Youth Compound Bows

A youth compound bow is the easiest way to get a young archer shooting — and the only kind of bow that can grow with them. Unlike a recurve, a compound's cams do part of the work: at full draw, let-off drops the holding weight to a fraction of the peak, so a kid can aim calmly instead of shaking against the full weight. And unlike an adult bow, a youth compound adjusts: draw length and draw weight move in wide ranges, so one bow can last from first lessons to first hunting season.

Every youth compound bow below is a ready-to-shoot package. Sight, arrow rest, quiver, arm guard and arrows are in the box — nothing else to buy before the first shot. Most are SAS's own designs, built around the same idea: light to hold (about 2.5 lbs), simple to adjust, and cheap enough that outgrowing one doesn't sting.

What Makes a Youth Compound Bow Different?

• Adjustable draw length — youth bows cover a wide range (Hero and Supreme: 17–27") instead of one fixed size, so the bow fits as your child grows. Most adjust without a bow press.
• Adjustable draw weight — start light (10–15 lbs for a first bow) and turn the limb bolts up as strength builds. A bow that starts at 10 lbs and tops out at 25–40 lbs can last years.
• Let-off — at full draw, the cams hold most of the weight. SAS youth bows run 75% let-off, so a 20 lb bow only feels like 5 lbs at anchor. That is what lets a young shooter aim instead of fight the bow.
• Light mass weight — a 2.5 lb bow is easy to hold steady at arm's length for a full practice session.
• Short axle-to-axle — 25–26" bows fit smaller frames and are easier to carry through brush than a 35" adult bow.

Which Youth Compound Bow Is Right for Your Child?

SAS Hero Kid Compound Bow Package — our best overall youth compound bow. The Hero is the bow we recommend first for most kids: a 26" axle-to-axle compound with a draw length that adjusts from 17" to 27" and a 10–25 lb draw weight range, so it fits a 6-year-old and still fits them at 12. At 75% let-off, holding at full draw feels like about a quarter of the peak weight. The package is genuinely complete — 3-pin sight, brush arrow rest, rubber stabilizer, bow release, arm guard, neoprene sling, hip quiver, peep sight, Allen key and six 28" fiberglass arrows — in right or left hand, in Black, Camo, Purple, Green, Blue and Muddy Girl. 260 FPS is plenty for targets and small game practice.

Supreme Youth Compound Bow Package — for older kids and first hunts. The Supreme takes everything the Hero does and turns it up: same 17–27" draw length range, but a 10–40 lb draw weight range and 290 FPS, so a teenager can grow into real hunting weight without buying a new bow. The riser is aluminum, the limbs are made in the USA, the cam is CNC-machined for precision, and the package upgrades to six 28" carbon arrows. If your child is already shooting and asking about hunting, this is the one.

Bear Archery Warrior Youth Compound Bow Package — the transition bow. Modeled on adult compound designs, the Warrior is the bridge between a kid's bow and a grown-up bow: 24–29 lb peak draw weight, 19–25" draw length, 60% let-off, and a 24.5" axle-to-axle. It comes ready to shoot with two Safetyglass™ arrows, a Whisker Biscuit arrow rest (the safest rest in the industry), a 1-pin sight, finger rollers, quiver and arm guard. Right hand only, recommended for ages 11 and up.

SAS 21 lbs 22" Youth Bow Set — a first bow for the littlest archers. For the youngest beginners, simpler is better: a compact compound with a fixed 22" draw length and a gentle 17–21 lb draw weight, built on a tough ABS limb and riser, shooting a soft 85 FPS. The set includes a quiver, arm guard, finger tab and two starter arrows. It is the lowest-pressure way to find out whether your child loves archery before you spend more.

What Comes in the Package?

A ready-to-shoot package means the bow arrives with everything mounted or ready to mount: a sight to aim with, an arrow rest to hold the arrow, a release aid, an arm guard, a quiver to carry arrows, and arrows themselves. SAS packages add a stabilizer, a peep sight, a sling and an Allen key for adjustments. The only thing not in the box is a target — and the only skill needed on day one is a safe place to shoot.

How to Size a Youth Compound Bow

• Draw length — have your child hold their arms out to the sides and measure fingertip to fingertip, then divide by 2.5. That is a good starting draw length. Youth bows cover a wide range on purpose, so being a little off is fine.
• Draw weight — start light. A child should be able to draw smoothly, hold for several seconds, and let down under control. If they have to lean back or yank, it is too heavy. 10–15 lbs is right for most first bows; 20 lbs and up is for kids who already shoot.
• Hand — it follows the dominant eye, not the writing hand. A "right hand" bow is held in the left hand and drawn with the right. If your child is cross-dominant, most coaches have them shoot to their eye.
• Growth room — buy for the range, not the moment. A bow that adjusts from 10 to 25 lbs and 17 to 27" of draw length can last three or four growth spurts.

Youth Compound Bow FAQ

What age can a child start with a compound bow?
Most kids are ready around age 6 with a light bow like the Hero or the 21-lb set, as long as an adult supervises and the draw weight is low enough to draw comfortably. There is no minimum age in the rules — it is about strength and attention span, not birthdays.

What draw weight should a beginner start with?
10–15 lbs for a first bow, even if your child is strong. Form comes first: a light bow teaches a clean draw, a steady anchor and a relaxed release. You can always turn the weight up — every bow here adjusts.

Can a youth compound bow be used for hunting?
Yes, once the draw weight is high enough — most states require 35–40 lbs for deer, so a bow that tops out at 40 lbs (like the Supreme) can get there as your teen grows. Always check your state's minimum draw weight and season rules.

Will my child outgrow a youth bow in a year?
Not a good one. The Hero and Supreme both cover 17–27" of draw length, and their weight ranges (10–25 lbs and 10–40 lbs) span roughly ages 6 to 14. The bow that fits a 10-year-old usually still fits them at 13 — you just turn the weight up.

Right hand or left hand?
Follow the dominant eye. Hold a finger up at arm's length and have your child close one eye, then the other — the eye that keeps the finger on target is dominant. SAS Hero and Supreme come in both hands; Bear bows are right hand only.

What arrows do youth bows need?
Short, light arrows matched to the draw weight — fiberglass arrows are fine for target practice at low weights (the Hero includes six 28" fiberglass arrows), and carbon arrows (included with the Supreme) are the step up for older kids and hunting. Never shoot an arrow shorter than the draw length.

Read our full guide: Best Youth Compound Bows in 2026