I'm looking at the Maddog recurve for my son.  He's currently shooting one of the "toy" fiberglass ones, pictured below.  His draw length is currently around 21" but I don't know what the weight of his current bow is.  I'd rather the bow I get him last him a couple years if possible so I'm wondering what weight to get him.  Was thinking 20# @ 24" but I figured I'd throw the question at the Gang and see what others think before I place the Christmas order.

Thanks in advance.

Here's Reed with his current bow, skinned by daddy.  (It came out ok and I know what to tweak when I get skins for mine)

Give St. Joe River Bows a shout, They make a lot of great youth recurves that not only look great but shoot ultra smooth!

Maddog Pup

My little girl casts another vote for the Maddog pup.

My grandson uses about the same, and he is eleven, and about 4'9" ft. Better too light than too heavy when they are starting.

maddog pup longbow. My son is 8 and has shot a 17@24 for the last 2 years. I currently have one on order for 25@24.

James

Maddog pup is on my list for my 5 year old. Nice looking little bows!

Gotta get my .02 in here... Started my son with Mike's Pup Recurve (at 5yo) and now moving onto his Pup Longbow (my boy is now 7). To say he's a great guy to work with, is an understatement. In fact, I too will be getting MY first longbow. I won the Midsize Mike posted for St Jude.      

I can't wait to see them!

Forgot to add:  His first bow was 20# @ 21", his new one will be 30# @ 24"; right now his length is just over 20"

Another vote for a Maddog Pup.

Thanks all for the suggestions.  Does the typical 3# per inch of draw still apply to the smaller bows?  If he's pulling 21" right now and I get him a 20# @ 24, will he be pulling roughly 15#?

Some great advice and some great bower's on here that make children's bows. But seeing how you said that you were looking at Maddog Pup's I would suggest giving Mike a quick call. That's what I did and he answered all my first time questions and his prices are vary affordable too.

In Sponsors Classifieds...

Protege Lil Hunter - 46" length. Right hand pull. 15#@22, 18#@24". Ideal or 18-22" draws...with a maximum draw of 24." Ideal for kids ages 5-12 depending on their size...as long as they do not draw over 24". The riser is cocobolo, 1/4" phenolic reinforcement, and wenge with an overlay of bocote on the back side. The limbs are clear glass back and belly with bamboo on the back side and red elm on the belly side. The grip is elk hide and is hand stitched. Tip overlays are phenolic and bocote and this bow comes with a dynaflight97 bowstring and siliencers. Priced at $225 + shipping. Video...  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSTTuaknDuw


Link

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=48;t=001526