Imagine this: you’ve just unboxed your brand new bow, the string hums with potential, and you’re ready to send your first arrow flying. But wait, where do you aim? Choosing the right archery target can feel like a confusing quest, especially when you’re just starting out. You want something that stops your arrows safely, lasts a long time, and maybe even helps you improve your aim. But with so many different types, materials, and sizes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin.
Don’t let the target dilemma keep you from the joy of archery! In this post, we’re going to break down the world of archery targets. We’ll explore the different kinds available, explain what makes them work, and help you understand what features matter most for your shooting needs. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have the knowledge to pick a target that’s perfect for you, so you can focus on hitting that bullseye and having a blast.
Our Top 5 Archery Target Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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Morrell High Roller Foam Archery Target | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
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Morrell Foam Archery Block | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 Archery Bag Target 23″ x 12″ Professional General | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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KAINOKAI Traditional Hand-Made Straw Archery Target | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Archery Target Detailed Reviews
1. Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger
Rating: 8.9/10
The Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger is a great archery target for anyone who wants to get better at shooting. It’s a bag target that’s built tough and easy to use. You can practice with it in your backyard, and it’s even good for taking with you on trips. This target helps you practice your aim with its multiple shooting sides and bullseyes.
What We Like:
- It’s a strong archery bag target. It measures 20 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 20 inches tall.
- Arrow removal is super easy. This makes it fun for everyone in the family to shoot.
- It’s very portable. The E-Z tote carrying handle makes it simple to move around.
- The target can be used in any weather. You can practice outside whenever you want.
- You get two shooting sides and ten bullseyes. This gives you lots of ways to practice.
- It’s built to last. The X-Tended life design and IFS technology offer great performance.
- It has 38 layers for stopping arrows. This means it’s very durable for hard training.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, extremely heavy-duty bows might eventually wear it down faster than lighter draw weights.
- The size, while good for portability, might be a bit small for serious long-range practice.
This Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger target is a fantastic tool for improving your archery skills. Its durability and ease of use make it a top choice for backyard practice and family fun.
2. Morrell High Roller Foam Archery Target
Rating: 9.0/10
The Morrell High Roller Foam Archery Target is a fantastic tool for any archer looking to improve their aim. This 6-sided cube is designed to help you practice and get better with its many bullseyes. It’s built tough and easy to carry, making it perfect for your backyard or anywhere you want to shoot.
What We Like:
- It has 21 different bullseyes, so you can practice a lot and get really good.
- This target stops arrows traveling up to 450 feet per second, which is super fast.
- The foam is strong and can be shot many times without falling apart. It’s also waterproof.
- It has a handle that makes it easy to pick up and move around.
- Morrell is a trusted brand, and this target comes with a warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it stops arrows well, very heavy-duty broadheads might leave deeper marks over time.
- The vibrant red color, while visible, might fade slightly with prolonged direct sunlight exposure.
This Morrell target is a solid choice for serious archers. It offers great practice and is built to last for many shooting sessions.
3. Morrell Foam Archery Block
Rating: 8.7/10
The Morrell Foam Archery Block, Mod Pro 25, is a sturdy target designed for archers of all levels. It can handle arrows from compound bows and crossbows, even those traveling up to 450 feet per second. Its bright yellow color makes it easy to see, and the built-in handle simplifies transport.
What We Like:
- It provides reliable practice for every archery session.
- The target works with both compound bows and crossbows.
- Arrows are easy to pull out after shooting.
- It’s made to withstand different weather conditions.
- The E-Z Tote handle makes it simple to carry.
- It offers lasting performance with its durable construction.
- The included Mod Pro 25 Tuning and Precision Wrap are helpful.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s only for field points and not for outserts or larger field points.
Overall, this Morrell archery block is a solid choice for consistent and enjoyable target practice. It’s built to last and easy to take with you wherever you want to shoot.
4. Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 Archery Bag Target 23″ x 12″ Professional General
Rating: 9.3/10
The Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 Archery Bag Target is a fantastic tool for any archer looking to improve their shooting. It’s built tough and designed for serious practice, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro.
What We Like:
- Precision Archery Training: This target helps you get better at shooting. It has two sides for shooting and 10 bullseyes to aim at. It’s made to help you shoot your best.
- Durable Construction: The target lasts a long time. It’s made with 54 layers and MLDD technology. It can handle thousands of arrows without falling apart.
- All-Weather Practice: You can shoot in any weather. Its weatherproof design means you can practice outside all year. This is great for hunters who want to stay sharp.
- Portability Perfected: It’s easy to move around. It’s lightweight and has a handle. You can take it to the range or your backyard easily.
- Morrell HME Quality Assurance: Morrell makes good archery gear. You can trust this target to be high quality. It shows their commitment to helping you with archery.
What Could Be Improved:
- Arrow removal can sometimes be a bit difficult, especially with broadheads.
- While durable, very heavy draw weight bows might see a slightly shorter lifespan than with specialized targets.
This target offers excellent value and performance for dedicated archers. It’s a solid investment for consistent improvement.
5. KAINOKAI Traditional Hand-Made Straw Archery Target
Rating: 9.0/10
Bring an authentic touch to your archery practice with the KAINOKAI Traditional Hand-Made Straw Archery Target. Crafted from natural straw and woven by hand, this target offers a beautiful and eco-friendly option for archers. It’s designed to be gentle on your arrows, making it a favorite among traditional bow and arrow enthusiasts. Beyond practice, its rustic charm makes it a unique decorative piece.
What We Like:
- Genuine hand-woven straw construction for an authentic feel.
- Environmentally friendly and reduces arrow damage.
- Beautiful, decorative appearance that doubles as home decor.
- Includes a silk target image that can be used directly or attached.
- Features a convenient lanyard for easy hanging on trees or ropes.
- Lightweight and easy to carry, especially the 3-layer and 5-layer options.
- Multiple size options available to suit different shooting setups.
What Could Be Improved:
- Handmade nature means sizes may vary slightly; be mindful if exact measurements are critical.
- May produce minor debris during use, which is normal for straw targets.
- Not recommended for use with bladed hunting arrows to maintain longevity.
- Requires a safe shooting area free of pedestrians behind the target.
This KAINOKAI target offers a classic archery experience with a touch of natural beauty. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a durable and attractive target for their recurve, longbow, or compound bow.
Choosing Your Perfect Archery Target: A Buyer’s Guide
Ready to step up your archery game? A good target is your best friend. It helps you practice and improve your aim. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide breaks it all down.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an archery target, keep these important features in mind:
- Durability: You want a target that lasts. It should handle many arrows without falling apart.
- Arrow Stopping Power: The target needs to stop your arrows safely. It shouldn’t let them pass all the way through.
- Ease of Arrow Removal: Nobody likes struggling to pull arrows out. A good target makes this easy.
- Size and Shape: Think about where you’ll shoot and what you want to practice. Some targets are big and flat, others are smaller and shaped like animals.
- Portability: If you plan to move your target around, look for something lightweight and easy to carry.
- Weather Resistance: If you’ll be shooting outdoors, choose a target that can handle rain and sun.
2. Important Materials
The stuff your target is made of really matters. Here are common materials:
- Foam: Many targets use layers of compressed foam. This is great for stopping arrows and is usually lightweight. Different types of foam offer varying levels of durability and stopping power.
- Bale (Hay or Straw): Traditional targets are often made of tightly packed hay or straw. They offer excellent stopping power but can be heavy and may degrade over time.
- Rubber: Some targets use special rubber compounds. These can be very durable and offer good arrow stopping.
- Fabric/Mesh: Often used as a cover or in layered targets, these materials help hold everything together and can contribute to stopping power.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a target great, and what makes it not so great?
Quality Enhancers:
- Layered Construction: Targets with multiple layers of different materials often stop arrows better and make them easier to remove.
- High-Density Materials: Denser foam or tightly packed bales provide more resistance, stopping arrows more effectively.
- Replaceable Parts: Some targets have replaceable faces or core sections. This saves money and extends the life of your target.
- UV Protection: For outdoor targets, coatings that protect against sun damage keep the target from drying out and cracking.
Quality Reducers:
- Low-Density Materials: Cheap foam that’s too soft won’t stop arrows well.
- Poor Construction: Gaps or loose parts in the target can lead to arrows passing through or getting stuck.
- Non-Weatherproof Materials: Using materials that aren’t meant for the outdoors will cause them to break down quickly.
- Sharp Edges: Some targets have rough edges that can damage arrows.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your target affects which one is best. Think about who will be shooting and why.
- Beginners: Simple, large, flat targets are ideal. They help you focus on form without worrying about hitting a small spot. Foam targets are a popular choice for new archers.
- Intermediate Archers: You might want targets with scoring rings to practice accuracy. Field points and broadheads will be used. Targets that handle both are useful.
- Advanced Archers: Precision is key. Smaller targets, animal-shaped targets, or targets with very fine scoring zones help you hone your skills.
- Outdoor Practice: If you shoot in your backyard or at a range, look for durable and weather-resistant targets. Some have stands for easy setup.
- Indoor Practice: For indoor use, consider lighter targets or those designed to minimize noise and ricochet. Foam targets are common here.
- Hunting Practice: Animal-shaped targets help you learn vital zones. These are often made of dense foam or rubber.
Choosing the right archery target makes practice more enjoyable and effective. Consider these points, and you’ll be hitting the bullseye in no time!
Archery Target FAQs
Q: What is the most important feature of an archery target?
A: The most important feature is its ability to safely stop your arrows without damaging them. This ensures you can practice without worry.
Q: Can I use any target for any type of arrow?
A: Not always. Some targets are best for field points (practice tips), while others can handle broadheads (hunting tips). Always check the target’s specifications.
Q: How do I make my archery target last longer?
A: Rotate your target. Shoot at different spots to avoid creating deep holes in one area. Keep it clean and dry, especially if it’s an outdoor target.
Q: What is the difference between foam targets and bale targets?
A: Foam targets are usually lighter and easier to remove arrows from. Bale targets, made of hay or straw, offer excellent stopping power but can be heavier and may degrade faster.
Q: Are expensive targets always better?
A: Not necessarily. While higher quality materials and construction often mean better performance and durability, a budget-friendly target can still be great for casual practice.
Q: How much space do I need for an archery target?
A: This depends on the target’s size and your shooting distance. Larger targets require more space. Always ensure you have a safe backstop behind your target.
Q: Can I leave my archery target outside all the time?
A: It depends on the target. Many outdoor targets are weather-resistant, but it’s still best to store them indoors during harsh weather or long periods of disuse to prolong their life.
Q: What does “arrow stopping power” mean?
A: It means how well the target can slow down and stop an arrow before it goes all the way through or buries itself too deeply.
Q: How do I remove arrows that are stuck in my target?
A: Gently twist and pull. If it’s very stuck, some archers use arrow puller tools. Avoid yanking hard, which can damage the arrow or target.
Q: What is a “replaceable face” on a target?
A: It’s the part of the target with the scoring rings or aiming points. You can replace just this part when it gets worn out, instead of buying a whole new target.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!