Darton Ranger III Compound Bow

The Darton Ranger III is the full-camo flagship of Darton's Ranger youth series - mechanically the same no-press, nine-module platform as the Ranger II, but dipped in Realtree Hardwoods HD with a matching quiver and aimed squarely at a young archer's first season afield. At 2.9 pounds on a forgiving 32-inch frame, with a 15-to-45-pound range (15-to-50 from 2010) and a 17-to-28-inch draw that all adjust without a bow press, it is the grow-with-me promise delivered in camo: one bow that carries a kid from backyard foam to a first close-range deer. It is the review in this series with the most hands-on grounding, and owners are consistent - forgiving, smooth-drawing, tuned out of the box, a capable little bow that outperforms its youth billing. What keeps me recommending a bow like this is simple: it fits a kid now and still fits them three seasons on. Darton sold it dealer-direct without a published price, at the top rung of the youth tier. An excellent first hunting bow for the young archer who wants a light, forgiving, fully-adjustable camo rig to grow into for a first season. Families who don't need the woods finish should save with the identical Ranger II, and buyers who want one bow that reaches a full adult hunting weight should look at the Diamond Infinite Edge Pro... read full review