Grip On Reality
Have you ever asked a child if they were going big game hunting what projectile launcher they would prefer to use? Because if you ever get the chance to, I’ll just warn you to be prepared for anything! Depending on the child’s experience and grip on reality, (I guess that would be one and the same) the answer may be one that shouldn’t be encouraged.
Take Kevin for example, and you know Kevin, he’s the kid that always approaches with outlandish stories to tell. And while he’s trying to convince you to believe them he begins to believe them himself. You know that kid because you were that kid, or not. If you were, see if this sounds familiar.
You, the reader, asks, “Kevin, what tool or weapon would you like to go big game hunting with?”
Kevin answers, “ A bag of crunchy cheetos.”
While you look confused at his answer, (unless that is the same answer you would have given because you were or are that kid), he’s got it all planned out. Bait, take down, and harvest and he is ready to tell you all about it, but I’ll let you take the conversation from there.
Born Into the Sport
Then you have a brother and sister Sam & Kate, who, I’m sure you know as well. They’re the kids with parents that hunt all the time, multiple different species. Because they were born into the sport without a choice, they love it and it’s what they know.
If you ask Sam, “Sam, what would be your preferred tool for big game hunting?” Sam may answer, “I like the 7mm Rem Mag, because it makes me feel powerful and like I can take on anything from any distance!”
But when you approach Kate with the same question she may have a different answer. Not because hers is better or worse, but because she’s different from Sam and most definitely different from Kevin. This is what I think Kate might say. “My go to big game or otherwise, hunting tool is the PSE Coalition Frontier Crossbow.”
No Explanation Needed
Kate doesn’t give an explanation why because she’s different from the other two. Before you decide her answer let’s take a look at this particular crossbow and find out what might be so appealing about it for young Kate.
PSE Coalition Frontier
- Sufficient Velocity at 380 fps.
- Sufficient foot pounds of energy at 118.
- Cocked axle to axle width is 18”
- 190 lbs. of draw weight.
- Anti-dry fire trigger with auto safety
- Total length – 33.625″
- Total weight – 6.9 lbs.
- It is ambidextrous.
- Produces less noise with the limb dampeners and dual string stops.
- Includes V4X32 illuminated reticle scope and cocking rope.
A few extra details are the camo limbs, the five bolt quiver, three 20” carbon bolts which are the recommended length for this crossbow. It also includes the field points and rail lube. Be sure to pick up appropriate broadheads like the SenX Double Whammys.
Another great reason to like this one is the price, but I’m sure Kate didn’t go to her parents and say, “The reason this is my go to big game tool is because it’s affordable at $350.00!” She may not even know or care about the cost, her mind is on how comfortable it is and the success she experiences with it.
Explanation Given
What are the reasons Kate may choose the PSE Coalition Frontier? I’ve had conversations with her and this is what she mentioned.
“I hunt with rifles but my favorite thing to take is my PSE Crossbow, it’s light, easy to use and quiet.” That was her simple answer, but I know a little more about her, she likes the thrill of the hunt, and she’d rather take an animal at a closer range than farther out. She loves the challenge of a good shot placement and the rewards of doing so.
A Great Teaching Opportunity
A crossbow is a great beginner tool for youngsters, it can ease them into the sport in a sense, without all the kick and bang of a firearm. When they succeed, it’s more like a whisper and a grand aha! If your youngster or one you know is a little hesitant to hunt with a rifle, I would encourage you to give something like the PSE Coalition Frontier Crossbow a try.
Teach them patience, appropriate distance, and shot placement. Then you may have a child like Kate on your hands that loves the sport, and the one who shared it with her!
The Bow Bully,
Great piece! Yet it has me wondering: why are there not more youth crossbows being made?
If the manufacturers want people to grow into the sport, why not make crossbows younguns can use?
My wife used to have a 90-lb Excaliber (recurve) crossbow; that was made for target use.
Although she is petite, she could cock it by herself.
And Excaliber used to make a youth crossbow, a 40-lb model.
I’m guessing they discontinued it as the price was up there with their adult hunting bows.
But if you want to give young people a good start, they should be able to get a quality crossbow.
Barnett used to make a 30-lb youth crossbow:
https://www.amazon.com/Barnett-Youth-30-Compound-Crossbow/dp/B00TP85378
Yet I see that has also been discontinued.
Am I missing something? Or are the manufacturers missing out?
Thank you.
Take care & God Bless,
dave
Dave,
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
The next generation is definitely one to be considered and catered to in some aspects that is 😉 and they’re first crossbow would be an heirloom to pass down to the next generations to keep the sports going. You’ve got some great questions that warrant an answer. Thanks for asking them and please keep the comments rolling in.
All the best!
-TBB
Will do, Sir! 😉
You’re not wrong, Dave. More manufacturers could learn a thing or two from Daisy in the air gun space, but Barnett continues to take steps by offering a few options with a lower draw weight:
https://www.pyramydair.com/archery/crossbows?MaxDrawWeight=60+lbs&MaxDrawWeight=45+lbs
But, the best thing we can (still) do is to invite a young person to get out with us!
Those things are pretty cool; thanks for the link! =>