302w 83 Posted November 9, 2015 My girlfriend is obsessed with learning Archery and I'm looking to buy her a bow for Christmas. I am looking into kids bows because she's a tad under 5'5" so a 26" (that seems short?) draw is good. I understand that the proper method is to measure armspan but that would give it away. I would like to buy an entry level cheapo bow, so if she gets into it I can buy her a real bow. Suggestions? If I can keep it under $100 that would be ideal. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krdshrk 3,871 Posted November 9, 2015 Do you want a recurve or compound bow? You may want to go with a full size adult bow instead of a youth bow. It will cost you more but may be better in the long run. The youth bows are fairly cheap and more toy'ish. Sights are mediocre at best and the feel is different than a good bow. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ReadDude 0 Posted November 9, 2015 you can go three ways, but you will surely spend over $100 for the compounds. 1.) look at a Genesis Pro bow that is draw length independent (the cam is constant let-off so your arm length doesn't matter). If you think she is going to only do target archery and under 25 yards, this will work great and not need any special setup. We use these with kids all the time and her size this would fit well, but it will NOT grow into a more serious bow. around $200 2.) look at one of the name brand "grow with you" compound bows that have adjustable cams for draw such as the old Parker Sidekick or the Bear Apprentice. This will run you $200-300. 3.) look at a recurve or Long bow. these are easily upgraded to higher weights and much less draw length dependent (just us a table like this http://www.learn-archery.com/proper-bow-size.html you can get started much closer to the $100. Remember a few things needed along with the bow, arrows (easily cost you $50 even for a dozen cheapies.) a finger tab or release and a carry case. Frankly for a a starter kit, I would go Recurve as it is a lot of fun and can be used to teach ALL the key aspects of archer. If she get's more serious or wants to hunt, then you upgrade later. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
axeman_g 128 Posted November 9, 2015 http://www.lancasterarchery.com/samick-sage-takedown-recurve-bow.html I bought two of these for my boys 3 yrs ago.... still shooting them Great intro bows.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
302w 83 Posted November 9, 2015 It would be nice to buy a "real" bow, but likely this will be used once or twice and then put away. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mipafox 438 Posted November 9, 2015 I'm confused. This is a gag gift? Walmart has compound bows for kids. I know nothing about them. They certainly look real. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
302w 83 Posted November 9, 2015 It is not a gag gift. GF wants a bow. I would like to buy a cheap bow because I know she will barely use it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ReadDude 0 Posted November 9, 2015 Get the Samcobow above, it is cheaper than most and may actually encourage her to really try archery, plus she can dream she is Katniss . Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MartyZ 691 Posted November 9, 2015 I got this for my 13 year old son. Not the best but it works, he is 5' 10", I have it set to 27" and 31lbs. The description says upto 26" but it's not accurate as is the norm for Dicks. http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11783454 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mipafox 438 Posted November 9, 2015 Grrrr.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MartyZ 691 Posted November 10, 2015 Grrrr.... I know, you don't like DSG, amazon has them for $119. I just used the DSG link as it was the first I found. Here, amazon link http://www.amazon.com/Barnett-Vortex-45-Pounds-Youth-Archery/dp/B003RXOOQI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1447175064&sr=8-1&keywords=Barnett+Youth+Vortex+Junior+Compound+Bow Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
checko 180 Posted November 10, 2015 What's wrong with dicks? Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ReadDude 0 Posted November 10, 2015 What's wrong with dicks? Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk The mipafox corrallary to Godwin's law: all online retail firearms discussions will devolve into accusations of being soft on Dick's and their 2nd amendment sellout after Newtown. Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mipafox 438 Posted November 10, 2015 302 - go to a flea market. It's a getting a little late for yard sales and they are probably getting ready to close as well. Or post a WTB add on the forum here. Or does it have to be new? I guess it has to be new for a gift. Oh well. The mipafox corrallary to Godwin's law: all online retail firearms discussions will devolve into accusations of being soft on Dick's and their 2nd amendment sellout after Newtown. Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk I think you meant ripping off their customers. How would you feel if your stock went up 100% and your broker lied and said, "Sorry, we sold it before it went up" and then sold it to someone else for the real price. Stealing merchandise from people that paid for it and selling it to others at double the price is pretty shitty. It's also at least sounds illegal. As does breaking contracts with both your supplier and your customers. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ReadDude 0 Posted November 10, 2015 302 - go to a flea market. It's a getting a little late for yard sales and they are probably getting ready to close as well. Or post a WTB add on the forum here. Or does it have to be new? I guess it has to be new for a gift. Oh well. I think you meant ripping off their customers. How would you feel if your stock went up 100% and your broker lied and said, "Sorry, we sold it before it went up" and then sold it to someone else for the real price. Stealing merchandise from people that paid for it and selling it to others at double the price is pretty shitty. It's also at least sounds illegal. As does breaking contracts with both your supplier and your customers. Too long for an Internet law. :-) Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ReadDude 0 Posted November 10, 2015 302 - go to a flea market. It's a getting a little late for yard sales and they are probably getting ready to close as well. Or post a WTB add on the forum here. Or does it have to be new? I guess it has to be new for a gift. Oh well. I think you meant ripping off their customers. How would you feel if your stock went up 100% and your broker lied and said, "Sorry, we sold it before it went up" and then sold it to someone else for the real price. Stealing merchandise from people that paid for it and selling it to others at double the price is pretty shitty. It's also at least sounds illegal. As does breaking contracts with both your supplier and your customers. i boycotted Home Depot for about 2 years for the same reason after getting shafted on CFL bulb rebates that cost me about $50. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ReadDude 0 Posted November 23, 2015 Just saw this bow on the Lancaster site, probably just the ticket for what you are looking for and with the Black Friday pricing it is a great price!http://www.lancasterarchery.com/easton-first-start-recurve-bow-package-set.html?trk_msg=NV7AB0SMSG7KN7N1L2RKLKNQBS&trk_contact=J7QUD1STNMPOFT6A98GDJ4G8TO&utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=Easton+Bow+Package&utm_campaign=StandardEmailMarketing&utm_content=2015DOORBUSTER Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites