In the world of youth archery, there are few names as synonymous with quality, affordability, and youth-friendly design as the Wildhawk compound bow.
Designed by BARNETT, this compact bow is geared towards budding archers from the age of 5 and up, offering an easy entry into the world of bowmanship.
Retailing at a mere $39.99, it boasts an impressive value proposition.
But does the price point reflect its overall performance and build quality? Is it truly a worthwhile investment for your young archer?
In this review, we'll delve into the intricacies of the Wildhawk, dissecting its various features, performance metrics, and overall user experience.
We'll take a look at the design, usability, build quality, and the two arrows it comes with.
We'll also discuss its unique Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage pattern.
In the end, we hope to give you a comprehensive picture of the Wildhawk, enabling you to make an informed decision on whether it's the right fit for your young archer's needs.
Specifications:
- Ambidextrous soft-touch reinforced grip
- Built-in adjustable sight pin
- Visually enhanced cams
- Soft-touch finger rollers
- Arrow rest
- Mass weight: 1.6 lbs
- 17 lb. Draw Weight
- 15-22 in. Draw Length1.
Included Accessories:
- Arrow rest
- Soft finger rollers
- 2 arrows
- Quiver
- 3-pin fiber optic sight.
The ambidextrous soft-touch reinforced grip ensures comfort and ease of use for both right- and left-handed shooters.
The built-in adjustable sight pin allows for precision aiming, while the visually enhanced cams enhance the user experience.
Additionally, the soft-touch finger rollers provide added comfort during use.
The bow's mass weight of 1.6 lbs makes it lightweight and easy to handle, especially for young archers.
The 17 lb. draw weight and 15-22 in. draw length make it suitable for a range of strengths and sizes.
The included arrow rest offers support for the arrow, ensuring a steady aim.
The bow comes with 2 arrows to get started, and the quiver provides a convenient way to carry and store them.
The 3-pin fiber optic sight aids in aiming, helping to increase accuracy.
The Wildhawk is not just a bow; it is a complete package designed to provide an enjoyable and fruitful archery experience.
From its inclusive features to the handy accessories, the Wildhawk is crafted to make archery accessible and fun for young archers.
In the subsequent sections of this review, we will delve deeper into each feature and accessory, discuss its performance, and explore how it contributes to the overall value of the Wildhawk.
My Personal Experience
When my 7-year-old son, Noah, showed interest in archery, I was thrilled yet somewhat perplexed.
As a father, I wanted to nurture his passion, but I was also concerned about finding the right equipment that was safe, easy to handle, and suitable for his age.
That's when I stumbled upon the Wildhawk.
I recall the day the Wildhawk arrived.
Noah's excitement was palpable as he tore open the package.
The bow was lightweight, fitting comfortably in his small hands.
The soft-touch reinforced grip was a standout feature; it was not only comfortable but also ambidextrous, which was perfect for Noah since he's a lefty.
Our backyard quickly transformed into an archery range.
With the built-in adjustable sight pin, Noah started practicing his aim.
The first few tries were misses, but each miss was met with determination rather than frustration.
I appreciated how the visually enhanced cams and the 3-pin fiber optic sight made it easier for him to understand the mechanics of the bow, which helped boost his confidence.
One particular afternoon stands out in my memory.
Noah had been practicing for a few weeks and was getting the hang of it.
He aimed at the makeshift target we had set up—a big old oak tree with a circular target pinned to it.
He drew the bow, his small fingers wrapped around the soft-touch finger rollers.
With a deep breath, he let the arrow fly.
Thwack! It hit the outer circle of the target.
Noah's face lit up like a Christmas tree, and I could not help but share his excitement.
The Wildhawk had given my son his first taste of accomplishment in the world of archery.
Over time, Noah has grown more proficient with the Wildhawk.
The adjustable draw length has been particularly beneficial as he grows and his strength increases.
It's been more than just a bow; it's been a tool for teaching patience, focus, and the joy of gradual improvement.
As a father, seeing my son's enthusiasm for archery grow with each passing day has been incredibly rewarding.
The Wildhawk hasn't just been a tool for archery; it's been a catalyst for countless father-son moments, shared laughter, and memories that we will cherish for a lifetime.
The Wildhawk is not just a product; it's been an experience, a journey that my son and I embarked on together.
And for that, it holds a special place in our lives.
Price and Value for Money
The Wildhawk is priced at $39.99.
For a compound bow designed for young archers, this is a remarkably affordable price point.
But the question that arises is – does the Wildhawk provide good value for money?
Value for money is not just about cost; it's about what you get for your money.
And with the Wildhawk, you're getting quite a lot.
It's not just a bow; it's a comprehensive archery package equipped with user-friendly features and essential accessories.
The ambidextrous soft-touch reinforced grip, built-in adjustable sight pin, visually enhanced cams, and soft-touch finger rollers are features usually found in more expensive bows.
But they're all standard with the Wildhawk.
The draw weight and draw length are also adjustable, ensuring that the bow can grow with the young archer, prolonging its usability.
Moreover, the Wildhawk comes with two arrows, an arrow rest, a quiver, and a 3-pin fiber optic sight.
These included accessories further enhance the value proposition, saving you from the need to make additional purchases and allowing the young archer to start practicing right out of the box.
When you consider the thoughtful design, the quality of construction, the array of features, and the included accessories, the Wildhawk offers excellent value for its price.
It is a cost-effective investment in your young archer's journey, offering a complete archery experience without breaking the bank.
What are people saying?
The Wildhawk has garnered positive reviews, reflecting its high-quality build and user-friendly design.
Here are some of the key points from real users:
Lisa B: Lisa appreciates the Wildhawk for its easy operation by her 7-year-old child, noting the smooth draw back of the bow.
She also commends its cool appearance and the bow's accuracy.
She found that multiple arrows compatible with the Wildhawk can be bought cheaper from other companies, implying the bow's versatility with different arrow brands.
Plamen: Plamen's review is short but highly positive, indicating that the Wildhawk was a hit with his kids.
He considers the purchase a great deal and commends the bow's quality.
These reviews echo the sentiment that the Wildhawk is not only a high-quality product but also a great value-for-money purchase, well-suited to young archers.
The Drawbacks
While the Wildhawk offers plenty of benefits, it is only fair to address some of its drawbacks.
No product is perfect, and the Wildhawk is no exception.
One minor issue we encountered relates to the arrows included in the package.
Although functional, they didn't seem as durable as we would have liked.
After a few weeks of regular use, one of the fletchings came loose.
We were able to fix it relatively easily, but it was a bit of a surprise.
Another aspect to consider is that while the bow's lightweight nature is generally a benefit, it may lead to instability in certain shooting conditions.
A gusty day in our backyard served as a lesson for Noah – the lightweight bow swayed a bit more than expected, leading to a few missed targets.
Of course, this also turned into a teaching moment about the effects of wind on archery and the importance of adjusting aim in response to environmental conditions.
These are relatively minor points and certainly didn't detract significantly from our overall positive experience with the Wildhawk.
In fact, they serve as reminders that while the Wildhawk is a great entry-level bow, as with any sport, mastery of archery involves learning, adaptation, and sometimes dealing with a few hiccups along the way.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
As we conclude this review, the question remains: Should you buy the Wildhawk?
Given its thoughtful design, ease of use, and affordable price, the answer leans heavily towards a resounding ‘yes'.
The Wildhawk offers budding young archers a well-rounded entry into the world of archery.
Its lightweight design, adjustable features, and included accessories make it an excellent choice for kids aged 5 and up.
The minor drawbacks mentioned—such as the durability of the included arrows and the potential for instability in windy conditions—are not deal-breakers.
They are rather points of consideration and potential learning opportunities for young archers.
The quality and value proposition of the Wildhawk far outweigh these minor issues.
In the realm of youth archery, finding a product that balances quality, usability, and cost can be a challenge.
The Wildhawk does this impressively.
It is more than just a bow; it's a comprehensive archery package that offers excellent value for money.
But perhaps the real value of the Wildhawk lies not just in its physical attributes.
It's in the confidence it inspires in young archers, the excitement in their eyes when they hit their first target, and the countless hours of fun and bonding it brings to families.
It's about the memories made and the lessons learned.
It's about fostering a love for a sport that could last a lifetime.
So, whether you're a parent seeking a suitable bow for your budding archer or a young enthusiast ready to embark on your archery journey, the Wildhawk stands as a compelling option.
It's not just a purchase; it's an investment in an experience.
And from our perspective, it's an investment well worth making.
