Author Topic: Bow for 9 year old (Read 769 times)

farmplinker · « **on:** November 21, 2003, 02:43:02 AM »

I'm looking for advice regarding what bow or type of bow to get my 9 year old son for Christmas. I don't hunt with a bow, and haven't shot a bow since Jr. High school, so I don't have any experience. I don't know if he'll ever hunt with a bow or not, and I'm not looking that far down the road. I'd just like something that he can use to learn to shoot.

I measured his arm length (length from his throat to the tips of his fingers with both hands together in front of him), and it is 22". I had him pull a fishing scale I have, which tops out at 15 lb.. He could pull it the whole way, but I don't know how much extra he had in him. I'd guess he would be able to pull a little more.

Is a recurve bow the best way to start archery shooting, or is a compound bow the best? I don't know enough about archery to know which one is best to learn on.

I'd appreciate any advice.

Bob/FLA · « **Reply #1 on:** November 21, 2003, 04:44:32 AM »

Well, let me get my plug in for traditional shooting. I started my son when he was 5 on a 20lb recurve. By shooting clumps of grass and leaves on the ground, he got so good he could hit anything he wanted. He has since moved to a "mans" bow and was given the choice of any bow he wanted. He chose a recurve and wood arrows.

Can he go out and hit anything he wants any time he wants...NO! He has to practice! But in his words, "It's not about getting meat, it's about working for it."

Good luck!

chuckeye · « **Reply #2 on:** November 22, 2003, 05:26:46 AM »

Well this is just a personal prefrence but I like to start youngsters with a recurve. It's my belief that as a youngster grows that he can shoot the recurve longer and more effectively than a coumpound.

Regardless of your choice of style of bow be careful not to "overbow" him. To much weight can cause problems down the road. Proper fit and good fundamentals are very important to a beginning archer. If there is a pro shop nearby I would recomend that you to take him there and talk to them. They will be able to measure him and fit him properly but don't buy something he will grow into in a year or so. Another advantage to a pro shop is that they will be able to teach him the fundamentals of shooting. As in all sports the proper fundamentals will make the difference in his abilities and enjoyment of the sport. Another thing that you can check for at the pro shop is to see if there is a joad program or another developmental program available. Joad is a junior Olympic program but it is fun for the youngster and a great way to learn and develop a shooting style. Good luck

chuckeye

woodsdweller · « **Reply #3 on:** November 24, 2003, 02:32:30 PM »

i bought my 9 year old daughter a hoyt banshee it is a great system that will grow with them. it comes with different modules to use when they grow. it will go from 15 to 50 # in draw weight. look for a near by hoyt dealer and check it out. it comes in camo or blue and red. you cant go wrong with all the adjustments. i was impressed. it can be set up with everything sights,rest,and stablizer.

Sam · « **Reply #4 on:** November 30, 2003, 01:54:07 PM »

Look at the new Genesis bow. It has an adjustable draw length so anyone can shoot it! It is a bow your son can grow with and not outgrow. The poundage is such where it will outshoot a recurve bow at the same draw weight. It is definately worth a look!