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Looking for some guidance on a bow purchase for my stepdaughter. She's expressed interest in a bow for basic archery. I'm thinking at her age and skill level some sort of recurve bow would be in order. Probably would like to keep it $100 or under just because I don't know how far her interest will go. So what am I looking for? Which brand? I'd appreciate any help or guidance since this isn't my forte of knowledge. Thanks.
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Recurves are not good as a starter for teens, particularly girls who will likely not have the strength as a teenage boy. I have a Samick Sage which my son (13) and daughter (11) shoots. I had to get an arrow rest and a sight for it for them to acquire the target quickly. With a recurve, you are holding all those lbs of draw back while aiming.
A compound will have let off, which is usually listed as a percentage. So if you have a compound bow with 20lbs draw weight and 50% let off, the shooter is only holding back 10 lbs while aiming. Most compounds are usually around 70%.
Going back to the recurve, because these don't have let off, you will need lighter limbs installed. For her, it will likely be the lightest limbs available. It will limit the distance to target that she can reliable shoot. So depending on the range she will shoot at, it may not work.
I would get a compound bow with a rest and a sight to maximize her enjoyment of the sport. Look at a wrist release as well.
Most will recommend the Genesis, but that is not as adjustable, and she will outgrow it quickly if she takes to the sport. I would suggest looking at the Diamond Infinite Edge or similar bows that have significant adjustment ranges for both draw weight and draw length. The package deals are going for $319 right now. That includes the bow, rest, and sight.
Depending on where she is in her teens, she might need the Genesis Pro or X. Those are more expensive, and when you add the rest and sights for the package, you will be close to the Infinite Edge in price but with much less adjustability as she improves and grows (physically). The Genesis Pros go for about $170 as a bare bow, and the X for about $200.
Beware though, I believe the Genesis bows have little to no let off. I've shoot those at Boy Scout camps and have not been impressed, neither has my son.
Overall, I would recommend putting money in the bow, and not the arrows. Just start out with cheaper target arrows for now.