10 Best Youth Compound Bows of 2021
Photo: Bear Archery
Archery is a healthy outdoor activity that's great for everyone including kids. So, the opportunity to introduce your kids to the world of archery is one you shouldn't miss.
If you're an archer yourself, then you'll know how deeply rewarding it is to pass on the bow hunting tradition to the next generation.
Because they're designed to fit younger archers, youth bows make learning archery easier for the kids, and if you're a compound bow archer, then a youth compound bow is naturally the best gift for your kid here.
This youth compound bow review provides you with all the information you need to make the right choice for your kid, as well as a list of the top compound bows in the market.
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10 Best Youth Compound Bows - Review
- 1. Barnett Vortex 45-Pound Youth Compound Bow
- 2. Bear Archery Scout Youth Compound Bow Set
- 3. Crosman Elkhorn Youth Compound Bow
- 4. Genesis Mini Youth Compound Bow Set
- 5. Bear Archery Brave Youth Compound Bow
- 6. Wizard Archery 10-Lb Youth Compound Bow Set
- 7. Crosman Upland Youth Compound Bow Kit
- 8. Nxt Generation Pink Youth Compound Bow Set
- 9. AW 34-Inch Youth Compound Bow Set
- 10. Barnett 1072 Lil Banshee Jr. Youth Compound Bow Package
- How to Buy the Best Youth Compound Bows
- Conclusion
10 Best Youth Compound Bows - Review
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Image |
Product Name |
Draw Length |
Draw Weight |
Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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1. Barnett Vortex Youth Compound Bow |
21 - 27 in |
19-45 lbs |
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2. Bear Archery Scout Youth Compound Bow |
16 - 26 in |
8-13 lbs |
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3. Crosman Elkhorn Youth Compound Bow Set |
26 in max |
17-21 lbs |
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4. Genesis Mini Youth Compound Bow |
14 - 25 in |
6-12 lbs |
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5. Bear Archery Brave Youth Compound Bow |
13.5 in |
15-25 lbs |
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6. Wizard Archery 10-Lb Youth Compound Bow Set |
24 in |
10 lbs |
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7. Crosman Upland Youth compound Bow |
22 - 24 in |
8 lbs |
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8. Nxt Generation Pink Youth Compound Bow |
N/A |
N/A |
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9. AW 34-Inch Youth Compound Bow |
34 in |
20 lbs |
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10. Barnett 1072 Lil Banshee Jr. Youth Compound Bow Package |
18 - 22 in |
18 lbs |
1. Barnett Vortex 45-Pound Youth Compound Bow
Photo: Barnett
- Hand Orientation: Right hand
- Draw weight: 19 - 45 lbs
- Draw length: 21 - 27 inches
- Let-off: 60 - 70%
This Barnett Vortex youth compound bow might look small like other youth bows but it does pack a lot of power. Additionally, it offers adjustable draw weights ranging between 16 and 45 lbs to make it the best youth compound bow for hunting.
Its draw length ranges between 21 and 27 inches, which puts this bow in the range for large-framed teenagers, but they'll have to be right-eyed and handed because this bow only comes with a right-handed handle.
If you're on the lookout for the best youth compound bow you can get your hands on, then here's one that's designed to work exactly like full-sized bows.
It's ideal for youngsters aged 10 and above, and you'll just need to adjust the draw weight to fit. The package includes 3 arrows to get started immediately, plus an arrow holder to keep things organized.
Barnett backs it with a 5-year warranty, but it's worth noting that you can't adjust the draw length and draw weight independent of one another.
Pros:
Cons:
2. Bear Archery Scout Youth Compound Bow Set
Photo: Bear Archery
- Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous (both hands)
- Draw weight: 8 - 13 lbs
- Draw length: 16 - 26 inches
Bear Archery offers a very nice beginner bow here that's a great deal for young archery enthusiasts aged four to seven years or thereabouts.
This bow does not have that typical compound bow shape and it's shaped more like a recurve bow , but having wheels on the upper and lower limbs which store the limb's energy makes it a compound bow.
The package comes with everything a kid needs to step into the world of archery and that includes 2 arrows, an arrow quiver, an arm-guard, and finger rollers for smoother shots.
You also get a 1-pin sight and a durable riser plus hand-grip, ideal for both left and right-handers.
Since the maximum draw weight is just 13 lbs, this bow is not ideal for hunting, but the included arrows are from Safetyglass, so you can relax knowing that they're strong and will never splinter.
Pros:
Cons:
3. Crosman Elkhorn Youth Compound Bow
Photo: Crosman
- Hand Orientation: Right hand
- Draw weight: 17 - 21 lbs
- Draw length: 26 inches maximum
- Let-off: 65%
This one looks exactly like a recurve bow but it comes with wheels to work like a compound bow . The riser and limbs are from heavy-duty composite material to guarantee a long life.
The bow is 33 inches long and weighs just 1.8 lbs, making it ideal for pre-teen archers. Its maximum draw length is 26 inches and its maximum draw weight, 15 lbs.
Its low draw weight makes it incapable of shooting game, so it's ideal for kids who just need to do some target practice.
With its 65% let off though, this arrow provides a very convenient experience for any pre-teenage enthusiast getting into archery.
Pros:
Cons:
4. Genesis Mini Youth Compound Bow Set
Photo: Genesis
- Hand Orientation: Both
- Draw weight: 6 - 12 lbs
- Draw length: 14 - 25 inches
This very good youth compound bow is designed so beautifully, that it seems to worth its relatively high price as a youth bow. Its riser comes from machined aluminum for stability and a long life.
You get a complete set here, which includes the bow, a tube quiver with a belt, 5 pieces of aluminum arrows, an arm-guard, a hex wrench and an owner's manual.
In addition, you can have the bow in either a left or right-hand version and in any of 7 available colors, including white-camo and pink-camo.
This bow is definitely for those who can afford to spend so much on a kid's bow, but it's an investment that'll surely benefit many generations of young archers because it's very well made.
On the flip side, its draw weight is adjustable between 6 and 12 lbs only, and this makes it unsuitable for hunting and even for use by older young adults.
Pros:
Cons:
5. Bear Archery Brave Youth Compound Bow
Photo: Bear Archery
- Hand Orientation: Right
- Draw weight: 15 to 25 lbs
- Draw length: 13.5 inches
- Let-off: 65%
Bear Archery's Brave bow is an adjustable youth compound bow with all the right features of a standard adult's bow. It's designed for archers from the age of 8 years upwards and is 26 inches long.
It features an adjustable draw weight between 15 and 25 lbs, which makes it ideal for many archery activities including hunting.
The package includes lots of accessories, with the most impressive being a Whisker Biscuit Arrow Rest, which you'll normally find only in good quality adult bows.
You also get a pin sight, an arm-guard, 2 Safetyglass arrows and a quiver, plus finger rollers to help him shoot smoother arrows.
Bear Archery suggests an age range of 8 years and up for this bow, but it's only available in a right-hand version.
Pros:
Cons:
6. Wizard Archery 10-Lb Youth Compound Bow Set
Photo: Wizard Archery
- Hand Orientation: Both
- Draw weight: 10 lbs
- Draw length: 24 inches
Here's a very attractively priced youth bow for those looking for a budget option. It's an ideal beginner bow for kids under the age of 10, with its 10-lb draw weight and 70 fps arrow speed.
You should note though, that this bow package is not designed for hunting or most other archery activities, but it's the ideal bow to encourage archery skill development in any young archer.
The package comes with 2 arrows, an arrow quiver, an arm-guard, and a finger tab. Wooden or fiberglass arrows are the recommendation if you want to buy extra arrows, and the bow's length is 24 inches.
Pros:
Cons:
7. Crosman Upland Youth Compound Bow Kit
Photo: Crosman
- Hand Orientation: Both
- Draw weight: 8 lbs
- Draw length: 22 - 24 inches
Priced even lower than the Wizard Archery set above, this Crosman Upland youth bow kit offers the first-time archer everything he needs at an amazingly low price.
This offer includes the compound bow, which is available in either Purple or Orange, and an arrow quiver with 2 pieces of 26-inch long composite arrows, an arm-guard, finger-tab, and even a bullseye target to shoot at.
For most beginners who have undeveloped muscles, the low 8-lb maximum draw weight of this bow will be a welcome relief because it makes it easy to draw the bowstring and hold it.
It's also ambidextrous, offering an easy and comfortable grip for both left and right-handed young archers. What this bow lacks is a nocking point, so you might want to add that to the bowstring to help train your kid's consistency.
Pros:
Cons:
8. Nxt Generation Pink Youth Compound Bow Set
Photo: Nxt Generation
- Hand Orientation: Both
To put it simply, this is more of a toy than an actual bow, and the pink color also gives away who it is built for. Although Nxt Generation recommends it for 8 years and above, it's more like for 3 to 5-year-olds.
First of all, it's not really a compound bow because its cams don't work and so, don't produce any leverage or mechanical advantage at all. Secondly, its arrows come with suction cup heads.
On the plus side though, this bow set will make the perfect gift for any little archer around 4 years old, and who loves some level of independence but still needs suction cup heads instead of sharp ones.
The bow does produce some power to shoot arrows up to 50 ft, plus it features a center-fire arrow rest design that helps to improve the shooter's accuracy.
Pros:
Cons:
9. AW 34-Inch Youth Compound Bow Set
Photo: AW
- Hand Orientation: Right hand
- Draw weight: 20 lbs
- Draw length: 34 inches
This might not be the ideal youth compound bow for hunting large game but it should do great for hunting smaller game like squirrels and rabbits with its 20-lb draw weight.
The limbs and the riser got made from quality composite for durability and the entire bow has a length of 34 inches, with its manufacturer recommending it for archers aged 15 and older.
You get 4 pieces of 28-inch long arrows with an arrow holder attached to the side of the bow. You can also mount other accessories as you please, like an arrow rest , a stabilizer, or a bow sight.
On the flip side, this riser is only for right-hand use, so it makes this bow unusable for left-handed archers.
Pros:
Cons:
10. Barnett 1072 Lil Banshee Jr. Youth Compound Bow Package
Photo: Barnett
- Hand Orientation: Both Hands
- Draw weight: 18 lbs maximum
- Draw length: 18 - 22 inches
The Barnett 1072 Lil Banshee Jr. is a youth bow for smaller kids. It measures 35 inches in length, has a draw length of 18 - 22 inches, and is entirely made from plastic.
You can get this bow in any of three colors, including Black, Camo, and Pink, and this offers you an opportunity to get a bow that matches your little ones taste.
It features an ambidextrous handle, which means both left-handed and right-handed archers can use it, plus it offers up to 18 lbs of maximum draw weight.
The package includes a set of 2 arrows so the fun can begin immediately, plus finger rollers and a pin sight. Everything is loaded into its unique packaging, which also doubles as a carrying case.
Barnett Outdoors backs this youth compound bow set with a 5-year warranty.
Pros:
Cons:
How to Buy the Best Youth Compound Bows
Photo: Bear Archery
There are key factors that you'll need to pay attention to when considering the different youth compound bows above. These ate the features that make a bow either suitable or unsuitable for your young archer.
These factors are as follows:
1. Age & Size
The major feature that sets a youth compound bow aside from standard compound bows is size. You'll first notice that youth bows are generally smaller, but how much smaller is not set in stone.
Different manufacturers come up with their designs and compound bow sizes, which they promise will fit young archers of certain age groups or body frame sizes.
By following these manufacturers' recommendations, you'll be on the right path to choosing the perfect youth compound bow for your kid.
2. Draw Weight
Draw weight refers to the force available on a drawn string, and which shoots an arrow. Manufacturers usually give a bow's draw weight and the higher it is, the more difficult it is to pull the pull the bowstring.
It's therefore necessary, that you get your kid a bow with a draw weight that his young muscles can handle. To get this right, you'll need the kid's weight.
The table below shows the recommended bow draw weights for young archers based on their body weight or average age.
|
Weight |
Average Age |
Recommended Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|
|
55 - 70 lbs |
3 - 8 yrs |
10 - 15 lbs |
|
70 - 100 lbs |
9 - 13 yrs |
15 - 25 lbs |
|
100 - 130 lbs |
14+ yrs |
25 - 35 lbs |
3. Draw Length
A bow's draw length is given in inches and refers to the distance between a fully drawn bow at nock point and the back of the riser.
Draw length is important because you should draw a bow to its maximum at a length that's also comfortable for you. To find your kid's optimal draw length, measure his arm span in inches and divide the value by 2.5.
As a general rule though, kids below the age of 10 years will do well with a bow in the 14 - 25 inches draw length range, while bigger kids will need something around 15 - 30 inches in draw length.
4. Material & Durability
This choice here is entirely up to you depending on what you're looking for and how much you're willing to pay for it. You'll find manufacturers offering everything from plastic risers to more expensive models made from aluminum.
5. Eye Dominance & Handedness
People are either right-eye or left-eye dominant and this is very important in archery because it determines whether someone is a right-handed or left-handed archer.
If your kid is right-eye dominant, he'll need a right-hand bow or one that's designed for both hands and if he's left-eye dominant, he'll need a left-hand bow or one designed for both hands. If there's no eye preference, then he should shoot corresponding to his dominant eye.
To test for eye dominance, let your kid stand about 20 feet away from an object like a doorknob, then hold both arms in front of the face at arm's length, leaving only a small hole between the palms that he can see through.
With both eyes open, he should use the palm opening to frame the object, making sure he can see it with both eyes open. He should then close and open each eye, one after the other. The one that maintains visual contact is the dominant eye.
6. Accessories & Package Deals
Different manufacturers will offer different accessories with their bows, so it's left for you to figure out which package is the ideal for your kid.
Different packages come designed for different activities, including ordinary target practice, hunting small game like rabbits and squirrels, or bigger ones like deer.
You'll need to choose a package which has the right accessories, for example, arrows with field points for target practice or broadheads for hunting.
Conclusion
We've reached the end of this youth compound bows review and as you can see, there's a wide range to choose from.
You've seen the offers for the smalls kids and those for larger kids, affordable offers, and top of the line bow sets with everything a kid can ask for.
It's your turn now to reach a decision and pick the package you feel will best serve your kid's needs. This decision is for you alone though, because you're the one that knows the kid.
