Best Youth Recurve Bows – 2021 Ultimate Guide

Archery used to be a skill for combat or hunting in ancient times, but nowadays, it is just a competitive sport or a fun activity. If you are looking for new hobbies or new skills to acquire, archery is perfect.

A good-quality bow is a key to a good archery experience. There are different types of units to choose from, but professionals think that recurve ones are the best to use for any type and level of an archer. These types of units store and deliver energy more efficiently because of their limb’s design. The arrows shot by them also travel faster and further.

In this article, we will discuss the best recurve bows for young people, their features, and what makes them truly stand out.

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Comparison of the Best Youth Recurve Bows 

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What Size of Youth Recurve Bow Do I Need?

The size of the bow depends on three factors: length, mass weight, and draw weight. Youth recurve bows are generally not that long, as a more extended unit would be more challenging to work with. They are typically less than 50 inches from tip to tip, which is the ideal size.

CenterPoint Archery ABY215

Mass weight is simply the weight of the unit itself. A heavier unit will be difficult to carry and will tire your arms. The high weight will not let you shoot properly and will put a strain on your entire body.

The final and most important factor is the draw weight. This is the strength it takes to pull back the bowstring. For an average ten or 11-year-old, a unit that weighs 15 pounds is perfect. Something slightly heavier than that can be acceptable for older users such as pre-teens and teens.

What to Look For When Buying a Recurve Bow For a Youth

There are a few factors that come into play when you are buying a youth recurve bow. Some of them are listed below:

Skill Level and Purpose

Are the users used to archery or just beginning? Are they doing it for fun or are determined to continue towards professional competitions? The answers to these questions determine the product that would be perfect for them.

Giving them a super expensive product with multiple settings when they have never shot an arrow before will overwhelm them. 

Budget

It is important to remember that expensive does not mean quality. If your child is just beginning, set a budget, and do some research on good-quality bows that can be bought within it. Remember, this is an activity for them, and they want to have fun, so don’t be a militant about it.

Children are fine with something they can handle easily. Plus, buying a high-priced unit does not mean you will get the best results.

Size

As discussed earlier, the size of the bow is made up of its length, mass, and draw weight. A unit that is too long, heavy, and requires a lot of power will not be suitable. This is because it will be difficult for the child to handle, balance, and carry the unit.

Each child has a different level of ability and strength, and because of that, there are different sizes and variations available on the market to cater to their requirements.

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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. 
  • Draw Length/Max Draw Length: 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. Max draw length is the maximum distance a bowstring can be pulled back.
  • Bow Weight and Length: The weight and length of the bow. 
  • Brace Height: The distance between the grip and the string when loose.  
  • Hand Orientation: Indicates the dominant hand that should be used.

Review of the Best Youth Recurve Bows

Now that we have discussed some of the factors important for buying a recurve bow for children, let’s review our top picks.

Best Overall: CenterPoint Archery ABY215

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PROS

  • Highly durable and robust construction
  • Great for beginners as it gives a lot of let-offs
  • Designed for improved balance and accurate shooting
  • Low draw weight and height makes it easy to use for children
  • Has a custom string and integrated design for perfect hand placement

CONS

  • Better for use by right-handed shooters
  • String is loose, and the arrows don’t travel too far

What Recent Buyers ReportPeople who bought and used this product have loved it. It is not just great for children, but adults who want to learn archery can also work with this. The bow itself is light and easy to handle. It is highly durable, as many people have used it for a very long time.Why it Stands Out to UsIt stands out to us because of the low draw weight. A higher draw weight means that a greater amount of strength is required to pull the bowstring back. That is impossible for children, but this product caters to this issue.The let-off in this unit makes the draw weight lesser. As a result, it is easier to use for children because it doesn’t let their arms get tired, and they can practice for as long as they like. The unit itself is also light enough for a child to easily carry it from one place to another and hold it steady while shooting.Bottom LineIt is a great beginner-level youth bow. This unit has a lot of features and is very durable. It is also lightweight and has a low draw weight, which makes it ideal for youth. For learning basic archery, even adults can make use of this product.

Product Specs

Draw Weight:

~20 lbs

Draw Length:

25″

Bow Weight and Length:

2.8 lbs; 45″

Brace Height:

8″

Hand Orientation:

Right

Runner-up: iMay 45″ Set

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PROS

  • Made out of fiberglass, ensuring durability
  • Weighs lesser than most of the other products
  • Comes with practice arrows included in the package
  • Low draw weight is perfect for children or beginners
  • Ambidextrous Riser Design for use by both left and right-handed shooters

CONS

  • Not suitable for long-range targets

What Recent Buyers ReportThe customer reviews on this product by iMay are quite positive and satisfactory. The reports tell us that the unit was very easy to string up and they could start shooting in no time. The arrows were blunt, which is a good safety measure, making it perfect for kids. Many beginner-level adults also liked using this product.Why it Stands Out to UsThe reason this product has impressed us so much is the ambidextrous riser design. It is perfect for both left and right-handed people. The ambidextrous design allows archers to grip it comfortably no matter what their dominant hand is. This provides less wear on the hand, so it doesn’t get hurt, and they can shoot better. Plus, they get better and more accurate results as they can use the correct hand. Therefore, young archers and beginners can practice in their comfort zones with this model.Bottom LineOverall, this product is a high-quality recurve model that is perfect for youth. It does not shoot super far, but that’s completely fine as the primary usage of this unit is to learn. It is safe to use and is ambidextrous, making it a remarkable pick.

Product Specs

Draw Weight:

16-20 lbs

Draw Length:

22-24″

Bow Weight and Length:

5 lbs; 44″

Hand Orientation:

Left & Right

Best Youth Takedown Recurve Bow: Woarchery Combat Archery

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PROS

  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • Comes with a silica gel finger saver
  • Allows finger release without a tab or glove
  • Ideal for combative archery, target shooting, and LARP battles
  • Has riser made of nylon and limbs made of laminated fiberglass

CONS

  • Not backed by any instructional manual

What Recent Buyers ReportA lot of positive reviews back this unit up. The finger guard has received a lot of praise, as people love that their children will not be hurt while shooting. It is also easy to handle, which is an important thing to consider when it comes to kids. Buyers were satisfied with the build quality too.Why it Stands Out to UsThis recurve bow is a great choice for most kids because it has a different type of riser than the other units. The nylon riser is something not common, but it is still quite good in terms of durability and functionality. It may seem unconventional, but nylon is a great material in terms of tensile strength. This gives the riser more flexibility than its metal or wooden counterparts. Another impressive feature of this unit is the great finger guard. Beginners can often injure their fingers because they don’t know how to stretch the bowstring properly. However, the guard will help prevent any injury and will be a great motivational factor too. Bottom LineTo conclude, this unit, with its nylon riser, is an out-of-the-box innovation, but it surely enhances performance. It is perfect for use by children since it is lightweight and easy to handle. The silicon finger saver keeps your fingers from getting injured and makes shooting smoother.

Product Specs

Draw Weight:

25 lbs

Draw Length:

28″

Bow Weight and Length:

2 lbs; 54″

Hand Orientation:

Left and Right

Best Youth Wooden Recurve Bow: SAS Spirit Jr

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PROS

  • Perfect for ambidextrous use
  • Has a high level of flexibility and durability
  • Can be used by shooters of height up to 5’4
  • Riser is made of three different types of wood
  • Crafted of high-quality maple wood and fiberglass

CONS

  • No accessories or add-ons included
  • Bowstring might not be of the best quality

What Recent Buyers ReportUser reports on this unit suggest that it offers a sturdy and good grip to the user. The easy assembly complements the exceptional quality construction. It is also a good bow for your child, especially if they want to pursue it as a profession or adult hobby.Why it Stands Out to UsPerhaps the most notable feature of the unit is the wooden construction of the riser. The highest quality wood is used for manufacturing this unit. The bow itself is made of maple wood, and it is said that the finest maple wood in Europe and America has been used. The finish is done by high-quality fiberglass, which further ensures the durability of the product.The unit is easy to bend and is flexible, but will not break.Moreover, the riser is made with three different types of wood from the Chudlam, Gmelina Arborea, and Beech trees. They give the riser a unique pale yellow, cream-colored look, while also ensuring longevity.Bottom LineThis is the perfect product if you are looking for something that will offer a more authentic and original shooting experience. It is spectacular for beginners and has an impressive appearance that makes it a hit.

Product Specs

Draw Weight:

12-22 lbs

Draw Length:

26″

Bow Weight and Length:

3.3 lbs; 54″

Hand Orientation:

Left & Right

5. Ausail Bow and Arrow Set

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PROS

  • Made of fiberglass, which is safe for kids
  • Consists of silicone finger guards for better safety
  • Comes with arrows, target faces, and pins included
  • Can be used by both right and left-handed shooters
  • Arrowheads are blunt, ensuring no sharp objects are around kids

CONS

  • Few units broke only after a few uses
  • Some complaints were received about the bowstring being very loose

What Recent Buyers ReportRecent reports tell us that the unit is lightweight but equally as powerful. It has a nice pullback and shoots accurately. It is particularly reported to be suitable for beginner-level kids. It is also fun to use and comes with vibrant target faces and pins. Other than this, the construction quality has also satisfied most buyers.Why it Stands Out to UsWe think that the low weight and compact size of this product are quite impressive. Some people who used it were adults and explained that it was unexpectedly powerful and smooth.The fiberglass build is the reason behind this powerful performance. It makes the bow easy to carry, especially if you are interested in field archery. Fiberglass is also good in terms of safety. The arrows included in the package are of good quality and can reach farther distances. This adds good value to your money. Bottom LineTo sum it up, this bow by Ausail is a great product and is perfect for children who are beginning to show an interest in archery. It will be fun to use, easy to carry and last a long time. The blunt arrows and silicone finger guards also ensure that your child will be safe while using it.

Product Specs

Draw Weight:

16-20 lbs

Draw Length:

22-24″

Bow Weight and Length:

44″

Hand Orientation:

Left & Right

Types of Youth Recurve Bows

Recurve bows are the most popular types. While there are a lot of variations, recurve models only have two main types.

These are discussed in detail below.

Single-Piece Recurves

These are more traditional. Historical Turkish or Mongolian bows are great examples. They are called a single-piece because you cannot detach the limbs from the riser. These types are typically made of wood and are super lightweight, which makes it easy to carry.

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Takedown Recurves

These are a more modern type of recurve bows. They are similar to the single-piece ones but have a few additional features that make them stand out. The main difference is in the detachable limbs. These kinds of models come in three parts.

They are easy to upgrade or downgrade, meaning you can switch between lighter and heavier limbs with the riser. They are also easy to handle and portable. You can install accessories and extra gears with these types of units. The most readily available takedown recurve bows have a riser made of metal or wood.

Other Variations

Some recurve models have limbs attached to the front of the riser, while some have limbs attached to the back of the riser. This is a significant difference, and you will have to find out which type is better for you.

Compound vs. Recurve For Youths – Comparison Overview

There are different types of bows available nowadays. Even though the recurve is the most popular type, it all depends on what you feel comfortable using. So below, we have a comparison of recurve and compound bows.

Similarities

  • Both of them can be used for shooting targets and for hunting.
  • They require a lot of practice to master and are not used by beginners.

Differences

  • They have different mechanisms and shapes. For example, the compound bow is more C-shaped, while the recurve one is designed in a more traditional style. 
  • Compound models also consist of more tools and add-ons and are more customizable than recurve ones.
  • Recurve models are lighter in weight than compound ones, which is why they are better for youth.
  • Compound bows are more accurate and have greater power while shooting than recurve ones.
  • Greater upper body strength is required to handle a compound bow than a recurve model, which is why it is better for professionals and adults.
  • The recurve model also features only a single string, shorter than the one primarily used in a compound bow. 

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How to Shoot a Kid’s Recurve Bow With Accuracy

In this section, we have listed down important steps that help you in shooting arrows from a recurve bow.

1. Depending on the way you will shoot, you can either use arrows with plastic veins or ones with feathered veins.

2. You want to shoot the arrow right off of the shelf, which is the padded area right at the top of the handle. There may or may not be an arrow rest sticking out, depending on the product you have.

3. If you are shooting the arrow directly off the shelf, use one with a feathered vein.

4. If you are shooting the arrow off of the arrow rest, you can use the one with a plastic vein as the arrow rest itself will support it. This will make sure that your arrow flight is smooth and that it hits the target.

5. Make sure to have an arm-guard on. This is because, if you are a beginner-level archer or are not familiar with how to use a bow and arrow, you are likely to hit your arm with the bowstring.

6. Decide between shooting with a glove and a shooting tab. A glove is better in protecting your fingers, and a shooting tab is better in reducing your fingers’ sensitivity.

7. If you are shooting directly off of a shelf, hold your bow at an angle so that the arrow will remain positioned. If you are using an arrow rest, hold your bow fully vertical.

8. The arrow consists of three veins. Two of them will be the same color, and one will be different. Make sure that the arrow is positioned as such that the odd-color vein faces away from the bow. If you have the odd one facing the equipment, it can get ripped off during launch, and your arrow will have a terrible flight.

9. For shooting, hold your arm out and draw the string to an anchor point. It is important to have one because it determines your shooting range. Once you have drawn it to your anchor point and set at an aim, release it.

10.  It is advised that people with longer draw lengths require longer units, and people with shorter draw lengths require shorter ones.

11.  Lastly, keep in mind that your arrow should be clipped below the nock point. Beginners make the mistake of clipping it above the point, which is bad because when you draw your arrow, it slides up the string.

12.  Finally, clip your arrow below the nocking point, while having the odd-colored vein facing away from the bow. Then, hold your arm straight out, draw the bowstring to your anchor point, and release.

So, there you have it. All the steps required to properly shoot a recurve bow are listed here. However, if you are still confused about some things, refer to the video below.

Conclusion

Archery is a fun and interesting hobby. The world has moved from using it as a combative measure to a recreational activity or a competitive sport. Recurve bows are the most popular and are more traditional equipment in archery. They are light and easy to use for archers of all levels and ages.

This is why we have reviewed some of our top picks of recurve bows for youth. We have compiled all this information with extensive research and by reading a lot of product reviews by customers. We hope this helps you in choosing a good product for young archers in your home.

People Also Ask

Now that we have given all the information about the products, there may still be some things that our readers want to clear up. So, we have answered a few questions that might help.

What is a Good Draw Weight For a Youth Recurve Bow?

Good draw weight for small children (who weigh between 70 and 100 pounds) is from 10 to 15 pounds, and good draw weight for larger children (who weigh between 100 and 130 pounds) is 15 to 25 pounds.

Will a 40 Pound Recurve Kill a Deer?

Yes, it is possible to kill a deer with a 40-pound unit. Many professional and experienced hunters use a 40 to 42-pound model for hunting.

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How Fast Does a 50 Lb Recurve Bow Shoot?

It can shoot at a speed of about 180fps, depending on the arrows used.

How Much Does a Good Recurve Bow For a Youth Cost?

As with every other product on the market, there are different types of bows. They come at different price points. A new recurve model can be anywhere from $100 to $300. A used product can come at a lower price.

Are Recurve Bows Good For Beginners?

Yes, recurve units are good for beginners. This is because they are lightweight and easy to handle, with fewer draw weight and power requirements.