Help!

My 11 ½ year old, Tyler, has expressed an interest in archery. He has learned the basics of using a bow in gym class and at camp. Francis (fish any time) and I were thinking about getting him a bow & arrow for Christmas but neither of us knows anything about bows, etc. What is a good youth model bow/set for a beginner? We don’t want to spend a lot until we know for sure that this isn’t just a passing fancy. I don’t want to spend more than $150. Less than that would be ideal. Thanks in advance for any help or advice.

Mission (An off-brand of Mathews) has an awesome bow that is perfect for growing kids as it has amazing versatility to change both draw length and poundage. I did a quick google search to find a link to it and actually found a great outdoor life article that should really help you out:

http://www.outdoorlife.com/articles/gallery/hunting/bowhunting/gear-accessories/2009/08/best-youth-bows?photo=1

It is a little more costly than what you were looking to spend, but IMO it is still a very reasonable price on a very good bow.

I’m not sure if you’re ever up in the Mille Lacs area, but if you are I highly reccomend taking a little extra time to make a stop at Greg’s Archery in Aitkin. He is both an archery hunter and former competition archery shooter who really knows his bows… He does all of his own set-ups and after dealing with him versus some of the help at various metro shops (nothing too bad just no where near as good)he’s the only person I’ll have working on my bow from now on. If you want to deal locally Capras off hwy 65 was the best place I’ve dealt with in the North Metro.

Hey Peggy,

I’ll send you a PM with my contact info. I’ve got an older technology bow that Tyler could use until he decides if he is really into archery hunting. I would suggest a new string for it and he would need to get fitted for arrows and a release. You’ll eat up that budget pretty quickly just on those items alone. This bow is not close to the technology of today’s bows, but it will kill deer and/or fling arrows at targets.

Things to keep in mind. The draw length might be too long for him. The lowest poundage may just be too much. 55lbs is bottom end.

I’d highly recommend a trip to Average Joe’s archery or some other local shop to get it “fitted” for him.

See PM.

I was worried about spending a chunk of money on a mission for my gf but the boys at schaeffers told me to try and find a used one online, they were out there but few and far between because they fit everyone so they are easy to sell. Good luck in your search