If you are an archery enthusiast or a hardcore hunter, one of the things you can’t do without is an archery target. You will agree that being the best requires a lot of practice with multiple shots so as to develop your shooting skills and ultimately help you achieve killer shots.
An archery target is meant to receive and hold your arrows but as simple as they may seem, there is a lot of science behind it. Therefore, one of such qualities that an archery target must exhibit is sturdiness and strength.
Types Of Archery Targets
There are different types of archery targets out there and the least thing you should do for yourself is to get acquainted with them before buying. Below is a quick summary of the types of archery targets
Bulls-Eye Style Target
The Bull-Eye Style is one of the most prominent archery targets in the market. Mere looking at it, you can easily differentiate from other target types. At the center, the color sequence you will see starts from white and then to black, then blue, red, and finally yellow at the midpoint. There is every possibility that you have seen this at a place as a hunting lover. Best bet is that you will also like this target type especially if you are a beginner. The distance of your arrow to the center mark X is a measure of how accurate your shooting skill is.
If after shooting repeatedly, your arrows are scattered over the target, it implies that you still need to practice the more so as to achieve clustered arrow shots on the red and yellow spots. One of the reasons why this target type is prominent is because of its help in measuring shooting accuracy. This also adds to the reason why it is the best type for newbies.
3D Targets
These target types are very interesting and practical to use. You will like this target type because it gives you a feeling that you are shooting a game in real time. They have the appearance of games including bird, deer, elk and many more. If you really want to be a top-notch hunter such that you will be able to hit the targets of games without missing shots, we will recommend this bow type for you. A good 3D target should have an outline of the heart, lungs and other vitals of the animal so that you will be able to practice by hitting these specific areas.
Bags
Using bags as targets helps you to transport them easily without stress. One of the advantages is that they can be easily dragged and kept in your storehouse. Also, they are usually very durable, sturdy, and weatherproof. Although they are also popular, the major downside to them but with few exceptions is that they provide a relatively small surface area and aiming points. That means if you are still a newbie or you are having difficulty in grouping your arrows, this may not be the best option for you. They are also not suitable for shooting from long distances. However, there are some best models in the market and a number of them will be reviewed in this article along with other archery target types.
Cubes
These models have just the exact shape of a cube or the shape of the other picture that may possibly come to your mind: a dice! Of course, a cube has six sides, some cube target models have been further modified to have up to 18 edges. So, don’t be surprised to see such types on the market but you must be sure of the type you want to buy. The interesting and the most fascinating aspect of using this target type is that it provides you with different angles at which you can aim whenever you are shooting. In rare instances, hunters would use both 3D and cube targets for practice. This is because the cube helps them to shoot different faces of the cube and the 3D targets help them to improve their skills on targets which seem as though they are shooting on a real game. Furthermore, a cube allows you to make use of broadheads which implies that you can adjust your broadhead arrows while you practice as though you are in a real hunting situation.
How to Choose Best Archery Target in 2022?
With many types and models of archery targets out there, confusion may set in when it’s time to make a purchase. One of the last thing you will want to happen is to buy a target which is not useful or ideal for your arrowhead and have to dump it within a short period of time. Because if you don’t dump it for a new and suitable one, it will either lead to frustration or drain your energy through fatigue. In any case, you can avoid both and a lot of other future difficulties if you can carefully read this guide below
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
We will lay emphasis on considering the design and construction before purchasing a target. One of the things you must always stay abreast of is that your basic decision to buy an archery target is to meet two primary needs. First is to make an aiming spot available for you and the second is to provide a spot on which your arrows can land and be retrieved easily. This is the reason why you need to ensure that the design and construction of the archery target are well built for durability and specifically designed for your arrowhead. Also, the target must provide you with spots to aim at and must not destroy your arrows.
ARCHERY CATEGORY
What you are buying the target for is also very important to consider. If you are going for field shooting or hunting practices, you should consider buying 3D targets with popular animal shapes. Your choice of a game should also affect the shape of the 3D target you are going to buy. On the other hand, if it is target shooting that you are in for, the best to consider is the bag archery target because they present you with more target faces as compared to the ones you will see in competitions or duels.
EASE OF ARROW REMOVAL
You definitely will not want to spend both your energy and shooting time on dragging it with arrows in a bid to pull them out of the target. Therefore, your choice of the target must allow for easy arrow removal by two fingers without additional mechanical reinforcement.
COLOR
Targets are an important archery equipment and must, therefore, come with high contrast color for easy visibility even from a far distance. You can also buy targets that have the same color as the game you are looking to hunt for.
Here are Best Archery Targets in 2022 available in the market
Best Crossbow Target – Field Logic Hurricane H21 Crossbow Archery Bag Target
Best 3d Deer Target – GlenDel Pre-Rut Buck 3D Archery Target
Best Broadhead Target- Rinehart 18-1 Broadhead Target
Best Bag Target- Morrell Outdoor Range Field Point Bag Archery Target
Best Foam Block Target- Block Invasion 4-Sided Archery Target
Best Crossbow Targets
Field Logic Hurricane H21 Crossbow Archery Bag Target
This Hurricane bag from File Logic is one of the best bag targets specifically made for crossbows and high-speed bows. It comes with highly visible aiming points which makes it such an ideal model for hunters to improve their shooting aim and accuracy.
Perhaps, you are looking to get a good target bag and still save enough money, this is one of the models you should go for. Its exquisite design and versatility provide all the benefits you need to perfect your shooting prowess. One of the reasons we like this bag target is due to the fact that it has a durable construction.
With its tri-core technology, it provides you with durability and exceptional target performance and thus makes shooting an interesting activity for you. The essence of this technology feature is to enhance its strength and reinforce it in stopping any kind of arrow effectively.
Also, with its heavy duty handle and carrier, you can easily transport this target bag from one place to another without straining your hand. The bag is well shaped and compact; it would therefore easily fit into any space of its size. In addition to this, the bag target comes with two metal ringed holes placed in it so as to allow for hanging on a height or anywhere of your choice.
One of the chief reasons why this bag target is likable by most hunters and by us is that it provides smooth arrow penetration. Arrowheads such as field tips penetrate easily without tearing of getting the bagged ripped. Its robust inner core makes it strong enough to stop Field points even at a speed of 300feets per second.
What we like:
- Highly visible shooting targets with bright eye centers for aiming and accuracy.
- Durable handle for easy hanging or suspension
- Wide surface area for more target shooting space
- Smooth arrow penetration
Our concerns:
- Not ideal for broadheads
- Difficulty in pulling out arrows
Block Black Crossbow 4-Sided Archery Target – Designed for the Crossbow Archer
The Block Black Crossbow is just the right archery target if you are really staking your money to ensure durability. This is one of the reasons why we like it and as a matter of fact, many crossbow hunters do too. It has a unique design and it was built to withstand the impact of even long shot arrows.
Thanks to the Block Back target’s high-density core, you can rest assured that it has been richly built to stop the fast speed of a crossbow bolt. The high-density core provides the target sufficient strength to withstand incoming impacts. No matter how you decide to shoot your crossbow, this target has the perfect robustness to hold it.
When shooting at a target whether from afar or near distance, it is important that the target stays clear and visible. With the high contrast design featured on this archery target, you can achieve quality four-sided shooting with increased accuracy.
Not only that, the archery target comes with an Open Layered Polyfusion Technology which allows you to you remove arrows from it seamlessly. The internal layers and the inner target were fused together to achieve uniform layer compression. This makes removing of arrows easier and thus helps to reduce shooter fatigue. The implication is that you have reserved strength to enjoy more hours of practice without being energy drained.
In addition, the PolyFusion technology helps to achieve longer target life. This is because it is easy for the layers to hold their position because they are fused and would therefore not budge when hit by an arrow. Interestingly, this target will stop broadheads and Field tips.
What we like:
- PolyFusion for increased target life and easy target removal
- Block performance for crossbow shooters
- High-density core which stops fast-moving arrows
- Four-sided design
Our concerns:
- Not ideal for expandables
Morrell Double Duty 450FPS Field Point Bag Archery Target
This double-duty archery target from Morrell is such like a one design fits all bag as it is claimed to work for high-speed crossbows, compound bows, traditional bows, and airbows. It is loved by many hunters due to the fact that it has so many target faces to choose which include dart board target, a nine-ball target, a deer midsection target, and a set of 5 differently sized 4 ring bulls-eyes on other sides.
No matter how fast and impacting your bow delivers an arrow, this target bag has been designed for them. That implies that you don’t have to be cautious as to how which bow you should test on this bag. If your mood is wanting you to use a crossbow, you have got no worries; and if it’s an airbow, just shoot on. This target is so tough to the extent that it can stop a fast-moving arrow with a speed of 440fps without tearing off. Interestingly, arrows are easy to pull out from this bag.
Furthermore, like many other bags, the Morrell target bag comes with its tote carrying handles which increases its portability and provides you with easy transportation. In addition, the target cover of this bag can be completely replaced so as to extend core target life even longer. Implicitly, as the target cover gets older over time but with the core still intact, all you just have to do is to order for a replacement target cover and it will be as though it was newly bought.
On the other hand, you do not need to get a target stand for this target bag because it is a free-standing archery target. Also, it has a cube shape and this makes it stay locked and firm into the ground like a vault.
What we like:
- Exquisitely designed for all high-speed bows
- Replaceable target cover
- Four different target patterns for improved practice
- Tote carrying handles for portability and transportation
- Easy arrow removal
Our concerns:
- Not suitable for broadheads
- Bottom stables are not firmly attached
Morrell Yellow Jacket YJ-350 Field Point Bag Archery Target – for Crossbows and Compound Bows
This is another crossbow target from Morrell with an assurance of portability and capability to withstand shots from crossbows and compound bows. It is very versatile and this means that it can be used on crossbows with varying speeds and draw weights. It is an ideal target to buy whether you are first trying out a crossbow or making preparations and practice towards your next hunting expedition.
Its yellow color makes it easy for you to see it even if you are shooting from a far distance. It has two sides and therefore provides the fewer option for shooting targets but with 5 red circles on each side for aiming your shots.
The Morrell yellow target comes with very durable construction allowing you to shoot repeatedly on it without worrying about the tear. It is strong enough to withstand repeated hits even from fast-moving crossbow arrows. It is designed with strong body cover which is waterproof and thus effectively prevents the core from quick damage. The outer cover is also strong enough to stop field points at a high speed even up to 350fps. In addition, it comes with a layered core which allows you to easily remove arrows shot on this target with ease.
Furthermore, one other advantage of using this crossbow target is in its ease of transportation. With its grommets on the vertical ends as well as it handles, you can easily move the target from one place to another. It also comes with two metal rings which prove invaluable when you feel like hanging the target before you practice on it. It is also compact in size and can easily be stored without taking much space.
What we like:
- Bright yellow color for increased visibility
- Easy arrow removal
- Longer life archery target
- Grommets and handles for easy transportation
Our concerns:
- Limited sides and surface for target
Best 3D Deer Targets for Archery 2022
GlenDel Pre-Rut Buck 3D Archery Target
The GlenDel Buck 3D archery target is an amazing 3D target which has a similar outlook with that of the Rinehart woodland buck. If you are looking to build your hunting and archery experience while you have some fun too, buying this target would definitely be a good decision. If you also plan on going on a hunting expedition for bucks or deer soon, a good option would be to practice on the GlenDel 3D archery target.
The target comes in a standard packaging and a replaceable insert core. It also comes with ground stakes which helps the buck to stand straight when you place it on the ground for practice.
The GlenDel Buck 3D target has a PolyFusion technology which fuses the internal layers of the target to the inner target wall which thus allows for a uniform layer compression. This helps you to achieve a smooth and easy arrow removal without developing fatigue in your arms. The polyfusion technology also increases the durability of the target.
With its four-sided replaceable high-density insert core, you will enjoy a long life of target shooting. The insert core has a dimension of 12″ x 12″ x 12″ which is a lot bigger than the ones in most 3D targets out there will ensure an extended target life.
One of the reasons why we like it and recommend it for practice is because it is impenetrable by all broadhead and field tip arrows. You can enjoy a thousand shot of practice without the 3D target experiencing any surface deformation.
What we like:
- Wide surface area for practice
- Durable and built to withstand a thousand shots
- PolyFusion technology for easy arrow removal
- High-density core for extended target life.
- Comes with a replacement vital
Our concerns:
- Not very portable
- Very weak top piece and may come off after the short time.
Rinehart Woodland Buck 3d deer Target
When it comes to producing 3D deer archery targets, Rinehart is arguably one of the best suppliers and almost no other company can beat them to it. The Rinehart woodland buck target is one of the most recent in the long line of 3D targets from Rinehart.
This 3D target allows you to have a feel of real life deer hunting in a static position. This 3D target presents realistic short angles with which you can practice and improve your shooting skills before you finally decide to go hunting in the wild.
If you are seeing this 3D target for the first time, you would definitely be blown away and fascinated. This 3D target is fully constructed from 100% of Rinehart’s renowned solid self-healing foam which ensures that the target can last and withstand a long period of rugged use. One amazing thing that happens as a result of its self-healing feature is that whenever you pull out an arrow from this target, the holes heal into the original shape in less than ten seconds.
The Rinehart woodland buck target comes with a number of exquisite features one of which is its foam vitals. The vitals are made of foam layer which is in the similitude of those you will find in foam targets. This allows it to stop arrows easily and by friction. The vitals are tightly fitted into the 3D structure by pegs and can withstand fast bolts. It can handle any kind of fast arrows shot at it whether they have broadheads or field points.
One other thing you will appreciate about this 3D target is that it has 10-8-5 scoring rings. This feature helps you to practice your angles and broadside shot placements in an interesting way. With its patented internal locking tubes, you can lock the target relatively firmly to the ground.
What we like:
- Designed in lifelike deer shape
- Self-healing foam feature
- High quality and waterproof self-healing core
- Segmented foam vitals to withstand fast bolts
- Comes with replacement vitals
Our concerns:
- Looks smaller than real life buck
- Buckle may tumble after a strong arrow hit
Delta Riverbottom Series Chlngr 3d Buck arhery target
The Riverbottom Series archery target is a new 3D buck target by Delta which was designed by bowhunters. The goal for which this target was made by DELTA is to reach a balance between durability and arrow stopping property in the same product. It has been specifically built to last through a long period of use and its features have been geared towards achieving this purpose. It happens that this 3D target is relatively cheap while you enjoy a lot of exquisite features that comes with high-end 3D targets.
With its E-Z Flexfoam technology, this target has been optimized for easy arrow removal. It works well with any arrowhead including broadheads, expandable, and field tips. This implies that the time you will need to spend on pulling out the arrows from the target will be greatly reduced. Likewise, you will not be wasting the strength you need to pull the bow on removing the arrows from the bow. If you, therefore, like to bowhunt, we will recommend this 3D archery target for you.
In addition to that, this target comes with replaceable vitals which has been built with self-healing foam technology. This feature is aimed at helping to fulfill your dream of using a 3D archery for years of non-stop practice. Every arrow you shoot on this target will not leave any hole after you remove it because it will recover back to the normal position in less than 10-15 seconds. Essentially, it makes the target resistant to tearing and chunking.
What we like:
- UV resistant coating
- E-Z Flexfoam for easier arrow extraction
- Resilient structure for resistance to wear and tear
- High-quality core material for dependable arrow stopping power
Our concerns:
- Very heavy and not portable
- Falls when hit with high impact arrow
Best Broadhead Target
Rinehart 18-1 Broadhead Target
Rinehart is one of the top companies producing archery targets and their 18-1 broadhead target comes as one in a number of exceptional archery targets from this company. Apart from the fact that their archery targets are built to last, they have also been found at the top chain of the market due to their versatility and top-notch features.
The Rineharta 18-1 target is exclusively built for broadheads and is as such one of the best archery targets for broadheads. If you are using different arrowheads, you may want to check other targets on this list as this may not be a good option for other arrowheads.
The Rinehart 18-1 target has the shape of a cube. But unlike 6 faces provided by cubes, it provides 18 different surfaces to get yourself busy as you practice your shooting skills. It can, therefore, take arrow shots from any point without losing its shape or integrity. These surfaces are colored and can be easily spotted even from far distances. With its legendary self-healing foam, your arrows’ impact would almost not be felt by the target as it heals quickly after you pull out the arrow. It has a thick feel and somewhat seems to have a mix of plastic too.
In addition, it is very portable and can be suspended on a stand when you are ready to practice, thanks to the strap the comes with it on one side.
What we like:
- Perfect for broadheads
- 18 sides for 18 targets to shoot
- Rinehart self-healing foam
- Lightweight and easy to carry
Our concerns:
- Self-healing efficiency reduces rapidly
- Not ideal for beginners
Morrell Yellow Jacket YJ-350 Broadhead Archery Target
It is quite noticeable that Morrell is a leading company when it comes to making both crossbow targets and broadheads archery targets. This is another archery target from Morrell but this is designed exclusively to stop both fixed and mechanical broadheads. The Morrell Yellow Jacket archery target is a tough bag which is popular for its exceptional ability in stopping fast-moving crossbow arrows without getting damaged. It is one of the best target bags on the market in which case it is also the biggest.
It is designed with four bulls-eye which you can aim and also use to gauge the degree of your shooting accuracy. If you use a crossbow or compound bow on this target bag, it is the perfect thing to do. Interestingly, it can stop broadhead bolts at 350fps speed. However, if you decide to try out field points on it, you may find it quite hard to pull out the arrows from the bag as they are not designed specifically for them. Additionally, its special layering feature makes it uniquely easy for broadhead removal.
One of our top reasons for our interest in this target is its large surface area on which you can practice on. This, therefore, makes it suitable for beginners or newbies who are having difficulty getting their shots together.
The visibility of this bag is one of the things we think you will like about this bag. It has a black color on a bright yellow background which altogether makes it easy for you to see the bag from afar off. The four bull eyes have the black color and are definitely far from being vague. This way, you will be able to see and set your aim very well before you release the bow.
The bag is easy to carry and transport with its E-Z Tote carry handle. So this may be one of the reasons to choose this bag for your broadheads as it is highly portable and eliminates the tendency of developing fatigue in your arms.
What we like:
- Ideal for broadheads
- Special layering for easy broadhead removal
- Bright colors for easy visibility
- Very suitable for beginners
- Large surface area for efficient practice
Our concerns:
- Arrow gets dirty due to the sticky inner core
Best Bag Target
Morrell Outdoor Range Field Point Bag Archery Target
The Morrell outdoor range field point bag archery target is one of the best bag targets in the market and is the official target for the International Bowhunting Organization. It is an ideal pick for most hunters. It is one of very few Morrell’s products which has a nucleus center. Surrounding the nucleus center of this target are eight (8) other bull eyes for aiming at when practicing. The target is heavy duty and tough with the nucleus center for maximum stopping power.
The target comes with an internal frame system technology which allows you to extract the arrows easily and in turn increase the target life. The outer cover, on the other hand, has been built for toughness and firmness so as to ensure high durability and maximum protection of the core. Thus you do not have to worry much about its target life as it has been built to withstand a long period of rough use.
If you are a young archer, this is a perfect archery target to go for as it allows you to enhance your accuracy along with your shooting skills. The two sides of this target bag have been modified for both target practices and competition target. So, if you are looking for a target to prepare for competition with, this is a perfect choice.
In addition to this, the target’s patented multilayered density design provides an outstanding stopping power which makes it strong enough to stop most arrow tips. It bears up very well for most compound bows and crossbows. It is fully weatherproof. Whether it is fog, ice, rain or under the sun, you can be sure that your target will remain intact even after practicing in any kind of weather. Also, it comes with four grommets for smoother hanging.
What we like:
- Fully weatherproof
- Multi-layered density design for toughness and outstanding stopping power
- Internal frame system for stability and durability
- Arrows are relatively easy to pull out
Our concerns:
- Quite heavy and thus reduces portability
- Not ideal for broadheads
Hurricane Bag Archery Target – Taking the Archery World by Storm
Hurricane is a very notable company known for making high-quality archery target, especially for competition purposes. The Hurricane Bag Archery Target is one of their best releases and is the most popular on this list of bag archery target. It delivers a two-sided target design which makes it a perfect choice for archery target practices as well as bowhunters.
Built with durable 1000 P.S.I. Tri-Core Technology, it offers you an assurance of longer target life which may beat your expectations. The tri-core technology helps the bag to stop most types of arrows such as it. It features a 3-layers of fabric which has been assembled by hydraulic presses so as to take the target to a whole new level of durability and stability.
The Hurricane bag has been designed so that you can easily see it even at far distances. It is made of a bright cover which helps you to easily spot the aiming points. It also features deer vital targets at the back side which makes it very useful for field practices. The vitals are positioned off-center so they don’t line up with aiming points on the target. The vitals are red colored so that you can easily see them on the target.
With this target, field tips are highly recommended for use and you will be amazed at how easy the arrow penetrates into the target bag. Tearing or ripping apart are avoided when you use field tip arrowheads on the bag. In addition, it comes with a robust tri-core which can stop field points coming at a speed up to 300ft per second. It is, therefore, such a heavy duty target back with promises of a long period of use with full functional assurance.
What we like:
- Two metal rings for hanging
- Available in three sizes
- Suitable for field points
- Highly visible targets
- Off-center deer vitals to avoid interference with aiming points
Our concerns:
- Not for broadheads
- Covers cannot be replaced
- Difficult to erect
Best Foam Block Archery Targets
Block Invasion 4-Sided Archery Target
The Field Logic company is a reputable maker of a lot of highly efficient archery targets and they have stepped it up again with their innovative Block Invasion 4-Sided archery target. As implied in its name, it comes with four sides for which all serve as shooting areas and directly increases its target life. With three sizes available for these target, it is highly durable.
If your archery arsenal is made up of fixed or expandable broadheads as well as field tips arrows, then this target is made for you. With its sides wrapped with polyurethane, you can safely shoot only your field tip arrows
In the same manner has the Block Classic archery target, it also stops arrows using friction instead of force. Its open-layered design featured at both front and back sides of the target allows you to pull out arrows seamlessly. Also, with its patented friction layered design, it allows your arrows to enter between open, unglued layers of friction foam. This therefore, helps to reduce the risk of damaging your arrows.
Furthermore, the heat generated by the arrow penetration along with friction helps your arrow to stay gripped with the target. This causes the archery target to grab and hold your arrow shaft after which the heat dissipates and releases the arrow shaft. Thus, you can easily pull out your arrows from the target as smoothly as it could be.
With this target, visibility can never be an issue for you. The target was specifically designed with high contrast graphics so as to increase the visibility and allow for long distance shots. It also provides multiple aiming spots which helps to increase the target life.
What we like:
- High contrast graphics for enhanced visibility
- Multiple aiming spots for extended target life
- Open-layered design helps stop arrows by friction
- Four-sided shooting target
- Very durable and long lasting
Our concerns:
- Heat generated may not be enough to hold the arrow shaft.
Block Classic Archery Target
Block Classic Archery Target is one of the best double sided Archery Target in the market.Unlike other archery targets, this one is such like a bag containing porous materials. The target surpasses most archery targets in the market due to some reasons and the features that come with it. It comes with three sizes including 18”, 20”, and 22”
One of the reasons why we like this model is because you can practice with both broadheads and field tips on it. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about the choice of arrow to use on it as it is relatively versatile and built for variations. Arrow removal has been made easy with its patented open layer design which also stops arrow by friction instead of force. Hence, you don’t have to waste time and energy as you can pull out your arrows with just two fingers.This in-turn ensures a longer target life of the bag. Another advantage of the patented open layer design is that it reduces the risk or eliminate any tendency of breaking your arrows.
In addition, it has four high-contrast white-on-black aiming points which provides you with great visibility. These high contrast aiming points also helps by serving as a relatively precise method of measuring the accuracy of your shooting skills.
This bag is incredibly lightweight, thanks to their build material. Therefore, you can easily move it from different positions with its tote handle thus ensuring portability.
What we like:
- High contrast white-on-black for enhanced visibility
- Tote handles ensures portability
- Perfect for variety of arrow points including broadheads and field tips
- Foam block material for increased durability
Our concerns:
- Only two target sides as the rest are covered with plywood
CONCLUSION
It is pretty much obvious that the above targets are designed with different specifications and the variation in their structure and construction has been established in this guide. It is important to know that each of these have been adapted to meet different needs and arrow specifications. Therefore, this guide is detailed enough to help you choose the best as per your requirement so as to improve your shooting accuracy and take your hunting expedition to a whole new echelon. However, if it comes down to choosing the best out of the above targets, we will go for the GLENDEL PRE-RUT BUCK 3D ARCHERY TARGET. Apart from the fact that it is a 3D target, its exceptional features along with itsPolyFusion technology distinguish it from all other targets on this list.