Welcome to our deep-dive review of the BARNETT Vertigo Compound Bow, a budget-friendly option designed specifically for our budding young archers.
This particular model, fondly referred to as the ‘Vertigo', is a perfect fit for children aged between 7-10, making it an ideal choice for those taking their first foray into the world of archery.
In our comprehensive review, we'll be discussing the Vertigo's key features, such as its Mossy Oak Bottomland Camo design, and the two junior arrows that come included with the package.
We'll also explore the ease of use and performance of the Vertigo, considering its potential as a valuable learning tool for young enthusiasts.
Additionally, we'll delve into the quality of the arrow rest and offer some insight into the bow's overall durability and value for money.
By the end of this review, we aim to provide you with a well-rounded perspective on whether the Vertigo is the right choice for your young aspiring archer.
Stay tuned as we unpack what this $59.99 investment can offer.
Specifications
- Model Name: Vertigo
- Brand: BARNETT
- Color: Mossy Oak Bottomland
- Material: Other
- Item Weight: 1 Pound
- Draw Weight: 25 pounds
- Draw Length: 22 to 26 inches
- Comes with two 28″ Junior Arrows and an arrow rest
The Vertigo isn't just a bow, it's a complete archery set designed to help young archers develop their skills.
Its upgraded features include an adjustable sight pin for practicing accuracy and visually enhanced cams to create an efficient pulling system.
The bow is ambidextrous, meaning it can be used regardless of the archer's hand dominance.
Adding to its versatility, the Vertigo features a 25-pound draw weight and a 22 to 26-inch draw length, making it more powerful than BARNETT's Centershot series bows.
The bow also includes a soft-touch reinforced grip and soft-touch finger rollers for a comfortable hold and smooth operation.
The Vertigo comes ready to shoot.
In addition to the bow, the archery set includes two 28″ Junior Arrows and an arrow rest.
All of this comes wrapped in a Mossy Oak Bottomland camo, lending an air of authenticity and helping young archers feel like pros.
BARNETT, the brand behind the Vertigo, is a trusted name in the field of crossbows, with a rich history dating back to 1962.
This lineage is evident in the design and quality of the Vertigo, making it a reliable choice for the young archer in your life.
My Personal Experience
As a father, I've had the pleasure of seeing my son grow and develop his interests over the years.
When he showed an interest in archery, I was both thrilled and a little nervous.
I wanted to make sure he had a bow that was safe, reliable, and suitable for his age and skill level.
That's when I came across the Vertigo, and I can honestly say it has been a fantastic experience for both of us.
The first time we unboxed the Vertigo, my son's eyes lit up at the sight of the Mossy Oak Bottomland camo wrap.
It was clear that the design appealed to his sense of adventure.
He felt like he was holding a ‘real' bow, just like the ones he'd seen on TV or in movies, which made him even more enthusiastic about learning archery.
We started practicing in our backyard, and the Vertigo proved to be a perfect fit for him.
The draw weight of 25 pounds was just right for his age and strength, and the adjustable draw length ensured that the bow could grow with him.
It was rewarding to see him learning to adjust the sight pin and improve his accuracy over time.
One day, after weeks of practice, my son managed to hit the bullseye.
The joy on his face was priceless, and it was clear that the Vertigo had not only helped him develop a new skill but had also boosted his confidence.
He was proud of his achievement, and so was I.
What really struck me about the Vertigo was how it fostered a sense of independence in my son.
He loved that he could use the bow whether he was right-handed or left-handed.
This adaptability made him feel in control and encouraged him to practice more.
The soft-touch finger rollers and grip were also a hit.
They ensured that my son could practice for extended periods without discomfort, which was essential in maintaining his interest in the sport.
The fact that the Vertigo came with two junior arrows meant that we could start practicing straight out of the box, which was a big plus.
All in all, the Vertigo has been an excellent introduction to archery for my son.
It's more than just a bow; it's a tool that has helped him develop discipline, focus, and a newfound love for a sport that we can enjoy together.
And as a father, that's all I could ask for.
Price and Value for Money
not merely a standalone bow; it's a complete archery set, including two junior arrows and an arrow rest.
Given the comprehensive nature of this package, the Vertigo can be seen as an all-in-one investment towards your child's journey into archery.
Its affordability makes it an excellent choice for parents who are hesitant to make a substantial financial commitment before knowing whether their child will maintain an interest in archery.
Despite its budget-friendly price, the Vertigo does not compromise on quality.
It's a product of BARNETT, a brand with a well-established reputation in the crossbow and archery world, which ensures reliability and longevity.
The Vertigo's features, such as the adjustable sight pin, visually enhanced cams, ambidextrous riser, and the inclusion of two arrows, provide real value.
The adjustable draw length also means the bow can grow with your child, extending the product's useful life and ensuring you won't need to upgrade too soon.
Lastly, the Vertigo offers an invaluable intangible return: the joy, confidence, and skills it can instill in a young archer.
These are benefits that extend beyond the monetary value of the product.
In conclusion, the Vertigo Compound Bow offers a substantial return on investment.
It's an affordable, quality bow with a host of features that are well-suited for young archers.
It provides everything they need to start their archery journey while promising value that extends beyond its price tag.
The Drawbacks
While the Vertigo is an excellent bow overall, it's only fair to mention a couple of minor drawbacks that we encountered during our usage.
Firstly, the “other” material that the bow is made from isn't as durable as some of the more premium bows on the market.
However, considering the price point, this is somewhat to be expected.
My son once accidentally dropped the bow on a concrete surface, and we noticed a small scratch.
Thankfully, it was purely cosmetic and didn't affect the bow's functionality at all.
Another potential issue is that the Vertigo only comes with two arrows.
While this is fine for beginners, as your child becomes more engrossed in the sport, you might find yourself needing to purchase additional arrows.
A few times, my son lost one of the arrows while practicing in a large open field, and we had to pause the session to go looking for it.
This can slightly interrupt the rhythm of practice sessions.
These drawbacks, however, are quite minor and don't detract significantly from the overall value and benefits that the Vertigo offers.
It's still an excellent choice for a beginner's bow, especially considering its affordability and the number of features it packs in.
The important thing is that it continues to serve its primary purpose – helping my son improve his archery skills and enjoy the sport.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
The answer is a resounding yes.
The Vertigo is an excellent starter bow for young archers, aged between 7 and 10.
It's affordable, yet packed with features that help beginners develop their skills.
The adjustable sight pin, the ambidextrous design, and the visually enhanced cams are just a few of the characteristics that make it a worthwhile investment.
The minor drawbacks – the need for additional arrows and a slight question mark over the bow's durability – are far outweighed by the benefits.
Remember, this bow is designed for beginners.
Its purpose is to introduce your child to the sport of archery, and it accomplishes that goal brilliantly.
Moreover, the Vertigo is a product of BARNETT, a trusted name in the world of crossbows and archery, which brings assurance of quality despite the minor concerns.
This bow isn't just a piece of sports equipment; it's a tool for building skills, confidence, and a love for archery.
The joy and sense of achievement that your child can gain from using the Vertigo are priceless.
And in my experience, as a father watching his son grow and develop through the sport of archery, these benefits are worth far more than the price tag.
So if you're considering introducing your child to archery, the Vertigo is a solid choice.
It offers great value for money, and it's a purchase that you're likely to look back on with satisfaction.
Happy shooting!
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