Your thoughts: A good, inexpensive youth bow?

[Archie]

I'm looking for a way to help a young man (13) in our church whose dad has no part in his life.  His mom told me this week that he wants to learn to hunt with a bow, and since I'm a friend of theirs and the only one around who does much archery... can I teach him?  

I think it's a great idea, and a great way for him to have fun and learn a skill, without getting into trouble.  So I'm looking for some advice on where to find a decent bow that's not too expensive, but good enough to learn with.  I've always focused on high-end equipment (although I'm no pro), so don't know much about lower-to-midrange bows.  I'm looking for a recurve, used is fine, 35-40#, up to 60".  I'm thinking $100-$150 max.  Any ideas?  Can I get away cheaper without regretting my purchase?

[dorris]

a bear grizzly or kodiak older bow would be a excellent bow to start they soot well and are useally in your price range . there are some martins and others out there that would do well . put a add on the classified section on here and I am sure you will find one that will fit what you need .there is a elk ridge bow on the classifieds for sale around 38 lbs i beleive I had one and there a great custum bow and a inexpensive one at that and has the preformance of a higher end bow .

[Stone Knife]

I have bought a couple lower poundage used bows for under $80 One was a bear and the other a Ben Pearson. There are a lot of good used bow out there look on the action site, if they aren't highly collectible you can do well there.

[T Folts]

Archie
I am sure someone here has a bow for the boy. I will see what I have at home this evening. I know I have heavier bows but I am not sure about the 35-40lb range, if I have something it is his.

Terry

[katie]

Maddog Traditional Archery  www.tradstore.com/mta
Mike will make you a custom at that price.  I have one and another on the way.  Great bows, great guy.

[dhaverstick]

Sipsey River Archery usually has a good supply of kid bows at under $100. I think they are a sponsor too.

[Dave Bulla]

Check the big on line auction sites.  What you described for weight puts you smack into the middle of the cheap price range.  That is, lower than what most grownups want for a hunting weight bow and therefore in less demand so you can get them cheap...

I've been stocking up on bows for my kids so that I have them when they grow into them.  I've bought about 8 or so recurves in that weight range in the last couple of years and never paid more than $80 for any of them.  We're talking good to near mint condition, used, older recurves like Herters, Wing, Pearson etc.  Even got a couple of Bear bows in that weight and price range but the Bears tend to run a bit highter in price due to demand with collectors.

[Ghost Dog]

Great Northern Bowhunting makes a great youth bow which they sell at cost.

 http://www.gnbco.com/

[GrayRhino]

Howdy Arch.

[Archie]

Guys, thanks for all the help.  I've got some good leads now.  Things look to be shaping up pretty good.  Thanks!

[BamBooBender]

What's his draw length?  I have a pearson cougar 44@28 62" that I'd be more than happy to send to you if you want it.

[Archer Fanatic]

I have a Hoyt Master t/d that he can have.  It is 58" in lenght and 40# @ 28" draw. It does need a new dacron string though. If you will e-mail me you address I will get it in the mail next week. Archer Fanatic (Mike Mahan)

[JBiorn]

Check gilalongbowcompany.com as well. I have a Gila bow and LOVE it.

[Archie]

Hey, everyone --

I couldn't have asked for a better bunch of information.  And the guys who have offered to give bows to me for him.... thanks a bunch.  You're obviously not of the selfish crowd!

Here's the update:  I talked with him (let's call him John) Saturday and set up a time to go out and figure out what length he draws and an approximate draw weight.  Then when I called before picking him up, there was no answer on the phone.  I haven't seen or heard from him since, and neither he nor his mom was in church Sunday (which is a little odd).  I explained the situation to a guy at a local "bulk" sporting goods store and he said that he'll let us determine his draw length there and play with some draw weights, even though we won't be getting a bow from them.  This is going to be a learning process for me, as well, but I'm already enjoying it.  

If we do take anyone up on your offer for a bow for him, I want it to fit him, and be useful.  My guess is that he'll draw at 24-26" and be able to handle 30-35 lbs.  He's 5' tall and of average size and weight.