Everyone loves shooting a few arrows at the bulls-eye. That includes the youth as well. This is why many different bow manufacturers develop youth compound bows designed specifically for children.
If you are looking for a youth compound bow for your kids, then you have come to the right place.
In this article, we will walk you through some quality youth compound bows that you can get your hands on today.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Youth Compound Bows
- OUR TOP PICK: Crosman Elkhorn Jr. Compound Bow
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Bear Archery Warrior Youth Bow
- BEST LEFT HAND YOUTH COMPOUND BOW: Genesis Original Bow
Comparison of the Best Youth Compound Bows
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Are All Youth Compound Bows The Same?
No, not all youth compound bows are the same. Various models offer different features that are designed for specific purposes and ages. Some are designed to target a specific age of children, while others offer more features when compared to others.
Similarly, the quality, durability, and accuracy of these youth bows also vary with different brands and manufacturers. Some offer more features but charge a higher price, while others are quite cheap but have fewer features.
Although these bows are quite different when it comes to features and configuration, they serve the same purpose: target practice.
How to Size a Youth Compound Bow
Determining the size of a youth compound bow is equally necessary for achieving optimal results. This is because they come in different sizes. Which size would suit your kid can be determined by their age and height.
Bow manufacturers design standard-sized youth compound bows for different ages. Therefore, your kid must have a go at some bows to pick the right size.
Ideally, you should start by measuring the wingspan. Make sure your kid stands upright with their arms and hands extended such that they make a ‘T.’ Now measure the length from the tip of one middle finger to the other. Dividing the measured length by 2.5 would give you the draw length that would be suitable for your kid.
Can You Really Find a Quality Youth Compound Bow That’s Affordable?
Archery has been one of the most favorite and highly practiced sports for decades. With the advent of modern technology, compound bows have improved quite drastically. They now come with a lot of features, high quality, and durability to ensure reliable performance and longevity. But is it possible to find a quality youth compound bow at a reasonable price?
Well, absolutely! With a high demand for compound bows, there has been a significant increase in competition among manufacturers. The good news is that it’s good for us. Manufacturers now charge a reasonable price for quality compound bows to gain a competitive advantage. As a result, you can now enjoy the perks of using a premium model at cost-effective prices.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.
- Draw Weight: This is the amount of force necessary to draw a bow and is measured in pounds.
- Axle-to-Axle Bow Length: The distance between the cams of a compound bow.
- IBO or ATA Speed (ft/sec): IBO speed is a speed metric used by the International Bowhunters Organization and is based on shots fired at 80 lb draw weight with a 400 gr arrow at maximized draw length. ATA is a speed metric used by the Archery Trade Association and is based on a 70 lb draw weight with a 350 gr arrow at a 30-inch draw length.
- Draw Length Range: This represents the distance from the nocking point on the string at full draw to the deepest part of the grip (called the throat) + 1.75 inches.
- Brace Height: The distance between the string and the throat (deepest part) of the grip when the bow is at rest.
- Let Off: Draw weight reduction (expressed as a percentage) at full draw.
- Hand Orientation: Corresponds to your dominant hand.
Review of the Best Youth Compound Bows
Finding the perfect youth compound bow for your children is not an easy task by any means. It is because there exists an ocean of brands and products that serve the same purpose.
This is why we have listed some of the best youth compound bows for you. They not only offer superior quality but also perform way better than traditional youth compound bows.
Best Overall:
Crosman Elkhorn Jr. Compound Bow
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A large number of recent buyers consider this product a great choice for young archers. People bought these youth compound bows for their children and seemed to be quite satisfied. They are quite happy with their quality and performance. Also, users are pleased with the available accessories that are included in the package.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There are multiple things that we like about this youth compound bow. Out of the many, its durability is the standout feature. It is not only sturdy but also consists of heavy-weight composite limbs for long-lasting operation. The build quality itself is reliable enough to render it usable in any weather condition.
Moreover, the bow offers adjustable draw weight that makes it a perfect choice for beginners and amateur archers. Right-handed shooters can benefit the most with this bow configuration. Also, it comes with many useful accessories that improve the overall experience of the bearer.
Bottom Line
This youth compound bow is an ideal purchase for children. With an adjustable draw weight and durable nature, it provides great performance and reliability in all conditions. It also comes with all the necessary accessories needed to make your hunting experience great.
Product Specs
Draw Weight:
~15 lbs
Axle-to-Axle Bow Length:
33"
Speed (ft/sec):
70
Draw Length Range:
~26"
Brace Height:
8"
Let Off:
Hand Orientation:
65%
Right
Runner-up:
Leader Accessories Compound Bow
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A majority of recent buyers praised the overall performance and quality that this bow delivers. They believe that this is a fine-quality youth compound bow that offers great performance at a reasonable price. The build is quite solid, and it is ideal for starters. Users highly recommend purchasing this product for kids just starting out.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There is a multitude of features that are unique and impressive about this youth compound bow. One of the best features it delivers is the adjustable draw length and weight. Both of these can be easily adjusted on this compound bow using an Allen wrench. Moreover, the construction is pretty solid and is designed to last long.
Besides, it offers superb value for your money. It is not only available at an affordable price tag but also delivers great performance. The overall quality is quite reliable and can be considered as a great choice for beginners. It also features a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Bottom Line
In all, this compound bow features a superior design that is tailor-made for young archers. With swift performance and a reasonable price tag, it is a show-stopper. It also offers great versatility and several features that enhance the user experience. We highly urge you to invest in this quality product.
Product Specs
Draw Weight:
30-55 lbs
Axle-to-Axle Bow Length:
28"
Speed (ft/sec):
296
Draw Length Range:
19-29"
Brace Height:
7"
Let Off:
Hand Orientation:
70%
Right
Best for the Money:
Bear Archery Warrior Youth Bow
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A number of positive reviews in favor of this youth compound bow suggest the quality it promises. Users report the flawless operation of this bow and are quite pleased with its performance. They say that it is quite reliable and offers great value for your money. It is also durable, which makes it superior to traditional compound bows.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What stands out about this product is the value for money that it offers. It promises great capability despite being a cost-effective option. This is a ready-to-shoot compound bow that comes factory-configured, so children who are 11 years of age or older are the perfect candidates for this youth compound bow.
Additionally, it uses Whisker Biscuit armrest, which is considered one of the safest in the industry. The build quality is quite sturdy as the composite limbs and riser are made of durable material. You can also find several accessories that come alongside this youth compound bow.
Bottom Line
In short, this compound bow is perfectly suited for children who are 11 years of age or older. Offering smooth transition to adult compound bows, this is one of the best youth compound bows you can find. It offers you great value for your money along with great quality.
Product Specs
Draw Weight:
24-29 lbs
Axle-to-Axle Bow Length:
24.5"
Draw Length Range:
19-25"
Brace Height:
6.5"
Let Off:
Hand Orientation:
60%
Right
Best Left-Hand Youth Compound Bow:
Genesis Original Bow
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Nearly all positive reviews for the youth compound bow clearly dictate its superior quality and performance. Users are quite overwhelmed by its great quality and flawless operation. They believe that it is a great bow that offers everything. It is accurate, durable, and reliable with a highly versatile nature.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What impresses us about this bow is the versatility that it promises to its user. It is ideally designed for individuals with any size or age. The bow has no particular draw length requirement, which makes it an ideal choice for young archers. It is also quite durable, thanks to the 6061-T6 aluminum construction, it has a highly durable riser, cam, and idler wheels. As a result, this bow is capable of lasting a while.
Furthermore, the accuracy is on-point, too, thanks to the high-strength strings that deliver reliable arrow shooting capability. The bow also offers significantly less recoil, reduced noise, and no tuning issues.
Bottom Line
All in all, this is a great bow that offers amazing flexibility with its perfect design and is suitable for all ages and sizes. Its durability is unmatched, and the performance and accuracy are no less. If you desire quality and performance at the same time, this is an ideal choice.
Product Specs
Draw Weight:
10-20 lbs
Axle-to-Axle Bow Length:
35.5"
Speed (ft/sec):
170
Draw Length Range:
15-30"
Brace Height:
7.63"
Let Off:
Hand Orientation:
0%
Left
Best Bear Youth Compound Bow:
Bear Archery Brave Bow Set
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A high percentage of positive reviews advocate the reliability of this youth compound bow. The majority of users believe that these bows are of the finest quality and offer reliable shooting capability. They also believe that their performance and quality are unmatched at the given price point.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Most users regard these youth compound bows as a value-for-money product. However, we think a bit differently. What appeals to us more is the all-round capabilities of this product. It is designed perfectly for young archers who are new to archery. Children who are eight years or older qualify to use this amazing bow.
Moreover, it uses a right-handed configuration along with a Whisker Biscuit armrest for reliable performance. The outlook is quite attractive and colorful, too, which pleases the eye. It also includes some necessary accessories, making it the complete package.
Bottom Line
If you want your child to easily transition from a youth to an adult compound bow, then look no further. This right-handed bow is perfectly designed for young children who have a unique taste of archery. Thus, it is one of the best bows manufactured by Bear.
Product Specs
Draw Weight:
15-25 lbs
Axle-to-Axle Bow Length:
26"
Draw Length Range:
13.5-19.5"
Brace Height:
5.5"
Let Off:
Hand Orientation:
65%
Right
Best Youth Compound Hunting Bow:
CREATIVE XP Compound Bow and Arrow
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
We noticed an overwhelming response from the users of this bow. Users report that it is one of the best youth compound bows that they have used so far. They believe that it delivers sheer performance and quality right out of the box. Users highly recommend investing in this quality product for enhanced user experience.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The main thing that strikes us about this compound bow is its adjustable nature. It is the selling point of this bow as it can be adjusted easily without using a bow press. As a result, it makes it a convenient choice for most people. The construction is also quite durable as it is made from aluminum.
Moreover, the high-quality strings it uses offer great arrow shooting capabilities. The arrows not only fly fast and consistent but also deliver superb accuracy and precision. The packaging is also convenient. Overall, it is a great choice for bow hunting or archery.
Bottom Line
You are looking for the best youth compound bow, right? Well, this is a perfect example of great quality paired with durability and reliability. Tailor-made for bow hunting or archery, this youth compound bow offers superior performance than conventional units.
Product Specs
Draw Weight:
30-70 lbs
Axle-to-Axle Bow Length:
30"
IBO Speed (ft/sec):
320
Draw Length Range:
23.5-30.5”
Brace Height:
7.4"
Let Off:
Hand Orientation:
75%
Right
Best PSE Youth Compound Bow:
PSE Archery Set
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Well, the review says it all. The majority of reviews recommend buying the product. Users say that it is a perfect youth compound bow and the best one they have used so far. It is very user-friendly and safe to use for beginners. Users urge others to invest in this quality product.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We like that this is a user-friendly unit that offers amazing quality and perfectly meets the needs of all archers. It is a simple and easy-to-use compound bow that offers a user-friendly nature. Children who are ten years or older can benefit from the great quality that it offers. With its ergonomic design, it is perfect to use for smaller hands.
Furthermore, it promises pre-installed finger savers for protection. Now, with this bow at hand, you won’t have to compromise your children's safety. Also, it comes with multiple accessories that are included with the bow.
Bottom Line
This youth compound bow is second to none. It performs significantly better than other units available on the market. It is not only user-friendly but also quite safe to use. The design is ergonomic with several protective measures to facilitate youth.
Product Specs
Draw Weight:
8-26 lbs
Axle-to-Axle Bow Length:
23.25"
Draw Length Range:
16.5-26"
Brace Height:
7"
Hand Orientation:
Right
Best Barnett Youth Compound Bow:
BARNETT Vortex Lite
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Almost all customers are quite pleased with the purchase. They are more than happy with its high versatility and overall performance. Buyers shared their wonderful experiences while using the product. They are of the view that this is a premium-quality bow that offers everything.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Well, the product speaks for itself. The youth compound bow has been the go-to option for most young-archers who are new into the archery world. It is perfectly made for superior performance; it offers great adaptability and is also easy to use.
The draw weight and the draw length can be adjusted quite conveniently, without any hassle. In addition, the fiber optic sight provided with the bow promises great low-light visibility. The cable system, along with the string, is quite reliable too, and the whole unit comes with a clear set of instructions.
Bottom Line
The compound bow promises great quality to its users with its versatile nature and solid construction. It has all the capabilities a premium youth compound bow can offer. If you are on a limited budget, try this one without compromising on quality.
Product Specs
Draw Weight:
18-29 lbs
Axle-to-Axle Bow Length:
27.5"
Draw Length Range:
22-25"
Brace Height:
6.5"
Let Off:
Hand Orientation:
60-70%
Right
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
There are a lot of different bow manufacturers who develop youth compound bows for young archers. They vary in their properties from one another. This is why it is necessary to consider some vital characteristics of the product you are purchasing.
Some aspects that you should consider before buying a youth compound bow are:
Price
Price is the first thing you notice while buying any product. It determines whether you can buy it or not. Various youth compound bows feature different price tags. Some offer more qualities than others but demand a higher price. Meanwhile, some are cheap but might offer fewer features and compromise quality. Therefore, you should look for a cost-effective unit that offers value for your money.
Size
The size of a youth compound bow should be determined before purchasing. Since the size of compound bows varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, it is important to note its size. It should align properly with the height and age of the child for whom you intend to buy.
Durability
A compound bow should be durable enough to last a while, especially if you are buying for youth. They might be tackled the wrong way; therefore, durability is necessary for long-lasting operation.
Comparison Overview
There are different types of bows that you can purchase for the young. They might have varying characteristics, but they serve the same purpose. It all comes down to individual preferences and requirements as to which one will suit your needs. Here is a comparison between different types of bows designed for archery.
Youth Archery Compound Bow vs. Recurve Bows
Compound and recurve bows are some of the most commonly used for archery. Here are a few similarities and differences between the two.
Similarities
The following are some of the resemblances that both these bows share.
Purpose
Both compound and recurve bows are designed for the same purpose. They can be used for indoor shooting, outdoor shooting, target practice, and hunting.
Mechanism
They both share nearly identical shooting mechanisms; hence, they perform quite similarly.
Differences
Here are some differences between the two.
Aim
Aiming with a compound bow is relatively easier than with a recurve bow. It is particularly due to the reduced string forces at full draw.
Size
A compound bow is quite smaller when compared to a recurve bow. The smaller size makes it ideal for most archers.
What is the Difference Between Adult Compound Bow and a Youth Bow?
An adult compound bow is designed specifically for full-grown adults. Meanwhile, a youth bow targets young children with a relatively smaller size. Some major differences between the two are given below.
Build
An adult compound bow is larger in size as compared to a youth bow. Since the latter is designed for children, it tends to be smaller in size.
Price
Youth bows are cheaper than adult compound bows. They have fewer features, which makes them available at a reasonable price tag.
How to String a Youth Compound Bow
Stringing a compound bow is quite simple, provided that you have proper guidance or experience. If this is your first time stringing a compound bow, don’t worry. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- The first thing you need to do is place your compound bow in a bow press. Using a manually-operated winch, you can control the steel cables that are wrapped around the pulleys on both sides.
- Tighten the cables using the winch; this will pull the bow riser down and release the pressure on the string.
- Next, examine the cams at both ends. Remove the string loop from the metal stud and note the direction of the routed string.
- Now, introduce the new string by placing it on one of the studs and route it properly. Grab the other end of the string and route it onto the other cam by twisting it several times.
- Gradually reduce the pressure on the bow riser to replace the pressure on the string. Make sure to measure the brace height to avoid any inconvenience.
- Wax the string properly, and you are done.
If you are still unsure of the process, refer to the video below for a complete demonstration.
Conclusion
Youth compound bows are perfect for youth as they offer the ideal size and weight alignment. They are neither too large nor too heavy; hence they make a great choice for young archers. However, finding the right fit for your children can be tricky. This article offers an ultimate guide for buying the best youth compound bows.
People Also Ask
People quite often ask a lot of questions based on ambiguities that they might have while opting for a certain youth compound bow. To remove any uncertainty, we have listed some frequently asked questions. Have a look:
What Ages is a Youth Compound Bow Good For?
Bow manufacturers design and manufacture various youth compound bows that target different ages. There is no specific model that can be considered as a universal standard. Since they are available in all sizes and weights, it’s up to you to decide which one aligns with your needs.
What Type of Arrows For a Youth Compound Bow?
The choice of arrows is very important when it comes to archery. Arrows that don’t offer quality or performance can cause a lot of inconvenience. For youth compound bows, you should look for arrows that are lightweight and durable. Therefore, aluminum or fiberglass arrows are considered as a perfect choice for youth compound bows.
