How to Fit a Bow to a Youth

While the basics are the same as if you were choosing an archery bow for an adult, there are some important considerations to keep in mind when fitting a bow to a youth. As a general rule, draw-length -- which is the length between the bow string and the bow handle (riser) at full draw -- will grow as the child does. Additionally, draw-weight (the power of the bow), which is measured in pounds-of-pull, will also increase as the child ages and develops more upper body strength. While it is advisable to select a bow that will fit the youth's current physical capabilities, and not one that he can "grow" into, some compound bows have both adjustable draw-weights and draw-lengths that will accommodate a certain amount of adjustment as the child develops.

Things You'll Need

  • Yardstick
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Instructions

    • 1

      Test for eye dominance, if this is the child's first bow. Have the child stick her hand out at arm's length and form a circle with the thumb and forefinger of her dominant hand. Have her center a distant object in the middle of the circle and, with both eyes open, move the hand to her face while keeping the object centered. The circle will naturally go to her dominant eye. Select a bow that is held with the hand of the non-dominant eye as the dominant eye is used for aiming. For example, if the right eye shows to be dominant, select a bow that is held with the left hand.

    • 2

      Measure the child's draw-length by placing the end of the yardstick on the center of the child's chest and measure to the tips of his fingers, with outstretched hands. This will need to be checked yearly and adjusted as the child grows.

    • 3

      Select a draw-weight the youth can get to a full-draw and comfortably hold for several seconds.

      Children weighing in the 70 to 100 lb. range should be able to handle a bow with a draw-weight of between 15 to 20 lbs. Larger children, up to 130 lbs., should be better suited to a draw-weight of up to 35 pounds. Adolescents may be able to handle 45 lbs. of pull.

      These are just beginning guidelines as there is no exact formula, and draw-weight will depend on several factors including age, sex and physical fitness. For accurate fit, have the child try different draw-weights.