When looking for the best youth crossbow, you have to consider a range of factors to get the best deal out for your potential purchase, especially when you are buying it for your kids. For instance, safety is one of the major factors to consider apart from intended use. So, are you looking for the best hunting crossbow for kids? Or searching for a target shooting crossbow?
Since there are a lot of crossbows available in the market, it can be overwhelming for you to choose the best one for your kids. So, to help you out, we have shared a list of the top best youth crossbows and along with deciding factors to assist you in making an informed decision.
Most Popular Youth Crossbows For Kids In 2022
| Image | Product Name | Editor’s Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Centerpoint Sniper 370 | ★★★★★ 5 Out Of 5 | Buy Now In Amazon |
 | Barnett Whitetail Hunter Str Crossbow | ★★★★★ 5 Out Of 5 | Buy Now In Amazon |
 | Daisy 4003 Youth Crossbow | ★★★★★ 5 Out Of 5 | Buy Now In Amazon |
 | Kingsarchery Crossbow | ★★★★★ 4.8 Out Of 5 | Buy Now In Amazon |
 | Barnett Wildcat Camo Recurve Crossbow | ★★★★★ 4.7 Out Of 5 | Buy Now In Amazon |
① Centerpoint Sniper 370
Looking for the best hunting crossbow for your kids? If so, then look no further than the CenterPoint Sniper 370. This crossbow is designed to deliver excellent performance, maneuverability, and convenience. That means it is an ideal product for all archery levels.
With its durable and lightweight design, you can take down your target with a whopping speed of 370 FPS. It ensures that you will get both accuracy and power to take down even a big target. Another thing CenterPoint Sniper 370 is that it comes integrated with plenty of safety features like an auto-safety trigger and anti-dry fire, which keeps you and your bow safe from any mishap.
This package includes a 4x32mm scope, detachable quiver, a carry sling, and three 20-inch bolts. Most hunters love this crossbow as it comes integrated with an interchangeable grip and the AR-style stock, which makes it stand out from the crowd. These features make this an ideal crossbow for someone who has been beginning their archery journey.
Features
- Offer an arrow speed of 370 FPS.
- Comes with a draw weight of up to 185 lbs.
- Integrated with features like auto-safety trigger and anti-dry fire.
- Include three 20-inch bolts, 4×32 scope, a detachable quiver, and a carry sling.
- Incorporated with interchangeable grip and an AR-style stock.
- Suitable for all sizes of hunters.
✔ Pros
- Easy to assemble.
- Offer value for money.
- Very consistent accuracy and speed.
- Offer a quality service.
- Lightweight and rugged design.
❌Cons
- The sling is quite fragile.
- Quiver can displace if bumped.
② Barnett Whitetail Hunter Str Crossbow
Barnett is among the top leading archery brands manufacturing a product lineup specially designed for young archers. The BARNETT Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow comes integrated with every feature required to improve your archery experience and make it convenient for your young archers to learn how to shoot.
With its high-tech design and camouflage skin, you will get a crossbow that offers high functionality and a lightweight design suitable for your kids. The company uses lightweight fiberglass construction that allows young archers to hold this crossbow for a longer duration.
The best thing is that it comes along with a rope cocking mechanism, which enables your kids to cock this gear with ease. Apart from this. It is also compatible with a crank cocking device that makes it easier to teach your kids how to cock the string and load the bow. Of course, you all know that safety is the most crucial factor to consider, and the BARNETT has taken this feature seriously to ensure no accident would happen.
This crossbow has a safety mechanism that keeps your kids safe from any injury or mishap. If you don’t know how to assemble this piece of equipment, the user manual includes detailed instructions to help you assemble the product and ensure safe operation. The BARNETT Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow is even suitable for adults as you can adjust the stock and change the scope setting according to the users.
Features
- Offers a whopping speed of 375 FPS.
- Comes with a draw weight of 185 lbs.
- It weighs around 6.6 lbs.
- Include automatic safety and anti-dry fire.
- Integrated with a rope cocking mechanism.
- Include lightweight quiver, lube wax, two headhunter arrows, scope, etc.
- Made from lightweight fiberglass.
✔ Pros
- Easy to assemble and use.
- Ensure the utmost safety of the kids.
- Lightweight and rugged design.
- Value for money
❌Cons
- Fiberglass rail can get scratched too soon.
③ Daisy 4003 Youth Crossbow
If you have a small budget and your kids want to try a crossbow, then the Daisy 4003 Youth Crossbow has got you covered. This crossbow is specially developed for young archers who want to experience the thrill of shooting a crossbow. However, this crossbow is not recommended for recreational or competitive hunting as the accuracy and power of this product is not suitable for professional archery.
If you want your kids to familiarize themselves with the concept of crossbow hunting and how to shoot them, then this bow will offer a lot of help. That means it will be easier to cock compared to full-size ones but remember you should only allow your kids to shoot from a crossbow under the supervision of an adult.
Now that you know, this product is designed for a complete amateur, which means you may have to lubricate this gear persistently to ensure a smooth transition of arrows. Unlike other crossbows, the daisy youth crossbow comes with 2 aluminum bolts, sufficient for kick-starting your archery journey. It would be better for you to buy some extra bolts to save plenty of your time and hone your archery skills without too many complications.
Features
- Comes with a draw weight of 29 lbs.
- It weighs around 0.5 lbs.
- Suitable for naive young archers.
- Include two aluminum bolts.
- Comes with an adjustable rear sight.
- Made from lightweight and sturdy material.
✔ Pros
- Lightweight design for all-day usage.
- Great product for archers starting their archery.
- Come packaged with two crossbow bolts.
❌Cons
- Latch requires lubrication every day.
- Not suitable for hunting.
④ Kingsarchery Crossbow Pistol Self Cocking 80 LBS
The KingsArchery Crossbow Pistol is the best archery equipment that you can give your young archers to hone their shooting skills. You would be amazed to know that this handheld pistol crossbow is a budget-friendly gear in the market. You can start shooting an arrow right after unpacking the box.
The company has used durable fiberglass for constructing this crossbow and ensured that it delivers robust and durable performance. With its ergonomic design, this pistol crossbow can be used by all users.
All you have to do is take it out of the box and use the self-cocking system for preparing this crossbow. Now aim at your target and slowly press the trigger. The company has also included 15 plastic and aluminum arrow bolts. This crossbow is available at the most affordable price in the market.
Features
- Comes with a draw weight of 80 lbs.
- Integrated with a self-cocking mechanism.
- Include 15 plastic and aluminum arrow bolts.
- Made from durable fiberglass.
- Extremely powerful and lightweight.
- Suitable for all sizes of hunters, especially young archers.
✔ Pros
- Easy to use.
- Robust and sturdy design.
- Self-cocking mechanism.
- Safety feature.
- Adjustable sight.
❌Cons
- Difficult for young archers to draw.
- It does not come with lube wax.
- The scope is not that great.
⑤ Barnett Wildcat Camo Recurve Crossbow
Once again, Barnett has made it to the list of top 5 best youth crossbow with its wildcat camo recurve crossbow. Even though recurve crossbows have a slower speed than compound bows, you are assured that they will offer complete value for your money. With this recurve crossbow, you can shoot with more precision and accuracy.
The best thing about this crossbow is that it is suitable for beginners and helps them kick start their archery journey. However, you all know that most naive archers are not well-versed with the functioning of a crossbow, which could lead to unwanted mishaps. That’s why the company uses a soft look floating bristle arrow retainer to keep it from dry-firing the crossbow.
It will keep you and your crossbow safe from unwanted injury and danger. It also includes a side mount quiver, two aluminum arrows, 4x32mm multi-reticle scope, and lube wax. This crossbow package comes with every feature required for enhancing your shooting experience.
Features
- Offer an arrow speed of 260 FPS.
- The draw weight measures up to 195 lbs.
- It weighs around 4.8 lbs.
- The length of this cross measures 32 inches.
- Include lube wax, side mount quiver, and a scope.
- Uses 20-inch aluminum arrows.
✔ Pros
- Easy to assemble.
- Offer an excellent quality product.
- Metal injection molded trigger.
- Uses an anti-dry fire trigger system.
❌Cons
- Offer a slow arrow speed compared to other models.
- It can be tough to cock this gear.
What To Look For When Buying The Best Youth Hunting Crossbows?
- Safety
You all know that crossbows are a lethal weapon, even if it is designed for youths. That means it can still have deadly consequences when not used properly. So, every parent must supervise their kids when shooting from a crossbow. So, when buying a quality crossbow for your kids, you should ensure that it comes along with some safety features like an anti-dry-fire mechanism, auto-safety locking, etc.
It will keep your kids and others space from any mishaps. You all know that kids often like to play with things present in their surroundings, and leaving them with a crossbow is not a good idea. So, it is better to keep the crossbow away when not in use.
- Speed (FPS) And Kinetic Energy (FPKE)
The speed of arrow or bolt release from the crossbow is calculated in Feet Per Second (FPS). You will find these ratings in the specification of a certain model, which represent the maximum speed of arrow or bolt shoot. However, you should know that there are no fixed standards as the weight of an arrow or bow can vary from one seller to another.
So, apart from focusing on the FPS rating, you must consider other factors too for a better comparison with other crossbows. When it comes to measuring optimal speed, most manufacturers will use 400-grain bolts for testing.
Not to mention, the speed of a bolt matters a lot, especially when you are hunting. Bolt speed is one of the deciding factors that will penetrate the target or not. The power at which the bolt will strike the target is calculated in foot-pounds of kinetic energy (FPKE).
You should know that the FPKE rating can be used for measuring the lethal range of a particular shot. It is recorded that the FPKE rating will drop at least 3 – 4 % after every 10 yards. Apart from this, the target size also determines the effectiveness of your shot.
- Weight/Size
Now that you are looking for a crossbow specially designed for youths. That means you have to consider the weight and size of the crossbow too. Remember, all requirements would vary from person to person, so you should choose a crossbow depending upon their height, weight, age, and strength level.
Young archers would love to use smaller crossbows as they will be much easier to handle. But when participating in a hunting or target shooting competition, choosing a lightweight crossbow would be the best option in case of prolonged use.
- Draw Weight
Another major feature to consider when buying the best youth crossbow for your kid is the draw weight. You all know that the strength required for cocking the crossbow can be quite surprising for beginners.
So, you should check whether your potential product features a rope cocking mechanism or not. If it does, your kids won’t have to struggle when cocking the crossbow. But if it does not include a rope mechanism, don’t worry. You can also buy it separately.
- Price
Price has been the most influential factor that can affect your overall decision. So, it is better to stick with your budget as it will help you find the best youth crossbow available within your budget.
However, if you are buying a new one because your kids have outgrown the previous one, then it’s time for you to keep your budget a little higher to get access to improved and better crossbows.
If your kids are showing an instant interest in crossbows, then buying a lower budgeted bow will do the work. When they learn the basics, they might even get to know that crossbows are not their cup of tea.
Compound Bow Vs Recurve Bow
It can be challenging to decide whether you want a compound bow or a recurve bow, as the only difference between both types is their limb design. However, in compound bows, you will find a more complex mechanism for generating tension and allowing you to gain maximum moment for shooting your arrows and bolts at a faster pace.
On the other hand, recurve bow features a curved out design for creating tension, which can be done by recurving them back. It allows you to gain maximum tension even with shorter limbs.
Types Of Crossbows For Kids
Before making any potential purchase, you must familiarize yourself with the crossbows available in the market. Since there are different models with modern design and integrated with unique features. That’s why it becomes essential for you to know the difference between various types of crossbows to find the best one for your kids. So, here is a list of crossbow styles that you might see in the market.
- Compound crossbows
- Reverse draw technology crossbows
- One- and two-handed crossbows
- Reverse limb crossbows
- Recurve crossbows
Tips For Improving Your Crossbow Shooting Skills As A Beginner!!!
When searching for the best youth crossbow, you know that your kids are not well trained or at a professional level for shooting with a crossbow. So, keeping a few tips and tricks in your mind will help your kids learn archery in a better way. Here are some things that you must know.
- Cock The Bow
You can start by cocking the crossbow to make it easier to use. Some crossbow designs are integrated with a self-locking mechanism, and in others, you may have to do it manually.
- Load The Arrow
After cocking the bow, you should place an arrow into the barrel and ensure it is securely placed.
- Aim And Shoot
Once you have placed the arrow, you are ready to take a shot. So, you should aim at your target and take a deep breath. Now slowly release the air and squeeze the trigger while aiming at your target. Remember to keep your thumb away from the crossbow forearm to prevent injury or damage.
Crossbow Maintenance Tips
Since you are going to make a one-time investment, it is better to know some maintenance tips to get the best out of your potential purchase. Following maintenance tips will help keep your crossbow as new and functional as possible.
- Remember to wax the string and cables to keep them from degrading. Inside the package, you will get a tube of wax and other accessories. It is recommended to wax the cables and string every day to keep it as new as possible. However, read the user manual if you have any questions regarding how often you should apply wax.
- Keep the rail lubricated as it will help in smooth traction of the arrow or bolt and offer you an accurate shot. So, it is recommended to lubricate the rail with the right amount. Otherwise, it will make the rail too sloppy.
- Like other full-sized crossbows, you also have to conduct a thorough inspection before shooting arrows. You should look for twisting, splintering, cracks, or bendings in the limbs, shafts, and arrows. Remember to clean your scope for a crystal clear view of the target from time to time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How Far Can You Shoot From A Crossbow?
Most crossbow models will let you shoot up to 500 yards if you think about the shooting range instead of maintaining the accuracy. However, when shooting for accuracy, the maximum range for shooters would be 30 to 80 yards.
- Is It Necessary To Use A Case For Storing A Youth Crossbow?
Yes, it has become necessary for archers to have a case to store their youth crossbow and protect it from any damage. The best thing about using a case is that they feature removable padded shoulder straps and pockets to make it easier for you to store additional accessories and carry them around.
- What Laws Should You Know Before Buying A Youth Crossbow?
Before making a potential purchase for a youth crossbow, you need to ensure that the hunter is at least 14 years old and has a valid hunting license. Remember to carry the crossbow certificate of qualification all the time, especially when hunting.
- Is It Safe To Use A Crossbow?
As long as you practice safety measures while using a crossbow, you are good to go. Remember, crossbows are a toy to mess with as they can easily penetrate through bones and flesh depending upon the shooting distance.
- Is It Fine To Shoot In Your Backyard?
As long as the area is spacious or wide, you can shoot from a crossbow. However, you probably don’t want your arrows to hit the neighbor’s window and risk getting accused of life-threatening situations.
Conclusion
No wonder crossbows are the most powerful and beautiful archery weapons you can buy for your kids. But remember, you need to supervise your kids when using one. You all know that licensing is essential for shooting a crossbow at a range, and this might vary from one location to another and the type of crossbow.
You can choose from the products mentioned above for your youth archer and improve their shooting experience. However, some models are even integrated with protective gear to prevent injuries and danger to your kids.
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