Barnett Vortex Replacement String? The 154 Detailed Answer

question

Does it matter if the cables cross over the cable guard or under the cable guard?

Carter Herzig Community Answer

Some are crossed above and some are crossed below. It depends on the cams and the type of bow. A cable groove of the slide will have a deeper impression; This is for the inner cable if present. Once you have the cables installed in the slider, they should not touch at the crossing. The cables should be about 1/8 to 1/4 inch apart (this is for waxing and keeps them from rubbing). This should tell you if the crossover will be resting up or down. This is the case when the cables are installed by the manufacturer. Find a picture of your exact bow and see if it matches what you have set.

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Compound bows are modern marvels – an intricate network of components like cables and pulleys. But the heart of the bow is still the bowstring. This is the most important component of the bow, responsible for transferring the power of the bow to the arrow during the shot. Properly restringing your compound bow is important to keep it in top condition.

But how much does it cost to re-string a compound bow? It typically costs between $50 and $300 to have a compound bow re-strung. A bowstring generally costs between $50 and $200, while the tools needed to tighten it cost another $50 to $100. The labor to have your bow professionally re-strung can be as low as $20.

As you can see, making a DIY rest ring can actually get more expensive!

Especially the first time, since you have to take into account all the tools.

Paying a pro to re-string your compound bow still means you have to buy the bowstring, but you’re paying for their expertise and time here.

And as you will also see, there is quite a range here.

And of course there are a number of other factors to consider such as: B. Place of residence, transport costs and so on and so on.

Still, let’s break down the costs a bit further to give you a much better understanding and a fair prediction of your total costs.

How much does it cost to have a compound bow professionally re-strung?

Typically, this can cost anywhere from $70 to $250, depending on the specific bowstring you buy and how much the professional charges for the job. This is relatively quick and easy as most archery supply stores have the correct stringing equipment.

Whether you decide to string your own strings or have a specialist do it, the first thing you need to buy is a bowstring.

When setting a budget, think about how often you will be shooting and what weight of bowstring you will need.

You may also need to consider how your compound bow’s strings will need to be installed when deciding which ones to buy.

Change your bowstring every year or two if you are a regular shooter.

This is especially true for archers practicing target archery, as the repetitive motion forces ever-increasing strain on the bowstring.

If you hunt with a compound bow, you won’t shoot as often.

That means you’ll have to change the string less often – every two to three years at most.

When the string shows signs of fraying and wear, you need to replace it, regardless of how long you’ve had it.

Bowstrings can cost as little as $50 or as much as $200.

How much you spend depends on several factors, e.g. B. how much you shoot and what draw weight you want to shoot with.

If you practice regularly and your compound bow gets a lot of use, it’s definitely worth opting for a higher quality bowstring that will stand up to tougher shooting.

You then have to pay someone to do the actual exchange.

Usually the best place to do this is your local archery shop.

You know exactly how to quickly and safely re-string your compound bow with the right tools.

Labor costs vary by store but typically range from $20 to $50.

How much does it cost to re-string a compound bow yourself?

While it may seem cheaper to re-string your compound bow at home, the cost may not differ that much. You still need to get a bowstring, which costs between $50 and $200. You can change your bowstring without special equipment, but using a bow press is always recommended. Even a travel bow press can cost around $50.

Even if you re-string yourself, you still need a new bowstring for your compound bow.

As we discussed above, the exact cost will vary based on your needs, but you can pay anywhere from $50 to $200.

It’s definitely good practice to spend a little more to get a quality, durable string from a recognized brand if you’re going to be shooting a lot.

Changing your compound bow string yourself can save you labor costs for the job.

While this sounds great, it’s important to make sure you know exactly how to safely re-string your compound bow.

Incorrect practice puts a lot of stress on the components of the bow and can also be extremely dangerous if the bow or string breaks while shooting.

To ensure the bowstring is changed properly, it’s a good idea to invest in a bow press.

This piece of gear keeps the bow safe during maintenance and can be a great purchase.

You can also get portable bow presses, although even those cost around $50.

This means that even without paying for the labor, it can cost about the same to re-string your compound bow either yourself or by paying someone else.

Or more.

If you want to buy a full arch press, these can cost you hundreds of dollars.

Unless you do a lot of customization work on your compound bow, buying a full bow press isn’t really going to be worth it.

But if you have the right knowledge to safely restring the bow without the help of a bow press, then you can save some serious money in the long run by doing the process yourself.

All you need to buy is the bowstring.

Without paying for professional work, you could save anywhere from $20 to $50 each time.

Where can you have your compound bow re-strung?

There are a few options here. The best place to go is your local archery shop. You have the right knowledge and tools to safely and correctly re-string your compound bow. You may also know someone who knows how to change compound bowstrings at your local archery club or range.

For most archers looking to have their compound bow professionally re-strung, the easiest way is to go to a local archery or sporting goods store.

You have to pay for the work, but it’s worth making sure it’s done safely.

If you have several archery shops in your area, it pays to shop around and compare prices to see who’s doing it the cheapest.

The reason for using a professional archery shop is that they have the proper tools to string compound bows safely and often use a full bow press.

They also have the expertise and experience to get the job done quickly and properly.

Re-stringing generally costs between $20 and $50, which is definitely worth it for safety reasons.

Unless you really know how to safely re-string a compound bow, it can be extremely dangerous.

If the bow is not properly adjusted or the string is not properly made, the tension will be distributed incorrectly.

This can cause live components to suddenly rupture, potentially injuring you and others.

You may also be able to have your compound bow re-cocked by someone with the right skills and tools at your local club or shooting range.

This will likely still incur a fee, but it may not be as expensive as taking your bow to a store.

However, make sure the person knows exactly what they are doing.

What do you need to re-string your compound bow yourself?

If you’ve decided to go the DIY route, you’ll need a few tools to properly re-string your compound bow. A bow press, whether portable or full-size, helps secure the bow when re-tensioning. You will also need some Allen keys.

Once you’ve bought your chosen string, you’ll need to customize it. If you are doing DIY re-stringing, you will need some tools to safely change the string.

Whether you’re using a bow press or not, you’ll need some allen or hex wrenches to loosen the screws on the center line of the bow.

This helps to relax the tension in the bow and makes it possible to change strings.

Although you can hand-restring a compound bow, it’s worth investing in a bow press to ensure maintenance is done correctly and safely.

A bow press helps hold the bow securely while you work on it and reduces stress in the components.

You can get both portable and fixed bow presses depending on which one suits your needs.

Portable bow presses are useful if you enjoy hunting with your compound bow so you can re-string your bow in the wild too.

They cost around $50 and up.

My first and clear recommendation is this one from Bass Pro Shops.

Fixed bow presses can cost hundreds of dollars.

A portable bow press meets the needs of most archers.

Some compound bows actually require you to use a bow press to change strings.

You can also contact the company that made your bow to see what they recommend.

You will also need to determine how your bowstring needs to be adjusted.

For bows with teardrop attachments, each new string must be installed while the old one is still connected.

With bows without these special attachments, changing the string is much easier.

As a custom bowstring manufacturer and distributor of bowstring material, we are always asked about crossbow strings. We’ve decided to put together a small FAQ with some general information about crossbow strings to help answer many of the most common questions we’re asked.

Q: How do you make a crossbow string?

A: The best advice is to do a quick internet search. There are many great videos on how to properly make a crossbow string. While not a particularly difficult process, building a crossbow string requires the purchase of some specialty tools and bow string materials.

Q: How long does a crossbow string last?

A: There is no set time for a crossbow string. Many factors contribute to the lifespan of your crossbow string. The care and maintenance of your crossbow string is a big factor in its lifespan. A good rule of thumb is to change your crossbow string every 2 years, but most seem to go 4-5 years.

Q: How many shots does a crossbow string hold?

A: Again, due to many variables, there is no set number of shots that a crossbow string will last. I’ve seen some cheap strings only last 50 shots and other custom strings last over 1000 shots. The most important thing is to check your crossbow string regularly and replace it when you start to see wear.

Q: What kind of maintenance does a crossbow string require?

A: It is important to wax your crossbow string regularly. You should wax your crossbow string and lubricate the rail every 50 shots to keep the fibers lubricated and protected.

Q: How do I replace the crossbow string?

A: Again, your best bet is to search the internet for a video. Depending on the style of your crossbow, you may need a bow press or string to replace your crossbow string. Replacing a crossbow string isn’t particularly difficult, but it can be dangerous for you and your crossbow without the right tools or knowledge.

Q: How do you measure a crossbow string?

A: The correct way to measure a crossbow string is at 100lbs tension, on ¼ inch bars after 20 seconds from outside of bar to outside of bar. This is the industry standard for measuring any bowstring. This generally gives a length of is slightly longer than the static measurement.

It’s no secret that crossbows are becoming increasingly popular among today’s archers. Every year, more states make crossbow hunting legal.

The great thing about crossbows is that a person can become very accurate with them with little or no practice. Crossbows are often spotted from the factory, so a new owner can literally take a few practice shots and head off into the woods.

The downside to this is that many crossbow owners are unfamiliar with how their crossbow works and can become confused when something goes wrong – like a crossbow string snapping or excessive fraying due to overuse.

Every year starting in July, not a day goes by that we don’t get a call from someone asking how to fix a crossbow string. When this happens, we always try to help you figure out what caused the broken bowstring. Most of the time they just say the string is junk and they will never shoot that brand (or anything like it) again. The truth is, unless done wrong; A bowstring doesn’t just snap. There is always something that causes the error.

This article sheds some light into the darkness:

How to make crossbow strings last longer

Why do crossbow strings break?

What happens when a crossbow string breaks?

Age of the Crossbow

The first and most obvious reason for a crossbow string to break is age. You can avoid dealing with a broken string by simply replacing it. Many crossbow users shoot fewer than 20 shots a year, so they believe the string will last much longer than the compound bowstrings they used to shoot with. That’s not the case! Crossbow strings are under much greater tension. Most are in the 150 pound draw range versus 60-70 pounds for a compound bow. It’s a good rule of thumb to replace your crossbow strings every two years and cables every other time.

Bolt is not firmly attached to the string

Probably the most common cause of broken crossbow strings is that the bolt is not tight against the string. If the bolt is not tight, the string will jump over or under the bolt, causing a dry-fire effect. Often the impending thread breakage of the crossbow shows some signs:

The bow will be louder than normal.

The bolt only goes a few meters.

The fletching may be torn or damaged.

The string will likely break at one or both end loops.

Wrong cam

Using wrong cams is another problem. Each crossbow brand/model has a specific cam that must be used. There are multiple styles, so it can be confusing. It’s always best to check either your owner’s manual or the manufacturer to ensure the correct nocks are in your bolts so you can avoid needlessly breaking a crossbow string.

Proper care and maintenance

It is important that proper care and maintenance is performed to avoid crossbow string breakage. Crossbows are harder on strings compared to vertical bows. it’s just the nature of the animal. As a result, they require a little more TLC. Prevent a torn crossbow string with proper maintenance:

They need to be waxed more often

A good track lubricant is a must

We had a customer who bought a replacement string for his crossbow and sent a picture with a complaint. He said he only fired five shots and the serve in the middle was starting to loosen. I asked what track lubricant he used. His answer was, “What is track lubricant?”

Improper discharge

Something we don’t see much of but get a few horror stories about every season is improper dismissal. It’s best to shoot at some kind of target with a regular field-tipped bolt. I’m not a big fan of discharge bolts, some are better than others. What you shouldn’t do is just keep the crossbow by your side and shoot it into the ground. If the bolt hits the ground before releasing the string, then there are problems.

How to repair a crossbow string

What happens when a crossbow string breaks? Whether the string has worn out over time or you suddenly have a torn bowstring, the solution is the same: replace your crossbow string. When it comes time to replace the string, make sure you have all the necessary tools like wax and rail lube. You may also need a bow press or zip tie. It is recommended to replace the string as soon as you notice any signs of fraying or when the string starts to look a little fuzzy.

If you have never changed your string before, it is recommended that you find an experienced archer to teach you how to safely replace the string and repair broken crossbow strings.

Avoid a broken crossbow string with 60X Custom Strings

We’re here to prevent last minute or emergency repairs with quality, custom strings. Discover our collection of crossbow strings today. Not sure which string you need? Get in touch!

Post by Kegbelly » Mon Oct 28th 2013 – 5:35pm

In the 5+ years that I’ve strung mine, I’ve always unstrung them in the off-season. The previous owner said he always did so I just kept going. They say to remove the rubber pads on the ends of the D-bars when loosening the cords – the limbs move forward and could pinch the pads and damage them. The bow is about 10 years old, has a rating of 330, shoots 328. Cocking may be entirely unnecessary, I don’t know, but it gives me a better sense of off-season storage, so I’ll do it, it lasts whole 5 minutes. I read somewhere in some old Excal FAQs that something like your limbs will appreciate being able to relax when not in use for a long time. edited…” 16. How often should I unlace my Excalibur? You don’t need to decock your crossbow every time you use it, but she will appreciate having her limbs relaxed at least between seasons when you Don’t use them, such as in the trunk of a car in the summer sun!” Retrieved from http://www.crossbow-hunting-crossbows-e … p#Unstring FWIW These are some *old* FAQs they may have referred to carved top links, I don’t know.

If you need to repair your bow, it is important to use the best quality crossbow string material. As a custom bowstring manufacturer and distributor of bowstring material, we are always asked what the best material for a crossbow string is. There are several factors that go into choosing the right materials, from the type of crossbow you own to your experience in maintaining it. While there are exceptions and special cases to some rules, 60X Custom Strings provides you with a basic guide that can help you choose the best string material to get the job done right.

Materials for crossbow strings by style

The main factor that goes into determining the best material for crossbow strings is the style of crossbow you are using. This can be narrowed down to three basic designs: teardrop, recurve, and compound. Because each has different characteristics, the crossbow string must be tailored to work best for each application.

Strings for recurve crossbow

The first design is the recurve crossbow. This design requires the crossbow string to be attached directly to the crossbow’s limbs. Because the string is attached to the limb, the end loops of the crossbow string must be larger. The most important thing to consider when trying to find the best crossbow string material for it is to know what the limbs are made of.

With wooden limbs (not reinforced) you need to be sure that your recurve crossbow string is made of Dacron material. The Dacron material is more flexible and absorbs the energy generated by the crossbow. Using newer “Fast Flight” or “Dyneema” crossbow string materials can damage the bow due to the added strength of the material. Conversely, if your crossbow limbs have reinforced tips, you can safely use newer materials like D97. Using such materials allows for maximum performance and stability of your recurve crossbow strings.

Teardrop crossbow strings

The next design is known as a teardrop. This style is somewhat similar to recurve crossbows and compound crossbows, but it has steel cables that wrap around it and an anchor known as a teardrop. Teardrop crossbow strings typically have medium sized loops and are fairly short. With a teardrop crossbow, you want to use a Dacron bowstring material for your crossbow string. Just like with the recurve crossbow, the steel cables do not absorb the shock and using the wrong material for the crossbow string can damage the bow.

Compound crossbow strings

Last is the compound crossbow. This style attaches the crossbow string directly to the camera. There will also be two styles of this. One will have steel cords and the other will have synthetic cords made from the same material as the crossbow string. If the crossbow has steel cables, the crossbow string must be made of Dacron, just like the recurve crossbow string. If the cables are synthetic, the best material for crossbow strings would be a Dyneema material, such as. B. D97 for your crossbow string.

Keep in mind that some crossbow brands or models deviate from these general guidelines. If you are ever in doubt, it is best to consult the crossbow manufacturer for a recommendation.

Find your ideal crossbow strings

60X Custom Strings is here to help you with all your archery needs. Whether you are looking for the best recurve crossbow strings, teardrop crossbow strings or compound crossbow strings, we have what you need. Discover all we have to offer and visit our blog or subscribe to our newsletter for more helpful articles.

As much as you might want your child to have quality archery gear, there’s a huge gap between the cheap toy bows on the market and your top-of-the-liner – until now. With Barnett’s versatile Vortex line of compound bows for kids, you can give your child a quality compound bow that fits well, doesn’t cost a fortune, and will grow as your child grows.

With four models to choose from, there’s the perfect Vortex to give your child a fun start to a lifelong love of archery.

The Vortex Lite is perfect for beginners with a light draw weight that’s adjustable from 18 to 29 pounds. It’s also suitable for small arms, with a short but adjustable draw range of 22 to 25 inches.

The Vortex takes it up a notch with a wide draw weight range from 19 to 45 pounds and draw length adjustment from 21 to 27 inches. With such a wide adjustment range, the Vortex is a great entry-level bow that can take a young archer well into their teens and even into the woods if hunting is the youth’s future.

Finally, the Vortex Hunter is a big game powerhouse, perfect for teens who are ready to take on the challenge of hunting in the field with mom or dad. With a draw weight range of 45 to 60 pounds, this bow won’t be underpowered to take on even the biggest bucks. The draw length is adjustable from 26 to 30 inches.

If you’re looking for a family activity to spend more time with your kids, introduce them to archery. With quality equipment like the Barnett Vortex family of compound bows for kids, you can give them a successful start with equipment that fits and grows with them.

Vortex Hunter Features:

Adjustable in 1″ increments

Constructed to ATA/AMO standards

Draw Weight: 45-60 lbs.

Draw Length: 26″-30″

Drain 60-70%

Package doubles as a carry bag

Right-hand bow

MSRP: $219

Vortex Properties:

Adjustable in 1″ increments

Constructed to ATA/AMO standards

Draw weight: 19-45 lbs.

Draw Length: 21″-27″

Drain 60-70%

Package doubles as a carry bag

Right-hand bow

MSRP: $159.99

Vortex Lite Features:

Adjustable in 1″ increments

Constructed to ATA/AMO standards

Draw weight: 18-29 lbs.

Draw Length: 22″-25″

Drain 60-70%

Right-hand bow

Package doubles as a carry bag

MSRP: $99.99

To learn more about the Barnett Vortex line, please visit www.barnettcrossbows.com/youth-archery.

Surge Outdoors Acquires Archery Company Barnett Armbows Luke Cuenco 09/16/21

One of the biggest names in the bow and crossbow industry has just been acquired by Surge Outdoors. Barnett Crossbows – established in 1962 – has now been brought under the umbrella of Surge Outdoors’ rapidly growing list of companies. The acquisition comes amid Barnett Crossbows launching several new products for 2021 and promising more items to follow in the years to come.

Surge Outdoors acquires Archery Company Barnett Crossbows

One of Barnett’s new products, the Hypertac 420 is a compact crossbow with an integrated quiver, injection-molded metal trigger, anti-dry-fire technology, single bolt mount, step-thru riser and compatible with .204 diameter Hyperflite darts. The Hypertac 420 comes as a complete package with 3 22″ arrows, a side-mounted quiver, an illuminated 1.5-5x32mm scope and even a rope tensioner.

On the other hand, Barnett Crossbows President David Barnett was excited for the company to become part of the Surge Outdoors umbrella, stating that:

“With Barnett under the Surge umbrella, the future of the brand looks brighter than ever. We look forward to continuing to build on the longstanding reputation of the Barnett brand and its products. We are approaching our 60th anniversary in 2022 and as a pioneer in crossbow design and manufacture in our industry, I look forward to carrying on the torch of my forefathers once again… the best is surely yet to come.”

Although Barnett was acquired by Surge, none of Barnett’s current locations will be closed. Instead, Surge Outdoor will maintain operations in a variety of locations including Louisiana, Utah, Florida and of course Illinois, where Barnett is headquartered.

“Barnett is the first and longest running crossbow company with a rich history… I’m thrilled to once again help tell everyone that story and help write the next chapter. Barnett will continue to lead the crossbow industry through deep innovation and an increased focus on the archery industry,” -Ryan Busbice, Surge Outdoors, CEO.

I think we can rest assured that with Surge Outdoors acquiring the company, we can continue to expect new developments from both Barnett and Surge. Only time will tell what new products and accessories bow hunter and sport shooting companies will have in 2022.

Article by Keith Dunlap – January 11, 2011

Edited by Stanley Holtsclaw – April 12, 2017

This post is sponsored and/or contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission from your purchase if you click on one of the product links – click here to view our affiliate disclosure.

Barnett have been producing quality crossbows for over 50 years and have sold over 1 million crossbows to date… reinforcing their claim to be the “true industry leader in the manufacture and development of quality crossbows”. Barnett was a pioneer in the bowhunting industry, with inventions such as the “self-cocking” Commando crossbow, the first compound crossbow…the Demon, and their patented quick-detach forend on their crossbows.

They have put a lot of time and resources into developing high quality bows that are built for the hunt. Barnett has also been offering quality youth bows for many years, and their latest addition is the focus of this review.

In this field evaluation, my daughter Sarah and I will be evaluating the Barnett “Vortex”; A versatile youth compound bow that has everything you need to introduce your youngsters to the sport of archery and bowhunting. This youth bow also grows with the young archer. The draw weights are adjustable from 16lbs to 45lbs, offering the young hunter an opportunity to learn and hunt in the woods. Adjustable draw modules are included for quick and easy draw length changes without a bow press.

– Barnett Vortex Basics –

We’ll start with the basics of the Vortex… including a look at the features and accessories included in the pack. The Vortex is a youth compound bow that comes equipped with everything the youngster needs to start archery, bowhunting and grow with the bow. Included with the bow was a plain plastic arrow rest, a two-piece quiver with three arrows, three arrows, and a 3-pin fiberglass bow sight.

The package also included the 5 cam modules required for draw length adjustment between 21″ and 27″ in half inch increments. Allen keys are included for adjustments and setup. The Vortex packaging can be used as a suitcase as the bracket simply snaps into the locking pins on the packaging (see Figure 1).

The Vortex’s draw weight is adjustable from 16 to 45 lbs based on the combination of module used and string position (positive, neutral, negative). Changing draw length modules does not require a bow press; However, changing the string position + or – on the cams requires a bow press. You can fine-tune the Vortex by adjusting the string position on the cams to suit your youngster. Placing the string on the “+” post on the nock adds ½ inch of draw length and 2.5 pounds of draw weight to the Vortex. Putting the string in the “-” position removes ½ inch of draw length and 2.5 pounds of draw weight. Both cams must be on the same post or the arc will be off ½ inch in either direction.

The shape of the Vortex’s grip is molded into the riser and there are no plastic or wood parts on the grip. It feels good and seems just right for the size of younger hands as they progress through the early hunting ages. There is no silencer gear on the Vortex, but I would recommend adding line and limb silencers for hunting situations. The Vortex features a one-piece aluminum riser with split composite limbs. Double cams ensure a smooth pull with 60-70% let-off.

– Initial setup –

The Vortex came complete with all the accessories you need to get started in our great sport of archery. I added a kiss button, D-loop for the string and installed the rest, sight and quiver that came with the Vortex bow. My daughter wanted pink arrows so the natural choice was the Victory Arrows Pink Arrow 25/45, the official arrow of the Pink Arrow Project. The Pink Arrow Project is about archers helping archers fight cancer and is directed by Mary Hale. You can read more about this project at Pink Arrow Project.

Sarah also used the Pink Arrow Project’s official broadhead, the pink 3-bladed 100 grain Innerloc Model 3600 head from Sullivan Archery. These fixed blade heads feature new blade alignment technology that is worth checking out.

I did the usual initial setup to make sure the nocking point and rest position were set correctly and I matched the center shot with my Easy Eye Laser Eze-Center Gauge. Next the Vortex was paper tuned and ready for my daughter Sarah to put the bow to the test.

– Testing –

My evaluation began with a thorough visual inspection of the Vortex for any issues or flaws in build quality. During the inspection I could not find any visible defects. The eccentrics moved freely when the pressure was removed from the strings and cables. All parts fit together perfectly, nothing was loose and the bow and all its components were mechanically sound.

I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the Vortex given its price and compared to other entry level bows on the market. The quality is far better than anything I’ve seen for teenagers at this price point. Sometimes you might just get more than you pay for, and that seems to be the case with the Vortex Youth Bow.

– shoot –

We started the basics for Sarah as she is just getting started in our amazing sport. We practiced form and function first (and eliminated the fear a seven-year-old feels when she shoots a bow for the first time). After we tuned the Vortex to Sarah for draw length, draw weight, and zeroing, she began repeatedly shooting the bow from 10 yards away.

Eventually, over time, we worked our way up to 30 yards. This move took quite a long time, which was expected, but she eventually became comfortable and accurate on the longer yards. Overall, Sarah quickly adapted to the Vortex and shot for accuracy in the first few weeks of training. In preparation for the first hunt, we focused on repetition and form for several weeks. During our training, Sarah used the Vortex all the time and got pretty good with the bow. I was able to gradually adjust her draw weight until she could comfortably use this bow to shoot the pound needed to successfully hunt a deer should the opportunity arise.

The vortex worked very well throughout our shoot for Sarah. The adjustment options made it easy to start them light and then work up to hunting weight (45 lbs is the minimum weight required for hunting in Pennsylvania). We’ve found the Vortex to shoot accurately, provided Sarah did her part and stayed consistent.

The bow was quiet but I would recommend adding Limb Saver and String Silencer for hunting situations to make the Vortex even quieter. At one point during testing, Sarah commented to me, “This new bow is easy to shoot.” This made teaching Sarah the basics of archery much easier because she had confidence that she could do it and do it well. The Vortex allowed her to start slow but grow into hunting situations with the bow. I just wish the Vortex was available to me when I bought youth bows for my two sons years ago. I spent significantly more money on their bows and didn’t really get more for my money. In fact, the Vortex has more customization options than any of my sons’ youth bows.

The Vortex is an excellent entry-level junior bow at great value for money. Sarah loved this bow. She loved the way it looked and thought it was pleasant to photograph. Importantly, she just had a blast learning to shoot the Vortex. The Vortex’s adjustment options made it easy to customize the bow to her needs, but also grow with her as she grows. We were all looking forward to her first hunt and unfortunately we weren’t able to bag a deer with the Vortex this year, but we look forward to next season when Sarah will hone her archery skills on the whitetail with her new Vortex bow will try again.

Pros: great value, easy to customize, room to grow

Cons: Accessories could be upgraded for improved shooter consistency

– Specifications –

Only available in RH

Bulk Weight: 2.3 lbs.

Draw weights: 16-45 pounds peak

Draw Lengths: 21-27 inches (1/2 inch increments)

Axle to axle length: 27.5 inches

Strut Height: 7.25 lbs

drain: 60-70%

String: 51” 16 strands BCY B-500

Cable: 32″ BCY DynaFlite 97

Version: Camo

Street Price: $99.99 [Check availability and current prices @Amazon]

Don’t forget to check out more of Keith Dunlap’s posts or to learn more about Barnett Youth Archery and the products they offer – shop current Barnett products on Amazon, visit barnettcrossbows.com online or visit our sister site BowList.net. for more links to Bogen.

Contents of the sheet pack

Welcome to this review of the Barnett Vortex Lite compound bow pack! This is. That’s why – preferably after they’ve seen The Hunger Games (Katniss Everdeen), The Avengers (Hawkeye) or Merida. This way they get the spark that is ignited by gifting them a model like the Vortex Lite – leaving them out for hours instead of watching TV, playing video games or texting with their friends on their smartphones. I know it’s a bit fancy, but hey, it’s for the sake of your kids :-). If you want to learn more about this model, I recommend reading on!

Barnett Crossbows currently only sells these in a right-handed version. This means your child will hold the barnet in their left hand while pulling the cord back with their right hand. If you are new to compound bows, I would recommend reading my beginner’s guide to compound bows here => Beginner’s Guide To Compound Bows.

You wouldn’t buy a car without knowing the basics either, would you?

The capture-style arrow rest is molded from plastic. It’s clearly not the best as it tears the fletchings of the arrows from time to time. For this reason, I would suggest that you get yourself a Whisker Biscuit or other “brush style” arrow rest as soon as possible. Because if the fletching hits the rest, the flight of the arrow can be impaired and, in the worst case, miss the target. A good arrow rest increases the accuracy you get when you shoot a lot.

You also get a basic 3 pin sight. It’s good to start with, but still pretty basic. If you can, I’d suggest you get a better one too. This isn’t as important as a better arrow rest, but it will help too. Incidentally, bow sights must be shot in. If you’re interested in learning how to do this, feel free to read my guide on how to do it here => How To Sight In A Compound Bow.

The 3 27″ Safetyglass darts that come with the Barnett Vortex Lite have blunt bonded tips and are made of fiberglass. Fiberglass is prone to splitting and tearing, especially when hitting hard objects like concrete or trees. That happens more often than you think. In this case, please check the arrow for small cracks so that it does not break completely the next time you use it on your offspring, as this can lead to serious injuries. Since you need a lot more arrows anyway, I would suggest you get better youth arrows like the Easton Genesis 2 or similar models. Carbon arrows would be best.

Finding the right arrows to match the bow and shooter is often more important than the best mix (if such a model even exists). If you want to know more about choosing arrows I have an article about it here => Choosing the right arrows for a compound bow.

Included in this pack is a 2 piece bow mounted quiver that can hold up to 3 arrows. It does its job as it should. Younger kids often don’t use extra things like a quiver or visor etc. but tweens may prefer to use these things and they won’t be disappointed with this one.

Barnett advertises that the pack can be used as a tote bag or as wall-mounted storage. If you’re going to be transporting the Barnett Lite a lot (journey to the shooting range, camping, traveling, etc.) I’d recommend getting a real case. It protects the Vortex Lite from extremes of temperature (hot trunk, hot attic) or humidity (damp garage or basement) and you can safely store it there for weeks if needed.

There is no Peep Sight included in this pack, but you could add one (the string is divisible). With a peep sight, your child’s accuracy will increase enormously. If you add one, it would also make sense to add a D loop to the string. However, you will need to purchase a release aid to use it. Adding all of these things will make your child get the most out of this model.

A release aid has a mechanical trigger and is attached to the shooter’s wrist. It takes the fingers out of the shooting process, which is important for marksmanship, as the fingers tend to twist the string when it is released, which can lead to wild shots.

If your child prefers to shoot with their fingers with the Barnett Vortex Lite, I would suggest that you add a nock point to the string and get an archery glove to protect the fingers. A nocking point is important so that your children can always nock the arrow in the same place. This way, the entire recording process becomes repeatable, resulting in a consistency that leads to accuracy.

If you are new to compound bows I would suggest you go to a professional shop. You can set everything up for your child for a small fee. They also choose the right arrows for you and cut them to your child’s draw length if necessary.

I would also recommend getting an arm guard as it will prevent your child’s forearm from getting string hits. These cause pain and leave ugly bruises that could destroy your child’s motivation to learn archery quickly. String hits can occur from time to time. If they occur constantly, something is wrong and your offspring is not shooting in the right form. If you want to learn more about proper form, feel free to read my article about it here => Proper Form for Compound Archery.

Also a bowling is missing in this package. A bowling attaches the link to the archer’s wrist (holding hand), allowing him or her to shoot with a more relaxed grip. Bows tend to move forward a little after the arrow is released. That’s why we tend to tighten our grip to prevent them from falling to the ground. This can twist the whole thing, affect the arrow and, in the worst case, miss the target. When a bowling is in place, it can’t fall to the ground, so we don’t have to tighten our grip.

There are no instructions and allen wrench (to adjust the pound) that comes with this model. It’s not difficult to set up, but a proper manual would have helped a bit.

Noise level / hand shock of the Barnett Vortex Lite compound bow

This one is quite noisy when shooting and has a lot of vibrations. As it’s not good for hunting anyway I wouldn’t bother too much but you can try to lower the vibration a bit with string silencers or a stabilizer if you want.

Bow Specifications / Limbs / Risers / Grip / String

The Barnett Vortex Lite is a fiberglass blend constructed to Archery Trade Association (ATA) and Archery Manufacturers’ Organization (AMO) standards. It is very sturdy and durable and will take a lot of beating from your kids.

Its axle length (ATA) is 27.5″, making it compact enough for the recommended age group.

The durable plastic cams will need to be cycled over time to keep them working simultaneously – but this will need to be done from time to time on some dual cam systems from other brands as well. It’s a dual-cam system, after all.

The string is divisible and a peep sight can be served at any time. I would suggest that you get some bow wax and wax it (and the cables) before shooting for the first time. This extends its lifespan considerably and prevents it from fraying too early and getting worn parts. Strings and cables should be waxed regularly, they should be replaced once a year or every 5,000 shots. Never dry fire with the Barnett Vortex Lite as this can cause severe damage and serious injury to the archer. I also have an article on dry shooting just in case you haven’t heard that term => dry shooting a compound bow.

Draw Cycle / Shootability

The Barnett Vortex Lite draws fairly consistently and, assuming you have a better rest and better arrows, can reach tennis ball sized groups out to 15 yards. Of course, to be able to do that, you also need some skills.

The draw weight range is from 18 – 29 lbs. You can adjust it with an allen wrench by loosening or tightening the limb bolts. Counterclockwise decreases the draw weight, clockwise increases it. Just make sure the number of full turns is the same on both sides, and don’t overdo it or the whole compound will fall apart. If you are unsure of the number of full turns, simply tighten to the maximum and start from there.

The extension range is from 22″ – 25″. It is adjustable in 1 inch increments and you don’t need a press for this. If your child has longer arms than the average child or is taller, it might be a good idea to measure their draw length before buying anything. If it is longer than 25″, this model is not for him or her. If you’re interested in learning how to measure draw length, I have a guide on how to do that here => How to determine your draw length.

A generous 60% – 70% offload makes this model a very good choice to start with, as it gives enough scope to aim without worrying about holding back full tip weight the whole time.

Firing speed of the Barnett Vortex Lite compound bow

The specified 135 fps were not measured according to the specifications of the International Bowhunting Organization (IBO) because this model would require a draw weight of 70 lbs. 135fps isn’t that fast compared to a full-size hunting bow, but it’s not bad for a connection intended to be used by tweens either.

Suitable for Hunting / Kinetic Energy (KE)

With a maximum weight of 29lbs, the Barnett Vortex Lite is not suitable for bowhunting as it does not meet any state minimum requirements. That being said, the kinetic energy attainable would be far too low to hunt anything. At a speed of 135 fps and 350 grain arrows you would get 14.15 ft-lbs, which isn’t much. Just look at Easton’s Field Chart.

I would suggest that your kids stick with gunnery training until they advance to a serious hunting model. A lot of practice beforehand makes the first hunting trip that much better!

If you want to learn more about kinetic energy, I also have an article here => Kinetic Energy for Bowhunting.

Suitable for bow fishing

I didn’t try. If you can find a way to add a bow fishing reel it should work, although the 29 pounds isn’t that good at penetrating the water and hitting the fish well. If you try it please let me know how it went below as I’m curious about this too.

pricing

At around $75, the Barnett Vortex Lite is still an affordable option for introducing your kids to archery. You can also check out the Crosman Elkhorn, or if you want to invest more, the Diamond Atomic or the Bear Archery Cruzer. These are all great ways to get tweens interested in our wonderful sport. If your child is on the stronger side, the Barnett Vortex (intended for teenagers) can also be a good choice. Another good option is the Genesis Original, the official model for the National Archery In The Schools Program.

For and against

advantages

– affordable

– great quality

Disadvantages

– crappy accessories

summary

All in all, the Barnett Vortex Lite compound bow is a very good option for introducing your offspring to archery. It is manufactured and sold by a well-known company that stands for excellent quality and good customer support. That being said, it’s adjustable and will serve your kids well for a number of years (if you buy it when they’re young enough!).

The Vortex Lite is recommended for 8-12 year olds as its minimum draw weight is too much for most younger archers. However, there might be younger shooters who can use it as well. Just as we are all different, so are our children, and what may be too much for one may be manageable for another.

Small adults (about 1.50 m tall) could also use the Vortex Lite. But to be honest I would suggest you get yourself something suitable as this is a tween model, not an adult one. It’s not called “Lite” for nothing!

Thanks for reading and shoot straight!

As much as you might want your child to have quality archery gear, there’s a huge gap between the cheap toy bows on the market and your top-of-the-liner – until now. With Barnett’s versatile Vortex line of compound bows for kids, you can give your child a quality compound bow that fits well, doesn’t cost a fortune, and will grow as your child grows.

With four models to choose from, there’s the perfect Vortex to give your child a fun start to a lifelong love of archery.

The Vortex Lite is perfect for beginners with a light draw weight that’s adjustable from 18 to 29 pounds. It’s also suitable for small arms, with a short but adjustable draw range of 22 to 25 inches.

The Vortex takes it up a notch with a wide draw weight range from 19 to 45 pounds and draw length adjustment from 21 to 27 inches. With such a wide adjustment range, the Vortex is a great entry-level bow that can take a young archer well into their teens and even into the woods if hunting is the youth’s future.

Finally, the Vortex Hunter is a big game powerhouse, perfect for teens who are ready to take on the challenge of hunting in the field with mom or dad. With a draw weight range of 45 to 60 pounds, this bow won’t be underpowered to take on even the biggest bucks. The draw length is adjustable from 26 to 30 inches.

If you’re looking for a family activity to spend more time with your kids, introduce them to archery. With quality equipment like the Barnett Vortex family of compound bows for kids, you can give them a successful start with equipment that fits and grows with them.

Vortex Hunter Features:

Adjustable in 1″ increments

Constructed to ATA/AMO standards

Draw Weight: 45-60 lbs.

Draw Length: 26″-30″

Drain 60-70%

Package doubles as a carry bag

Right-hand bow

MSRP: $219

Vortex Properties:

Adjustable in 1″ increments

Constructed to ATA/AMO standards

Draw weight: 19-45 lbs.

Draw Length: 21″-27″

Drain 60-70%

Package doubles as a carry bag

Right-hand bow

MSRP: $159.99

Vortex Lite Features:

Adjustable in 1″ increments

Constructed to ATA/AMO standards

Draw weight: 18-29 lbs.

Draw Length: 22″-25″

Drain 60-70%

Right-hand bow

Package doubles as a carry bag

MSRP: $99.99

To learn more about the Barnett Vortex line, please visit www.barnettcrossbows.com/youth-archery.

Draw length is the distance from the nock point to the neck of the grip plus 1 3/4 inches. Typically, this length is also roughly equal to the arrow length required by the compound archer.

To measure your draw length, stand with your back to a wall and stretch your arms out against the wall. Measure the distance from the end of your middle finger to the end of your other middle finger, basically the length of both arms, hands and chest. This measurement, minus 15, then divided by 2 is your draw length.

Resist the temptation to make your draw length longer than it should be, as this will affect your accuracy.

Your wingspan is usually equal to your height in inches; So your height in inches minus 15 and then divided by 2 is your draw length, or at least a very good starting point. Just use our handy draw length calculator below.

Enter span

inches centimeters millimeters

calculation