it is worn, you can replace it or replace the bow altogether.
Step 3 – Clean the bow and bowstring
Ensure that you remove dirt and grime from the bowstring, riser, limbs and accessories after every use.
Step 4 – Proper storage
If you don’t have a case to store the bow in, ensure that you hang it somewhere rather than just tossing it in a corner in the garage or shed since this can lead to build-up on the cams or string.
You could also put your gear in a hunting backpack when you are going hunting to prevent damage to the bow.
Quick Safety Tips for Beginner Archers
Now that you know what to look for when buying a youth compound bow, how to use one and how to care for it, it is important that we touch on a few quick safety tips that you and your kid should adhere to.
While archery is considered a sport, in reality, a lot of things may go wrong if you don’t follow the following safety precautions:
Know the Maturity Level of the Child
A good place to start is determining the maturity level of your kid. In reality, there are kids who are ready for archery and others who are not. If your kid falls in the latter category, you don’t need to force the sport in them.
According to the National Archery Association, the right age to introduce your kid to archery is at the age of eight since such kids are old enough to pay attention, mature to follow instructions and strong to hold and draw a bow.
However, it’s not every kid who is ready to start archery at the age of eight in such a case, when to introduce them to the sport lies upon you since you know your kids better than anyone else. If they are mature enough, then there is no harm introducing it to them even when they are younger than eight.
Be Present
When it comes to archery, the rule of thumb is to never leave kids alone unsupervised. The best way to keep your kids safe when they are shooting bows and arrows is to keep an eye on them.
Spell out the rules to them clearly, inform them when they break them and be observant at all times.
If, by any chance, you can’t afford to be there all the time and you don’t think they are mature enough to shoot on their own, keep them busy with another activity until you have the time to supervise them or have someone stand-in for you.
While keeping a close eye at them ensures their safety you can also look at it as a way of bonding with them.
Only Aim at the Target
The saying that you should only aim at something that you want to hit applies in archery. Teach your kids to only aim at the target, especially when they are shooting as a group to avoid serious accidents in the process.
Wear Protective Gear
When engaging in archery, protective gear is a must-have and the most important of pieces is an arm guard. It is made of thick material and is designed to protect the inside of the arm from getting hit by the bowstring when the arrow is released.
When you are buying a youth compound bow, ensure that an arm guard is part of the accessories or purchase one separately but never let your kid go out without one.
You could also choose a thermal scope that suits your needs and wear hunting boots from rubber just to be safe out there.
Discourage Dry Fires
A dry fire happens when the archer pulls back the bowstring when there is no arrow and then releases it. This is something that you need to teach your kids not to do for one reason.
When you pull the string back, the bow is filled with potential energy that is released when the bowstring is released.
If you have an arrow on the string, this energy is transferred to the arrow to push it forward. If there is no arrow, the energy is reverberated through the bow and can end up destroying it by sending parts flying which you don’t want especially when a kid is involved.
Always Stay Behind the Line
When it comes to archery, always remind your kid to stay behind the line when they are shooting. While this may sound simple and obvious you would be amazed at how much kids tend to forget this rule.
This is especially when they have hit the bullseye and get too excited that in the end, they forget that there are other people shooting around them and want to run and retrieve the arrow.
Wearing the Right Attire
If you happen to introduce your kids to archery, it is important that they wear the appropriate clothing when shooting.
Long hair, loose clothing or jewelry that hangs off the head, ears and neck should be discouraged and they tend to interfere with the draw.
Worse comes to worst, long hair and lose clothing can also easily get caught in the bowstring when it is released leading to all manner of accidents.
Inspect Gear after Use and Purchase
Archery equipment is bound to wear out at some point which is why you need to ensure that everything works well.
To do that, always check the bowstring after purchase to ensure that they are attached well, the handle on the rise and the longs to ensure that they are not cracked.
You should also inspect the arrows and ensure that the arrowhead is fastened properly and that the fletchings are properly attached and functional.
Does More Spending Mean More Quality
When it comes to youth compound bow, on some level more spending does mean more quality. As a parent, you want to give your kids everything and at the same time, you want them to be safe always.
This means getting them quality equipment, especially when they will be engaging in dangerous sports activities like archery.
With this in mind, it is important to buy from a trusted manufacturer but, at the end of the day, ensure that you are getting value for your money by getting a bow that is durable and made of high-quality material.
Do’s and Don’ts to Do With Youth Compound Bows
- Don’t fetch an arrow that falls over the line, especially if there are other people shooting around you.
- Don’t leave your kids unsupervised at any moment, especially if they are not experienced in archery.
- Do ensure that there is always an arrow in the bowstring before firing.
- Do wear protective clothing when at the shooting range like arm guards.
- Do take that your kid or kids only aim at the target to avoid serious injuries in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Youth Compound Bows
What age can a child start archery?
According to the National Archery Association, the right age to introduce a kid to archery is 8 but this is not set in stone. Kids mature differently and there are some who may be ready to start shooting at that age or even younger while others take their time. It is up to you as a parent to determine if your kid is mature enough to follow instructions and strong enough to use a compound bow.
Can youth compound bow kill a deer?
Depending on the draw distance, a compound bow for kids is enough to kill a deer if it is used to hunt rather than archery.
What size of arrows do I need for youth compound bow?
When it comes to youth compound bow the arrows matter and they should be at least 1.5″ – 2″ beyond the back of the riser when fully drawn.
Conclusion
If you are looking at introducing your young one to archery or hunting, then getting them the right gear makes a lot of sense. Youth compound bow is designed specifically for kids and the one you get will be determined by their age, maturity level and the expected ranges. Other factors that you need to consider include the size of the bow, weight, draw length and weight, expected ranges and additional accessories that come in the package.
Photos from: benschonewille / depositphotos.com, photollurg2 / depositphotos.com, GeorgeRudy / depositphotos.com and tammykayphoto / depositphotos.com.