As you’ll see, both bows do seem to be great options for youth shooters. However, key shortcomings identified in the Diamond Atomic bow makes it lose out to the PSE Mini Burner.
The Diamond Atomic bow’s main drawback is its significant lack of power and speed. Granted that the bow’s meant for target practice use, the lack of firepower from this bow will be noticeable once the youngster gains interest in shooting outdoors. Also, it’s compact size may serve really well young shooters - but this benefit will soon turn against the shooters themselves once they grow up (and find the Diamond Atomic too small to shoot with).
On the other hand, the PSE Mini Burner mostly excels in giving beginners a better archery experience. Although it still has its own sets of faults, its pros tend to shine brighter. The best benefit of going for this option would be the “Grow With You” program, which efficiently allows the bow to be upgraded along with a youngster’s shooting skills.
In a nutshell, the PSE Mini Burner wins the matchup due to being easier to upgrade.
Let us now quickly list down each youth bow’s pros and cons to see which one is the better gear to get!
- No silencing features
- Limb bolts too tight
- Very low firepower and speed
- No silencing features
- Accessories could be better
- Excellent firepower and speed
- Grow With You Program for Upgrades
- Comes in different colors
- Compact design perfect for kids
- No silencing features
- Limb bolts too tight
- Excellent firepower and speed
- Grow With You Program for Upgrades
- Very low firepower and speed
- No silencing features
- Accessories could be better
- Comes in different colors
- Compact design perfect for kids
Pros and Cons of the PSE Mini Burner
Pros
- Respectable firepower and speed that can take down small prey
- Excellent parts upgrade with “Grow With You” program
- Great tunability
- Can get better gear with the Youth package option
Cons
- No silencing features
- Bolts on limbs seem to be screwed too tight
Pros and Cons of the Diamond Atomic
Pros
- Great choice of limb colors
- Compact construction for ease of use among youngsters
- Outstanding accuracy
- Excellent archery enhancements
Cons
- Very low firepower and speed
- Not meant for hunting
- No silencing features
- Small size that bow will quickly become too small for the shooter
- Possible issues with the bow’s stock accessories
PSE Mini Burner Review
The main selling points that the PSE Mini Burner has to offer is its great tunability and the variable parts it has with the “Grow With You” program. Additionally, the lightweight construction of the bow makes it easy for young or small shooters to use this bow. The PSE Mini Burner is built tough as well, able to both manage tension from shooting and the various elements expected to be encountered in the wild. The bow’s firepower is impressive as well, which can very well be a great learning opportunity for youngsters in knowing how to manage force. If anything else, the lack of sound and vibration buffering features is unfortunate - especially once young shooters decide to join a hunt.
PSE Mini Burner Technical Specifications and Features
- Draw Length: 16" – 26.5"
- Draw Weight: 4 – 40 lbs.
- Shooting Orientation: Left Hand and Right Hand
- Speed: 310 fps
Reviewing the PSE Mini Burner Bow
Youth archers deserve to have a bow that will both deliver ease of use and power. The PSE Mini Burner may just have the right set of tools to help out budding shooters. Let us find out more about this youth bow below:
Ease of Assembly
The main benefit of getting this bow for youngsters is its tunability. The very structure of the bow, which is made out of durable machined aluminum, is easy to attach to its modular bow parts. Additionally, adjusting both the bow's draw length and draw weight is done in a fast and streamlined manner. This allows a small shooter to get the right configuration that will best suit his or her preferences.
Checking the Bow Technology
The PSE Mini Burner has several shooting and setup enhancements that young shooters can benefit from:
Riser and Grip Details
The PSE Mini Burner has a thin riser made out of the same machined aluminum material of the bow’s foundation. This type of construction does make the bow lightweight yet tough, perfect for kids learning the ins and outs of shooting. This bow’s grips are also located in the riser itself. Rubber layering has been set in place, allowing users to get a firm yet comfy hold onto the bow.
Limb and Cam Details
The limb pockets found on the PSE Mini Burner's limbs help to make quick and accurate draw weight adjustments. Additionally, the limbs are constructed from Mini SF tech - this incorporates fiberglass material in a split compression manner. The innovative material found in this essential bow part allows for focused shots - the high tension strength of these limbs help in withstanding pressure when making tough shots.
Draw Weight Adjustment
As mentioned, the PSE Mini Burner's limbs and actual bow construction helps in making even minute draw weight adjustments really easy. As an additional focus in developing young shooters, the manufacturer created a program for young archers. Dubbed as the "Grow With You" program, signing up a shooter for this opens up more opportunities to replace the PSE Mini Burner's limbs when needed. This means that a shooter actually grows together with this bow. From learning the various intricacies in shooting to getting reliable gear that does conform to a shooter's personality, the draw weight adjustment of this bow is a warm and thoughtful process for young learners.
Draw Length Adjustment
Adjusting the PSE Mini burner's draw length is done with an allen key. Simply twist the knobs on the bow at half inch increments to get the right length. The bow also includes visible markings to show shooters the preferred draw length in different shooting scenarios. Young shooters will get a good idea on how to get the right draw length for them with this bow's nice adjustment system.
PSE Mini Burner Bow Kinetic Energy Details
Since this is a youth bow, arrows with a lower grain setting are suggested to be shot from it. The speed of this bow is impressive, though. At 310 fps, young archers can get lots of respectable shots from this bow. Kinetic energy is managed in a reasonable manner: a lower draw weight setting combined with a shorter draw length should dish out some impressive force from this bow.
Construction and Durability
As pointed out above, the PSE Mini Burner's bow foundation is made out of machined aluminum. This construction does help in keeping a good balance in durability and performance. Able to withstand all sorts of elements and tension, while still being light as a feather, this bow does address some common bad shooting behavior and bow handling that young shooters have. The limb’s sturdy construction also means that novice archers can keep on shooting without the fear or hesitation that the bow might break apart.
Accuracy and Shooting Speed Checks
The 310 fps shooting speed of this bow (combined with the mentioned kinetic energy generation) gives young shooters more than enough power to take down small prey. The PSE Mini Burner is pretty accurate as well. Also, a subtle yet thoughtful inclusion when it comes to shooting is the rubber grip. Aside from helping the shooter to have a firm and steady hold, the rubber texture also helps by removing unnecessary hand torque.
Noise Level Information
Unfortunately, the PSE Mini Burner lacks sound and vibration reduction options. Including these features may help out novice hunters in learning the importance of vibration and noise in the wilderness. The lack of these features would also mean that there may be a chance for potential prey to quickly spot the shooter!
Practical Hunting Usage
The ability to muster enough firepower to match against smaller prey in the wild is a great choice for novice shooters to try out the PSE Mini Burner. The force this bow holds is a great learning opportunity in teaching how to handle ample power during hunts. The light yet tough construction of the bow helps out in carrying gear without any worry of outdoor elements and the like.
PSE Mini Burner Bow Accessory Check
These are the various parts and accessories that come with the PSE Mini Burner RTH configuration (note these often depend on the seller too, double check what you'd get before buying):
- Arrow Sight (3-pin variant)
- Carbon Arrows (3 pieces)
- Arrow Quiver (can hold up to 5 arrows)
- Arrow Rest
- Bow Stabilizer
Miscellaneous Information on the PSE Mini Burner Bow
Here are other interesting information for this youth bow:
Get a Youth Configuration Upgrade
Aside from the mentioned accessories above, the PSE Mini Burner can be bought with upgraded accessories. Some of the essentials novice archers can get from this deal are:
- Mechanical Release Enhancement
- Wrist Sling
- Quiver (detachable)
- Arrow Sight (3-pin variant; Apex Atomic)
- Arrows (6 pieces)
- Camo Bow Case
Let-Off Rating
The PSE Mini Burner's let-off is at 65%.
Why the PSE Mini Burner Bow is Recommended
Find out why this bow is a good choice for young shooters:
Evolving and Variable Adjustments
The "Grow With You" aspect of the bow adjusts parallel to a child's archery development.
Powerful Shots
The PSE Mini Burner's impressive firepower makes this both a great learning tool and a reliable hunting tool in a young archer's hands.
Issues that May Need to be Addressed in the PSE Mini Burner Bow
These are factors that may need to identified and solved when choosing this bow for young shooters:
No Silencing Features
The lack of noise and vibration reduction features may make this a noisy bow to have during hunts. Although it really is designed to help young shooters (who’d initially go against stationary targets), the lack of any of the mentioned essential silencing features is a big letdown. Especially if a young shooter chooses to go with the “Grow With You” program, the lack of sound buffering equipment may be noticeable once novice archers go out on hunts.
Tight Bolts
Although not a major issue, the limb bolts on the PSE Mini Burner may seem to be really tight. This can be a good factor in assuring that draw weight stays constant. It may be a problem though when shooters need to make adjustments on-the-fly!
Diamond Atomic Review
The Diamond Atomic bow is a good choice for youngsters - just as long they don’t consider using this choice for hunting.This bow’s compact design is just perfect for youngsters to get a feel on how to handle archery gear. Also, the cam system of the Diamond Atomic is excellent, allowing budding shooters to feel the great sensation of hitting targets.
Diamond Atomic Technical Specifications and Features
- Draw Length: 12" – 24"
- Draw Weight: 6 – 29 lbs.
- Shooting Orientation: Right Hand only
- Speed: 191 fps
Reviewing the Diamond Atomic Bow
Matching up against the PSE Mini Burner is the Diamond Atomic bow. Let’s see if this choice can compete with the choice above - knowing both bows’ details will give you a good overview on getting which gear will best fit young archers.
Ease of Assembly
The Diamond Atomic bow makes shooting preparation really easy. The bow comes fully equipped with accessories, making this a fast and ready to shoot choice for budding archers. In fact, this bow is designed for really young shooters, preferably those within the ages of 4 and 11.
Checking the Bow Technology
Let us find out if the archery enhancements found on the Diamond Atomic will be a great match against the PSE Mini Burner.
Riser and Grip Details
Considering its target users, the Diamond Atomic bow has a compact axle to axle length of just 24". This is just the right size of a compound bow that young shooters can manage. Additionally, the machined aluminum of the riser also results in making the bow's frame both light and tough. The Diamond Atomic's riser also has several ports, in which more accessories can be screwed into.
This bow incorporates a bare grip design on the riser. It's as standard as it gets (nothing fancy to see here), but this type of grip does help teach amateur hunters the right shooting form.
Limb and Cam Details
Just like it's foundation, the Diamond Atomic's limbs are made out of machined aluminum material. Aside from sharing the frame's tough and lightweight benefits, the limbs also come with an innovative anti-backout system. This enhancement protects young shooters from possible injury, in case the Diamond Atomic's limb bolts would come loose. Adjusting is easy as well, with children able to set up the bow the way they see fit for their needs.
The Diamond Atomic uses a dual cam configuration. Smooth and easy when it comes to adjusting draw length, this cam system works great for youngsters.
Draw Weight Adjustment
Adjusting draw weight values for the Diamond Atomic is really easy. All that's needed to get the desired draw weight is using a hex wrench (the 3/16 variant) to tighten or loosen the limb bolts that are connected to the bow's riser. To help young shooters, visible markings can be found on a bolt itself to remind users of peak weight.
Draw Length Adjustment
Similar to the point above, adjusting the Diamond Atomic bow's draw length is easy too. In fact, no bow press is required when making any adjustment. Draw length modifications are done in half inch increments, by using a hex wrench (7/64 inch variant) on the two screws found on each cam of the bow. The cams can be rotated either clockwise or counter-clockwise, mainly because of the reliable Rotating MOD System.
Diamond Atomic Bow Kinetic Energy Details
Considering its target users, the Diamond Atomic doesn't have a high kinetic energy output. With 29 lbs. set as its maximum poundage, this bow definitely does not have the force needed to bring down prey (not even the small ones!). Target practice is the main use of this bow - young shooters can build their skills this way.
Construction and Durability
As mentioned, the machined aluminum construction of this bow is more than enough for young shooters. Meant as an introductory bow (and mostly just for target practice), the Diamond Atomic is built mainly to withstand tension from shooters themselves.
Accuracy and Shooting Speed Checks
Accuracy is excellent, mainly because of the Diamond Atomic bow's dual cam system. Although this bow does not come with a D-loop, installing one increases the bow's marksmanship in an outstanding manner.
Shooting speed, set at 191 fps, is really low for actual hunting scenarios. Yet, for target practice, this value should just be enough for archers learning the ropes.
Noise Level Information
Similar to the PSE Mini Burner, the Diamond Atomic does not have any way to reduce sound or vibration. This isn't surprising, considering that this bow is meant for young shooters learning tricks of the trade. Still, incorporating sound buffering may have been a good way to teach youngsters the importance of this bow feature.
Practical Hunting Usage
Even though this bow is built to help children get into the world of archery, the Diamond Atomic does lack something when it comes to hunting: power. Both firepower and kinetic energy output are pretty bad when it comes to this bow. As such, don't expect this to be a good choice when it comes to teaching kids how to shoot out in the wild. However, for target practice or shooting in ranges, then this bow may just have the right set of tools and enhancements.
Additionally, with no silencing features, shooting this bow may just give away a young archer's position.
Diamond Atomic Bow Accessory Check
Here are the accessories that come packed with the Diamond Atomic (depending on the seller):
- Carbon Arrows (3 pieces)
- Arrow Rest (Full Capture Type)
- Arrow Quiver (Two-piece type, able to hold up to 3 arrows)
- Fiber Optic Sight (3 pin)
Miscellaneous Information on the Diamond Atomic Bow
This bow has these factors that you may be interested to know more about:
Colored Limbs
The Diamond Atomic bow has several limb color variants to choose from. Young archers can get the color that will best match their style: pink, blue, or matte black (limb graphite).
Comes with Lifetime Warranty
This bow comes with non-transferable coverage exclusive only to the registered and original owner.
Why the Diamond Atomic Bow is Recommended
Find out why this bow is an excellent gateway bow among youngsters:
Lightweight and Compact
This bow’s small construction makes it a good choice among young children. Easy to manage without having to deal with heavy draw weight values, kid shooters will be able to pull back and shoot with ease.
Excellent Accuracy
The Diamond Atomic bow’s dual cam configuration can improve young archer’s marksmanship skills.
Issues that May Need to be Addressed in the PSE Diamond Atomic Bow
Here are important details you need to consider when choosing this bow for a young one:
Low in Power
The kinetic energy generation and overall speed of the Diamond Atomic aren’t values you’d want to have when out in the wild. Although meant for really young kids and to allow a great feel on how handling a bow should be, this also means that young shooters will miss out on the actual hunting experience.
Accessory Issues
Using a one piece quiver instead of the included two-piece quiver design that comes with the bow seems to be better. Additionally, the Diamond Atomic bow’s strings seem to be prone to damage - consider replacing this with something better in the market instead.
Read More
Check out these amazing youth bow links:
- Here’s an interesting (and funny!) PSE Mini Burner unboxing video!
- This Texasbowhunter forum thread shares some nice insights on the PSE Mini Burner.
- Bow Hunter Planet has a really awesome Diamond Atomic bow review.