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Equipment & Gear => Archery Gear => Topic started by: Angry Perch on December 16, 2015, 04:44:39 PM

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Title: Arrows for kid's new bow
Post by: Angry Perch on December 16, 2015, 04:44:39 PM

My daughter (11) has been bugging me for a bow for a couple years. I ordered a bear Apprentice III, a youth release, and a case that should all be here before Christmas. She has a 60" wing span. Can I buy arrows now so she has something to shoot, or should I wait and measure? I'm thinking that a little too long would be OK, and maybe even better so she can grow into them. Any advice? I suppose she could shoot a few of my 29"+/- FMJ's, but that might be a little too long.
Thanks

Title: Re: Arrows for kid's new bow
Post by: RadSav on December 16, 2015, 05:26:25 PM

24" draw length at age eleven.  Wow, kids are growing big these days!  I would assume you could get 26" arrows now with no worry.  Almost everything right now will be stiff for her.  So going 26 or even 27 probably will not be an issue.

I think the Beman ICS HUnter Junior shafts come pre-made with inserts installed at 26".  Would be good to at least 40# of draw weight.  It's a pretty good shaft.  I think you can get them at Cabela's for around $37/6.

If you want a bullet proof just to get started arrow go fiberglass.  Something like Easton's Scout II is good for up to 30# and are darn near indestructible.  Come pre-cut and ready at 26".  Not very straight but they work fine to get started.  Think I saw them at Cabela's too - $16/4

Title: Re: Arrows for kid's new bow
Post by: Angry Perch on December 17, 2015, 09:30:00 AM

Thanks RAD. At this point I think durability is the key. Well, that and pretty. I imagine more than one arrow is going to miss the straw bales.

Title: Re: Arrows for kid's new bow
Post by: RadSav on December 17, 2015, 01:27:08 PM

Quote from: Angry Perch on December 17, 2015, 09:30:00 AM

Thanks RAD. At this point I think durability is the key. Well, that and pretty. I imagine more than one arrow is going to miss the straw bales.

Don't forget that kids, especially girls, are not consumed with ego.  Instant gratification is far more important.  So start them shooting at large targets at VERY close range.  In those early days of shooting it's important to find success.  Even if it is a beach ball at five yards that's better than missing a pie plate at 10 or searching for lost arrows at 20.

She should be old enough to be trusted with arrows having a sharp pointy end.  Even if you get just a few of those it's a good idea for special times with Dad popping balloons.  Even I like popping balloons on occasion! :whoo:

Title: Re: Arrows for kid's new bow
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on December 18, 2015, 09:23:19 AM

In NASP we start out close to a blank target, get them hitting the bail and work on form before you move back and try for accuracy.
It helps build confidence.

Title: Re: Arrows for kid's new bow
Post by: Angry Perch on December 18, 2015, 11:00:16 AM

Quote from: RadSav on December 17, 2015, 01:27:08 PM

Quote from: Angry Perch on December 17, 2015, 09:30:00 AM

Thanks RAD. At this point I think durability is the key. Well, that and pretty. I imagine more than one arrow is going to miss the straw bales.

Don't forget that kids, especially girls, are not consumed with ego.  Instant gratification is far more important.  So start them shooting at large targets at VERY close range.  In those early days of shooting it's important to find success.  Even if it is a beach ball at five yards that's better than missing a pie plate at 10 or searching for lost arrows at 20.

She should be old enough to be trusted with arrows having a sharp pointy end.  Even if you get just a few of those it's a good idea for special times with Dad popping balloons.  Even I like popping balloons on occasion! :whoo:

Good idea with the balloons. She's a crack shot with her daisy, and we have a little shooting gallery set up at the cabin to keep it fun. Squirrel silhouettes, paper plates, swinging golf balls, etc. I'm getting a few bales of straw from a gal at work for the back yard, and thinking maybe a carpet remnant hanging in the back of the garage? I just need to not try to shoot from distance while she's shooting at 5 yards, or she'll want to move back too. I'm pretty green with a bow, so I could probably do some productive practice at 5-10 yards myself.

Title: Re: Arrows for kid's new bow
Post by: Angry Perch on December 28, 2015, 11:33:43 AM

Well, she was super excited about the bow. I set up a 5 yard range in the garage at the cabin. Block target hanging from ceiling with moving blanket hanging behind it. Backed out the limb bolts to minimum weight, and set draw length, but she was really struggling to pull it back. Then she said her hand hurt from grabbing her release. I think she was squeezing the release instead of letting all the weight rest on her wrist strap. She wanted me to help, which I did. on about the 4th shot, I think my "help" torqued the bow enough that she got some serious string slap. She was not pleased! But hey, it was a bulls eye! Full length arm guard will be here Thursday, and we'll be back at it this weekend.
BTW, where were bows like this when I was little. This thing is awesome.