Kids bows - Recurve or compound?

[Matt Weir]

Looking to buy the kids a bow kit and am pondering on whether to get this recurve or this compound or this compound

Any advice welcome. Pro's and con's of both types etc.

Thanks.

Edit: they will be pretty cheap jobbies by the way in the £20 - £30 region.

 

[SOAR]

I like the look of the Recurve, the compounds look complicated the way they are strung, Decathlon in Stockport has bows in my mate got one for his lad it can throw arrows as far as his bigger bow.

 

[Rob]

I would go for the recurve, over the compound.

I know that some compounds have quite a range of draw length available, but the recurve will be more flexible. It will grow with the archer.

 

[Grooveski]

Another vote for the normal bow.

Compounds have let-off at the end of the draw and if it's a bit big to begin with the kid wouldn't be able to make it back to the let-off area. There's nothing more awkward than trying to fire a compound when you're not making it back far enough.
Then on the other side of the coin when he/she outgrows the bow compounds just stop when they get to full draw, at least with the normal bow it can be pulled a bit beyond it's designed length and you might get another year out of it.

Where compounds come into their own for kids is when they're a bit bigger. You get ones with adjustable draw length and weight that can do a kid for years at the 12+ age range.

 

[Chainsaw]

I got the wee fella a recurve from Ronnie Sunshines may be worth a compare.

Cheers,

Alan

 

[Matt Weir]

Thanks Chaps,

I was actually thinking that a cheap compound may well show itself up for what it is as it seems more technical if you know what I mean whereas the recurve depends more on the archer and is simpler so should be fine.

 

[Matt Weir]

I got the wee fella a recurve from Ronnie Sunshines may be worth a compare.

Cheers,

Alan

Which one Alan?

 

[weekend_warrior]

You don't say how old your kids are, but I'd go for the 20lb one myself - make sure whatever you buy can be used right or left handed, unless you know their eye dominance. You'll need more arrows too - two won't last you 5 mins! I'm assuming you have somewhere safe to shoot with some kind of backdrop or net to stop the stray ones? Even a 20lb bow can do soem serious damage and shoot an arrowa good distance. Either way, I hope they enjoy it!

 

[Matt Weir]

They are 11 & 13 and are strong lads for their age (years of battering each other do that ) As for somewhere to shoot, there is the allotment, open fields on the doorstep and of course the meets and of course I'll supervise.

 

[Chainsaw]

Matt,

It's the 'stealth' recurve bow, not the robin hood or camo one. 50" Bow with a 21lb Draw Weight at 24" He's 11 but he's quite tall so shouldn't be too big and I think he should grow into it. As I understand it you can get away with not being able to pull a recurve better than a compound.

As for range safety, her indoors took a bit of convincing, as she has an irrational hatred of guns, knives, axes, saws (did she marry the wrong fella!) She agreed to it under the condition that the string disappeared when I wasn't around to supervise, he'll never be allowed out on his own with it. We've a fair sized garden we can shoot up towards the garage with tarp behind to catch strays. Or we'll go down the local playing fields which have a large embankment to shoot against. What a chore, "what you want to go shooting again, ach come on then!" heh heh

Makes a change from buying them video games!!

Alan

please note I'm in no way an archery expert, listen to other people before me, all I've learned is via listening to others and reading things, very little practical experience. Just thought I'd fire that caveat in before you assumed I was competent or anything!

 

[Ogri the trog]

They are 11 & 13 and are strong lads for their age

Matt, I'd say go for whatever they want, but think about going the second-hand route as you'll be wanting to sell theirs on before you know it.

Matt,
As for range safety, ....... She agreed to it under the condition that the string disappeared ................................ We've a fair sized garden we can shoot up towards the garage with tarp behind to catch strays.

Chainsaw,
please don't rely on a tarp being able to catch an arrow in flight. The "Stop nets" are made of kevlar, same as bullet proof vests, and will definately stop an arrow. Some tales of caution, my archery coach Don Ellis used to shoot a kids toy bow (one sold with sucker tipped dowels as arrows) and regularly hit gold at 100 yards, and I have shot some of my arrows through (scrap) car doors and old kitchen units - they are machines of war and need to be treated with much respect.

ATB

Ogri the trog

 

[Rob]

There are plenty of National Field Archery Society clubs in Lancs. If you PM me your nearest town I will see if there is anyone close.

NFAS archery tends to be pretty cheap. The kids will get insurance cover and some training (wife will be happier?) and, if you are lucky, you may have 365 days/year access to a bit of woods to shoot in.

I will second the comment about tarps. Dont rely on them to stop anything. You cant beat some straw bales though - just make sure you shoot from a reasonably close distance so you done really miss.

 

[Chainsaw]

good info about the tarps guys, it was more to take the energy out the arrow before it hit the house or garage that anything but it sounds like not a lot of energy will be removed! I've got a couple of those 1 ton builders bags made which I'll cut up and stitch together and then double layer that with the tarp.

Cheers,

Alan

 

[Rob]

We have made mobile targets using feed sacks stuffed with feed sacks. That works quite well.

If all you are protecting is the wall then the tarp and some extras should do it. I would be more worried about the arrow carnage when you only have a couple.

You have to remember that there is a lot of energy in an arrow, with a stick pushing the pointy end along you would be surprised what they will go through.

 

[Matt Weir]

Well,

The eldest isn't bothered but the youngest jumped at the idea so I've got him this as part of his christmas box.

 

[SimonM]

Hi Matt,

Just noticed this thread and if you need any gear i would ecommend Archery World at Preston. They are have a mini range and offer "have a go" sessions and full coaching if you need it.

http://www.archeryworld.co.uk/

I use them for school and have been very happy with the service to date.

I asked the same question about recurve or compound for my lad. The coach at Archery World answered "If you want him to learn to shoot properly, get him a recurve" Good choice made I think!

I have put a link to the National Field Archery Assc map page below - hope that helps to find a club!

http://www.nfas.net/maps/

Simon

 

[Matt Weir]

Cheers Simon :You_Rock_ There is one a couple of miles from me