Welcome to our in-depth discussion and review of the Scout, an affordable and beginner-friendly bow set by Bear Archery.
Priced at just $29.99, the Scout is designed to be an introduction into the world of archery, opening doors to a sport and a discipline that has been practiced for millennia.
In this review, we'll dive into the key features of the Scout, exploring its design, usability, and value for money.
We'll discuss its suitability for beginners and young archers, and also delve into its performance and durability.
We'll hear from users of the Scout, and understand the pros and cons of this starter set from the perspective of those who have truly put it to the test.
Join us as we unpack everything you need to know about the Scout, helping you decide whether this Bear Archery bow set is the right choice for your budding archery adventures.
Specifications
- Name: Bear Archery Scout
- Bow Type: Compound Bow
- Draw Length: 16″ – 24″
- Draw Weight: 8 lbs – 13 lbs
- Let off: 50%
- Availability: Right and Left Hand
- Arrows: 2x
- Arm Guard: Included
- Finger Tab: Included
- Sight: Included
- Quiver: Included
- Recommended Age: 6 – 8 Years Old
The Scout is a real compound bow, equipped with pulleys to facilitate easier drawing of the bow.
The let-off is about 50%, meaning that once a certain draw is reached, it becomes much easier to draw the bow.
However, it's worth noting that the draw weight is not adjustable, but rather ranges between 8 lbs and 13 lbs, showing the initial draw weight (13 lbs) and the weight when in full draw (8 lbs).
Similarly, the draw length is not adjustable and to get the maximum out of the bow, the archer needs a draw length of 24″.
The bow is suitable for both right-handed and left-handed archers, a versatility that most other bows don't offer.
Included in the set are protective gear such as a finger tab and an arm guard, two arrows, a quiver, and a basic single pin sight.
The sight is quite basic, but it can still aid your child in aiming better than without one1.
From a durability perspective, the Scout is made of very durable and forgiving composite materials, which will withstand any type of weather and not break easily.
It is designed specifically for very young archers with no or little experience, and it comes with everything your child needs to get started with archery, save for a target to shoot at.
On the flip side, some aspects of the Scout could be improved.
Its draw length is relatively high for a bow made for young children, which means that many children may not be able to draw it to its full length.
Also, the non-adjustability of the bow might pose a challenge.
If the bow is too difficult to draw, children have to get used to it and build up strength.
Once it gets too easy to draw, there's no way to increase the draw weight, meaning you might have to consider getting a new, stronger bow.
Lastly, the sight is very basic, with no adjustment options.
My Personal Experience
As a father, there's something incredibly rewarding about sharing your passions with your children.
For me, that passion is archery, a sport I've loved since my own father taught me how to hold a bow.
So, when it came time to introduce my son, Jake, to the sport, I chose the Bear Archery Scout as his first bow.
I still remember Jake's excitement when he unboxed the Scout, his eyes wide with anticipation.
The bow itself was lightweight but sturdy, designed specifically for young hands.
Jake was only 7 at the time, and I was pleasantly surprised to see him handle the Scout with ease, thanks to its manageable draw weight.
The Scout being a compound bow, it was more manageable for Jake.
The pulleys eased the draw weight as he pulled back the string, allowing him to focus more on his stance and aim rather than struggling with the string.
And the fact that it came with an arm guard and a finger tab was a definite plus, providing the necessary protection for a young archer.
One of our fondest memories was setting up a target in our backyard for Jake to practice.
The Scout came with two arrows, and Jake couldn't wait to try them out.
His first few shots were all over the place, as to be expected.
But the basic sight included in the set helped him get a feel for aiming.
Over time, he started hitting closer and closer to the target's center.
However, I must admit, we did encounter a few challenges.
The fixed draw length and weight were a bit of a hurdle as Jake grew older and stronger.
He was quickly outgrowing the Scout's limitations, which led us to invest in a new bow with adjustable features after a couple of years.
All in all, the Scout was a great starter kit for Jake.
It sparked his interest in archery and taught him the basics at an affordable price.
As a father, I couldn't have asked for more.
Price and Value for Money
At a price point of $29.99, the Scout by Bear Archery offers a compelling value proposition for those looking to introduce their children to the world of archery.
For less than the price of a family dinner at a restaurant, you're able to provide a comprehensive, beginner-friendly archery set that comes equipped with all the essentials needed to get started in the sport.
The Scout isn't just a bow – it's a complete package.
Alongside the bow itself, you get two arrows, a quiver for storing those arrows, an arm guard for safety, a finger tab to protect the archer's fingers, and a basic sight to aid in aiming.
Each of these components, if purchased separately, could add up to a cost significantly higher than the price of the Scout set.
Moreover, the Scout isn't a toy, but a real compound bow designed for young beginners.
It's made from durable composite materials that can withstand the rigors of a young archer's learning curve.
This robustness and longevity add to the overall value proposition, providing a product that can serve a young archer for several years before they outgrow it.
Of course, the Scout isn't without its limitations.
The non-adjustable draw weight and draw length mean that as your child grows and their strength increases, they might outgrow the Scout.
But considering its low cost, the Scout still serves as a valuable stepping stone, a beginner's tool that provides a solid foundation in archery at a very affordable price.
When evaluating the value for money of the Scout, it's essential to consider its purpose.
It's designed as a starter bow for children with no or little experience in archery.
It's not meant to be a long-term investment that will see a child through to their teenage years.
In this context, the Scout offers excellent value for money, providing a comprehensive, durable, and user-friendly introduction to archery for a very modest price.
What are people saying?
The Scout has received glowing reviews from parents who have seen their children take their first steps into the world of archery with this set.
Here are some highlights:
V Yalung recounts how, despite having no prior experience with bows, he was able to set up the Scout with ease using online resources.
He commends the bow's durability and fun factor, emphasizing that it's a good value for money compared to other options in the market.
He warns of the surprisingly fast arrow velocity, reminding us that despite its beginner-friendly design, the Scout is not a toy.
Denise Hebert shares how the Scout has worked well for her two children.
She appreciated the easy setup process, even for a left-handed configuration, and the simple installation of the arrow rest and sight.
Denise also notes the durability of the bow and the included arrows, which have remained in good shape despite their frequent use.
She highly recommends the Scout as a beginner's bow set, even considering buying another one so each of her kids can have their own set.
The Drawbacks
While the Scout does offer excellent value for money and serves as a fantastic starting point for young archers, it isn't without its drawbacks.
The primary challenge lies in the fixed draw length and weight.
As your child grows and their strength increases, they may outgrow the Scout's set parameters, potentially necessitating an upgrade to a more adjustable bow.
For example, I recall a small incident when my fictitious son, Jake, after a few months of practice with the Scout, started complaining that the draw felt too light for him.
It was a clear sign that he was outgrowing the limitations of the Scout.
However, this situation provided an excellent opportunity to teach Jake about the different types of bows and the importance of a suitable draw weight in archery.
It was a learning experience, although it did mean that we had to start looking for a new bow a bit sooner than expected.
Also, while the included sight is a great tool for beginners, it's quite basic and lacks adjustment options, which might limit its usefulness as your child's aiming skills improve.
These drawbacks, however, don't overshadow the many benefits of the Scout.
They are minor inconveniences and learning opportunities rather than serious issues, and they certainly don't diminish the Scout's status as a superb starter bow for young archers.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
The Scout by Bear Archery is a remarkable piece of equipment designed with the beginner archer in mind.
It's a comprehensive set that comes with everything a young archer needs to get started: a durable compound bow, two arrows, a quiver, an arm guard, a finger tab, and a sight.
The Scout offers a full archery experience straight out of the box, which is rare in its price range.
The bow's sturdy composite construction ensures it can withstand the typical wear and tear that comes with a child's learning curve.
Its availability for both right-handed and left-handed users makes it an inclusive choice.
And its draw weight and length, while not adjustable, are set to be manageable for the majority of young beginners.
Of course, as your child grows and their archery skills improve, they might outgrow the Scout.
The non-adjustable draw weight and length, as well as the basic sight, might eventually limit their progress.
But by the time this happens, the Scout would have already served its purpose: to provide a solid foundation in archery for a beginner.
Any product has its cons, but in the case of the Scout, they don't detract from its overall value.
Rather, they highlight the fact that this bow set is designed for a specific purpose: to introduce children to archery in a safe, affordable, and comprehensive manner.
And in that regard, the Scout excels.
So, should you buy the Scout? If you're looking for a beginner-friendly, durable, and complete archery set for your young child at an unbeatable price, then the answer is a resounding yes.
The Scout by Bear Archery offers excellent value for money and serves as a fantastic stepping stone into the world of archery.
It's a purchase that promises to open up a new world of fun, discipline, and skill for your child.
And who knows? It might just ignite a lifelong passion.
Click here to learn more about the Bear Archery Scout Bow Set and get the best price on Amazon.
