Hunting is an interesting hobby, and the paraphernalia you choose for it plays a huge part in the entire experience it provides. If you are someone who is fond of hunting then at some point, you must have found yourself confused at which crossbow target to choose and rightfully so. There are several types and styles out there, which leaves one confused as to which is the right option.
Worry no more! We have a comprehensive guide for you, which lists the best crossbow targets and a brief review of what makes them a great buy. All the listed products are good for one reason or another. We break it down for you while listing the good, the bad, and everything in between.
So keep on reading!
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Comparison of the Best Crossbow Targets
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What Can You Expect From a Target Mentioned on Our List
All the products mentioned in our list come from reputable brands and have been warranted to work for a good period of time. These products are of superior quality and will not lack in performance. All these products are good for different reasons, and we have individually discussed those. However, durability and innovation are two common attributes in all these products.
All of these products are vibrantly colored to make visibility less of a hassle. They come with at least two sides in each product; most of them have more than these, which makes them versatile options. Moreover, these products can withstand thousands of rounds of arrows shot at them. These products are portable since they are lightweight. Furthermore, these products are innovative with different designs and allow you to practice and polish your archery skills.
Characteristics of Our Favorite Models
When choosing our favorite models, we kept the following considerations in mind:
Durability
The best targets do not tear apart easily. The best one for you to invest in would be one that withstands a bolt without collapsing. It will likely be denser and would have strong internal components. Bag targets are generally the ones which can be used repeatedly for longer intervals of time.
Vibrant
Good targets are vibrantly colored with contrasting shades which provide greater visibility for the archer. You will be able to spot the aiming target easier if it is bright and vibrant.
Portable
Targets which have handles and grommets while being lightweight are easier to transport and carry; thus, they are more preferable. This is a great feature to have to ensure an ergonomic experience.
Easy to Retract Arrows From
A good target will be able to stop bolts and are designed in a way that allows one to retract the penetrated arrow from easily. Layered foam creates friction, which stops arrows and prevents their tips from breaking.
Are All Crossbow Targets the Same
Most of us are already aware that all crossbows are not the same. Similarly, all crossbow targets are also not the same. Gone are the days when people used to practice those archery skills on hay bales.
These days, targets are designed to keep up with the power of the crossbow, bolts used with it, and its broad head or point tip. These are important because a crossbow shoots more powerfully than a vertical bow, so manufacturers have started labeling their targets with the draw weight the targets can withstand.
Also, the inside bale of the target also matters. Some targets are better for broadheads, while others work better for practice points. Some are hybrid and can withstand both broadheads and points. Also, some targets have more aiming points than others.
So when you head out to buy a crossbow target for yourself, be sure to know the draw weight of your crossbow as well the types of bolts you will be shooting with it.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean:
- Size (L x W x H): Dimensions of the target.
- Weight: Weight of target.
- Type (Bag, block, 3D): The target type.
Review of the Best Crossbow Targets
These are our top picks for the best crossbow targets that are available in the market. We have divided them into categories and discussed the good, the bad, and everything in between to give you a better insight into the product.
Best Overall: Morrell Yellow Jacket YJ-425
[amazon fields=”B001RE6ZPW” image=”1″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_link=”none”]
PROS
- Highly durable
- Very lightweight, and portable
- Accompanied by tote handles, making it easy to carry
CONS
- Not suitable for beginners
This target crossbow tops our list, and we deem it the best overall too for good reasons. Morrell is famous for its archery paraphernalia and makes some of the best quality products out there.
A key feature of any ideal crossbow target would be its durability as it should be able to last for years but also withstand thousands of shots from arrows. This unit is one of the most durable ones on the market.
It can withstand prolonged abuse from crossbows and compound bows. The crossbows now are fast and need a target which is durable so you can practice your archery skills with ease and without the worry of investing in another one anytime soon. This unit is going to last you for many years to come.
This product is highly ergonomic. The target covers can be replaced with ease, which increases its lifespan even longer, making it extremely durable. The product has a vibrant yellow appearance, which makes it hard to miss and provides better graphics and easy visibility.
Another reason why this target is such a great product is how it is designed. This unit is easy to transport as it comes with an easy carry tote handle. The included grommets make it easy to hang. This is a free hanging target, and a stand is not necessary.
It is a two-sided target and is able to withstand arrows at up to 425 feet per second. The red dots on a yellow and black background give a precise place to aim. This makes it a convenient option.
Bottom Line
If you are an intermediate level or expert level archer looking for a high quality crossbow target, then this one would be a great pick. However, for beginners, it may be too much to handle, and they should start with something simpler. It, nevertheless is a great product.
Product Specs
Size (L x W x H):
20″x15″x20″
Weight:
32 lbs
Type:
Bag
Material:
Polypropylene and Polyethylene
Runner-up: Field Logic Hurricane H21
[amazon fields=”B00LGKFYHC” image=”1″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_link=”none”]
PROS
- Highly durable
- Highly portable, making it easy to transport
- Bright, vibrant colors ensure greater visibility
CONS
- Arrows are slightly more difficult to retrieve
This product has made it on our list as our runner up. This is a great investment for hunters and shooters. It comes with a versatile design and great features and will definitely improve your archery skills greatly and prove to be an excellent product.
The design of this target is genius. It is versatile and useful. This unit features a vibrant yellow back with two sides. There are black aiming points on one side whereas deer vitals on the other. The deer vitals are off-centered, unlike the aiming point, which gives a versatile practice target and promises a longer life for the target.
A very important attribute of any crossbow target is its durability. Nobody wants to invest in a unit that isn’t durable and will start showing signs of wear and tear with just minor usage. Any good quality unit doesn’t do that. This product is highly durable and can withstand hits from fast and hard-hitting crossbows.
Another great feature is its portability. This product has a heavy duty handle which does not break or move and is a great aid in conveniently transporting the target. The fact that it is lightweight along with this handle makes it easy to travel with it along with setting it up. The flat surface also aids in the entire experience.
Bottom Line
This is, overall, a great investment as the pros largely outweigh the cons. This target is well suited for hunters and more expert shooters. It is not a broadhead target and is recommended to be used with field tips.
Product Specs
Size (L x W x H):
21″x15″x20″
Weight:
30 lbs
Type:
Bag
Material:
Foam
Best for the Money: Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger Field Point Bag
PROS
- Economical and a great purchase
- Retrieving the arrows from it is super-easy
- Vibrant color for better visibility
CONS
- Relatively thin, therefore, harder to balance
This one is the best for the money featured on our list. This is certainly a great investment bound to make your archery experience better. It has all the qualities which make a great target along with being economical.
Morrell never fails to impress us with its excellent quality products. This unit is one that would be perfect for people shooting with traditional bows or compound bows. The product has a versatile nature and will allow you to master your archery skills from close and afar. It is a two-sided target with a bright yellow exterior and multiple red aiming points which give you the challenge to improve your skills.
An important feature for any crossbow target is durability. This unit certainly has high durability, which ensures a long life span. This unit is comprised of 38 layers which make it dense and highly capable of stopping arrows no matter the speed they are traveling at. Not only does it stop arrows, but retrieving them is easy too. You can pull them out with ease without causing any tear in the unit. However, it is recommended you use field tips for this target.
It is easy to travel with it as it is portable. It has an easy carry tote handle, which aids in transporting it and setting it up. The unit’s exterior is waterproof which makes it the ideal unit to use for practicing outdoors
Bottom Line
If you can get it balanced, which even though is a tricky job but can be done, then the rest is a total winner. Along with being economical, it is vibrant, versatile, and durable. This is great for outdoor practice as it is waterproof.
Product Specs
Size (L x W x H):
20″x12″20″
Weight:
19 lbs
Type:
Bag
Material:
Polypropylene and Polyethylene
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Best Deer Target: GlenDel Buck 3D Archery Target with Replaceable Insert Cord
PROS
- Durable and lasts long
- Provides a real-life hunting experience
- Both broadheads and field tips can be used with this target
CONS
- Costs more than similar products
The GlenDel Buck archery target is for all those who want a more real-life hunting experience. GlenDel has made the best buck lookalike 3D target to fulfill your wishes of the best hunting experience from a 3D target.
This product is great for many reasons; one of them being its durability. The durability is an important trait for a target as one wouldn’t want to see wear and tear on the unit after little use. This product is highly durable as it is made from superior quality material and has a four-sided replaceable insert core which has the dimensions of 11 x 11 x 11 inches. This replaceable core significantly increases the lifespan of the target.
It provides one with a larger surface area to shoot at. The unit provides five times the insert shooting surface. It can take a blow from 1000 practice shots which are comparatively more than other available options. Furthermore, it is practically impenetrable as it stops not only field tips but also broadhead, therefore, increasing its versatility.
It features a Polyfusion Technology which aids in the easy removal of arrows. This technology fuses the internal layers with the walls of the targets, which then results in uniform compressions, thereby making the removal of the arrow easy.
Bottom Line
This target is an expensive investment; however, it is a worthy one. This may not be feasible for everyone, but if you have the budget for it, you should definitely give it a try. Not only is it durable, but it is versatile as well. There are not many out there which could beat this perfection.
Product Specs
Size (L x W x H):
56″H
Weight:
18 lbs
Type:
3D
Material:
Foam
Best Target for Broadheads: RinehartA 18-1 Broadhead Target
[amazon fields=”B002UJ53EW” image=”1″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_link=”none”]
PROS
- Unique design
- Works outdoors and indoors
- Provides multiple targets to practice on
CONS
- Density makes retrieving arrows hard
This is another great target which makes it to the best for broadheads on our list. Not all targets work for broadheads because of the wear and tear they cause. It is suggested to use a special unit for them which is durable and can withstand that kind of force. This one does it beautifully.
The best-reported feature about this is how quiet it is. This product will make minimum noise when shot at which is rare for such kinds of targets. This product is highly durable as it features ‘self-healing foam.’ This property extends its life greatly and makes this a great investment.
Not only is it durable but also highly versatile. This target is ideal for a lot of different conditions, be it outdoors or indoors. It can withstand a number of different weather conditions which make it suitable for practicing outdoors.
This target features eighteen sides, which give the archer 18 targets in one that is a rare attribute. It can withstand arrow after arrow due to its premium built and superior quality. It will not show signs of wear soon. Plus, the black background with light colored aiming targets provides good visibility.
Bottom Line
It is a great product to invest in. The only drawback is also a result of its own extreme strength and density. It might be a problem for people just starting out with archery to be able to retrieve arrows. Other than that minor drawback, it is one of the best ones out there.
Product Specs
Size (L x W x H):
15″x15″x15″
Weight:
14 lbs
Type:
3D
Material:
Foam
Best 450 FPS Target: Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Field Point Bag Archery Target
[amazon fields=”B07PJFP3XS” image=”1″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_link=”none”]
PROS
- Versatile design
- Best used with field tips
- Highly durable in nature and can last for a long time
CONS
- Arrows are hard to retrieve
Here is another excellent Morrell target. This one has made it to our list under the Best 450 FPS category. If you are someone who practices outdoors, then this will be perfect for you. It is accompanied by a versatile design and bright exterior, which makes a great investment. All the features plus the superior quality signature to Morrell products are what make it one of the best ones out there.
This is a great unit for not only experts but even for those who are just starting out with archery and need to polish their basic skills like aiming and shooting. It is a 4-sided target with a vibrant and bright exterior which provides greater visibility. The different options will give you a challenge and a greater opportunity to polish your skill. The dart board and pool ball styled targets are fun ones you can enjoy.
Another reason why this is such a great product is its durability. This unit has a durable construction, which makes it prone to different weather conditions, and this makes it a great target to practice outdoors with.
The durable build is able to stop arrows without any difficulty. The strong internal structure prevents it from losing its shape and can easily stop hits from arrows traveling up to 400 fps. The arrows are a little hard to retrieve, but they do not cause any damage to the target.
Bottom Line
This is a highly powerful target. A consequence of this strength is the fact that it makes arrows hard to retrieve. This is the only con of an otherwise excellent product. It is certainly a great investment.
Product Specs
Size (L x W x H):
19.5″x19.25″x19.25″
Weight:
36 lbs
Type:
Block
Material:
Foam
Best Block Crossbow Target:Field Logic Block GenZ 16
PROS
- Very suitable for beginners
- A high-density foam target
- Durable design will serve you for long
- Designed to gradually enhance your aim
- Perfect for use with any kind of arrow or bolt
CONS
- Lacking in terms of water resistance
- Not suitable for expert cross bowers
What Recent Buyers Report
People who have recently purchased and used this target have a lot of good things to report about it. The first thing they like about it is its size that is small enough to carry around and big enough to serve as a meaningful target. The second thing is its durability. Users have been firing hundreds of shots at it without inflicting any damage.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This product is especially good for beginners. It features a foam construction with numerous aiming dots of large and small sizes. These are very useful when you are a learner or are teaching children.
The item is designed for both broadheads and practice point arrows. Removing them from it is also very easy. It is lightweight, portable, stylish, and attractive at the same time. Buy it, and you will notice the improvement in your aim.
Bottom Line
Overall, this is a great product if you want to improve your crossbow shot accuracy. It is lightweight, portable, and very easy to carry around. Shooting and retrieving arrows from this target is also very easy. The most interesting feature is its high contrasting colors that are very visible from even a long distance. All in all, it is the perfect shooting target that will convert you into a pro in no time.
Product Specs
Size (L x W x H):
16″x18″x8″
Weight:
8 lbs
Type:
Block
Material:
Foam
Best Zombie Target: 3D Bleeding Zombie
[amazon fields=”B00FL1JRQQ” image=”1″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_link=”none”]
PROS
- Durable to last long
- Easy to retrieve arrows
- Attention to detail makes it look realistic
CONS
- Not the most long-lasting target
This is a unique design and has made it to our best zombie target design category. This is a cool new design which is bound to have you spend hours practicing your skills. The design is very engaging with fun features, which make it a great buy.
This target is shaped like a zombie and is hand painted to resemble a once-human zombie. The design is well thought-out, making it one of the favorites of users. This zombie is life-sized and bleeds when arrows hit it. It comes with all other features of a good crossbow target. This will last you many shots as it is highly durable and is made of superior quality materials. It is said to last more than 1000 hits, which is amazing.
This might not be of great interest to adults, but it is a great fun activity. The entertainment factor here is what wins. You can shoot at it from close or afar. The unit is easy to retract arrows from, given they don’t completely penetrate.
Furthermore, the exterior is commendable with great attention to detail. One would think that this thing might get messy as it leaks blood upon hitting, but that is not the case as the design is very well thought out. It is made of biodegradable materials; therefore, it is easy to clean up after.
Bottom Line
This is another great target even though it doesn’t last that long. This is understandable given its orientation and use, but it is a fun one. Attention to detail makes it look so realistic. This definitely will revive your childhood fantasy of killing zombies to save the world.
Product Specs
Size (L x W x H):
35″x20″x7.5″
Weight:
9 lbs
Type:
3D
Material:
Foam
Best 400 FPS Target: Morrell Super Duper Field Point Bag Archery Target
[amazon fields=”B07NRS3V2X” image=”1″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_link=”none”]
PROS
- Extremely durable
- Works equally well for both crossbows and for compound bows
- Makes retrieving arrows easy
CONS
- Two-sided
This is another excellent product by Morrell. Given the number of their products that have made it to our list, you must now believe that their products are some of the best ones. This is our pick for the best 400 fps target.
This target features a vibrant and versatile design. The great graphics make it easy to shoot at as it has great visibility. It is only two-sided with one side having aiming points whereas the other one has the deer vitals on it. The bright yellow and black contrast provides a great aiming target for the archer.
Furthermore, it has the features which are signature to a great target. It is able to take thousands of shots before it wears out. It is made of superior quality material, which will surely last you for many years. It is highly durable and can be shot at from multiple ranges with a speed of up to 425 feet per second.
Another great feature of this product is its ability to remove arrows easily. It has what Morrell calls the two-finger arrow removal, which allows you to retrieve arrows without any hassle. This unit is able to work with crossbows and compound bows. It is suggested you use only field tips with this target.
It is easy to transport with its great quality handles which are not going to break, and the grommets make the target easy to hang.
Bottom Line
This is a great option if you are just starting out with archery. This unit by Morrell is another superior quality, one with great features and a versatile design. This can stop high-speed arrows without any difficulty.
Product Specs
Size (L x W x H):
25″x15″x27″
Weight:
36 lbs
Type:
Bag
Material:
Polypropylene and Polyethylene
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Types of Crossbow Targets
Archery is a good sport. It helps you maintain your focus by tuning out distractions while you are aiming. It has a very positive effect on your mind and body. Whether you use a traditional bow or a crossbow, you will need a target to practice on. There are many different types of targets available in the market.
However, you must remember that not every target is for everyone. One that is great for a beginner might be too easy for an expert. So, you must know your level of expertise before you invest in a target. Here are some of the crossbow targets available in the market.
Bullseye Target
When we hear the word archery target, the first thing that comes to our mind is the traditional bullseye target that is used in Olympics events. These are round and feature a giant bullseye in the center. They are decorated with rings of traditional red, white, black, blue, and yellow colors. Because of their large size, they are preferred by many archers.
3D Target
3D targets are shaped like real animals. They come as bucks, skunks, hugs, woodchucks, raccoons, and even turkeys. You can get them in different sizes. Although they are not ideal for target practice, some crossbow hobbyists like them for playing around.
Target Bags
Target bags are the most common types of targets for crossbow shooters. They are especially useful for beginners as they provide a bigger surface area for target practice. They are portable and can be moved from one place to another quite easily.
Target Cubes
These targets are shaped like cubes. They feature several targets on their sides, so they offer more options for the user. You can use it for target practice from different heights and angles. These are usually crafted with foam used as a bale. So they are very light and portable.
What Size of Crossbow Targets Do I Need
Crossbow targets come in a variety of sizes. Different products range from 12 to 28 inches in size, depending upon the type. Targets are available as bags, blocks, or rings. If you are a beginner, we suggest that you get a bag as it offers more surface area to practice on.
Different manufacturers have come up with different sized bag targets. Some even offer the same design in varying sizes. Choose one that you are more comfortable with. You can also invest in an archery block. It is also available in varying sizes.
Then, you have the archery foam target that comes in a diameter of 36 inches. Size-wise, you have a lot of crossbow target variety to choose from. The one that suits your demands more and is compatible with your crossbow and shooting conditions is the right one for you.
Conclusion
It is confusing to buy a crossbow target, especially if you are just starting out or given how many options are out there in the market. A quick tip so you choose the right product would be to know your bow set up, the hunting circumstances, etc. You would want to invest in a good quality and durable crossbow target, so it withstands many arrows and is able to provide prolonged use.
All of these units are some of the best ones out there. Hopefully, by the time you’re done reading this, you would have found one suitable for you.
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People Also Ask
Archery is a sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages. Crossbows have been a part of archery for as long as anyone remembers. These days, people are taking up crossbow shooting as a hobby. This hobby calls for investment in a great crossbow target.
The problem here is that not all products are made the same, which causes a lot of confusion. To help you venture your way out of this confusion, we have rounded up the most common questions. If you are facing any difficulty, you might find them helpful.
What’s Inside a Crossbow Target?
A crossbow target consists of two things, the face and the bale. The outer paper target is known as the face, while the material that is filled inside the target is known as the bale. Numerous everyday items can be used as the bale. Straw, cloth rags, hay, foam, high-density plastic, or even compressed carpet can be used for making the inside bale of a crossbow target.
How Heavy Are Crossbow Targets?
The weight of a crossbow target plays an important role in determining its usage. It tells us whether a target is easy to bear or not. Too heavy, and it would be a problem to carry around. Too light, and it might be blown away by a strong gust of wind. Usually, crossbow targets weigh between 5 and 100 pounds.
How Long Will a Target Last?
Crossbow targets do last a long time. No matter how roughly you use them, they are designed to beat it all. If you notice that your arrow is going through, take it off and beat it around a bit. This way, the material that has given way will return to its original position. Unless the outside material is completely destroyed, your target is good to go.
How Far From the Target Should You be With a Crossbow?
Crossbows can shoot as far as 500 yards. But when you are shooting at a target, the suggested distance for a beginner is from 10 to 20 yards. Once you have improved your skills sufficiently, you can increase the distance to 30 yards and so on. Most expert crossbow shooters can take perfect shots even when the target is as far as 80 yards.
How to Remove Crossbow Bolts From Target?
Getting the bolts stuck inside the target is the worst situation any crossbow shooter can face. When you have a limited number of bolts, you don’t want to be hassled with spending a long time, taking them out of the target. Your best shot here is an arrow lube. Just apply some on the bolt point, and it will form a protective layer that will prevent it from sticking inside the target.