Post by JerseyHunter on Sept 2, 2007 12:38:16 GMT -5
To learn more about the decisions that have to be made by a parent, we picked the brain of someone who's been through the process a couple of times. Bob Mizek, of New Archery Products, has two sons who are at different stages of their archery evolution. As a participant in AMO's council on expanding the sport, called "Right on Target", Bob is also a great source of practical ideas on how to get young people into archery.
Draw weights
Mizek concedes that there are really two levels of youth bows. First are the entry-level models and second are upgrades for the young person who has proven a serious interest in the sport. In the first category, Mizek recommends keeping the draw weight very low. "Fifteen to twenty pounds is more than enough for most children under age 10," he said. "These should be extremely short and lightweight bows because the muscle development on these young people isn't sufficient to handle a bow that weighs much more than 1 ½ to 2 pounds."
In the second category, bows designed for more experienced archers, or first bows for young teen-agers, Mizek recommends draw weights in the range of 25 to 45 pounds. Bows of 50 pounds and over are best left to strong-framed young people (probably boys) over the age of 14 or 15.
Draw length
The ideal bow will grow with the child. It should have a modular or highly adjustable draw length system. This will help the parent who has to make the bow fit a fast-growing body or adjust the bow later for other children.
Mass weight
Youth bows should be light to carry and easy to hold at full draw. A heavy bow is difficult to aim at low draw weights. Very light bows in the range of two pounds or less are great for starters. Bows weighing more are acceptable for upgrades.
Axle-to-axle length
Again, bows sized for children are the only choice. Axle-to-axle lengths of less than 35 inches are preferable. The best starter bows for young shooters will be closer to 30 inches in length.
Grip size:
The proper youth bow should have a small grip to accommodate the small hands of young shooters. If the grip fits your hand it's too large for a child
Draw weights
Mizek concedes that there are really two levels of youth bows. First are the entry-level models and second are upgrades for the young person who has proven a serious interest in the sport. In the first category, Mizek recommends keeping the draw weight very low. "Fifteen to twenty pounds is more than enough for most children under age 10," he said. "These should be extremely short and lightweight bows because the muscle development on these young people isn't sufficient to handle a bow that weighs much more than 1 ½ to 2 pounds."
In the second category, bows designed for more experienced archers, or first bows for young teen-agers, Mizek recommends draw weights in the range of 25 to 45 pounds. Bows of 50 pounds and over are best left to strong-framed young people (probably boys) over the age of 14 or 15.
Draw length
The ideal bow will grow with the child. It should have a modular or highly adjustable draw length system. This will help the parent who has to make the bow fit a fast-growing body or adjust the bow later for other children.
Mass weight
Youth bows should be light to carry and easy to hold at full draw. A heavy bow is difficult to aim at low draw weights. Very light bows in the range of two pounds or less are great for starters. Bows weighing more are acceptable for upgrades.
Axle-to-axle length
Again, bows sized for children are the only choice. Axle-to-axle lengths of less than 35 inches are preferable. The best starter bows for young shooters will be closer to 30 inches in length.
Grip size:
The proper youth bow should have a small grip to accommodate the small hands of young shooters. If the grip fits your hand it's too large for a child