School me on youth bows

This weekend we had a Trail Life event at Lake Guntersville. They offered an archery class. My son signed up and gave it a try.


He has never shot a bow before. This was his 1st grouping. He basically did the same thing the 4-5 ore times. The target was at 15 yards. The instructor told me I should explore archery for him



They had blue Genesis youth bows. Anything recommendations would be much obliged.

Red or black shirt?

How old is he and what is he looking to do. Just target shooting or possibly hunting?

Red shirt......funny both are named Caleb



He is 11. Honestly, I have no idea. He hunts with me today........with a 243 and gulp....a xbow.

I would set him up with the cheapest olympic ILF riser and limbs that Lancaster carries. Get him way less weight limbs than you think you want and then those heavier ones too. Also check out Alternative archery in the UK.They often have sales and Lancasters has a bargain section too.

They also carry olympic quality arrows light enough spined for any weight bow. # rivers will only set you up with the lightest they carry which is about 600 deflection. I know Lancasters carrys up to at least 1500 deflection.

Just tell them his draw length and weight and all that and they will figure it all out for you.

I just checked Alternative and you can get ILF riser and limbs for about $90. I didn't look at strings or arrows.

If the instructor was mentioning this for schools(archery in schools program), there is only one option and that is the Genesis.

Thanks for clarifying. He was saying something about schools and tournaments (like what BarMag posted several months ago).

Thanks.....I have no idea what you said, but not afraid to research. Is their a place I can go in/around Huntsville that has gear and professional lessons? I prefer not to teach (dont know swat about bows) or let bad habits fester

I was going to say. Black shirt looks full grown to me

Yep, if it’s for the NASP competitions, it’ll be a Genesis.

Yep,if there is a program for him ask them what he needs.

Looks like Jmuddy in the far right with orange hat!

Got to a shop let them help get him set up correctly shot some bows and get one that fits him and feels good at his age one with a lot of adjustment such as a diamond infinite edge might be the ticket

Most good youth bows have a ton of adjustment range. Both in draw length and poundage.

There is no adjustment with the Genesis other than poundage. You can shoot the same bow he shoots. Before you spend the money, you need to determine if NASP is in his current school or high school. If not, you will just be spending money for a target bow with no other use. If there is no program and he may want to hunt or shoot competitions (non school function)then go look at true compounds for youth.

This. Also some colleges are now offering scholarships for archery.

This. Also some colleges are now offering scholarships for archery.

I would look into what competition is available and what he wants ,but it might not have to be compound.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

These guys are spot on. School tournaments all use the genesis. That is some fine grouping he is doing. We have had good luck at the archery shop on south parkway. Custom archery center.