The 3 basic things you need to practice archery are something to shoot, something to shoot it with and something to shoot at. In this post, we’re going to focus on the third. The goal of this article is to help you choose the best archery target for your needs.
I’m going to share my top picks for each type of target with you, and explain what I had in mind when choosing them. I’m not necessarily going to list the most high-end targets – my main goal is for you to have the best value for money so you can invest it wisely.
This post is mainly dedicated to archers shooting field points. If you’re shooting broadheads, you can check out the detailed guide I made for buying a target for broadheads. It covers everything you need to know.
Note: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you buy through one of them, I’ll earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you. It’s a great way to support the website.
My top archery target picks
There are many types of archery targets in the market, but we’re going to focus on the main 3: bag targets, block targets and 3D targets. For every type of target, I’m going to first explain about the different types in general and then give my recommendations.
Bag targets
Bag targets are probably the most common type of archery targets out there. You’ll find them at any range. They are usually made of durable and hard material and filled with stopping material. They are the go-to targets for your archery range, mainly because they are inexpensive and effective.
Note that bag targets aren’t typically weatherproof, so rain and snow can shorten their life and wear them down. If you’re planning to open your range in the summer or use them in an indoor archery range – they are perfect as a starter target.
Another good idea with bag targets is getting one that comes with grommets and hang it from a dedicated device. Having it above ground height makes things more comfortable. Plus, if you have it in a dedicated place you won’t carry it around every time you want to practice.
Here is a short list of my top picks for a bag target. In my eyes, they are the best value for your money, and will serve you well, especially if you’re looking to get your first target right now. All targets are linked to Amazon.
- Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger – a 10″x21″x23″, 18.4-pound bag target with the distinct Morrell red and yellow color scheme. What I like about this bag is the quality material it’s made of. It’s incredibly durable, and a bonus: waterproof. People say it can withstand even high draw weight arrows because it’s pretty thick. It’s also pretty reasonably priced.
- Delta 70662 Speed Bag – I really like the color scheme, design, and build of this 10″x24″x24″, 35.6-pound bag target. It’s really solid and sturdy, which is why it absorbs arrow really well. It’s also bigger than most standard bag targets, which makes it really comfortable for beginners to use.
- Morrell GRN Super Duper – this bag target is a bit more expensive than previous models, but this massive 15″x25″x27″, 36-pound bag is definitely worth the price. It’s really well made and durable, and hold up even with intensive training. The arrow removal is pretty easy because of the inside material. It also comes with a 2-year warranty, which isn’t something you see much for bag targets.
Block targets
Block targets are considered to be a bit more high-end than bag targets. They are made of durable and lightweight foam layers, which use friction to stop your arrows. With a typical draw weight, your arrows will be easy and safe to remove. Setting up the target is really easy since you can basically place them anywhere.
Remember to always shoot to the front of your block target, since the foam layers are set un in a specific orientation. An arrow shot to the side of the target can easily pierce through it, since there’s no friction to stop it.
You should also note that shooting with a high draw weight can burry your arrows deep in the target, and make it hard to pull them out. Adjust your poundage to the recommended setting with the target. I’d also suggest only shooting field points – broadheads can really damage your target.
Here’s the list of my top block target picks. I think they are a real bang for your buck, and will stay in good condition for years if you use them properly. All targets are linked to Amazon.
- Morrell Double Duty 450FPS – this 19″x19″x19″ yellow block target is one of the best in the market for its reasonable price. It has multiple sides with different drawings, which is really helpful for practicing with different aiming points. It’s really durable, and claimed to be able to hold thousands of shots from high draw weight bows. This should be your go-to block target if you’re shooting field point arrows.
- Rinehart RhinoBlock – a 17″x14″x17″ block target is a bit on the expensive edge. This reason I’m including it here is that it’s one of the only targets for this price range that can hold both field point and broadhead shots. It’s really solid and can stand a lot of practice. If you’re planning to shoot both field points and broadheads I’d suggest going with this one, otherwise, I’d go with a cheaper model.
- Morrell Yellow Jacket YJ-380 – it’s a 16″x13″x18″, 14-pound block target. I like that this target is more lightweight than a standard block target, but the material it’s made of is still tough and durable. It’s also broadheads approved, but if you plan on shooting field points I wouldn’t go with this one, since removing them from the target is a pretty difficult task.
3D targets
What’s cool about 3D targets is that they allow you to create realistic bowhunting situations. It can make your standard practice way more fun, and prepare you for running in the woods. 3D archery is way more engaging than traditional target practice, and that’s the main reason why it’s becoming more and more popular within the archery community.
A standard 3D archery target has a small foam part which is the aiming point. This section is usually made of high-quality foam, but since it’s quite small, it wears out over the life of the target. That’s why it’s usually replaceable.
If you’re looking to get into 3D archery, purchasing a 3D target is a great idea. Use it to create realistic situations, and don’t spare on the detail: you can place blocking objects between you and the target, have multiple targets with a running distance between them, hide behind trees and more.
I’ll list my absolute favorite 3D archery targets. I’ve based my recommendations on a ton of research, so you can be sure you’re getting the best targets for your money. All targets are linked to Amazon.
- Delta Riverbottom Series Chlngr – A full size, 41″x40″ buck 3D target. Like all good 3D targets it comes with a replaceable vital area. You can use both field points and broadheads on this target. It also comes with a 1-year warranty, which is pretty nice. The vital area comes out sometimes when you pull the arrow, and some of the body is made of plastic – but it’s still a good target for the price.
- McKenzie Delta Aim Rite Bear – another full size, 45″x28″ bear model. It’s really sturdy and well built, and you can use both field points and broadheads on it. It doesn’t look as realistic as other models, but overall it’s a good entry-level target, with a reasonable price tag.
- Rinehart 1/3 Scale Woodland Elk target – a 1/3 scale, 44″x38″ elk target. I like that it’s a pretty realistic model (besides the scale), with all the features. It’s pretty solid and the arrows are easily removed from the removable insert. The paint job on this one is a bit off. I think it’s good for the price.
- Rinehart 43711 Woodland Coyote Target – this one is a 16″x29″ full-size coyote 3D target. It’s pretty high quality, and features a self-healing foam. Like other targets, it comes with a vital removable part. It also comes at a pretty fair price.
What should you consider when buying an archery target?
How are you going to use the target?
Different targets are designed to be used differently. Traditional face targets, bag targets and block targets can all be used in target and field archery. But think about it a bit more; If you’re going to set up your range in the woods often, it might be wise to get a lighter target that will be easier to move around. If you plan to turn your backyard into a static archery range using the plans I outlined in a previous post, you can get away with purchasing a heavier target.
If you’re interested in 3D archery you should definitely consider getting a 3D target. The life-size animal models make archery much more exciting, and basically prepare you to realistic bowhunting situations. 3D archery is really different from standard archery and has its own set of rules (which I went over in details in my archery competitions post), and I recommend every archer try it at least once. If you want to get more serious about 3D archery, getting a 3D target is a great start.
Material
Generally, better quality material will be more durable and will be more comfortable to use. The most important thing to consider regarding the material is whether or not it’s self-healing: the material of high-quality archery targets tend to expand to its original shape, closing back on holes pierced by arrows.
If you shoot often on a target that isn’t made of self-healing material, after a while you’ll end up with a big hole in the middle of the target. That will not happen if the target is made of high-quality material. I recommend targets made of foam, especially rubber foam.
I also recommend that you get a target as thick as possible. Most thick targets have multiple layers with different materials, which help to stop arrows effectively. This is especially true if you shoot a high draw weight. If you shoot a high draw weight your arrows with through a thin target like a piece of paper. You can get away with buying a thinner target if you’re just starting out, but remember you won’t be able to use it forever.
Target face size
Generally, when in doubt, go for the bigger target. Especially as a novice archer, having a bigger target for shoot at will make your practice much more pleasant. If you’re more experienced and looking for a challenge, you should get a smaller target.
You should also consider the type of bow you’re shooting; a compound archer should always get a smaller target than a recurve archer of a similar skill level. A standard target for recurve and traditional archers is 122 cm in diameter, while a compound archer’s standard target is only 80 cm.
Mobility
Another questing is whether or not you’re going to move the target a lot. If you plan to practice in a lot of different locations or setting up temporary ranges, you might want to get a lightweight target with some straps. If you want to set your target up without tying it up to other objects, so you can set it up anywhere inside the range, go for a heavier one.
If you plan on hanging your target you should make sure it has grommets. Most bag targets have them, but I’d make sure before making a purchase.
Arrow retrieval and compatibility?
Removing an arrow from your target should not be a complicated and difficult task. You’re going to do it often. Some targets can get your arrows stuck, which is something you really want to avoid; it’s a really common cause of damage to your arrows and target.
If you’re shooting broadhead arrows, you should really get a target designed for them. Shooting broadheads at a standard target is a sure way to shorten its life. Even with targets that are advertized as broadhead friendly, they are typically worn out much quicker when shot at with broadhead arrows.
By having these things in mind while choosing your target, I’m sure you’re going to have a pleasant experience buying the best archery target for your needs.
