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Bowhunting requires equipment that matches both the hunter's skill level and physical capabilities. Our guide reviews the Mathews Youth Bow, designed specifically for younger hunters and those who prefer a lighter draw weight. This comprehensive overview examines its key features, performance, and suitability for young bowhunters.

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Reviews

Daisy Youth Compound Bow

If you're new to archery, the Daisy Compound Bow is a solid choice that makes it easy to get started. With its adjustable pull and ambidextrous design, you can find the right setup for your draw length. The included arrows and basic sights make it a practical package for beginners, even though some advanced features could be better. Overall, it's a decent budget bow that works well for casual practice.

Genesis Bow in Teal RH

Combining durability with ease of use, the Genesis Original features an aluminum riser that provides the perfect balance between weight and resilience. The single-cam design makes it incredibly intuitive to shoot, with consistent performance that helps new archers develop good form from the start. Coming in at just 5.35 pounds, the bow is surprisingly responsive for its size, making it surprisingly capable for an entry-level setup that won't feel too heavy for growing hands.

PSE Bow Kit Uprising Youth

This highly adjustable compound bow lets you choose between 14 and 30 inches of draw length and 34 to 70 pounds of draw weight. It shoots arrows at 310 feet per second and weighs just 3.2 pounds. Built for comfort, it has a 4.6-inch diameter and stands 6.62 inches tall.

Centerpoint Archery ABY1721 Elkhorn Youth Compound Bow

This well-regarded youth compound bow from CenterPoint combines durable composite limbs with an intuitive design that makes it accessible for new shooters. At just under 3 feet long and weighing less than 5 pounds, it's surprisingly manageable for its intended 7-12 year old audience, though older kids might find it a bit light on draw weight. The included accessories, from spare arrows to sights, help new archers get started without breaking the bank.

Bear Archery Brave Youth Bow

While the Brave Youth Bow comes with some decent accessories like a Whisker Biscuit arrow rest and two Safetyglass arrows, the execution falls short of expectations. The claimed draw length and weight adjustments don't match reality, with many reporting maximum draw weight of just 15 lbs instead of the advertised 25 lbs. Installation issues include a poorly fitting sight pin and unreliable finger rollers that move during use, making consistent shots difficult. Despite its heritage, this Bear bow falls flat, particularly for older children who need more than basic functionality.

Diamond Edge Max Compound Bow Package

The Diamond Edge Max Compound Bow brings serious archery performance to the table with its 31-inch length and adjustable draw length from 16 to 31 inches. At just 7.125" brace height, it delivers impressive 314 feet per second velocity, making it a standout in its class. Pair this efficient shooter with premium Octane accessories, and you're ready for anything from local targets to outdoor hunts.

Genesis Original Bow Right Handed

The Genesis right-handed bow kit combines a durable aluminum riser with a fiber-reinforced composite limb design for both youth and adult shooters. Its single-cam architecture with consistent draw weight makes it exceptionally user-friendly, while the lightweight 3.5-pound mass and smooth shooting performance make it enjoyable for beginners. The included flipper-style arrow rest, color-matched quiver, and five target arrows provide everything needed to start shooting immediately.

PSE Guide Youth Compound Bow

The PSE Guide Youth Compound Bow is an well-regarded choice for young archers, featuring a sturdy yet manageable draw weight that ranges from 12 to 29 pounds. Its adjustable draw length accommodates users from 16.5 to 26 inches, making it suitable for significant growth in skill and strength. While some users have noted issues with the stock arrow rest and sight, the bow pairs well with heavier poundage settings when properly configured, allowing for increased speed and accuracy as the user develops their technique.

Diamond Atomic Bow Package

This compact youth bow combines smooth performance with remarkable adjustability, letting shooters fine-tune every aspect to match their growing abilities. Built for longevity, the machined aluminum construction feels premium despite its lightweight frame. The included quiver system and optics help young archers get set up quickly, making this more than just a kid's bow—it's a reliable companion through years of development.

Crosman Elkhorn Youth Compound Bow

This well-built compound bow combines a durable lightweight design with accurate shooting performance, making it an ideal introduction to archery for young enthusiasts. The included two-piece quiver and basic sighting equipment allow quick setup, while spare arrows and protective accessories help ensure reliable practice sessions. Whether you're a beginner just getting started or helping a child develop their skills, the Crosman Elkhorn delivers solid value without breaking the bank.

Diamond Infinite 305 Left Hand Bow

The Diamond Infinite 305 delivers impressive performance with its smooth draw and quiet release, making it suitable for shooters of all skill levels. With adjustable draw length and weight, it's equally at home in the hands of a beginner as it is in the field with experienced hunters. The lightweight design and responsive cam system contribute to its accuracy and handling, while the included accessories like the Furnace quiver and Stryker sight make it a comprehensive package for both youth and adult archers.

PSE Mini Burner Compound Bow

The PSE Mini Burner delivers exceptional value as a growing archer's first compound bow. Its adjustable draw length and weight accommodate shooters from 16 to 26 inches, with settings ranging from 4 to 40 pounds. While some buyers report minor issues with packaging and shipping, the bow itself receives high praise for its quality construction and smooth performance. The included 3-pin sight, 5-arrow quiver, and adjustable stabilizer make it a comprehensive starting point for both children and small adults transitioning to compound archery.

Buyer's Guide

Choosing the right youth bow for your young archer can significantly impact their development and enjoyment of the sport. This guide outlines key features and considerations to help you select an appropriate youth bow, ensuring safety and promoting proper technique.

Ergonomic Design

Look for a bow with a grip that fits the natural hand position of young archers, typically featuring a smaller diameter and shorter length. The grip should allow for a secure but relaxed hold, with easy access to the release mechanism.

Weight and Draw Length

Begin with a bow weight between 15-18 pounds for younger archers and adjust based on individual strength, typically increasing by 2 pounds per year. The draw length should accommodate the archer's stature, usually ranging from 21-26 inches.

Cocking Mechanism

Consider a bow with a smooth cocking mechanism to ease stringing and drawing, especially for younger or less muscular archers. Features like a thumb tab or dedicated cocking loop can make the initial pull more manageable.

Brace Height and Recurve Design

The brace height (distance from the string to the grip) should be around 75-85% of the archer's draw length, allowing proper hand position. A slight recurve shape can provide better energy transfer while maintaining an ergonomic profile.

FAQ

What ages are Mathews Youth Bows suitable for?

Mathews Youth Bows are specifically designed for young archers, typically ranging from ages 8 to 14. The size and weight of these bows make them ideal for developing archers who are still growing and learning proper shooting techniques.

Before purchasing, it's important to have proper sizing done by a certified archery instructor to ensure the bow matches the archer's height and draw length, regardless of their age.

What are the main differences between Mathews Youth and Adult Bows?

Mathews Youth Bows feature lighter draw weights and shorter overall lengths compared to adult models. These design choices account for a young archer's strength and muscle development while maintaining the same features and performance characteristics that Mathews is known for.

The recommended draw weight for youth bows ranges from 10 to 20 pounds less than what would be suitable for an adult of the same height, with specific recommendations based on the archer's size and strength.

Can a child outgrow a Mathews Youth Bow quickly?

While a well-fitted Mathews Youth Bow will typically last 2-3 years for active users, a child's growth rate can vary significantly. Archers who grow rapidly or reach their full height earlier may need a new bow sooner, while those with slower growth patterns might get more use from their current bow.

Regular check-ups with an archery instructor to assess proper fit and form are crucial, as the bow's size and weight need to remain appropriate for the archer's changing physical capabilities.

What maintenance do Mathews Youth Bows require?

Basic maintenance for Mathews Youth Bows includes regular inspection of the limbs, riser, and cams for damage or wear, along with cleaning the string and nocking points after each use. The bow should be strung using the correct string and nocks recommended by Mathews.

Loose parts like safety tips and knock indicators should be checked monthly for tightness, and the bow should be kept in a dry environment when not in use to prevent damage to the composite materials.

How much do Mathews Youth Bows typically cost?

Entry-level Mathews Youth Bows usually range from $150 to $250, while mid-range bows with additional features can cost between $250 and $400. High-end competition models designed for competitive archers can exceed $400.

Cost can vary based on specific model features, warranty options, and where the bow is purchased. Many retailers offer financing plans that can help spread the cost over several months.

What warranty does Mathews offer on their Youth Bows?

Mathews typically offers a warranty that covers manufacturing defects for 2 years from the date of purchase. This warranty can be extended with proof of purchase and registration within 60 days of the bow's purchase date.

The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, accidents, or damage from improper use. It's important to note that warranty terms can vary slightly between different models and may change over time, so always check the specific terms for your model.