6 Best Youth Crossbows: Choosing the Right One for Your Kids
When my son grew out of his pistol crossbow, I knew I had to find a good youth crossbow for him. He loves my CP400, but it has a fairly heavy draw weight and I didn’t want to work the draw every time he wanted to shoot. I wanted to find him something that’s more manageable, not as heavy, and will still let him have fun.
I set out to research and find the best crossbow for him. After going through a lot of crossbows and testing them out, I’ve put together a list of the best youth crossbows. Now, keep in mind that every kid is different and will need different things out of their crossbow. So, instead of ranking them in any particular order, I’ve sorted them based on categories.
Types of Crossbows
Before checking out the list of best youth crossbows, there are two main types of crossbows you should know about.
Recurve Crossbow – The recurve crossbow has a simple design but a high draw weight. They lose a lot of the force you put into it to sound and it doesn’t really improve the speed or the power of the bolt.
Compound Crossbow – Compound crossbows are much narrower and require a smaller draw weight than the recurve ones. Since their power comes from the compounded weight of their limbs, it fires faster bolts and isn’t as loud.
I’ve recommended a mix of recurve and compound crossbows here. But full size crossbows can be intimidating and if you are not comfortable introducing that to your kid, you can always start them on pistol crossbows. They are very small and affordable crossbows that fit in one hand and can serve as a great introduction to these types of weapons.
With that, let’s dive into my picks for the best crossbows for kids.
Gun University’s choices of the best Best Youth Crossbows
Best Youth Crossbows
Best Overall Barnett XP 380 with Crank |  |
| Buy on Amazon |
Best Safety TenPoint Wicked Ridge Rampage 360 | |
| Buy on Amazon |
Best Lightweight Excalibur 308 SHORT Banshee | |
| Check Price |
Best usable/maneuverable Wicked Ridge Ranger X2 | |
| Check Price |
Best budget SA Sports Fever Crossbow Package | |
| Buy on Amazon |
Best for under 10 Barnett Youth 30 Compound Crossbow | |
| Buy on Amazon |
Best Youth Crossbows Specifications
Below is a table of the crossbow specs. Click the name of the crossbow to jump to that review.
| Crossbow | Draw Weight (lbs) | Length (in) | Weight (lbs) | Speed (FPS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnett XP 380 with Crank | 185 | 33 | 12 | 380 |
| TenPoint Wicked Ridge Rampage 360 | 175 | 35.5 | 6 | 360 |
| Excalibur 308 SHORT | 245 | 32.5 | 5.5 | 308 |
| Wicked Ridge Ranger X2 | 150 | 33.9 | 5.9 | 330 |
| SA Sports Fever Crossbow Package | 175 | 33 | 5.25 | 240 |
| Barnett Youth 30 Compound Crossbow | 30 | 34.25 | 6.2 | 140 |
Best Youth Crossbows
Here is our list for the best youth crossbows:
- Barnett XP 380 with Crank
- TenPoint Wicked Ridge Rampage 360
- Excalibur 308 SHORT
- Wicked Ridge Ranger X2
- SA Sports Fever Crossbow Package
- Barnett Youth 30 Compound Crossbow
Best Youth Crossbows – Reviews
I’ve discussed all the crossbows I’ve listed below. They are all good choices, but depending on your kid’s age, strength, and experience, some of them might be a better fit for them than others.
Best Overall Barnett XP 380 with Crank
Barnett XP 380 with Crank
The Barnett XP 380 has a lot of power and is very easy to use, making it a sound choice for women and youth who want to take up target shooting or hunting.
- Safety A
- Speed A+
- Ease of Use B
- Value A
Our Grade
A
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Barnett XP 380 with Crank Specs
- Length (in) 33
- Draw Weight (lbs) 185
- Speed (FPS) 380
- Weight (lbs) 12
- Suggested Bolt Length (in) 20
Barnett XP 380 with Crank Review
This all-in-one powerhouse is my top overall pick and is also what I chose for my son.
I like it for two reasons. First, it’s powerful and versatile enough to take down large game, with a shooting speed of 380 FPS and 122 feet-pounds of kinetic energy. This means you won’t need to spend money on additional bows and your kid can stick to this for all hunts. This is a bow that’ll grow with them. Second, it’s very easy to use. I’ve been hunting for years and even I was impressed with how comfortably the bow sits because of the adjustable butt stock and cheek rest.
This is great because kids, especially those with a smaller build, can tire easily under the weight of their bow. With the XP 380 though, my kid could carry it through a fairly long hunt without needing any help from me. The fact that these features are customizable also means he won’t outgrow the bow soon, and can use it for a long time to come.
It’s always nice to have some help with drawing your bow, and since the XP 380 comes with a crank cocking device, you won’t always need to assist your kid with this. The device helps to reduce the draw weight, which they’ll soon be able to manage by themselves once they get a bit older.
Now the only drawback with this bow is that it might be a bit too powerful for small game, but with a bit of practice, your kid can get the hang of it and learn how to adapt the bow to different situations.
Overall, the Barnett XP 360 is a great pick for young shooters who have a bit more experience with the weapon.
Barnett XP 380 with Crank Pros and Cons
- Easy to assemble
- Comfortable and customizable
- Packed with 380 FPS
- Too powerful for hunting small animals
Best Safety TenPoint Wicked Ridge Rampage 360
TenPoint Wicked Ridge Rampage 360
The Wicked Ridge Rampage 360 is one of the few value-priced crossbows with a built-in ACUDraw cocking device.
- Safety A+
- Speed A+
- Ease of Use B
- Value B
Our Grade
A-
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TBD
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TenPoint Wicked Ridge Rampage 360 Specs
- Length (in) 35.5
- Draw Weight (lbs) 175
- Speed (FPS) 6
- Weight (lbs) 360
- Suggested Bolt Length (in) 20
TenPoint Wicked Ridge Rampage 360 Review
When giving your kid their first crossbow, the main thing you should focus on is safety. As a parent myself, I know that accidents can happen and this is a risk we have to take when we trust our kids with a bow. As parents, we should reduce the risk whenever we can.
Most modern crossbows come with anti-dry fire mechanisms, but the Rampage 360 takes safety a couple of steps further. It comes with integrated safety wings to make sure no one loses any fingers by keeping the shooter’s hand below the flight deck, which is the crossbow equivalent of the barrel of a gun.
Excited kids and loaded crossbows are a dangerous combination, because they rush into things. To prevent these kinds of accidents, the Rampage 360 comes with a 3.5 lb trigger, which will require a bit of force to pull, lowering the risk of your kid setting it off by accident. TenPoint has also included a fully enclosed trigger guard as an additional safety measure.
My friends and I sometimes take our kids hunting together and the Rampage 360 is a popular choice with us dads because, aside from its outstanding safety features, it is a good lightweight starter bow weighing in at just 6 lbs.
Now, while its draw weight is lower than the Barnett XP 380, 175 lbs is still a heavy draw weight for a kid. The good news is that you can choose between the ACUdraw 50 sled and the ACUdraw cocking device to reduce the draw weight and make loading easier. These devices are TenPoint exclusives that can significantly reduce the draw weight of your crossbow.
While both options are built-in and auto-retracting, the 50 sled reduces the draw weight by 50% and the latter brings it down to 5 lbs, making it a lot easier to draw and shoot. I personally think that pairing the Rampage 360 with the ACUdraw cocking device is a great idea. By reducing the draw weight, the ACUdraw makes this bow a lot easier to use for younger kids.
I also found that this works just fine for target shooting and the 3x multi-reticle scope works well if they’re shooting from a 20-50 yard distance.
The Rampage 360 has a lot going for it, but I was a bit disappointed to learn that it doesn’t come with bolts, especially since it’s on the pricier side. You’re at risk of voiding your lifetime warranty if you use anything other than an Alpha nock with your bolts.
But overall, I would say the Rampage 360 is a balanced and safe crossbow for young shooters.
TenPoint Wicked Ridge Rampage 360 Pros and Cons
- Built-in ACUDraw cocking device
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- The scope is not illuminated
- No decocking mechanism
Best Lightweight Excalibur 308 Short Banshee
- Safety A
- Speed B
- Ease of Use A
- Value B-
Our Grade
B+
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Excalibur 308 Short Banshee Specs
- Length (in) 32.5
- Draw Weight (lbs) 245
- Speed (FPS) 5.4
- Weight (lbs) 308
- Suggested Bolt Length (in) 16.5
Excalibur 308 Short Banshee Review
Young shooters, in my opinion, need light bows to avoid tiring when they track game in the woods. That’s why I recommend the Excalibur 308 Short Banshee for young hunters.
Weighing at just 5.4 lbs, the Excalibur 308 Short Banshee is one of the lightest and most compact bows I’ve held. I really love the design because Excalibur didn’t sacrifice any durability or strength in reducing weight. It is perfect for kids who want to upgrade to a hunting crossbow.
The 308 Short Banshee has got more than enough power for kids—with a speed of 308 FPS and kinetic energy ranging between 70-80 ft-lbs, it is a good fit for both hunting and target practice.
I recommend using it when you are hunting game like turkey or whitetail with your kid. The light weight means that they won’t tire from carrying it and the power is good enough for medium game.
The problem with the Short Banshee is mainly the draw weight. At 250 lbs, it is a fairly heavy bow to draw. Even when you cut the draw weight down to half with the rope cocker Excalibur sends with the bow, 125 lbs can be too hard to handle for young shooters. I took my son to the range with this one and I was constantly working the draw for him. He did enjoy shooting with it, but it’s not really my favorite one on this list. The Short Banshee is also one of the most expensive models on this list, so you might have to take that into consideration when you buy.
Some might say the Ravin R26 would be a better choice because it has a lower draw weight, but it is a lot more expensive than the Short Banshee and slightly heavier.
Excalibur 308 Short Banshee Pros and Cons
- Good build quality
- Lightweight and fairly compact
- Good for medium game
- Expensive
- High draw weight
Best Ease of Use Wicked Ridge Ranger X2
- Safety A
- Speed B
- Ease of Use A
- Value B
Our Grade
A-
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Wicked Ridge Ranger X2 Specs
- Length (in) 33.9
- Draw Weight (lbs) 150
- Speed (FPS) 5.9
- Weight (lbs) 330
- Suggested Bolt Length (in) 20
Wicked Ridge Ranger X2 Review
When Wicked Ridge released the Ranger X2 as a specially made crossbow for beginner hunters, women, and kids in 2019, I was very hopeful about it. And true to their brand, the Wicked Ridge Ranger X2 is a really great option for kids because of how easy it is to learn its mechanisms and handle it.
What makes this crossbow unique is its short draw length of less than 12 inches. This means the power stroke, the distance between the string’s resting point when uncocked and the string’s resting point when cocked, is just under 11 inches, making it an easy draw.
The Ranger X2 is also very lightweight at just 5.9 lbs but packs some serious punch with an FPS of 330.
The draw weight of this crossbow is pretty heavy though, coming in at 150 lbs. But it has a quick fix because Wicked Ridge bows are compatible with the ACUdraw technology we discussed earlier. This means you can bring down the draw weight to just 5 lbs, making it one of the easiest crossbows to draw.
Wicked Ridge also doesn’t skimp on the safety features, which include built-in ADF mechanisms, auto safety, and finger guards.
The only problem is that you might have to replace the scope that comes with the bow as it’s not illuminated. It’s understandable considering the reasonable price, but I would have liked a better quality scope for it.
Wicked Ridge Ranger X2 Pros and Cons
- Easy to use
- Well made
- Lightweight
- No illuminated scope
Best Budget SA Sports Fever Crossbow
- Safety B
- Speed B-
- Ease of Use A
- Value B
Our Grade
B+
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SA Sports Fever Crossbow Specs
- Length (in) 33
- Draw Weight (lbs) 175
- Speed (FPS) 5.25
- Weight (lbs) 240
- Suggested Bolt Length (in) 16 or 20
SA Sports Fever Crossbow Review
There’s a chance your kid might change their mind about crossbow shooting, so it doesn’t make sense to invest in a premium crossbow until you know they are going to stick with it. That’s why I recommend the SA Sports Fever, which is a very affordable crossbow that’s perfect for kids. It won’t break the bank and will also give your kid a really enjoyable experience with a crossbow, even if it’s their first time.
At just 4.5 lbs and 240 FPS, it is a very light crossbow with a fair amount of power, perfect if you want to take your kid with you to hunt turkey or deer. But the problem is that it has a pretty heavy draw weight of 175 lbs. That means even with a cocking device, you are going to have to work the draw, especially for younger kids.
Another thing I really like is that it’s very easy to assemble. It took me less than half an hour to put the whole thing together and it’s pretty standard in its assembly. SA Sports Fever also comes with a ready-to-hunt kit with a sling, quiver, scope, and a rope cocking device.
Now, something to keep in mind is that this is not a very accurate crossbow. The scope was very wobbly, making it one of the worst sighting experiences I’ve had in a long time and drastically reducing the accuracy.
Some would say that the Bear SAGA 405 is a better choice for this category and, to a certain extent, I agree. If you want the best value for your money, then the Bear SAGA 405, with its high speed and accuracy, is a good choice.
Still, I wouldn’t say it’s the best fit for kids who are starting out because it’s significantly heavier (7.5 lb) and has a higher draw weight. It’s also not compatible with crank cocking devices and, to be honest, kids don’t really need a speed of 405 FPS.
So, if you want an affordable crossbow to introduce your kid to shooting, I still say SA Sports Fever is the best choice.
SA Sports Fever Crossbow Pros and Cons
- Affordable
- Includes everything you need to get started
- Not very accurate
- Included bolts break easily and would need to be replaced.
Best for under 10 Barnett Youth 30 Compound Crossbow
- Safety A+
- Speed B-
- Ease of Use A
- Value A
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
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Barnett Youth 30 Compound Crossbow Specs
- Length (in) 34.25
- Draw Weight (lbs) 30
- Speed (FPS) 6.2
- Weight (lbs) 140
- Suggested Bolt Length (in) 20
Barnett Youth 30 Compound Crossbow Review
Finding the perfect crossbow for kids under 10 years old is a bit different compared to other ages, so I’ve added this bonus category to help. You need something that’s safe, has a very low draw weight, and is also adjustable. So I asked my buddy, who has an 8-year-old son, what he would pick for his kid. His firm answer was Barnett Youth 30, and I was not surprised—Barnett is one of my most trusted brands for crossbows, and Youth 30 is specifically designed with kids in mind.
The best thing about the Barnett Youth 30 is that the draw weight is only 30 lbs, and it also comes with a crank cocker. This means your kid would have no issue in cocking the bow themselves. Plus, you can adjust the buttstock to fit them just right. Safety-wise, it’s got all the works: ADF mechanism, auto-safety, and finger guards to keep their little hands safe.
Just a heads up though, since it’s got a lower draw weight, it might not be legal for hunting in some places. Several states have minimum draw weight requirements for hunters, so it’s best to stick to target shooting with this bow.
The Barnett Youth 30 also has a very good scope, and at short ranges, it’s very accurate. Your kid cannot take longer shots accurately because of the lower draw weight.
The Barnett Youth 30 would make a perfect gift for younger kids who want a crossbow. It would give the feel of a real crossbow while also being safe and easy to use.
Barnett Youth 30 Compound Crossbow Pros and Cons
- Low draw weight
- Easy to use
- Not suitable for hunting
Buyers Guide Youth Crossbows
Choosing the right crossbow for kids needs a lot more thought than getting a crossbow for an adult. There are several things to keep in mind, so I’ve put together a guide to help you select the best youth crossbow for your kid.
What to look for when buying crossbows for your kids?
Here are some features I think are worth looking at more closely when buying a crossbow for your kid.
Safety – Safety is what I think about first when I buy crossbows for my kids. A lot of the time, this will be your kid’s first crossbow and you want to avoid any accidents while they get used to it. Most crossbows these days come with an anti dry firing mechanism and auto safety, but remember to make sure they consistently work. You can also look for other safety features like elongated finger guards, pass-through grips, and safety wings. Kids are more likely to shoot wrong with a new crossbow at first, so your crossbow’s safety features should work every single time to prevent any issues.
Price – Kids tend to change their minds a lot, so unless you’re absolutely sure your kid is going to love shooting with the crossbow, don’t blow your budget on their very first one. Get them an affordable youth crossbow first and see if it holds their interest. Then, as their skills progress, you can upgrade the crossbow.
When you invest in a more premium crossbow, I recommend looking at warranty and other specs too. Some of them have very specific conditions and might void your warranty if you don’t follow it.
Weight – When it comes to crossbows, weight can have a big impact on how easy or difficult it is for your kid to handle. Some kids can handle heavier crossbows without any issues, but for others, it can be a genuine struggle.
To figure out what’s best for your kid, try testing out how much weight they can comfortably hold over a period of time using some household items. This will give you a good sense of what to look for when you’re shopping for a crossbow. As a general rule, I’d say avoid anything that’s heavier than 8 lbs.
You can also get your kid a shooting stick. The shooting stick is a tripod that can hold the crossbow, taking the weight off their shoulders and making it much easier to aim and shoot accurately.
Draw weight and length – Draw weight decides how easy or hard the bow is to cock. Crossbows with large draw weights will not be the best fit for your kid because they won’t be able to draw it themselves. But we cannot use crossbows that have a too low draw weight for hunting. So, depending on what you want your kid to use it for, strike a balance between the two. I recommend getting a crossbow with a draw weight of 150 lbs or less.
Draw length is how much you need to draw back your string before shooting your crossbow. Shorter draw lengths make easier loading, so look for that when you get a crossbow for your kid.
Size – They design most crossbows for adults and can be difficult for kids to handle. I suggest getting a compact crossbow with an adjustable buttstock. This means you can adjust the bow to fit your kid.
Purpose-fit – What do you want your kid to do with a crossbow? If you plan to hunt with them, you would need something with higher draw weight and power while for target shooting, you can get by with a less powerful one. Certain states have strict requirements on the minimum draw weight required for hunting, so you might want to check your local regulations before taking your kid hunting. The type of bolts and broadheads would also depend on what you plan on using the crossbow for.
A bow for a young shooter is not necessarily the same as what a beginner or a female archer would want to look for in a crossbow. We have dedicated articles dedicated to both of those two groups of shooters.
Kid’s age and build – Your kid’s age and build are big deciding factors in buying a crossbow for them. Kids of different ages are going to need different things from their crossbows and the best crossbow for your kid is one that fits them just right.
Safety tips for kids when using the crossbow
With my kid, I didn’t even let him touch his first crossbow until I had drilled down the safety tips and best practices for using it. The crossbow is a serious weapon, and teaching proper safety practices from a young age goes a long way in helping them hunt safely. Here’s some of the advice I gave him.
- Always practice at home or at the range before you take it to the field. This helps you get more comfortable with your weapon and you can handle any issues in a safe environment.
- Never point your crossbow at people or furniture. Keep it pointed in a safe direction at all times.
- Make sure you inspect your crossbow–limbs, strings, cables, and bolts—before using it. Hunting with a damaged crossbow can be very dangerous.
- Don’t forget to wear appropriate safety gear such as eye protection, crossbow safety harness, and gloves. Crossbows can and have cut fingers, so keep your hands away from the strings and cables.
- Avoid dry-firing your crossbow because it can damage the crossbow severely. Nowadays, most crossbows do come with anti-dry firing mechanisms that stop this from happening.
- Whenever possible, follow manufacturer recommendations for bolts used and de-cocking. Otherwise, they will void your crossbow’s warranty.
Conclusion
Getting a crossbow for your kid is a big decision and one you cannot make lightly. It’s a really great weapon, but one that must be used with care, especially when it comes to kids. The most important thing in choosing a crossbow for your kid is to make sure that it fits them and that they can have fun with it. Good luck.
Youth Crossbow FAQs
Some of my favorites are Barnett XP 380 with Crank, Wicked Ridge Ranger X2, and Excalibur 308 Short Banshee. They are all versatile crossbows that can grow with young hunters.
The Excalibur 308 Short Banshee weighs only 5.4 lbs and is one of the lightest crossbows out there for kids. With 308 FPS, it has just enough force to hunt medium game.
The TenPoint Wicked Ridge Rampage 360 is the safest crossbow on the market. Along with the standard ADF mechanisms and auto safety, they also include pass-through grips, finger guards, and safety wings.
The Wicked Ridge Ranger X2 is one of the easiest crossbows to use. It’s very lightweight, has a short draw length, and the draw weight can be reduced by the ACUdraw technology.
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About Dave Chesson
Dave Chesson is prior Navy with a specialty in international arms dealing for the US government across multiple countries. Having traveled the world and abided by ATF and ITAR, Roy has a unique background in legal as well as practical capabilities of weapons deployment and use.
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