· top picks · 12 min read
Best 20 Barnett Vortex Youth Bows: The Essential Guide
Our Barnett Vortex Youth Bow roundup examines the key features, performance, and value of this popular compound bow model designed specifically for young archers.
The Barnett Vortex Youth Bow offers an impressive blend of performance features specifically designed for young archers. This comprehensive review examines its key components, including the adjustable riser, smooth draw weight progression, and durable construction, helping you make an informed choice.
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Reviews
Genesis Original Left Hand Yellow Bow Kit
The Genesis original kit left hand bow is a versatile starter bow that grows with its user, featuring an adjustable draw length from 15” to 30” and a smooth zero let-off draw. Made for archery beginners and kids, its 20-pound draw weight feels like a 35-pound recurve bow, making it powerful enough for both young and adult shooters. The left-handed version of what’s used in the NASP program, this bow kit comes with arrows and a quiver, making it easy to get started in archery.
Genesis Mini Bow Kit
This miniature archery set packs all the essentials into a lightweight, 2-pound frame that’s perfect for young shooters. The adjustable draw weight lets kids find their perfect pull, while the zero let-off design makes releasing the string surprisingly easy. The included quiver and target faces turn any outdoor space into a mini-golf range, complete with the informative owners manual to help them develop proper form from the start.
Spirit Jr 54 inch Right Hand Bow
This maple and fiberglass youth bow combines durability with just the right flexibility for developing shooters. The naturally colored riser blends elements of chuglam, gmelina arborea, and beech woods, creating a visually appealing contrast against the bow’s strong fiberglass limbs. While the entry-level draw weight might be too low for hunting, the bow excels as a beginner-friendly target practice tool, particularly for right-handed shooters.
Barnett Vertigo Youth Compound Bow
The Barnett Vertigo youth compound bow packs impressive 25-pound draw weight into an adjustable 22-26 inch length, making it suitable for young archers developing their skills. Built for lasting durability, it features an ambidextrous design with a soft-touch grip and visually-enhanced cams. While some users report minor quality issues like broken arrow rests, the bow’s solid construction and reliable performance make it a solid choice for introducing kids to archery.
Bear Archery Valiant Youth Bow Set
Made for the younger archer, this colorful bow kit includes everything a beginner needs to start shooting, from safety arrows to simple finger protectors. At just over a pound, the lightweight composite bow feels surprisingly durable for its price point. While some reviewers find it perfect for teaching basic skills, others note its limited power and accuracy, making it best suited for casual practice rather than competition.
Barnett Centershot Youth Bow
The Barnett Centershot Youth Bow is a lightweight entry-level recurve bow perfect for young archers. Its adjustable sight pin and soft-touch finger rollers make it easy to use, while the ambidextrous design keeps the arrow centered for consistent shots. Whether you’re a beginning archer or just getting started, this bow has the basics covered.
Barnett Youth Recurve Bow Kit
Combining a sturdy, right-left adjustable youth bow with two practice arrows, this colorful archery set gives budding archers a solid introduction to the sport. While some users suggest getting additional arrows due to the originals’ fragility, the set proves particularly popular for teaching kids basic archery techniques in a safe, controlled environment.
Bowtech Mossy Oak Vortex Hunter Bow
This lightweight bow (just 6 pounds) packs a powerful punch for its weight class. While some might find the basic sight and rest components a bit disappointing, the smooth draw cycle and precise shooting mechanics make it a solid choice for both new hunters and experienced shooters with moderate draw strength. The compact design makes it particularly practical for treestand hunts or when carrying gear on foot.
Barnett Tomcat 2 Youth Bow
At just 4 pounds, this right-handed youth bow handles like a pro with its 70% let-off and 17-22 pound draw weight. The included 3-pin fiber optic sight and soft-touch finger rollers make it a blast for kids to shoot, while the 20-22 inch draw length lets them grow into their aim.
Barnett Tomcat 2 Youth Bow
This well-built compound bow packs plenty of performance for its price point, with a smooth let-off and accurate fiber-optic sight that helps young archers develop proper technique. The parallel limb design cuts down on hand shock, making it easier to maintain consistent shots. While some users report issues with the arrow rest breaking on the first shot, the overall build quality and manageable draw weight make it a solid choice for beginners who are just getting started with archery.
Barnett Centershot Compound Youth Bow
While the Barnett Centershot Compound Youth Bow comes with a recommended draw weight of 17 pounds, making it suitable for both right- and left-handed archers as young as 5 years old, one reviewer mentioned it felt a bit light at 16 pounds during actual use. The riser design keeps the arrow perfectly centered for consistent shots, though some users noted the arrow rest could be more robust - one broke off after just four shots. Overall, while opinions vary, many parents appreciate how this bow lets their kids start shooting with a manageable setup that won’t break the bank.
Barnett Wildhawk Youth Compound Bow
The Barnett Wildhawk compound bow offers a manageable 18-pound draw weight suitable for young archers as young as 5 years old. Its ambidextrous design allows for both right- and left-handed shooting, featuring an adjustable draw length between 15 and 22 inches. The included package comes with essential accessories like a soft-touch grip, finger rollers, two arrows, and an adjustable sight pin, making it a comprehensive introduction to archery for children.
Barnett Quicksilver Recurve Bow
This youth bow combines an 18-inch draw length with a lightweight 15-pound draw weight, making it suitable for beginners ages 5-8. The ambidextrous design features a soft-touch grip and adjustable sight, while the package includes two arrows and essential accessories like an arrow rest and finger rollers.
Barnett Vortex Youth Compound Bow
The Barnett Vortex Youth Compound Bow offers adjustable draw weight from 19-45 lbs, making it suitable for growing archers. Reviewers praise its performance after simple modifications, while some note issues with initial setup and included accessories. With mixed feedback on durability and included components, families seeking a reliable youth bow will find valuable insights in these user experiences.
Barnett Vortex Youth Compound Bow
The Barnett Vortex Compound Bow packs impressive performance into a compact package, making it a solid choice for young archers. While the included accessories have room for improvement, the bow itself handles well and shoots straight, provided you’re willing to invest in some quality upgrades. Overall, it’s a decent starter bow that can grow with a developing archer, though the occasional wobbly arrow and fickle arrow rest might catch you off guard.
Barnett Vortex Lite Youth Bow
The Barnett Vortex Lite Compound Bow stands out as a practical introduction to archery with its well-controlled power and adjustable features. Young hunters will appreciate the smooth 60-70% let-off and the simple yet effective 3-pin fiber-optic sight. While some may find the basic setup lacking in premium details, the bow’s light weight and decent accuracy make it a solid value for beginners.
Barnett Vortex Lite Compound Bow
This lightweight compound bow is adjustable from 18 to 29 pounds of draw weight and offers a flexible draw length between 22 and 25 inches. Coming with a simple storage case and basic accessories, it allows young archers to practice shooting indoors or out.
Barnett Phantum Compact Crossbow
Combining portability with precision, the Barnett Phantum Series crossbow takes aim with its 3+1 shot capacity and pump-action design. The included fiber optic sight and 6 safety darts make it a serious contender in the world of suction dart competitions, while the free practice target lets you develop your skills in style. Built by the crossbow pioneers since 1962, this mini crossbow delivers the quality you’d expect from a trusted name in the industry.
Barnett Explorer Recruit XP Crossbow Package
The Barnett Explorer Recruit combines impressive velocity with unprecedented ease of use, firing arrows at 330 feet per second while requiring just 125 pounds of draw weight. At just 35.5 inches long, it’s remarkably compact for its performance, making it a practical choice for both new and experienced archers.
Barnett Crossbow Wildcat Camo Recurve
The Barnett Wildcat Camo Recurve Crossbow combines decent performance with affordable pricing, featuring 165 lbs draw weight and 57 ft-lbs of kinetic energy. Its compact 11L x 10.25W x 4.25H inch package includes a 4x32 scope, 2 bolts, wax, and quiver. While some users report initial reliability issues, many find it accurate out to 40 yards, particularly when paired with proper 20” arrows.
Buyer’s Guide
Bowhunting is an exciting way for young hunters to connect with nature and develop essential outdoor skills. The Barnett Vortex Youth Bow represents a significant investment in a young hunter’s equipment, so it’s important to consider several key factors to ensure you select the right bow for your needs.
Draw Weight and Length
Most Barnett Vortex Youth Bows range from 45-50 pounds of draw weight and are available in various lengths, typically between 26-28 inches. The draw weight should match the hunter’s strength, while the length should allow for proper stance and consistent shooting form. A bow that’s too powerful can be difficult to control, while one that’s too light may not provide adequate energy for effective hunting.
Components and Quality
The bow’s limbs, riser, and string materials significantly impact performance and durability. Premium components made from high-quality materials ensure consistent accuracy and longer service life. Consider the bow’s warranty and customer service reputation, as these factors can be crucial for maintaining your investment.
Calibration and Setup
Proper calibration ensures the bow operates smoothly and consistently. This involves adjusting the cam timing, protractors, and other components according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Proper setup is essential for accurate shooting and optimal performance. Many Barnett Vortex models come with basic calibration tools, but consider purchasing additional accessories for more precise adjustments.
Storage and Travel
Bowhunting requires careful equipment management, especially when transporting your bow between hunting locations. The bow should store compactly and secure to prevent damage during transport. Consider cases specifically designed for Barnett Vortex Youth Bows, as these often provide better protection and organization than generic options.
FAQ
What age group is the Barnett Vortex Youth Bow designed for?
The Barnett Vortex Youth Bow is specifically designed for bowhunters 12 years old and under. It features a shorter riser and reduced poundage compared to adult models, making it easier for younger hunters to handle.
The youth bow comes in three models tailored for different age groups: Vortex 40, Vortex 45, and Vortex 50, allowing hunters to progress as they grow and develop strength.
What are the key features of the Barnett Vortex Youth Bow?
Key features include a 2-stage trigger system for clean releases, adjustable brace height, and a reflex riser design that improves accuracy and follows through. The D-loop on the riser provides a comfortable shooting stance and proper gear release technique.
It also features Barnett’s unique Vortex series cam system, which provides consistent torque and reduced shock vibrations. The bow comes with a 3-year warranty and a lifetime warranty on the core components.
What is the weight and length of the Barnett Vortex Youth Bow?
The Vortex 40 weighs 2.9 pounds, the Vortex 45 weighs 3.2 pounds, and the Vortex 50 weighs 3.6 pounds. Overall length is 31 inches with the string attached.
These lightweight specifications make the bow suitable for young hunters while providing adequate power for ethical hunting applications.
What kind of sight options are compatible with the Barnett Vortex Youth Bow?
The Barnett Vortex Youth Bow accommodates standard pin sights, electronic sights, and most other aftermarket accessories. The scope base is 1-inch and the total sight height is 1.875 inches.
Users can install sights up to 3 inches above the rail, allowing for customization based on shooting preferences and bow height.
What is the draw length and weight capacity of each model?
The Vortex 40 has a 27-inch draw length and a 15-inch draw depth, with a maximum draw weight of 15 pounds. The Vortex 45 has the same draw length but allows for 16-20 pounds of draw weight, while the Vortex 50 has a 28-inch draw length and supports 20-25 pounds of draw weight.
This progressive weight capacity allows youth hunters to adjust their settings as they develop strength and experience.
How do the grip and stabilizer options work with the Barnett Vortex Youth Bow?
Two grip options are included: a standard grip and a grip with 1-inch spacers for additional palm coverage. The handle also features a 20-degree drop for proper grip positioning.
A 1.5-inch stabilizer is included to reduce bow wobble during the shot and improve accuracy. Additional stabilizer options are available for different length preferences or additional weight absorption.
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