14 year old kid - Best bang for the buck bow setup

[jkzfixme]

14 year old kid needs to get out in the woods instead of sitting in front of the idiot box. Seems to really like the idea of archery. I don't want to spend a ton of money on a bow for him as I dont know if it will stick. I also want something that can humanely put down a deer, in the case he does get into it. My PSE fireflight is to tough for him to pull back at 75 lbs. What say all you wise folk , is there a price performer out there I can go with ? What kind of money can I expect to spend ? The kid is big for his age so I think a full size bow is probably best.

[Five Seasons]

ha you're going to get a wide variety of answers. My suggestion would be to check out a local archery stores used section. I bought my matthews switchback used for $500 on ebay, but I knew I would stick with it. Everyones view of "not a lot of money" is different. But I dont think you can go long with any of the name brand bow companies. the trick is to keep the accessory cost down.

[jkzfixme]

LOL I don't even have a Mathews , kid isn't getting one ! I was thinking 2 to 250 price point all in. Am I being reasonable ? great idea on the used gear, any place in dutchess/orange county that has a good selection ?

[RangerClay]

Look for a used Diamond Razors Edge.  They are very adjustable and will be in your price range.

[Five Seasons]

LOL I don't even have a Mathews , kid isn't getting one ! I was thinking 2 to 250 price point all in. Am I being reasonable ? great idea on the used gear, any place in dutchess/orange county that has a good selection ?

 

haha all i meant is that my bow new with the accessories it had would have been $800+. So you can save a lot of money buying used. I'm sorry I don't know any shops nearby. But it's better than ebay. Google maps search maybe? You need to get him sized and comfortable. If they don't have a good selection of used, don't settle. But you could try some new ones out and then search online for used...

Edited May 20, 2013 by Belo

[phade]

Look for a used Diamond Razors Edge.  They are very adjustable and will be in your price range.

I second this option. Really, it's probably the best choice, even if new, for your situation.

[Gthphtm]

You want to start him or her off without spending a lot of money,get a low poundage long or recurve bow. That is what they use in grade schools don't they.I started off with a cheap fiberglass bow and arrows when I was 10 years old and at 12 years old I shot my first phesant with it.They would let us in the local land fill at that time and we got good enough to shoot Rats.

[WNYBuckHunter]

Take him to a few pro shops, have them figure out the proper size and draw weight for him, and shoot every bow he can get his hands on. Then go over to archerytalk.com in the classifieds and buy one a year or two old for less than half the price. Brand doesnt matter as long as he shoots it well. Once you buy it, take him and the bow to a pro shop and get it setup for him. If its a decent bow, and he doesnt get into it, you can still get close to your money back on it.

[chiefbkt]

Take him to a few pro shops, have them figure out the proper size and draw weight for him, and shoot every bow he can get his hands on. Then go over to archerytalk.com in the classifieds and buy one a year or two old for less than half the price. Brand doesnt matter as long as he shoots it well. Once you buy it, take him and the bow to a pro shop and get it setup for him. If its a decent bow, and he doesnt get into it, you can still get close to your money back on it.

Great point here. Shoot them all and get one for 1/3 to 1/2 cost on archerytalk. Just picked my buddy up a 2010 diamond black ice flx loaded with case for $400 shipped. Definitely worth checking out after he shoots a few.

[shawnhu]

My bow cost me $275 and came with 8 Carbon express maxima hunter arrows, quiver, QAD rest, sight, sling, and carry case. I installed a D loop and purchased a release on my own and good to go. Parker Trailblazer.

[PWGUNNY]

I second this option. Really, it's probably the best choice, even if new, for your situation.

Triple that.  Reasons why:  Fully and easily adjustable draw length.  Quality shooter, better chance of keeping him interested if he is performing well.  If you decide it's not for him, you can sell this bow easily for pretty much what you pay for it.  This bow and the Mission Craze are the bows in demand for the younger shooter.  I bought my 14y.o. son this bow.

[Five Seasons]

Great point here. Shoot them all and get one for 1/3 to 1/2 cost on archerytalk. Just picked my buddy up a 2010 diamond black ice flx loaded with case for $400 shipped. Definitely worth checking out after he shoots a few.

 

i also mentioned this as an option, but at least do your local shop the favor of looking at their used bows. They might not be that much cheaper online and you're going to get better support from them. I always feel bad for the archery shop guys when people show up to try it all out and waste their time, because they buy it elsewhere. heck, I did this with my TV at bestbuy, but for the small guys I say at least give them a shot or else we will all be driving miles to get our bows restringed.

[boo711]

I bought my son a bow tech infinite edge for x-mas. It has a 5-70# adjustment and a draw length adjustment of 13-30 in. He has 1 more year to wait til he can bow hunt but with a years worth of practice he will be ready. I bought this bow for him so he will not get used to shooting a bow and then need another one to hunt. Dealer said the next bow he gets will be one he buys. I like that. Came with rest, sight, quiver and self aligning peep sight. A really nice bow and package. And he loves it and loves to shoot. I like that!

[JJM]

My son had a Mission Craze since 9 years old, but the infinite edge is a better bow imo. If your son is 14 y old and big for his age I would stay away from these very adjustable bows and buy him a good second hand "adult" bow. The quality is just that much better.

[Fletch]

I just got my son the Diamond Infinite Edge for his 11th birthday last week. My buddy who tests bows said it is the best  bow out there with that kind of adjustment and comes with nice add ons like sight, quiver, rest and peep all come with it. I also got a killer deal on it

[HuntOrBeHunted]

LOL I don't even have a Mathews , kid isn't getting one ! I was thinking 2 to 250 price point all in. Am I being reasonable ? great idea on the used gear, any place in dutchess/orange county that has a good selection ?

 

 

Diamond Razor Edge. Best bang for the buck without a doubt !! I still use mine in my mid 20's and love it !!!

[decker1313]

Adrenaline Archery Montgomery, NY  Mike  845-283-6098
B & B Archery 562 New Vernon Road, Middletown, NY    845-386-4202
Nock n Feather Archery Walkill, NY   Rich Schweitzer 845-564-7611
Flying Arrow Sports Carmel, NY   Mike 845-228-5330

 

I would go check out one of these shops and talk to the staff, Flying Arrow Sports is also in Wappingers.

 

I recommend you avoid the big box stores despite the cheaper prices. The staff at Gander and Dicks are not very knowledgeable when it comes to actually setting up bows at the local locations.