Table of Contents
Best Youth Crossbows
Are you looking for a crossbow for your child, and want to find the best, most reliable and safe crossbow for them? Whether it’s time for your child to begin hunting with you, or they’re interested in archery practice, they page has everything you need to know.
Comparison Table: Best Youth Crossbow in 2021
Award | Crossbow | Specs |
|---|---|---|
Best for older teenagers |  |
Weight = 6.4 lbs |
Great first-time |  |
Weight = 7.7 lbs |
|  |
Weight = 7.7 lbs |
|  |
Weight = 4.8 lbs |
|  |
Weight = 4.8 lbs |
|  |
Weight = 4.4 lbs |
|  |
|
Benefits of giving a crossbow to your child
- Teaches them the life skill of defense and protection
- Provides the opportunity to act responsibily
- Can be used as a tool to hunt for food
- Can help your child connect with fellow hunters and archers
- Can help build confidence
How old should my child be to handle a crossbow?
Depending on the size and maturity of your child, with supervision, you could give a 10 year old his or her own crossbow.
How to maintain a crossbow?
- Keep the string lubed with wax
- Don’t leave the crossbow outside
- Keep it in a case when not using it
- Make sure not to dry-fire the crossbow
what to look for when buying a youth crossbow?
Different crossbows fit difference archers, but there are common characteristics to view to help find the best fit.
- Power of crossbow, which is measured in feet-per-second shot
- Weight of crossbow
- Draw weight to cock the crossbow
- Length of crossbow
- Read the reviews on the page of the crossbow
Quick Links: Best Youth Crossbows
- Best for older teenagers: Barnett Whitetail Hunter II
- Best first-hunting crossbow: Barnett Jackal Crossbow Package
- Best runner-up first-time for hunting: CenterPoint Sniper 370
- Best youth recurve for hunting: Barnett Wildcat
- Best youth recurve for archery: SA Sports Empire Fever Pro
- Best for beginners: Daisy Youth Crossbow
- Best handheld: KingsArchery Pistol Crossbow
1. Best for the Money
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Barnett Whitetail Hunter II |
350 |
6.4 lbs |
34.25" |
16.125" |
18.25" |
12.5" |
150 lbs |
Pros
- Multi-Reticle scope
- Crank cocking device
- Heavy duty, dual stage lockable latches
- Anti-vibration foot stirrup
- TriggerTech technology
- Kinetic energy: 103 feet pounds
Cons
- Not able to uncock the bow without firing it
Package includes:
- 4x32mm Multi-Reticle Scope
- Rope Cocking Device and lubrication Wax
- Lightweight Quiver
- Two 20” Headhunter Arrows
Mid-class, real value, great price. The Barnett Whitetail Hunter II is the best hunting crossbow for a teenager.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
As the name implies, the Whitetail Hunter II is designed for deer hunting. It’s built to be durable, reliable and is a great bow for an adolescent.
Your kid’s going to be shooting like a pro with the 350 feet per second shot, which is just above our recommendation for the proper shooting speed for hunting.
The weight of the bow is just below 6.5 pounds, which classifies as being in the lightweight category. Having a light weight bow helps when carrying it in the outdoors for the day.
When the package arrives, you’ll be glad to hear that the Hunter II comes nearly assembled as is. All that’s needed is a single bolt placement. That means you’ll have this bow put together right away and your son or daughter will be out practicing shots right after it’s out of the package.
Speaking of the package, this bow comes equipped with a scope, rope cocking device, lube wax, quiver, and arrows. Buy this package and it’ll include everything that’s needed to take down that first 10-point!
- TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology™
- Single Bolt Assembly
- Magnesium Riser
- Soft-Lok™ Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer
- Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System
- Metal Injection Molded (MIM) Trigger
- Custom Composite Laminated Limbs
- 7/8” Picatinny Rails
- Crank Cocking Device Compatible
- Finger Safety Reminders
- Pass-Through Foregrip
- Anti-Vibration Foot Stirrup
Who Is This Crossbow Best For?
The Barnett Whitetail Hunter II is best for the semi-experienced junior hunter in the high school age range who’s ready for their first adult-sized crossbow.
Classic Barnett Crossbows
We reviewed the 2021 crossbow product line of the working man’s crossbow brand, Barnett. Read that here.
2. Best First-Time Hunter's Bow
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Barnett Jackal |
315 |
7.7 lbs |
32.5" |
26.5" |
Undisclosed" |
12" |
150 lbs |
Pros
- Excellent price-for-quality ratio
- Sleek, military-style stock
- high energy wheels
- Synthetic string and cable system
Cons
- Does not come with a rope cocking device
Package includes:
- Red dot scope
- Quick-detach quiver
- 3 arrows
The Barnett Jackal is a perfect fit for the early-teen bow enthusiast.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
This is a very powerful crossbow that comes powered up at 315 feet per second shots. This crossbow is no joke, and if you’re looking to take a son or daughter out to hunt, the Jackal is a great choice.
The package comes with everything that’s needed to take it out of the box and start hunting after an easy assembly.
Accessories that come with the package include lube wax, a 3-bolt quiver, a premium red dot scope, and Jackal arrows.
This bow can safely shoot deer up to 50 yards and has a high level of accuracy. The entire package is made in the U.S., and I really like the military-style design.
The sleek quad limb high energy wheel, or cams, on the crossbow are what helps produce the fast 315 fps shot. What else is great is the ADF MIM trigger with a clean break at 3.5 pounds.
The draw weight is an easy-to-pull 150 pounds and with the overall weight being 7.7 pounds, this would make a great junior crossbow for someone who’s ready for this much power.
Who’s This Crossbow Best For?
This crossbow is a perfect fit for the younger in your home who’s looking to get in on the hunting action with a powerful hunting weapon.
3. Great for Beginning older-Teen Hunters
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CenterPoint Sniper 370 |
370 |
7.7 lbs |
36" |
18" |
21.5" |
13.5" |
185 lbs |
Pros
- High performance 370 FPS
- Fully adjustable stock and foregrip
- Quad limbs and precision cam system
- Integrated string suppressor
- Durable, lightweight design
- Anti-dry fire trigger
- Easy to assemble
- Adjustable stock
Cons
- No silencing system included
Package includes:
- Three 20-inch carbon arrows
- Parallel quiver
- 4x32 mm scope
- Rope cocker
The Sniper 370 shoots at a whopping 370 feet per second shot. It can be an awesome way to get an older teenager into hunting and archery.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
The Sniper 370 is the best older-teen crossbow for beginning hunters. It’s hard to believe that a bow with these dimensions actually shoots at 370 FPS, but it truly does. Once you handle this bow, you’ll quickly notice that there was a lot of effort and pure good engineering that went into designing the bow.
The reason this crossbow is best for older teens is because of its weight and shooting power. This bow weighs in at 7.7 pounds, and although picking something up at that weight doesn’t seem like a lot, it can feel like a lot when you’re holding it for a while in the fields or woods waiting for that next buck to come by.
What you’re going to really appreciate with this Sniper 370 is that is comes as a complete hunting package. Accessories include a sling, rope cocker, 4 arrow quiver, arrows, and a scope. This is literally the cheapest crossbow that will allow you to take down big game in North America. The package you receive with the Sniper 370 checks all the boxes you’ll want in a beginning hunter’s crossbow.
About the specs, the sight rail is adjustable, and you’ll have no problems finding zero on the scope to shoot. This bow’s design allows a hunter great mobility and comfort while in the field. Plus, because it comes equipped with a rope cocker, the 185 pound draw weight isn’t a problem at all.
Who This Bow is Best For
This CenterPoint 370 not only comes at a great price tag, but shoots like a pro too. If you’re in the market for a reliable crossbow that will last, check out the Sniper 370 right here.
4. Best Youth Recurve for Hunting
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Barnett Wildcat Camo Recurve |
260 |
4.8 lbs |
32" |
22" |
28" |
12" |
195 lbs |
Pros
- Little assembly needed to start shooting
- Good quality for the price
- Soft-lok floating bristle arrow retainer
- Metal injection molded trigger
- Anti-dry fire trigger system
Cons
- Difficult to cock- hightly recommend purchasing the rope cocking device with this package
- Speed is under 300 FPS
Package includes:
- 4x32 millimeters multi-reticle scope
- Two 20" Aluminum Arrows
- Lightweight side mount quiver
- Lube Wax
Easy to assemble and great to shoot, the Barnett Wildcat is the best youth recurve crossbow for beginner hunters.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
Safety is key, especially for first-time bow owners. The Wildcat includes Barnett’s Soft Lok floating bristle arrow retainer to keep from dry-firing, which they call their Anti-Dry Fire Trigger System. It works well, and we’re happy there’s a safety mechanism.
Who This Crossbow Is Best For
If you’re looking to hunt, and you want a simple-to-use, lightweight and durable crossbow, the Barnett Wildcat is probably your best choice. This bow will unleash the hunter within and captivate any noobie into a genuine hunter. If you’re looking for a gift to get someone (maybe yourself) into bow hunting, start with the Wildcat.
5. Best for Youth Recurve for Archery
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
SA Sports 647 Empire Fever Pro |
235 |
5.1 lbs |
32" |
Undisclosed" |
26.5" |
12" |
175 lbs |
Pros
- Great weight and simple design
- Hand saver palm grip
- Ambidextrous auto safety
- Integrated broadhead wrench molded into stock
- Flip-open storage compartment
- Adjustable weaver scope mount
- Sturdy cast aluminum traack
Cons
- Trigger quality is mediocre
- Bolts are mediocre
Package includes:
- 4x32 scope
- 4 aluminum arrows
- Quick detach quiver
- Padded shoulder sling for easy transport
The Empire Fever Pro is a versatile, easy-to-use bow suitable for both experienced shooters and beginners, and for this reason, this is the best youth recurve crossbow for archery.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
This lightweight and shooter-friendly bow is ripe for a smaller-bodied person, who is looking for a crossbow that doesn’t have a heavy weight.
The length is perfect for fast and mobile shots when first spot your game and need to set up with speed. What I like so much about the Empire Fever Pro is that it includes the features demanded by crossbow enthusiasts with an extremely affordable price tag.
SA Sports also created some innovative designs that I’ve noticed to be extremely useful. For example, the flip-cap dry storage works great if you’ve need to pack something light or keep something dry, you can put it right into the bow. Also, the optional saver-palm grip allows shooters to choose whether or not they want the crossbow to be handheld or not. Options are nice, and for the price, this bow gives them all.
Who Is This Crossbow Best For?
The Empire Fever Pro crossbow is an excellent pair for girls, junior hunters, or small-built hunters who are looking for an easy-to-handle crossbow that will give you excellent target practice!
6. Best for Young Beginners
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Daisy Crossbow |
Undisclosed |
4.4 lbs |
38.38" |
Undisclosed |
Undisclosed" |
Undisclosed |
29 lbs |
Pros
- Great trainer for juniors
- Adjustable rear sight
- Includes 2 bolts
- Safety-first crossbow
Cons
- Latch release has been known to be installed backward
Package includes:
- Crossbow
- 2 bolts
Fun and easy to shoot, with a draw weight of only 29 pounds, nearly anyone can shoot it!
The Daisy is a great little crossbow for the youngster in your household!
I don’t recommend trying to hunt anything with it, but this little bow can make a great practice crossbow for your kid’s first time shooting.
The crossbow comes with two bolts, and can be easily assembled right out of the package.
Targeted around the $60 mark, this might be your child’s favorite gift- maybe yours too!
7. Best Handheld
| Model | Draw Weight | Self-Cocking |
|---|---|---|
|
KingsArchery |
80 |
Yes |
Pros
- Self-cocking design
- Adjustable sight
- Aluminum arrow bolts
- Safety feature
- Easy to use
Cons
- 80-pound draw weight can be difficult to draw
- Package doesn't include lube wax
- Adjustable sight isn't great
Package includes:
- 15 aluminum arrow bolts
- 15 plastic arrow bolts
KingsArchery is the ultimate handheld pistol crossbow on the market. At the time this review was written, this handheld crossbows runs for less than $75, and this makes for a great youth crossbow pick!
Get out and get shooting, quickly and easily with this KingsArchery. Don’t be mistaken by the price, however, read the recent customer reviews – people are raving about this little, yet powerful crossbow.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
- Constructed from durable fiberglass
- Extremely powerful for the size
- Easy to use right out of the box
- This model can fit any sized person
Who’s This Crossbow Best For?
The KingsArchery pistol crossbow is perfect for the young shooter to gain real target practice for UNDER $100!
Don't Forget these accessories too
How To Pick The Right Crossbow For A Child
Picking the right crossbow for a child doesn’t have to be a difficult decision. Consider the following aspects when searching for the best youth crossbow:
- Shoot speed
- Weight
- Draw weight
- Price
- Brand
- Review of bow
Benefits Purchasing A Crossbow For A Child
Giving a crossbow to a child can have many positive effects, if supervised properly. Some of these include the chance to teach the child about:
- Having responsibility
- Having the motivation to be mature
- Teaching them the life skill of shooting
- Teaching them the life skill of protection and how to handle a weapon
- Teach them how to take care of something
Tips To Help Your Child Take Care Of Their Bow
It is very important to lube the string of the bow after every few shots. This helps prevent the string from becoming dry and fraying.
We have a section about how to take care of your bow that you can read to learn more.
People also ask
What is the best youth crossbow?
The best youth crossbow depends on the age and strength of the child.
What age can a child buy a crossbow?
A child can buy a crossbow at the age of 18.
How To Pick The Right Crossbow For A Child
Picking the right crossbow for a child doesn’t have to be a difficult decision. Consider the following aspects when searching for the best youth crossbow:
- Shoot speed
- Weight
- Draw weight
- Price
- Brand
- Review of bow
Benefits Purchasing A Crossbow For A Child
Giving a crossbow to a child can have many positive effects, if supervised properly. Some of these include the chance to teach the child about:
- Having responsibility
- Having the motivation to be mature
- Teaching them the life skill of shooting
- Teaching them the life skill of protection and how to handle a weapon
- Teach them how to take care of something
Tips To Help Your Child Take Care Of Their Bow
It is very important to lube the string of the bow after every few shots. This helps prevent the string from becoming dry and fraying.
We have a section about how to take care of your bow that you can read to learn more.
People also ask
What is the best youth crossbow?
The best youth crossbow depends on the age and strength of the child.
What age can a child buy a crossbow?
A child can buy a crossbow at the age of 18.
Recap
A crossbow is one of those kinds of life-changing gifts you can get for your child.
Crossbow’s not only introduce good people into your life, but they can be the tool to teach some of life’s most important lessons, such as caring for an object, maturity in using the object, as well as the ability to shoot and hunt.
The problem is that there are so many crossbow options available on the market, and it can be both difficult and time consuming to find the best youth crossbow for your child’s needs.
We hope our review helped you find what you’re looking, and if you have any further questions or comments, please leave them in the comment’s section at the bottom of this page!
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Best Youth Crossbows
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