8 year old draw weight

[howl]

I'm asking for direction on what to get the kid. I have an eight year old boy here who has an interest in 3-D archery. He's currently using a Bear Crusader with cast-off arrows. We also have a Bear Titan, and a Samick Sage with 25# limbs he can strain back. I would guess he's comfortably pulling fifteen pounds. If he keeps shooting often, I would like to buy him a recurve with limbs to swap in as he gets stronger.

What you be a good draw weight to try to work up to? I'm thinking just enough to sling an arrow at kids ranges at 3-D shoots. No point in overdoing it, but everybody likes to be able to keep up with the crowd.

[Trenton G.]

Is he struggling with 25# at his draw length or 25# limbs that he's not pulling all the way back? If it's 25# at his draw, maybe try something around 20. Should lighten it up while still having enough to stick an arrow in a target.

[Possum Head]

I've got 2 8 year old Grandsons that each shoot 26 lbs @ 25" Maddog Pups. They probably draw 20" at best so do the math for perceived weight. They shoot 1200 spine PSE Razorbacks that flat out smoke. Great trajectory for 3D. Plenty of bow at their draw. Better to under bow than over so proper technique can be achieved. Best wishes!

[howl]

Thanks. He can pull the 25# bow all the way but its clearly too much. If he works up to 25# over the winter that sounds like it'll work.

[Captain*Kirk]

My granddaughter (8) has a Maddog Pup that pulls around 15#. Anything more would be too much for her.
Remember that 20# at full draw is more than an 80# compound with 85% let-off at full draw. Far better to underbow and allow him to develop good, repeatable muscle memory and great form than to struggle to hold a too-heavy bow at full draw.
If you're going with a takedown bow, get the lightest limbs available.

[Bowguy67]

I teach lots of kids in a few dif formats. An 8 year old child should not struggle. Many bows marked are marked for draw length beyond what a child can draw. As they grow the DW automatically goes up.
Now here the thing. Fellows excuse me as imo the advise is well intentioned but kids today are very often physically weak. I'm amazed at how much so very often. There may be some children among them that aren't but asking anyone else doesn't help.
You need to take the child personally. Make sure he attains full draw and doesn't struggle. If you aren't fully able to coach I'd advise getting help. No sense teaching bad habits. Check eye dominance. Show proper stance,bow arm,  grip, release (no dead hands), follow through, etc.
If you need help w any of that pm me and I'll help best I can on phone.
I use string bows to teach form and believe that's the best way to do do.
Remember, what's best for him, not the neighbor. Good luck

[Wudstix]

Determine individual draw length and then at what weight the bow pulls 25#.  If you haven't already.  Push-ups are a good basic strength builder.

[McDave]

Good advice from Bowguy.  I've taught kids for years, and I wouldn't say anything different.  8 is the ideal age to start teaching kids archery.  Keep it mainly play, and maintain your awareness that kids' attention spans at that age are short.  Always be available to take him shooting, but never try to force it on him.

[wingnut]

Jason coaches a few kids in that age group.  Most are shooting 15 @ 20 bows with good form.

Mike