another vote for the Vixen. here's my reasons: No dial-a-range, no serial number or warranty card included w/ new bow, just an unconditional life time warrany. Better resale value if his interests change, one of the most accurate xbows on the market; Excal has dominated the 3-D circuits for 20 yrs. Light and most important for a youngster, light in the front, unlike any compound xbow.