Kids Longbow or Recurve? Preference?

[joebuck]

Hogdancer and I are going to crank out some kids' bow this summer for our personal charitable needs. Question is for kids in the target age 6-12...do kids prefer a longbow design or recurve? We're only going to make 1 style. Bow will probably be 48".

[Manitoba Stickflinger]

Recurve or longbow as long as they know where to place their bow hand. In that I mean a handle that more resembles that of a recurve which doesn't make the shooter guess where to hold the handle but rather forces the hand into position. Perhaps a hybrid style longbow.

[bayoulongbowman]

Joey , Id like to donate some arm guards and gloves , let me know bud. mark    

[joebuck]

Thanks Mark, we're probably just going to stock the neighborhood kids first to cut down on ferrel cat problem.    

Do kids string their own bows? If not i might lean towards a hybrid. This is my first time around with kids and takin them shooting. I have never seen a kids recurve? 48" 15#?....my 6 year old loves Hogdancer's daughter's bow so I have got to do something quick.

[bayoulongbowman]

Hickory & cherrywood makes great starter longbow , also easier to string .oh yeah, get bunch of Ballons , you put candy in them too. Ballons thats key trust me..                  

[Jerry Jeffer]

I don't think kids that age have a preference. I think what ever you give them to learn with is what they will adapt to.

[Orion]

I agree that kids will shoot whatever you give them.  Also, that it's important that it's clear where to grip the bow and place the arrow.  Might take a look at the Bear "Little Bear" for a model/inspiration.  They turn up on the auction site quite often.  Very nicely proportioned 20# plus or minus, 48-inch bow.