bow for wife/child/preteen

[courtgreene]

I'm looking for a bow (compound preferable but recurve suggestions welcome too) for my wife. I want to begin by saying that I know full well that the best thing to do is have her try some out. That isn't going to be an option. She will let me teach her to shoot it and shoot with me if she likes it, but she's not going to do it if it becomes a burden to her (shopping for it) and to be honest I'd rather her not know how much bows/guns/knives cost. We are both blissful in her ignorance of such things.
With that out of the way... the only experience I have with bows is my own. I've had to teach myself and I've come a long way... but I didn't have one when I was younger, I don't know how much draw length/weight the average 5'3" 105 pound woman might need. Have any of you equipped such a person with something?
Another reason that I want something as stated is that I work with middle schoolers, and several of them are interested, but they can't cover a full draw with their short arms. I would love to be able to introduce them to archery as well.
Now for the reason I put this in hunting. State law requires a 35 pound minimum, so I would like a bow of that weight or at least one that can be adjusted to that. That way as I teach people how to use a bow, they will learn how to use one that would meet the requirements should they get their own and hunt with it in the future.
I don't mind spending more on her than I would myself (dirt cheap, all used, spent 40 dollars on the last one) because I want to get her something of quality that she would like. And if any of you have youth bows that you/your children have outgrown, I'm open to them.
Sorry for the lengthy explanation, I look forward to your replies.

 

[Guiding101]

Both PSE Chaos and Diamonds Razors edge are great bows for women and young adults. Typical draw weight for most of the female clients I have run across is between 45 and 55lbs. I have however had female clients shoot bows with draw weights up to 70lbs she was by no means a large lady. A method I use is have her curl a bar bell. If she can comfortably curl 20 lbs, a fourty lb bow would be about perfect. I do not know why this multiplying curl weight by 2 works on setting up a woman's bow as the muscles used are not entirely the same, but it has nevered failed me yet. This is a trick an old bow hunter showed me years ago. Oddly enough multiply by 1.5 on men is usually the correct formula for max comfortable draw weigh on men.......Give it a try. I'm not saying that if you can curl 80 lbs that you should shoot a 120 lbs bow. I just shows that you could indeed comfortably draw that bow.

 

[courtgreene]

Sounds like great advice... thank you. I will try. And since you are obviously right knowledgeable... Can you suggest a draw length?

ive heard wing spand divided by 2.5, but dont know how accurate that is.

 

[Mudinyeri]

Wing span divided by 2.5 will get you in the ballpark. The only way to measure accurately is to draw back an arrow and measure how far it was drawn back. Most outdoor outfitting stores will do this for you.

Most stores that sell bows will also let you try them in different weights. Finding one that's easily adjustable is key for a kid whose strength and draw length will change quickly.

 

[Guiding101]

An adjustable draw length is ket, because draw lenghts will changed if: A release is used, and if the grip is changed. I bring up the grip change as in my experience, many women (And alot of men) prefer padded after market grips as aposed to the stiff, solid factory grips. Best way to determine draw lenght is to use a wooden dowel. Have your wife find a good anchor point on her cheek, as if on full draw. Measure from where the anchor point in out to 3" in front of the grip hands farthest point. This should be the maximum arrow length. Adding a release will shorten her draw length.

Good luck, and good shooting.

 

[jbkebert]

Two bows come to mind as a good choice for your wife. First is a Mission Menace the Second is a Bear Apprentice.

The Bear goes for around $279-299setup. It is setup with okay sights but you will replace before to long. A peep sight, arrow rest, and 4 arrow quiver. It is adjustable from 17-29 1/2" draw length and from 17-50# draw weight.

The Mission Menace retails for around $289 bare. No sights, rest, or anything else come with it. You can outfit with the basics for around another $150 or so. Like the Bear it is adjustable from 17-30" draw length and from 18-50# draw weight.

Both are surprising on how quick they are. My wife has te Bear and my Boys have the Mission. These boys have ample room for growth. Meaning in your case if your wife enjoys archery. She will quickly progress into a little more draw weight. Start out light and work on technique and accuracy. Once those muscles learn what to do gradually add draw weight. Its all about shot placment not poundage. A sharp broadhead out of a 40# will pass through a deer no sweat. I have seen it with my own eyes more than once.

 

[courtgreene]

thanks to everyone, I've been checking out those suggestions at the local shops.

 

[hardluk1]

I bought a mission menace for the daughter of a friend that passed away. With her pull lenght of only 24" and a pull weight of 41lb she killed a hog at 35 yards and 2 deer this year. It is also very quite and she can change the draw lenght in just a couple minutes . That also lowers the pull weight way down and she can let her 9 and 10 year old kids shoot the bow too. Great bow for a small a lady or children to grow with for some years. Don't know where your at in NC but if your on the western side contact COPPERS TRADING POST in Burnsville NC. Shannon Cooper has one of the finist bow shops around. 4 brands with maybe 40 bows in stock new along with used sold with ever add on brand of accessory you can think of along with many choice's of targets stands . Hell of a bow shop with very good priceing for the hunter or comp shooter.

 

[courtgreene]

I ran by bass pro with her today, she too has a 24 inch draw length. She was drawing thirty pounds fine, and she probably won't be hunting so that should be fine. Now for shopping. Thanks again guys.