When it comes to archery, the right target can make all the difference. Whether you’re a traditionalist or seeking cutting-edge performance, the 5 best archery targets on the market cater to diverse needs and preferences. From handmade straw designs to high-tech stopping power, each option is tailored to enhance your practice sessions and improve your accuracy. But the real question is – which one will help you tap into your full potential as an archer? Explore and discover the target that’s perfect for your unique shooting style.
For those seeking a traditional, hand-woven archery target, the KAINOKAI Straw Archery Target is an excellent choice. This eco-friendly target, crafted from forage material, comes in 3-layer, 5-layer, and 7-layer options, suitable for archers of all skill levels. Measuring 19.7 x 19.7 inches, it features a silk-made target image and a lanyard for easy hanging or shelf placement. Weighing just 6.2 lbs for the 3-layer model, it’s lightweight and portable, making it perfect for your backyard or the range. Boasting a 4.6-star rating from over 1,300 customers, reviewers praise its durability, arrow-stopping ability, and authentic, traditional design. Whether you’re a recurve, longbow, or compound bow user, the KAINOKAI Straw Archery Target is a reliable and visually appealing choice for your archery practice.
Best For: Recurve, longbow, and compound bow users looking for a traditional, eco-friendly, and durable archery target.
Pros:
Environmentally friendly and less damaging to arrows
Traditional hand-woven design with a silk-made target image
Effective at stopping arrows and easy to use
Cons:
Handmade, so size may vary slightly
Can have debris appearing during use due to the forage material
Not suitable for bladed hunting arrows, which can reduce the target’s service life
Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 28 Pound Field Point Archery Bag Target
The Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 28 Pound Field Point Archery Bag Target is an ideal choice for the serious archer seeking a durable and versatile target. This weatherproof bag features dual shooting sides with multiple bullseyes, allowing you to hone your accuracy from various distances. Its MLDD construction, 54 layers of arrow-stopping power, and IFS technology guarantee your arrows are stopped effectively, even at speeds up to 400 fps. The lightweight yet sturdy design, complete with an E-Z tote carrying handle, makes this target easy to transport to the range or backyard. Whether you’re practicing with a compound or recurve bow, the Morrell Yellow Jacket can withstand repeated use without significant damage, allowing you to refine your skills with confidence.
Best For: Serious archers looking for a durable, versatile, and weatherproof archery target that can handle high-speed shots.
Pros:
Stops arrows effectively, even at speeds up to 400 fps
Lightweight and portable design with easy-carry handle
Withstands repeated use without significant damage
Cons:
May have a slight odor out of the box
Need to ensure field points are screwed on tight
Some users may prefer a stand for increased stability
18XL-Crossbow and Archery Target for 500 FPS or More-Made with The Original Spylar Mesh Facing
Crossbow enthusiasts seeking a target that can withstand the immense power of their high-speed rigs will find the SPYDERWEB 18XL Crossbow and Archery Target an exceptional choice. Crafted with the brand’s exclusive Spylar mesh facing, this 18x18x14-inch, 34-pound target boasts elite stopping power, easy arrow pull, and unparalleled durability. Handmade in the USA, the 18XL can handle arrows up to 500 FPS, including the powerful Tenpoint Vapor RS470. With a penetration depth of around 7 inches at 25 yards, this target offers consistent performance and a 30-day guarantee, earning it a stellar 4.8-star rating from over 230 satisfied customers.
Best For: Crossbow enthusiasts seeking a high-performance target that can withstand arrows up to 500 FPS.
Pros:
Elite stopping power for high-speed crossbows
Easy arrow removal, even with field points
Handcrafted durability and 30-day guarantee
Cons:
Relatively heavy at 34 pounds
Larger size may not be suitable for all shooting setups
Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube Field Point Archery Bag Target
Serious archers seeking a durable and versatile target will find the Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube Field Point Archery Bag Target an excellent choice. Measuring 19.5 inches long, 19.25 inches wide, and 19.25 inches tall, this large portable block target features easy-to-see graphics and convenient carrying handles for on-the-go use. Made of polyester and nylon, it can withstand blows from crossbows, compound bows, and air bows, stopping arrows up to 450 FPS. With a 4.7-star rating and over 2,800 reviews, this target is a top seller, known for its easy arrow removal and long-lasting durability. Whether used indoors or outdoors, the Morrell Double Duty is a versatile choice for accurate archery practice and enjoyment.
Best For: Serious archers looking for a durable and versatile archery target that can withstand high-speed arrows from crossbows, compound bows, and air bows.
Buck 3D Archery Target with Replaceable Insert Core
Avid bowhunters and competitive archers alike will appreciate the versatile GlenDel Buck 3D Archery Target, boasting a life-like deer design and a replaceable 4-sided insert core. This 200-lb buck target stands 34 inches tall at the shoulder and 56 inches overall, with 150 B&C antlers. The unique open-layered design stops arrows through friction, not force, simplifying extraction. The fused core layers provide extended target life and easy arrow removal, suitable for compounds, crossbows, and longbows with field points, broadheads, or expendables. Measuring 36 x 17.75 x 10.75 inches and weighing 8 pounds, this durable foam target offers 5 times more shooting surface than comparable models, earning it a 4.2-star rating from over 1,700 satisfied customers.
Best For: Avid bowhunters and competitive archers seeking a realistic 3D archery target with enhanced durability and versatility.
Pros:
Life-like 200-lb buck design with 150 B&C antlers
4-sided replaceable insert core offers 5x more shooting surface
Open-layered design stops arrows through friction, not force for easy extraction
Cons:
Some customers reported minor issues with packaging and assembly
May not be suitable for extreme long-range shooting
Could be too large for some indoor/compact shooting setups
When choosing archery targets, you’ll want to ponder the arrow stopping power, portability and mobility, durability and lifespan, versatility for bows, and target designs and graphics. These factors will help guarantee the archery targets you select meet your needs and provide a satisfying shooting experience. Carefully weighing these elements will enable you to find the perfect archery targets for your setup and skill level.
Arrow Stopping Power
Arrow stopping power is a crucial consideration when choosing archery targets. It determines the target’s ability to effectively halt arrows without causing damage or penetration. A good archery target should be able to stop arrows with speeds of at least 400 FPS, with some targets capable of stopping arrows up to 500 FPS or more.
The material and construction of the target play a significant role in its arrow-stopping power. Features like layering, mesh, and friction-based stopping systems contribute to the target’s effectiveness. Additionally, the weight and size of the target impact its arrow-stopping power, with larger and heavier targets generally providing more stopping power than smaller and lighter ones.
When choosing an archery target, selecting one that’s designed to stop arrows at the speed and weight of the bow and arrow being used is imperative. This guarantees safe and effective practice, allowing you to hone your skills without worrying about potential damage or injury.
Portability and Mobility
Portability and mobility are important factors to ponder when choosing archery targets. Look for a target that weighs between 6.2 and 28 lbs, making it easy to carry and transport to different shooting locations. Targets with E-Z tote carrying handles or lanyards are especially convenient for moving and hanging on a shelf or target stand. Consider the dimensions, too – a size like 19.7 x 19.7 x 2.3 inches will fit nicely in your vehicle or storage space. A lightweight target is ideal if you plan to travel or shoot outdoors frequently, while a heavier target may be better suited for stationary use at an archery range or in your backyard. The material also impacts portability, with lighter options like paper or polyester being more convenient for transport.
Durability and Lifespan
Durability is a critical factor when selecting archery targets. A durable archery target can withstand thousands of shots from bows, with some lasting longer than others depending on the material and construction. The lifespan of an archery target can be extended by replacing the cover or core, which can increase the target’s overall durability and lifespan. High-quality materials, such as Spylar mesh or MLDD construction, tend to produce more durable and long-lasting targets than lower-quality alternatives.
The durability of an archery target can also depend on the arrow speed, with targets designed to stop higher-speed arrows typically being more durable. Proper maintenance, such as regular cleaning and storage, can further extend a target’s lifespan. When choosing an archery target, consider its durability and how well it aligns with your shooting needs to guarantee you get the most value and enjoyment from your investment.
Versatility for Bows
When selecting archery targets, the versatility to accommodate various types of bows is a crucial consideration. Archery targets should be suitable for use with recurve, longbow, and compound bows, ensuring you can practice with your preferred shooting style. The target’s material and construction must be able to withstand the kinetic energy and arrow speeds of different bows, from low to high velocities.
For high-speed bows like crossbows, targets may require reinforced layers or specialized materials to effectively stop arrows. The size and shape of the target should also be taken into account, as larger targets may be more suitable for longer bows or higher arrow speeds. Additionally, a versatile archery target should accommodate various arrow types, including field points, broadheads, and expendables, catering to your diverse shooting needs and scenarios.
Target Designs and Graphics
The design and graphics of archery targets can substantially enhance your shooting experience. Targets featuring multiple bullseyes or 3D designs challenge your aiming skills and add variety to your practice sessions. Thoughtful graphics can also serve a functional purpose, providing clear visibility and contrast to help you easily identify your shots and track your progress.
Some archery targets even offer replaceable covers or inserts with unique designs, allowing you to change up the look and extend the target’s lifespan. The material used for the target’s surface can impact the overall design and graphics, with some options offering more durable and weather-resistant surfaces than others.
Additionally, target designs and graphics may be influenced by the intended use, such as hunting or competition shooting, with some targets featuring more realistic or challenging designs to simulate real-world shooting scenarios. Considering these factors can help you choose the archery target that best suits your needs and preferences.
Ease of Arrow Retrieval
Easy arrow retrieval is crucial when choosing archery targets. The material used in the target’s construction can substantially impact how easily you can remove your arrows. Targets made of Spylar mesh or polyester generally allow for effortless arrow removal, unlike some other materials. Look for targets with patented open-layered designs, as these can stop arrows through friction rather than brute force, making retrieval a breeze and reducing the risk of target damage.
The weight and size of the target also play a role. Larger, heavier targets often require more effort to extract your arrows. To make your life easier, consider targets with replaceable insert cores, which can extend the target’s lifespan and make arrow removal even simpler over time. Ultimately, choosing a target that prioritizes easy arrow retrieval will save you time, effort, and potential damage to your equipment, allowing you to focus on your archery practice.
Weatherproofing and Outdoor Use
Weatherproofing is crucial when selecting archery targets for outdoor use. Look for targets made with water-resistant materials like polyester or nylon to withstand rain, snow, and humidity. Some models feature a weatherproof surface that shields the internal layers from the elements. Outdoor targets will require more frequent maintenance, such as cleaning and drying, to prevent damage and extend their lifespan.
Consider targets with a durable and UV-resistant exterior to minimize fading and cracking from prolonged sun exposure. This will help your targets remain functional and long-lasting, even in the harshest weather conditions. Prioritize weatherproofing features when choosing archery targets for outdoor practice, as they’ll guarantee your investment stays in top shape throughout the year.
Price and Value Proposition
When considering archery targets, the price can range from surprisingly affordable options under $20 for basic bag targets to more premium models exceeding $200 with advanced 3D features. Beyond just the price tag, you’ll want to evaluate the value proposition of each target by considering factors like durability, ease of arrow removal, and the ability to withstand high-speed arrows and repeated use.
Keep in mind that a higher price doesn’t always guarantee better quality or performance. Be sure to read customer reviews and product descriptions carefully to verify you’re getting the best bang for your buck. Targets with replaceable cores or inserts can provide better long-term value, as you can simply replace the worn components rather than the entire unit.
Additionally, consider the cost per shot or the overall lifespan of the target when making your decision. Some pricier options may prove more cost-effective in the long run due to their superior construction and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Replace My Archery Target?
You should replace your archery target when it becomes worn or damaged, typically every 6 to 12 months, depending on how often you use it. Regular replacement guarantees accurate shooting and extends the life of your target.
Can I Use Archery Targets for Crossbow Practice?
Absolutely, you can use archery targets for crossbow practice. For instance, your friend Sarah found her 3D deer target worked just as well for her new crossbow, providing accurate feedback on her shot placement. Just be sure to adjust the target distance as needed.
How Do I Properly Store My Archery Targets?
To properly store your archery targets, you’ll want to keep them in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Consider using a storage container or rack to protect them from damage when not in use.
What Safety Precautions Should I Take When Using Archery Targets?
When using archery targets, always wear proper safety gear like arm guards and eye protection. Verify your target is securely placed in a safe, open area away from any structures or people. Carefully inspect your equipment before and after each use.
Can I Recycle or Repurpose My Worn-Out Archery Targets?
You can absolutely recycle or repurpose your worn-out archery targets. Many materials like straw, foam, and cardboard can be reused for other projects or composted. Get creative and find ways to extend the life of your archery gear.
Conclusion
Your archery journey is a dance between you, the bow, and the target. Each target in this lineup offers a unique step, inviting you to test your skills, push your limits, and find the rhythm that resonates with your soul. Whether you seek authenticity, power, or realism, these targets will be your partners, guiding you towards the bullseye of your archery dreams.
