Am I thinking straight about bow weight?

[dposalski]

I am thinking about getting my 12 yr old boy a nicer bow for his 13th birthday.  His current draw is 23 inches.  So follow me here.  

40# @ 28=  5 inches shorter X 2-3#- -10-15 pounds making this bow 25-30# at his draw length.

Is this a good place for him?  As he grows and his draw length lengthens, he can still use this bow.

Thoughts?  

[Bjorn]

I got my 12 year old a 50@ 28 which he still shoots at 17, so yeah you are thinking right, and just make sure that the weight is comfortable for him NOW, and be prepared to change when he wants. My son shoots almost daily, and has since 10 years old.

[dposalski]

I let him try my 50# last night and it was just a bit too tough for him to get to his anchor.  I was thinking about a 40# so that I can play with it when he isn't.    

[Ryan Sanpei]

You are thinking straight about the draw weight.  If 50 at 28 is too heavy, then yes dropping down in poundage would be a good idea.  The lighter, the better.  It's easier to teach good form with a lighter bow.  It's also more enjoyable for a teenager to shoot.
Depending on how much you want to spend, you could always buy a three pc bow.  Then you could buy different limbs later.

[Bjorn]

Upper body strength varies all over the map with 11-13 year olds. Don't overbo him.

[dposalski]

I have a samick one at 28lbs that he has no issues with.  It is one of those that has the purty milk-colored white limbs.  I am just looking for the next step for him.

[Cory Mattson]

Yes - thought out properly and makes sense. We have done exactly that with a bunch of kids. Amazing how quickly they can handle 40# too - won't be long.
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[Orion]

Yep, I agree, you're on the right track.  With the 40# draw weight at 28 inches, you're more likely to lose closer to 2# per inch rather than 3#, so it will likely be closer to 30# at his draw length.  Good luck.

[Bowwild]

As long as he can get to anchor with ease without leaning towards the bow and negatively impacting his form.  You math is in the right direction but I don't know if all bows would maintain a steady loss or gain as the draw length from the weighted length is varied?   The great thing about TD bows is you can get different weight limbs without buying and getting used to an entirely different bow.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

I agree with S2 Bowstrings......get him a take down with 40# limbs and you could get new limbs when he gets stronger. More bow....less money in the long run.

[Covey]

My son is 12 and he shoot's a 40# @ 28' he pulls around 22 or 23 and he shoot's it just fine. Purdy dang good shot I might add!! Jason

[dposalski]

So as far as takedowns go, any recommendations?  I know there are bows from $400-1000 and more, but what about for under $200?

Covey, what is your son shooting?

[macksdad]

Martin makes a T/D that has an aluminum riser I think you can get it from #35 to #55 lb configuration cabelas sells it for $149 it's nothin fancy but decent for the money.

[GrayRhino]

Take a look at Maddog bows by Mike Mecredy.  He is a tradgang sponsor and makes great bows for a very reasonable price.  

This is my 13 year old son with his new birthday bow.  It is 42 @ 28 and 60" long.  He is drawing about 26", so holding around 38#.  Mike said this 'midsize longbow' can be drawn out to 30" so it should last him a few years.

His last bow was a one piece Maddog midsize longbow, 56", and 32 @ 27.  He was almost maxing it out with his draw length so it was time for an upgrade.  

This is a great bow for him.  Very light in mass weight, good size grip for his hand, good looking, good shooting, and one that he can grow with for a few years.

 

[dposalski]

Great pic.  thanks for the suggestion.