My 8 year old son wants a new bow for christmas. He has been shooting a barnett little banshee compound all summer, using fingers, glass arrows, and the very loose one pin sight that comes with it. He can draw the 18lb bow he has pretty easily but the draw length is way too long for him. He has gotten pretty good and I want to get him something that will help him build his confidence as well as hone his skills. Please let me know the pros and cons of any youth bows you have purchased. Thanks, Wayne
Wayne, Not sure what the lad can handle yet as far as draw poundage and length but the Diamond Edge has adjust-ability from 19-29" in it's 29 lb bow. If he outgrows the 29 lbs the same bow is available in 60 lbs when the time comes and it also adjusts from 19-29" draws. This will accommodate the lad for a very long time. http://www.diamondarchery.com/bow_razoredge_2010.php
Wayne....I had my shop's first 2010 bow in my hands today, unfortunately it wasn't my Destroyer. It was the bow that they claim that they are the most excited about, the Soldier. It's a binary version of the Razor Edge. It's adjustable from 22" to 29" and from 30 lbs to 65 lbs. It's another option, and would be very similar to the Razor Edge, if he can pull 30 pounds as that is where the step is for the two different limb wts on the Diamond, you may want to check this. If he can't the Razor Edge is the way to go for sure. The part that the shop is excited about is that it's very value priced, they expect to sell a bunch and I agree. http://www.bowtecharchery.com/bow_soldier.php
Totally agree with the Diamond Razor Edge. Purchased one for my daughter and neither of us could be happier!
OK My 12 yr old has the Diamond good bow with out a doubt. My 14 yr old has pretty much decided he wants a different one. He shot a Parker Buckshot. Also a good bow, just as adjustable as the Diamond. I honestly couldnt tell you which one is better. The Diamond has more of the new bow look. They both shoot the same. Parker will update the limbs for $49 I dont know what diamond wants.
The limb upgrade is available for $50 through an authorized BowTech dealer... love that program. The Diamond Razor's Edges and Soldiers come with the Invelvet coating, which I think is a very cool touch and good value for the money, among all the other reasons. It's actually such a nice bow that a ton of them are sold to women and younger male adults as well.
IMHO, the best youth bow on the market is the Mission Menace as it simple can't be outgrown and can be set up for anyone from a beginner child to a hunting adult. $250 retail. Adjustable draw length from 17-30" with only a single allen wrench and no press. Adjustable draw weight from 16-52 #'s. It's a bow that they can grow with and shoot into adulthood. I set up my daughters bow for my 30" DL at 52 #'s and wouldn't hesistate to take it out hunting myself. Shoots very nice and quiet. My 9 y/o son shot his first buck a couple weeks back with it set at 22" DL and 40#'s with a draw lock I made for it.
I wish I had one of those when I was a kid. My first bow I hunted rabbits with around our farmhouse, first one I hit, the arrow actually bounced off, I was pissed!!! That mission menace looks awesome, kinda pricey but you wouldn't have to keep upgrading.
Another vote for the Razor Edge. I bought one for both my kids this past year when they were 8 & 11...camo for my son, and pink and black for my daughter! They are AWESOME bows, no doubt.
