“Help! My kid wants to take up archery. I don’t want to break the bank so can you tell me if there are any bows less than $200?”
This is a common question asked by many parents that want to support their child’s enthusiasm in the sport of archery. However dishing out a great deal of money for equipment is a turn-off for some parents. If you’re in this situation don’t fear! There are some terrific starter bows to keep your kids loving the sport and still leaving some bills left in your wallet.
Some well known bow brands such as Mathews, Barnett, Bear, Genesis, Diamond and PSE all offer youth bows for under $200. The big advantage today’s youth bow offer those of a decade ago is their large range of adjust ability. Unlike your children’s clothing your kids won’t soon grow out of these bows very quickly. I researched a total of 8 different bows, all under $200, that would be a great start for your beginner archer. Here are the best kids bows under $200.
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- The Genesis, which is the official bow of the NASP (The National Archery in Schools Program), is one of only two models I found which is offered for left-handed shooters. Genesis offers the bow in camo with a 10-20 lb draw weight, 15-30 inch draw length, and a price tag of $179.99. Genesis also offers a Pro model which goes up to 25 lbs draw weight and feature an adjustable draw stop.
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- There were two bows that offered left-handed model bows. The PSE Discovery 2 is a great bow with some cool features. The bow is quickly becoming a top choice among the bowfishing community. The PSE Discovery 2 is at the top of the range at $199.99 for the bow only and features a draw weight of 20-29 lbs and a draw length of 12-30”.
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- Diamond offers a youth Diamond Archery Atomic Bow for $199.99. The package includes a 3-pin sight, 3 arrows, quiver, Hostage XL Capture arrow rest and peep sight. The Atomic has a 6-29lb draw weight and 12-24” draw length. This bow is a great option for an older youth that can utilize the 3-pin sight.
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- Bear Warrior camo youth is available in 24-29lb draw weight and 19-25 inch draw length for $99.99. The package includes a Whisker Biscuit, one-pin sight, 2 piece arrow quiver, 2 arrows, finger tab, and armguard.
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- Barnett Vortex Lite youth bow has an 18-29lb draw weight and 22-25” draw length for $99.99 and comes with 3 arrows.
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- The Barnett Tomcat youth bow rings up at $79.99, has a 16-22lb draw weight, 21-23 inch draw length, and includes 2 arrows.
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- PSE also offers a little lighter weight model in their Guide youth bow. The bow is priced at $69.99, comes with a 12-29lb draw weight and 16.5 – 26 inch draw length. This model includes an arm guard, 2 arrows, 3 finger rollers, pin sight and an arrow rest. This bow is out-of the-box ready to shoot for your little archer.
I suggest before purchasing a bow, take your child to a local archery shop or check with your child’s school for NASP program and allow them to see other children shooting. Inquire at the local archery shop if there are beginner classes available with coaches trained to teach children the proper techniques in archery. Better archery shops will have demo bows your child can try to determine best fit.
Whichever bow you, and your little archer, choose to purchase, it is important to always supervise your child as well as coach them in good bow safety. Teach a child to shoot a bow– there is nothing more rewarding.
