Best Compound Bow for Youth – Begin The Target Shooting

Lots of kids love bow hunting and archery, but ordinary bows are usually too heavy for them. Choosing the best compound bow for youth helps your child experiment with archery and teaches them how fun it is to hold the bow and aim.

Kids’ bows are functional scaled-down models of the adult versions. They’re typically lighter to carry and easier to maneuver, so even beginner adults enjoy using them. If you’re looking for the right bow for your child, then you’ve come to the right place.

Check our article and read our reviews of the best bows for children and young adults, and learn tips about how to choose the right one for you.

In a hurry? Jump straight to:

• Genesis Original Kit
• Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro Bow Package
• RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow Kit
• Barnett Vortex 45-Pounds Youth Archery Bow
• Diamond Archery Prism Bow Package
• Bear Archery Brave Bow Set
• Crosman Elkhorn Jr. Compound Bow
• Genesis Mini Bow
• Leader Accessories Compound Bow 30-55lbs
• Barnett Tomcat Junior Archery Set

Reviews of the Top 10 Compound Bows for Youth:

We researched the topic on your behalf and came up with a list of the best selling compound bows for youth.

 

1.Genesis Original Kit

Genesis offers lots of compound bows for archers of all ages and levels. This is a fantastic bow that any archer can hold and use without risking any premature shots. The bow adjusts to the level of the archer with a draw length between 15 and 30 inches, so it caters to all needs and preferences.

The Genesis bow is made of aluminum, and it’s lightweight but durable. It also comes with a comfortable grip to keep the shooter comfortable. The draw weight of this bow is 20 pounds, but it can be decreased to 10 pounds. It has a let-off of zero, so it’s an excellent choice for beginners who need more control.

Novice archers might find an arrow rest useful to hold the arrow in place. This compound bow doesn’t have one. It’s also quite expensive compared to other models, so you need to take this into consideration before buying it.

 

2.Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro Bow Package

This is another expensive compound bow that suits both amateur and experienced archers. It has an extended draw length that can be adjusted from 13 to 31 inches and infinite draw setting to cater to the needs of longer draw archers.

Lots of users love how versatile this bow is. The draw weight can be easily adjusted from 5 to 70 pounds. The wide range of lengths and weights make this an excellent option for learners as they can adjust the bow to their level. However, it’s not as durable as users would expect a bow to be at this price range.

The bow is suitable for the whole family, and your kid will not outgrow it. There are lots of accessories compatible with this bow, but these cost more, making it an expensive option.

 

3.RAPTOR Compound Hunting Bow Kit

Unlike other models, this bow is only available for right-handed users only. This is a big problem for left-handed archers who might want to skip this bow altogether. It’s made of aluminum and fiberglass, so it’s lightweight but quite durable. The bow is a bit on the pricey side but comes with an arrow rest, a stabilizer, bow sight, peep sight, and loop.

The draw length can be adjusted from 24.5 to 31 inches, and the weight can be adjusted from 30 to 70 pounds. This compound bow is very accurate with strong penetration power. It is ready to shoot, so it’s suitable for beginners.

The maximum speed of this bow is 315 FPS which is pretty fast for a youth competition bow. It can be used for bow fishing and hunting thanks to its penetration power. It allows for 75% let-off which is a great option if you adjust the weight for 70 pounds.

The kit doesn’t come with any arrows, which is a problem for users who expect to receive a complete kit for the price. The lowest bow weight might not be suitable for a very young child.

 

4.Barnett Vortex 45-Pounds Youth Archery Bow

This is an affordable version of the original Barnett compound bow. It’s only available for right-handed users, so left-handed archers should stay away from it. It’s the perfect size for beginners and young archers. The draw weight can be adjusted between 19 and 45 pounds.

The length can be adjusted from 22 to 27 inches in 1-inch increments for maximum accuracy. It’s a good bargain because you receive an arrow holder, 3 arrows, an arrow rest, and a carry case. The adjustable draw modules are perfect for beginners who want to change the weight without a bow press. The let-off is 60 to 70%, so it provides a comfortable entry to archery at the maximum weight.

This is a lightweight bow that weighs around 3 pounds so it won’t strain a young archer’s arm. However, it’s not designed for heavy-duty use.

 

5.Diamond Archery Prism Bow Package

The Diamond Prism bow is suitable for youth and inexperienced adults as it comes ready to shoot right out of the box. It weighs 3.2 pounds so it will not strain the arms of beginners, although hardcore archers might feel that it lacks stability. It has an 80% let-off so you can shoot comfortably.

This bow is a bit slower than other professional models with a speed of 295 FPS; however, this is not a serious problem for first-timers. The draw weight can be adjusted from 5 to 50 pounds, while the length can be adjusted from 12 to 30 inches.

This compound bow is suitable for small-framed adults like youth, women, and children who can control it easily. It’s a bit expensive, but it comes with a sight, rest, and tube peep sight. It also comes in several colors.

The noise and vibration released from using this compound bow are not the lowest on the market. However, adding dampeners can lower the noise, eliminate vibration, and decrease fatigue.

 

6.Bear Archery Brave Bow Set

This compound bow from Bear Archery is suitable for youth and adults who want an affordable option that they can use on their first bow hunting trip. It’s a compact model measuring 26 inches axle to axle, so archers can carry it around easily even if this is the first time they ever use a bow. It’s the perfect choice for kids between the ages of 7 and 11.

This set is excellent value for money because it has composite limbs and comes with Safety glass arrows, arrow rest, arm guard, finger tab, and 1-pin sight. The composite limbs are durable guaranteeing that this budget-friendly compound bow will last for long. The draw weight can be adjusted from 15 to 25 pounds, and this is enough for a young archer.

Nevertheless, you should expect some noise if you adjust the weight to the lowest setting. The draw length is adjusted from 13.5 to 19.5 inches, so it’s shorter than other models on the market. It has a let-off of 65% to decrease fatigue and discomfort.

This compound bow is suitable for right-handed archers only, but it comes in different colors. However, due to its size, it won’t suit your child as they grow into adulthood.

 

7.Crosman Elkhorn Jr. Compound Bow

This kit is the perfect choice for children from the ages of 9 to 13 years. It’s budget-friendly and measures 33 inches from axel to axel. This means that it’s the right size for youth who want to hold the bow for the first time as it weighs less than 2 pounds. With 70 FPS, you shouldn’t expect to hunt any game, but it’s a great buy for first timers who want to test the bow with targets.

The draw weight can be adjusted from 17 to 21 pounds with a let-off of 65 %. This range is not suitable for more experienced and older archers. It comes with 2 composite arrows that aren’t of the best quality but will allow your kid to test the bow right out of the box. The kit comes with a quiver, a finger-tab, an arrow rest, and a single pin sight.

It comes with an arm guard, but you might need to buy a better one to protect the archer from string slaps. The arrow rest is also of cheap quality, so might want to buy an upgrade. The strings and cables are treated to resist weather changes, and the bow is of better quality than the accessories that come with it.

It’s suitable for right-handed archers who have a draw length of up to 26 inches, and it is not as noisy as other models. This is not an adjustable compound bow, but it is a good choice for first-time archers.

 

8.Genesis Mini Bow

The mini version of the Genesis bow is a compact choice for beginners who have smaller frames. It’s made of aluminum with composite limbs, so it’s more durable than other models. It costs more than other models as well, but lots of users think that it is the most suitable compound bow for 5-year-old. It comes in various colors for right-handed and left-handed archers.

The weight can be adjusted from 6 to 12 pounds with zero let-off to allow kids and beginners to use the compound bow comfortably. The draw length is between 14 and 25 inches, making it the best choice for kids as young as 3 years old. It weighs only 2 pounds, so it’s very lightweight and easy to control.

It also has a single cam system which is flexible and suitable for first-timers. The comfortable grip allows young children to hold it easily. The bowstring lasts for long, especially if you wax it regularly.

It comes with no arrows although buyers would expect to receive some high-quality accessories for the price paid. You also need to invest in a proper armrest to protect your kid from string slaps. It is not that noisy, but again this bow isn’t used for hunting games, and there’s no point in silencing it.

 

9.Leader Accessories Compound Bow 30-55lbs

This compound bow is suitable for right-handed archers. It is not the most affordable option on the market, but it comes with lots of accessories that allow youth to test their aiming skills. It’s made of aluminum and weighs 3.3 pounds so you can expect it to last for long. This compact model measures 28 inches from axel to axel, so it’s the right choice for teens and female shooters who would struggle with a heavyweight compound bow.

The draw weight can be adjusted between 30 and 55 pounds, while the length can be adjusted between 19 and 29 inches. The let-off is 70% enabling shooters to use it conveniently. The maximum speed is 296 FPS, and this means that this bow can be used in hunting.

It comes with a fiber optic sight to help a beginner acquire the target accurately, although some users feel that it is not that steady. It’s quite noisy without a stabilizer, so you will have to buy one if you wish to take it on a hunting trip. It has an excellent release aid which is quite sensitive. The bow itself is well-made, but some of the add-ons are not that high-quality.

It comes with all the instructions needed for adjustments. If you wax the string and cables, you should expect this bow to last for a very long time.

 

10.Barnett Tomcat Junior Archery Set

The last product on our list is an affordable option that comes with a high-quality 3-pin fiber optic sight to increase accuracy. It’s a suitable choice for aspiring archers who need a reliable bow that can last for several years.

It weighs 3.4 pounds, and it’s not flimsy because it’s made of fiberglass. The arrow rest, however, is made of plastic, so you shouldn’t expect it to last for long. It comes with lots of necessary accessories and beginners can use it right out of the box. It has a comfortable grip with soft touch finger rollers that protect your kid’s fingers.

The draw length can be adjusted from 20 to 22 inches while the weight can be adjusted from 16 to 22 pounds. More adjustable models might last for long, but this is an excellent choice for kids between the ages of 6 and 9. The 60 to 70% let-off guarantee maximum comfort.

The compound bow lacks some accessories like a stabilizer, a D-loop, and a release aid. But these aren’t necessary since this model is not intended for hunting. The string is made of coated steel so it won’t break fast.

 

How to Choose the Best Compound Bow for Youth?

When you’re shopping for a new compound bow for your kid or someone who has a smaller frame, there are several factors that you should take into consideration.

Right or Left-Handed Archers:

It’s important to think about your child’s dominant hand before buying a compound bow. This will help them use the bow comfortably and will also allow them to improve their skills over time. Some models are only available for right-handed archers, and this can be a problem if your kid is left-handed.

Age:

Not all models are suitable for younger kids. Some compound bows are suitable for kids as young as 3 years old, while others are suitable for older teens and younger adults. Pay attention to the age recommendation set by the manufacturer.

Bow’s Weight:

A heavier bow will be a problem for your child. Kids can hold or control a heavy bow, and it will eventually strain their hands. This is usually a problem for very young kids who want to start experimenting with archery. It can even cause an injury.

Older kids might get away with holding a heavier model which is also going to be more durable. A very lightweight model will lack the accuracy and control so it may feel a little flimsy.

Draw Weight:

Heavy draw weights can cause injuries to your child or to an archer who lacks experience. A 4-year-old shouldn’t try to pull a weight more than 10 pounds. This is why a bow with an adjustable weight will be a good option.

For a kid who weighs less than 70 pounds, the perfect draw weight should never exceed 15 pounds. Older teens and young adults who weigh less than 150 pounds can handle a draw weight of 40 to 50 pounds.

Even if you are a beginner, you should start with a smaller weight to practice and work on your accuracy. Highly-adjustable bows are great value for money because they will last for long.

Draw Length:

The perfect draw length is calculated by measuring the entire arm span and dividing it by 2.5. An adjustable draw length is a great option as kids won’t outgrow the compound bow fast.

Most of the bows designed for kids and beginners with smaller frames have a smaller length range. A 10-year-old should be able to use an arrow with a draw length between 14 and 24 inches. Taller kids will need a longer draw length to be able to shoot comfortably.

 

The best left-handed compound bows for youth

You now know the top 10 compound bows for youth. However, if your young one is left-handed, most of the options reviewed above will not work for them. This is because about 80 percent of the reviewed bows are right-handed bows.
Nevertheless, there is nothing to worry about. In this section, you will discover the best left-handed compound bows for youth. These are bows that are specifically designed for left-handed people.

Top 5 left-handed Compound Bows for Youth

1.Bear Archery Cruzer G2

Bear Archery is a renowned brand. The brand is behind some of the most iconic bows on the market! This particular Bear Archery bow, the Cruzer G2, is known as one of the best compound bows for young people. It is this popular because it is lightweight and easy to hold and control. Beside that, it is also perfect for adults as it is quite powerful.

There are three things that make this lefty compound bow special.

First, it is a versatile bow. Your young one can use this bow for hunting, target practice, bow fishing, and even as a 3D archery bow. In other words, this bow is designed to do everything that you can reasonably expect a bow to do. The features that make this bow versatile include its lightweight 3-pound design and its impressive 315 FPS maximum arrow speed.

Second, it comes with plenty of accessories. Most bows that come with accessories often come with mediocre accessories. This particular bow is different. It comes with the famous Trophy Ridge Accessory package. This package has six quality hunting accessories including the powerful Trophy Ridge Sight, a peep sight and a nock loop.

The last thing that makes this bow special is that it comes with a lifetime warranty. Manufacturers usually offer a lifetime warranty only on very high-quality and durable products. Therefore, the fact that this bow has a lifetime warranty means it is a high-quality and durable item.

Summary Bear Archery Cruzer G2

This Bear Archery bow is ideal for young left-handed hunters. The main reason why is that it is lightweight and, therefore, easy for a young person to hold and use. Get it today if you are looking for a lightweight and powerful left-hand compound bow for a young person.

2.PSE Archery Mini Burner

This bow from PSE Archery (PSE) is among the best-rated left-handed compound bows for youth on Amazon. It is ideal for young people because of its design. Its minimum draw weight is 4 pounds and it weighs just 2.5 pounds. This means no young man or woman will have difficulties drawing or handling it. It is absolutely perfect for young people.

With regard to accessories, this bow comes with all the important accessories including three carbon arrows, an arrow rest, a quiver, a stabilizer, and a left-handed bow sight. You do not need to order any accessory for your young one to start using this bow.

Like many high-quality bows, this PSE bow is available in a variety of colors including the popular Mossy Oak Country camouflage color. If purchased in this camouflage color, this bow becomes virtually invisible when hunting in the woods.

It is also worth mentioning that this lefty compound bow comes with a lifetime warranty. This will definitely give you peace of mind especially if your young one is clumsy. Because a lifetime warranty almost always means free repairs until infinity.

Summary PSE Archery Mini Burner

Most compound bows considered to be for youth are just good enough for youth. In contrast, this one is specifically designed and built for youth. It is very lightweight and has a comfortable maximum draw weight for youth. It is the perfect compound bow for a young man or woman.

3.SAS Scorpii Left-Handed Compound Bow

This bow is manufactured by Southland Archery Supply (SAS) – an American archery equipment manufacturer renowned for quality bows. It is the perfect bow for the beginner because of several reasons.

First, it is quite lightweight and easy to use. No young archer will have trouble carrying this bow around, drawing it, or shooting it.

Second, it is quite powerful. Most compound bows designed for young people are not very powerful. While this one is not the most powerful compound bow, it has an impressive maximum arrow speed of 260 FPS. This means it is something that your young one can continue using as he or she grows older.

Third, it is a low maintenance bow. Most compound bows are high maintenance and require expensive professional maintenance every now and then. This bow being a low maintenance bow is a wonderful thing because it means it does not require expensive maintenance to continue working optimally.

Finally, it is has a very good sight. Most compound bows do not come with a good sight. So you have to order a new sight when you buy them. But this one is different. It comes with a quality 5-pin sight that is great for hunting and target practice. Your young one will love the experience of peeping through this sight before shooting at targets.

Summary SAS Scorpii Compound Bow

This bow is absolutely perfect for anyone looking for a quality compound bow for a beginner. It works wonderfully well and it is a great choice for young people. It is what you should buy if you are looking for a compound bow that your kid will grow with.

4.PSE Archery Stinger Max Pro Compound Bow

This is the second compound bow from PSE on this list. Like the previous one, this is also a quality bow. However, in contrast to the PSE Mini Burner bow discussed earlier, this bow is not a mini bow. It is a full size bow that is designed for the left hand archer.

It might be full-size but it is still lightweight enough for use by a young man or woman. There are two versions of this bow on the market. The most comfortable version is the 55-pound draw weight version. It is comfortable because it is easy to draw for young people. The other version is the more powerful 70-pound draw weight version, which is great for intermediate and seasoned hunters.

Probably the most amazing thing about this bow is how silent it is. Its quiet draw and vibration-eliminating grip make it perfect for hunting. Its impressive maximum arrow speed (312 FPS) also makes it perfect for hunting.

Like the PSE Mini Burner bow, this bow also comes with a lifetime warranty.

Summary PSE Archery Stinger Max Pro Compound Bow

While some beginners may be intimidated by the design and functioning of this bow, it is a powerful option for young archers. It is a powerful option because it is fast and it feels powerful when you hold it. Your son or daughter will certainly love holding, practicing, and hunting with this lefty compound bow.

5.PANDARUS Compound Bow for Youth

This left-hand oriented compound bow is perfect for young men and women. This is easy to see because it is compact, lightweight, and has a low poundage draw weight. It can also be used by adult women seeking a lightweight compound bow.

The bow is absolutely wonderful for youth target practice. This is because it is tough, extremely reliable, and quite powerful. No young person who loves bow target practice, target shooting, or tactical stuff will be unhappy when they receive this bow.

The bow weighs 2.5 pounds so it is quite lightweight. It is light enough for most young people including 13-year-old kids. In fact, even girls can quickly learn how to competently handle and use this bow.

This PANDARUS bow is quite reliable. Its reliability is thanks to its solid construction and high-quality components. The way this bow is constructed means it can handle many falls, bumps, or accidents without needing expensive repair.

The bow shoots arrows at a maximum speed of 260 FPS.

Summary PPANDARUS Compound Bow

This bow has all the qualities that will impress any archery enthusiast; it is fast, powerful, accurate and very reliable. It is the bow to gift any left-handed young man or woman to usher them into your world of archery or hunting.

Conclusion

The best compound bow for youth allows your kid to test and improve their archery skills. A good bow will help your kid see if they can take their archery game to the next level, without risking any injury. There are lots of amazing products on the market that cater to the needs of various users of all ages and levels. Make sure that you’re buying the right product that suits your kid’s age, weight, and level of experience.

 

More archery Blog articles

Enjoying practicing archery? Take a look at some of the most popular archery blog articles below. Oh, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to never miss on the next guides and the best deals!

Did you enjoy this article?

We hope you enjoyed reading this archery blog article and that you found it useful. If you have any suggestions or comments, do not hesitate to get in touch.

If you liked this archery blog article, why not share it on your social media to let your friends and fellow archers know!