The Best Youth Bows for Every Age: A Guide for Parents
Choosing the right bow is key to creating a positive archery experience and sparking a lifelong passion for the sport. At Escalade Sports, we offer high-quality youth bows through the trusted Bear Archery brand known for its commitment to safety, performance, and craftmanship designed specifically for young archers over the last 90 years.
Knowing when to start your child and which bow to choose can feel overwhelming. That’s where this guide comes in. Whether you’re shopping for a four-year-old’s first bow or helping a tween move up to the next level, this guide breaks down everything parents need to know to get started with confidence.
When Can Kids Start Archery?
Most children can begin learning basic archery skills around ages 4 to 5, depending on their strength, coordination, and attention span. The most important factors are adult supervision, proper form, and the right equipment.
Key Safety Tips:
· Always supervise young archers closely.
· Start with lightweight, age-appropriate bows.
· Use targets in safe, open areas.
· Teach range rules and safety from the start.
Choosing the Right Bow by Age Group
Best Youth Bow for Ages 4-7:
Valiant Youth Bow
The Valiant is a ready-to-shoot starter bow for kids ages 4-7 who are just getting into archery. With a continuous draw weight of up to 16.5 lbs. and a continuous draw length of up to 18”, the Valiant is perfect for young beginners while offering room to grow. It comes complete with two arrows, a finger roller, a durable arrow rest, and offered in two vibrant colors.
Apprentice Youth Bow
The Apprentice is the perfect first bow for young archers aged 4-7. With a continuous draw weight of 13.5 lbs. and a continuous draw length up to 24”, it is designed to offer a smooth experience that builds confidence with every shot. It comes equipped with two arrows, finger rollers, and a reliable arrow rest. Additionally, it is offered in two bold colors.
Goblin Youth Bow
The Goblin is a beginner’s bow crafter for archers ages 4-7. With a continuous draw weight of 15-18 lbs. and a continuous draw length range of 22-24”, it offers the right blend of power and flexibility for growing shooters. It comes packed with essentials such as arrows, a sight pin, finger rollers, an armguard, an arrow quiver, and offered in a solid green finish.
Best Youth Bow for Ages 8-12:
Brave Youth Bow
The Brave is a ready-to-shoot starter bow made for kids ages 8–12. With a continuous draw weight up to 25 lbs. and a continuous draw length up to 19.5", it’s designed to grow with young archers. Comes complete with arrows, a Whisker Biscuit rest, 1-pin sight, and finger rollers plus five fun color options to choose from.
Spark Youth Bow
The Spark is a lightweight bow built for young beginners ages 8-12. With an easy-to-handle 10 lb. continuous draw weight and a 25” continuous draw length, the Spark is perfect for learning early skills. It comes with core essentials including arrows, a Whisker Biscuit, a sight pin, and available to two eye-catching color options.
Best Youth Bow for Ages 13+:
Warrior Youth Bow
The Warrior is a bow built for young archers aged 13 and up. With a solid 29 lb. draw weight and a 25” draw length, the Warrior delivers power and precision for those ready to step up their game. It comes geared up with arrows, dependable arrow rest, 1-pin sight, finger rollers, an armguard, a durable arrow quicker, and can be found in a camo finish.
Flash Youth Bow
The Flash is a sleek, confidence-building bow designed for young archers ages 13 and up. With a continuous draw weight of 18 lbs. and a 24” continuous draw length, it delivers a smooth performance. It comes with key gear such as arrows, a Whisker Biscuit, 1-pin sight, finger rollers, armguard, and arrow quiver. The Flash is offered in two standout colors.
When It’s Time to Upgrade
As your young archer gains experience, confidence, and strength, it may be time to upgrade to a full-size compound or traditional bow. Look for signs like:
· Maxing out current draw length or weight
· Expressing interest in competitions or hunting
When you're ready to level up, visit BearArchery.com to explore advanced bows that combine performance, heritage, and innovation.