Hey all, just joined today and I am seeking advice on what to get my son for his first bow for Christmas.
My dad (a hillbilly from KY), used to shoot as young boy in the Mts of KY. He has his old bow and now wants to buy my son (9) his first bow to go shoot with him at the local range nearby.
My question is what is a good bow (starter kit?) to buy him and what should he expect to pay? I saw Maddog archery and they have some kids bows for arounnd $95 but I dont think it includes the string, arrows, quiver....just the bow (dang they look nice).
Who can recommend something that is quality (wont break or fall apart in 1 month) that has everything but won't cost a ton of $ either. Looking for your thoughts and comment to help out with a christmas gift, from Granddaddy to grandson.
Thanks in advance!
http://www.3riversarchery.com/Youth+Archery+Bow+Sets++3Rivers+Recurve+%26+Arrow+Set_c16_s234_p0_i2450X_product.html
Can't go wrong with Maddog or 3rivers. Call them and they'll help you figure it out.
You really can't beat the bows from Mike at Maddog archery. I have four now for my sons and they are very nice bows. Price is very reasonable for a bow of that quality. String is included in price, but not arrows or quiver.
You can get a youth quiver and arrows, fingertab and armguard from 3 Rivers Archery.
I like GrayRhino's suggestion. Bow from Maddog and gear from 3Rivers.
My son started with just a fiberglass bow "Lil Soiux" when he was 6. It was good enough at the time.
At age nine though, I might suggest looking for a used 20# recurve, a Genesis bow, or one of Mike's bows. I think that if I were to do it over again, I might go the Genesis route. My son was shooting an Old Bear Recurve that was 25# @ 28" at about 9 years old (of course he didn't pull it 28"). He also had a Kuston King "Coyote" which served him well.
Below is him with the Bear recurve.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v166/BobCo/Stuff/000_0043.jpg)
black RHino bows....real nice longbows made especially for youngsters and they can trade up when they get older. I bought my nephew one and it's awesome. shoots a 1/4 wood arrow like a rocket too.
My advice is Mike at Maddog! The only problem is I think he's backed up until after Christmas... But I'd check with him! My 3 youngest are getting Pup longbows for Christmas and they arrived last Saturday. Mike's craftsmanship is excellent and I will be posting pictures later in December. As far as arrows, Mike suggested 1/4" birch dowels from Woodcrafters for shafts. I heeded his advice and put together 3 dozen (customized for each child... of course) dipped and crested arrows tipped with 1/4" field points available from 3 Rivers. I also made 3 quivers from various animal pelts (Trey's is bobcat, Ezra's is raccoon, and Ella's is sheepskin). I made custom armguards (again personalized)from scrap leather (old purses), antler, beads, and buttons available from my household stash. Again, I will post photos of these projects later in December.
Buy a Samick, great bow, more bang for the buck. 3Rivers stocks them but not all of the models.