BowTech Rascal

Here kitty, kitty, kitty...

January, 13, 2002 — When you think of a rascal what comes to mind? Maybe a short youngster that can run and play like a whirlwind? Usually a rascal gets noticed and right away — there presence is known by what they do. Well let me tell you this one diminutive bow is going to get a lot of attention. It is a powerhouse in a world of its own.

This 24-3/8" axle-to-axle bow is one mean little arrow launcher. This bow comes like all BowTech bows. It is equipped with machined aluminum riser, limb pockets and cams. The upper cam is a round idler wheel that performs flawlessly with the one cam that is on the bottom end of the Gordon glass limbs. The carbon cable guard is factory installed on the bow when it comes out of the box. The rascal is a mere two pounds and has a brace height of 7-½ inches for forgiving but fast shooting by youngsters. The factory says that this bow will do 256-262 fps speeds at 25 inches of draw length, 40 pounds of draw weight and a 200-grain arrow. Name another bow this light, short and low poundage that will do that? The draw length ranges from 19-25 inches with the poundage running peak weights of 20, 30, 40 pounds. Does this bow do what the company says it will? We at Big Al's Archery wanted to find out so to the chronograph we went.

The test arrows were 22-½ inches, 1713 xx75 platinum arrows with feathers weighing 230 grains. The Rascal was set at 22 inches of draw length and 41 pounds of draw weight. Using a release, three arrows were shot through the chronograph. The first arrow went through at 210 fps; the second at 212 fps and the third duplicated the second arrow at 212 fps. This comes out with an average speed of 211.3 fps. The factory spec sheet that comes with each bow stipulates that the bow at 41 pounds, 22-inch draw using a 200-grain arrow did 236 fps. All specs being the same except the weight of the arrow (30 grains difference) the bow was consistent. 30 grains translates into about 15% difference in feet per second. This bow smokes!
Can you imagine a kids bow that at 40 pounds, 22-inch draw with a carbon arrow that could possibly out shoot a 26-inch draw bow at 50 pounds! Heck, my compound with 26 inches of draw length, 55 pounds of draw weight using 2213s is doing between 225-230 fps. So if you want high quality with a lifetime warranty in a fast, good looking bow, this is one. 

Their motto for this bow is, "Here KITTY KITTY KITTY", is deceiving. Here is a bow that will perform in 3-D and hunting deer as well.

This bow is probably one of the best-built kids/small adult bows on the market today. BowTech's commitment to quality goes in everything they make. From hardened axles to vibrant colors, in my opinion, there is not another kids bow that even compares with the Rascal. It shoots like the cat's meow but roars like a lion. This is not just another kid's bow. This is a bow that screams "Here kitty, kitty, kitty!!"

Arthur Champoux has years of experience in the outdoors.  He is has served on many  advisory staffs and is a member in good standing of many outdoor organizations.  Art currently works for Big Al's Archery in Seabrook, NH and writes for several publications.