Intro
Practice is what makes you become better, and bow hunting or archery is no exception. And one way to practice your bow shooting skills is to use an archery target.
If you happen to be looking for the best archery target for your needs, our review of 10 great targets is probably going to interest you.
Standard archery targets
Let’s begin our review with standard non-3D archery targets. These targets are cheaper and simpler than 3D targets, but this doesn’t mean that they are worse than them.
A non-3D target has everything you need from an archery target like durability and convenience. Moreover, they are cheaper than 3D archery targets, so some people will choose to opt for a non-3D target.
There are two types of targets we will be examining today – bag targets and foam block targets. Before actually moving on to the reviews, let’s first understand what their pros and cons are.
Bag targets
Bag targets are the simplest and often the cheaper type of archery targets.
A bag archery target is basically a bag filled with synthetic fiber. This fiber fill is made dense in order to increase the bag’s stopping power. Overall, bag targets stop arrows very quickly and at the same time don’t make removing them too difficult.
Bag targets have large hitting surfaces, which makes them more forgiving when you miss the bullseye. Ideally, you should try to hit the targets drawn on the cover of the target, but you may hit anywhere else on the hitting surface without worrying about damaging the filling.
Bag archery targets withstand field tip arrows very well, but they don’t work as good for broadheads. A broadhead arrow may get stuck in the target, not to mention that it may tear apart its outer cover.
Some targets also readily soak in water, so using them in rainy weather isn’t the best idea. However, nowadays, bag targets usually have water-resistant covers, so water isn’t going to be damaging to them.
A thing to keep in mind with bag archery targets is that they are pretty heavy, so they may not be the best choice for you if you are looking for portability.
Foam block targets
Foam block targets are pricier, lighter, and often more durable than bag archery targets.
Block targets’ hitting surface comprises of thin layers of foam placed on top of each other. When an arrow hits the target, it goes in between the layers and is stopped by the friction against them. Thanks to this multi-layer construction, foam block targets can be much more long-living than bag targets.
Generally, foam block targets work the best with light bows. In fact, they work with either field point and broadhead arrows, though field point arrows will have a less damaging effect on the foam.
Because foam targets rely on friction to stop the arrow, the arrow often gets buried in them deeper than in comparable bag targets. This complicates arrow removal, as well as limits how fast and powerful bows you can use. A too fast arrow or crossbow bolt could just go through the block.
A thing to keep in mind with foam block targets is how you shoot at them. You don’t want to be shooting through or across the foam layers since the arrow will just damage them. One way to ensure that the arrow goes straight between two layers is positioning yourself dead ahead of the target.
Another option is to place the block in a way so that the layers are arranged vertically, i.e. top to bottom, instead of horizontally. As the arrow travels in the air and falls down toward the ground, it will be more and more pointed downward and thus may go through the horizontally-arranged layers. A vertical arrangement would allow you to avoid this.
10 Best Archery Target Reviewed
- Morrell Field Point Bag Archery Target.
- Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 Bag Archery Target.
- Block GenZ Youth archery target.
- Hurricane Bag Archery Target.
- Morrell Yellow Jacket YJ-350 Bag Archery Target.
- Block Classic Archery Target.
- Black Hole Foam Block Archery Target.
3D Archery Target
- GlenDel Buck 3D Archery Target.
- Shooter Buck 3D Deer Archery Target.
- Big Shooter Buck 3D Archery Target.
Before you read out our 10 best archery targets review, you can see a comparison table at a glance.
Let’s Have a Look!
Product Name | Image | Type | Size | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Morrell Field Point Bag Archery Target. | Block, 4 Sided | 19x19x19 | Check Price | |
Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 Bag Archery Target. | Bag | 23 x 12 x 25 | Check Price | |
Block GenZ Youth Archery Target | Block | 18" and 22" | Check Price | |
Hurricane Bag Archery Target | Bag | 20", 25", 28" | Check Price | |
Morrell Yellow Jacket YJ-350 Bag Archery Target | Bag | 20 x 16 x 20 | Check Price | |
Block Classic Archery Target | Block | 18", 20", 22" | Check Price | |
Black Hole Foam Block Archery Target | Block | 18" and 22" | Check Price |
Best 3D archery targets comparison table at a glance!
Product Name | Image | Type | Size | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
GlenDel Buck 3D Archery Target | 3D Buck | 11 x 11 x 11 | Check Price | |
Shooter Buck 3D Deer Archery Target | 3D buck | 48" Tall | Check Price | |
Big Shooter Buck 3D Archery Target | 3D buck | 51" Tall | Check Price |
Now that we know the types of archery targets, let’s move on to our 3D and non-3D targets of best archery targets.
Morrell Field Point Bag Archery Target
Up first on our review of best archery targets is this cube-shaped bag target by Morrell. This is a bulkier and heavier archery target, but it provides you with more surface to work with.
The target’s 4 sides have various markings on them, which should add versatility to your shooting routine. Aside from that, alternating between the shooting sides, you should be able to extend the life of this target quite a bit.
We also have a detailed review on Morrell Double Duty 450FPS Target in case if you want to check that out.
In terms of stopping power, Morrell claims that this target bag is capable of stopping speeds up to 450 fps. In fact, this bag can stop crossbow bolts, as well as compound bow and airbow arrows. And given that Morrell boasts 94 layers of arrow-stopping power, their claims are pretty believable.
This archery target is also made weatherproof, so you could train on it in any weather.
Sized at 19 x 19 x 19 inches, the Morrel archery target provides plenty of arrow hitting surface, as we’ve mentioned above. And due to its rather large size, this target isn’t too light – it weighs 36 pounds. But the two straps located on the opposite corners of the target should make its transport easier.
Overall, if you aren’t too limited on the budget and want a versatile and durable archery target for your frequent shooting sessions, this one may be a good option for you. And given the potential longevity that this target offers, you could even say that it is one the best, if not the best archery target for the money out there.
Pros:
- Stops up to 450fps arrows and bolts.
- Waterproof.
- Has four sides for shooting.
- Can be bought in bulk.
Cons:
- A little pricey.
- Bulky and heavy.
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Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 Bag Archery Target
The Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 has all the same benefits of the cube target we’ve just examined, but in a smaller form factor. And at a cheaper price!
The Supreme 3 target has only two shooting sides, so it won’t provide you with as much versatility and possibly durability. It has two shooting sides with 10 bullseyes, which is obviously less than what the cube Morrell target had to offer.
If you aren’t going to practice that frequently though, maybe you don’t need a too durable and versatile archery target.
In terms of arrow capacity, Morrell doesn’t provide figures on how quick arrows this thing can withstand. You should probably expect something around 350 fps, especially given that many people have had successful experience with such arrows on this target bag. But make sure to use field tip arrows with this thing!
The Supreme 3 bag is also made weatherproof, so you again could practice on it in any weather condition.
Overall, the Supreme 3 bag is more compact and easy to store than the 4-side cube target. It is sized at 23 x 12 x 25 inches, so it less bulky. And it weighs slightly less as well – around 27 pounds. And again, it has a top strap to make transportation easier.
In the end, if you liked the idea of the 4-side cube Morrell target but wanted something simpler, the Supreme 3 bag may be a great option for you.
Pros:
- Not too expensive.
- Waterproof.
- May be purchased in bulk.
Cons:
- A bit flimsy build.
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Block GenZ Youth Archery Target
Things are completely different in the Block GenZ archery target. And we aren’t talking about the youth orientation of this target, which we’ll cover a bit later. It is the fact that this block target has a completely different mechanism of stopping arrows.
This is a foam block target, and we’ve talked above about how these targets differ from bag targets. Namely, they have a lot of potential when it comes to lifespan thanks to their multi-layer foam structure. Given that you orient the block and the arrow properly, its shooting surface should last for a long time.
The other thing that is special to the GenZ archery target is that it is oriented on young users. Block offers two size options for this target – 18 x 16 x 8 inches and 22 x 20 x 8 inches – and both options are more oriented towards teens and youth.
You may be thinking that nothing stops adults from using this block, but you wouldn’t be quite right. The thing is that the GenZ block is designed for bows with 40 pounds of draw weight and less. Adult bows have much higher draw weight, which is why this block isn’t good for adults.
In the end, if you’ve been wanting to introduce your kid to the world of bow hunting, the Block GenZ target may be the proper target to do so with.
Pros:
- Inexpensive.
- Designed for the youth.
- 2 size options.
Cons:
- Not suitable for adults.
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Hurricane Bag Archery Target
Back to bag archery targets! This bag by Hurricane is similar to the Supreme 3 bag we reviewed above, but it is cheaper, which makes it better for those who are on a tighter budget.
Moreover, Hurricane actually offers 3 size options for this target bag – 20 x 10 x 20, 25 x 12 x 23, and 28 x 12 x 28 inches. In terms of weight, the targets seem to be between around 20 – 35 pounds, which makes them quite light.
The Hurricane archery bag is again two-sided, with each side having its own set of targets. On one side, there are 9 bullseyes for you to shoot at, while the back side displays deer vitals for practice. In fact, the deer vitals are offset from the bullseye targets on the front. This means that you’ll be shooting at different areas of the bag on each side, which is going to prolong the target’s life.
In terms of stopping power, Hurricane doesn’t provide specific figures. But people have shot this thing with around 380 fps arrows and didn’t have problems with it. So around 380 fps should be a good reference point for you.
Pros:
- 3 size options.
- The targets on each side are offset to increase longevity.
- Quite light for a bag target.
Cons:
- Not weatherproof.
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Morrell Yellow Jacket YJ-350 Bag Archery Target
The Yellow Jacket YJ-350 again has a build similar to all other Morrell bag archery targets. However, this is a cheaper target made for slower bows.
Following Morrell’s target naming tradition, the YJ-350 was named in accordance with its stopping power. As you’d guess, it is capable of stopping up to 350 fps arrows. This isn’t too slow, but compared to the 450fps cube bag target we reviewed in the beginning, the difference is quite big.
Morrell doesn’t really provide info on the size and weight of this target, but it seems that it is close to another archery target by Morrell, YJ-425. The YJ-350 should thus measure around 20 x 16 x 20 inches and weigh around 32 pounds.
Like the other Morrell target bags, this bag may be used as a compound bow or crossbow target. However, you will need to use field-point arrows not to compromise the bag’s integrity too soon.
And likewise, the Yellow Jacket J-350 bag is made weatherproof, so rain won’t be an obstacle for your practice day.
Overall, if you are using slower bows rated up to 350 fps, then the YJ-350 target bag may be an excellent choice for you.
Pros:
- Stops up to 350fps arrows.
- Weatherproof design.
- Available in bulk.
Cons:
- Noticeably less durable than pricier Morrell targets.
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Block Classic Archery Target
Yet another archery target by Block! This time, it is the Classic foam target block. Unlike the GenZ foam block we reviewed a bit earlier, this model isn’t oriented at young users.
This foam block is thicker than the GenZ block – 8 inches against 14 in this target, to be precise. What the increased thickness allows is stopping more powerful and quicker arrows. Overall, it seems that this foam block doesn’t have as much stopping power as the Morrell targets, but it seems to stop 300-350fps arrows easily.
Block again offers 3 size options for this foam target – 18 x 18 x 14, 20 x 20 x 14, and 22 x 22 x 14 inches. So no matter how good you are at landing your shots, you should be able to find an option appropriate for your skill level.
A thing to keep in mind about this foam target block is that it isn’t a cheap one. The benefits of the multi-layer foam design have their price, so you’ll need to have the budget to afford this thing.
Pros:
- Good amount of stopping power for a block target.
- Suitable for adults.
- 3 sizes available.
Cons:
- Not too cheap.
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Black Hole Foam Block Archery Target
We’ve already reviewed two good foam block archery targets, so what else could you expect from this type of target? Well, the Black Hole archery target has a couple of bonus things to boast.
The most remarkable feature in the Black Hole target is that it has 4 sides for arrow shooting. The side surfaces wrapped in woven polypropylene have large targets on them, as if inviting you to take a shot. And as the seller writes, the side shooting surfaces are designed for use with field points only.
As for the front and back of the target, you may use basically any kind of arrow tips you’d like, including fixed-blade tips, field tips, and even expandable broadheads! Not many archery targets are able to survive broadheads, so this certainly is a huge plus for the Black Hole foam target.
In terms of stopping power, this foam block target seems to be weaker than the Classic target we’ve reviewed above. Because the Black Hole target is 3 inches thinner, it probably will take less for the arrow tip to pierce the target and exit on the other side.
In terms of sizing, the Black Hole target comes in two sizes – 18 x 16 x 11 or 22 x 20 x 11 inches. Not as much variety as in the Block targets, but still enough for probably most people.
In the end, if you are looking for a versatile foam archery target, the Black Hole target may be the best option for you.
Pros:
- Designed to stop expandable broadheads.
- 2 sizes available.
- Has 4 sides for shooting.
Cons:
- Not too much stopping power.
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3D archery targets
Many people prefer 3D archery targets to bag or block targets. The reason for this is simple: 3D targets deliver a life-like experience. These archery targets are usually made in the form of animals like deer or turkeys, which makes them more realistic and your bow practice more natural.
And since you want to hit very specific areas on the prey’s body, the life-like feel of 3D archery targets can be very beneficial for your skills. On the other hand, these targets usually cost noticeably more than other types of targets, though they are certainly worth it.
A thing to keep in mind with 3D archery targets is that they have very specific spots designed to take arrows and bolts. Usually, this hitting area is situated on the side of the target where its vital organs would be, though its placement will differ from target to target.
Anything outside of the hitting area isn’t designed to withstand arrows. The target won’t get heavily damaged from a single arrow, but if you often miss and hit those areas, the 3D archery target will die on you pretty soon.
Now, let’s move on to the 3 best 3D archery targets we chose for this review.
Best 3D archery targets reviewed
GlenDel Buck 3D Archery Target
The GlenDel Buck 3D archery target not only allows for a close-to-life shooting experience but also delivers excellent durability.
The insert core in this 3D archery target is made 4-sided, which would allow you to alternate the sides of the core to increase its lifetime. The core is sized at 11 x 11 x 11 inches and is made symmetrical, which is part of the reason why you can use most of its surface for practicing your shots.
And in the end, when the insert core is damaged beyond use, you may just order additional inserts from GlenDel. But since the insert is rather durable, you shouldn’t need replacements too often.
Speaking of durability, the insert core in this 3D archery target is made with the so-called polyfusion technology. As GlenDel writes, this technology fuses the internal layers to the inner wall of the target, which allows for uniform layer compression. And this, in its turn, allows for easier arrow removal, at the same time ensuring that the core stays intact after hundreds of shots.
GlenDel also claims that their Buck 3D archery target is capable of stopping all broadhead and field tip arrows. The Buck should deal with faster arrows as well: judging by user reviews, 400 fps isn’t too big of a problem for this 3D archery target.
By the way, we didn’t mention the size of the Buck target. It is overall 56 inches high, with 34 inches of height in the shoulders. Thus, the Buck 3D archery target isn’t the smallest one out there.
And lastly, on our list of best 3D archery targets, this one is the priciest, so you’d need to have a good budget for it.
Pros:
- The insert core has 4 sides.
- Excellent durability.
- Big size.
Cons:
- pricey.
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Shooter Buck 3D Deer Archery Target
At the moment of the review’s writing, the Shooter Buck 3D archery target was the cheapest among the 3D targets reviewed. There are two things that could explain the lower price of this archery target.
First of all, this 3D target is noticeably smaller than the GlenDel Buck target – it is 48 inches tall, while the GlenDel target was 56 inches tall. Less material went into the making of this model, so it’s obviously cheaper.
The second reason for the cheaper price may be the design of the insert core. It again is made from a high-density material, but it doesn’t offer as much longevity as the 4-sided core of the GlenDel Buck target. The insert core in the Shooter Buck is asymmetrical and has only two sides, so it is going to have a shorter lifespan.
On the other hand, the insert core in the Shooter Buck 3D archery target seems to have around as much stopping power as the GlenDel Buck’s core had. That is, it is designed to stop all field tip and broadhead arrows. In terms of fps, the two 3D targets should be similar as well. It is just that the Shooter Buck is going to take in fewer shots before needing a replacement insert core.
Overall, if you are on a budget, this may be the best 3D archery target for you out there.
Pros:
- Inexpensive.
- Imitates younger and smaller bucks.
Cons:
- The insert core’s potential lifespan isn’t too long.
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Big Shooter Buck 3D Archery Target
And the last product on our top 3 of best 3D archery targets is the Big Shooter Buck. As you could have guessed from its name, it is the bigger version of the Shooter Buck 3D target we’ve just reviewed.
At the basics, the design of the two Shooter Bucks are completely identical. The only thing that differs is the size. Plus, the Big Shooter Buck is slightly more expensive than the standard Buck, but not as expensive as the GlenDel Buck target.
So, the Big Shooter Buck stands 51 inches tall, 3 inches more than the standard Shooter Buck. Not only that, but the core in the Big Shooter Buck is also 25% bigger than in the standard Buck. This means that you are going to get a longer lifespan from the insert core of the bigger Shooter Buck.
However, the larger insert core probably won’t be as long-living as the 4-side insert of the GlenDel Buck. The latter’s insert core simply has more shooting surfaces on it.
On the other hand, the Big Shooter Buck still has the oomph in it to stop any kind of broadhead or field tip arrow.
All in all, if you felt that the standard Shooter Buck is too small for your needs, then maybe the Big Shooter Buck is the best 3D archery target for you.
Pros:
- Not too pricey.
- Quite large.
- The insert core is generously sized.
Cons:
- The insert core has a comparatively short lifetime.
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What are the issues should consider to buy an archery target
I have divided this guide into 4 main parts, target types, durability, weather resistance, and color. These are the 4 main key points that you have to keep in mind while you are out looking for archery targets. Let’s dig deep and know about them a little more to make the “searching” a little easier.
- Target Types
There are basically 3 archery target types:
- Bag Targets: As a beginner, you would definitely want something that will give you hundreds of uses and can withstand repeated use, bag targets can give you that. They are designed with synthetic materials and can endure a number of target shooting without tearing. It will be hard to find someone who has a bow but didn’t practice it on a bag target (it’s popular among the beginners as well as professionals).
However, you also have to use filed points to use bag targets. Any broadhead tips wouldn’t work on them as they get stuck which you have to get off by ripping the bag’s outer shell (that wouldn’t be convenient). So keep this in mind if you are going for bag targets.
- Foam Layer Block Targets: On the other hand, if you want to opt for light bows, foam layer block would be the best archery targets. The arrow will be ceased by the friction because of its layered foam.
However, similar to bag targets, broadheads tips are incompatible with foam layer block target. Along with this, you should also avoid using bows that have heavy draw weight as it comes with a higher power, making it difficult for foam layer block to endure
- 3D Practice Targets: Finally, for compound bow training, 3D Practice Targets would be the best category. These targets come in almost all form of animal breed or species. Just imagine, you are training yourself on the animal (in 3D version) that you want to hunt. Doesn’t that sound interesting?
However, take care of the target’s center as it wears out pretty fast.
- Durability
Remember, the target you are aiming for is a piece of item that will be pierced, shot and hit so many times while you are practicing. Therefore, the built has to be strong and the construction has to be in superior quality to endure these training. With that being said, the target should not be too hard either that the arrow face hard time to pierce through. It must mimic the same body flesh of the animal you wish to hunt.
- Weather Resistance
To me, weather resistance feature and durable quality go hand in hand. You don’t have to pack your archery target after every practice session; you can keep it outside if it’s weather resistant. Thus, without affecting the quality you can save a lot of time and energy.
- Color
Though the colors of the target don’t have to be super fancy and eye-catching, having a contrast color that is well visible is highly appreciated. You can also go for the animal color that you want to hunt; this will give you an extra edge when you are hunting in the real field.
Therefore, keep these factors in mind if you want to end up with quality archery targets that serve you for years.
Things to look for in archery targets
We’ve mentioned the key points on archery targets above, but there are some other things you want to keep in mind when looking for that best archery target for the money. We’d like to pinpoint 4 things you should consider in archery targets, be they 3D or not.
Bow & arrow specifications
This is the most important thing to consider in archery targets. Any archery target is going to be designed for a specific type of bow power and speed, as well as arrowhead type. If you use an arrow or bow that is beyond what the archery target can take, you are likely to severely damage it.
Manufacturers typically indicate either the max speed of the bow (measured in feet per second or fps) or the max draw weight (measured in pounds) that the target can take. Obviously, you’d need to choose a target that has a higher rating than your bow.
Not all manufacturers indicate what kind of bows their targets can take though. If you can’t find info on the desired target, check out user reviews to see what kind of arrows the buyers used.
The same goes for arrow types. If the target is only designed for field tip arrows, you shouldn’t try and shoot a broadhead arrow at it. A broadhead will just rip through the target, and a single arrow may make your target unusable.
Shooting sides
Things like the number of shooting sides, the size of the shooting surface, as well as what kind of bullseyes or whatnot the target has may matter to you as well.
The more shooting sides the target has, the longer its lifespan will be. When one of the sides becomes unusable, you can just switch to another one. Or you may alternate between the sides frequently in order to reduce their wear.
Aside from the number of shooting sides, their size also matters for durability. A larger shooting surface is simply going to provide you with more area to work with.
What may also matter to you are the designs and bullseyes portrayed on the bag. They can help you with practicing your accuracy, but they aren’t as crucial in archery targets. Nonetheless, we’d recommend you to get a target that has clear bullseyes or other target images on them to make your aiming easier.
Weight & size
Last but not least are weight & size. These play a role in the target’s convenience of carrying and storage. Needless to say, you should go for an archery target that you have storage area for, as well as one that isn’t too heavy for you.
Sure, a larger target is probably going to last longer, but you’d need to decide whether a heavy and bulky target is suitable for your needs.
How long will an archery target last?
A question that bothers any buyer of an archery target is how long it will last. Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to say how much exactly your target will last.
Generally, archery targets are designed for around 1,000 arrows, but some targets have enough resource in them for 5,000 arrows! However, this is years of use for some people and mere months for others. How long your target will last is going to depend on the following factors:
- How frequently you shoot. If you shoot hundreds of arrows a day, your target will obviously live much shorter.
- What arrows you shoot. If you use broadheads with a target that isn’t designed to withstand them, it is going to die pretty soon.
- Whether you alternate sides, bullseyes, etc. or not. You’ll prolong the life of the target by shooting at different spots.
Overall, to prolong your target’s life, alternate sides, don’t shoot at the same spot, and use proper equipment with it.
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Conclusion
The pricier, the better, but do you really need to go for the most expensive archery target out there? Not necessarily – maybe the best archery target for you actually is the cheapest one. Or something from between. And this applies to any kind of archery equipment, whether you are looking for the best archery target sight or anything else.
In the end, it is your needs that are going to decide which archery target is the best for you. So make sure that you know what you need before spending any money!
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