Key takeaways
- Never shoot at a target unless the area behind it is clear and a proper backstop is in place.
- Use only the arrow type the maker permits: field points only on bag targets.
- Stand to the side when pulling arrows and keep the point away from your face.
- Store foam out of sun and rain between sessions, and replace a target when it falls apart.
- Follow local laws on discharging a bow or crossbow on your property.
If you shoot field points only, an inexpensive bag target such as the Morrell Yellow Jacket Swarm or the larger Morrell Cameron Hanes Keep Hammering is the sensible choice; if you shoot broadheads, step up to a foam block like the Rinehart Rhino Block XL or Rinehart 18-1, and if you want a hunting-style 3D animal for backyard practice, the Delta McKenzie Big Daddy Buck is a popular pick. Crossbow shooters should choose a target specifically rated for crossbow speeds, because bow ratings do not carry over.
Our top picks
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Archery Targets at a Glance
| Target | Type | Best for | Stated or reported points | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morrell Yellow Jacket Swarm | Bag | Budget, occasional practice | Outdoor Life lists 20 x 20 x 11 in, 19 lb, rated up to 335 fps | Field points only |
| Morrell Cameron Hanes Keep Hammering | Bag | Confidence shooting at larger size | Outdoor Life lists 31 x 29 x 13 in, 55 lb, up to 380 fps, weatherproof | Field points only |
| Morrell Double Duty | Bag | Field points, mid-size | One roundup lists it as best bag at a 450 fps rating | Not for broadheads |
| Rinehart Rhino Block XL | Foam block | Broadhead practice | Outdoor Life: 18 x 18 x 13 in, solid self-healing foam, six shooting faces | Heavier than bags |
| Rinehart 18-1 | Foam cube | Broadheads and field points | Roundups describe an 18-sided cube rated to 500 fps, crossbow approved | Sourced from reviewers, not the maker’s own page here |
| Morrell High Roller / Bone Collector | Foam | High-volume broadhead shooters | One review says the High Roller’s foam closed well and lasted over 600 arrows; Morrell calls the Bone Collector purpose-built for broadheads | Maker’s own claim for the latter |
| Delta McKenzie Big Daddy Buck | 3D animal | Backyard hunting practice | Outdoor Life: 41 in high, 48 in long, field points and broadheads, QuivAR app support | Large and heavy |
| 365 Archery XL High Performance Trio 48 | Large foam | Big, durable target | Outdoor Life: 4 ft x 4 ft, 70 lb, replaceable core | Size and weight |
| BigShot IronMan Kinetic 650 | Crossbow bag | Fast crossbows | Outdoor Life: 20 x 20 x 14 in, 55 lb, up to 650 fps, field points only | Not for broadheads |
| BLOCK Infinity Crossbow | Layered foam | Crossbow broadheads | Roundup lists a 520 fps rating | Check maker’s broadhead guidance |
Bag vs. Foam: The First Decision
Reviewers agree on one point: broadheads belong in foam, not bags. A bag target is a fabric cover stuffed with shredded material or fibre. It stops field points well, and arrows pull out easily. A broadhead, however, has blades that cut through the cover and the filling, and the target tears apart within a few hundred shots. Foam blocks and 3D targets are made of layered or solid self-healing foam that closes up behind the arrow. They usually cost more and weigh more, but they last longer and handle both field points and broadheads.
How to Choose an Archery Target
Match the speed rating to your bow
Makers rate targets by arrow speed in feet per second. Recreational recurve bows are far slower than a modern compound or crossbow. For example, Outdoor Life lists the Yellow Jacket Swarm up to 335 fps and the Keep Hammering up to 380 fps, while the BigShot IronMan Kinetic 650 is listed at 650 fps for crossbows. Use a target rated above the speed your bow produces, and never shoot a bow-rated target with a crossbow unless the maker says it is approved.
Check for broadhead approval
Not all foam targets are rated for broadheads, and some bag targets say field points only. Look for a clear statement from the maker. If a target says it is suitable for broadheads, read any limitations on blade types, such as mechanical broadheads, and follow the maker’s recommended practice.
Size and weight
Bigger targets are more forgiving for beginners, and they are harder to miss at longer range. A 19 lb bag is easy to carry to the field, while a 55 to 70 lb target is better left in one place. A tall 3D animal needs a stand or ground space.
Durability and weather
Foam targets can fade and crumble in sunlight, and a cover helps. Weatherproof bag covers, like those reported for the Keep Hammering, resist rain, but bags still need to be stored dry. Rotate your aiming point across the face so that the foam wears evenly. Six-sided blocks like the Rhino Block XL give you several shooting faces.
Arrow removal
Dense foam can grip arrows tightly, particularly at high speed. Reviewers value targets that allow one-handed removal, and they suggest using an arrow puller. Always pull straight out and keep your hand clear of the point.
Backstop and range safety
Whatever you choose, place the target against a safe backstop, with a clear area behind it, and follow the rules of your range or local law. Check the area for people and pets before shooting.
Budget Picks
The Morrell Yellow Jacket Swarm is Outdoor Life’s best budget pick, light enough to carry and suitable for occasional field-point practice. The Black Hole 4-Sided is named as a budget broadhead target in one roundup, and the BLOCK Classic 18 is listed as good value for broadheads. In the budget tier, expect smaller faces and a shorter life if you shoot often.
Mid-Range Picks
This is where most broadhead shooters should look. The Rinehart Rhino Block XL, picked by Outdoor Life for broadheads, and the Rinehart 18-1, described by reviewers as a self-healing 18-sided cube, both sit here. The Morrell High Roller and Bone Collector are aimed at higher volume. Larger bag targets like the Keep Hammering, at 55 lb, also belong in this group for field-point shooters who want a big, weatherproof option.
Premium and Large Targets
The Delta McKenzie Big Daddy Buck is Outdoor Life’s backyard 3D pick, and the 365 Archery XL High Performance Trio 48 is its large-target pick with a replaceable core. Honorable mentions include the Glendel Full Rut with a replaceable, rotatable core, and the Rinehart Gazelle for premium realism. These cost more but suit shooters who want to practise on hunting-style shapes and place arrows into specific zones.
Crossbow Targets
Crossbow arrows are fast and heavy, so a regular bag target may not stop them. The BigShot IronMan Kinetic 650, rated up to 650 fps for field points, is Outdoor Life’s crossbow pick. For broadheads, a roundup picks the BLOCK Infinity Crossbow at a 520 fps rating. Always check the maker’s current rating, since crossbow speeds vary by model.
Pick X If … Decision Table
| Pick this | If you … |
|---|---|
| Morrell Yellow Jacket Swarm | shoot field points occasionally and want a light, cheap target |
| Morrell Cameron Hanes Keep Hammering | want a large weatherproof bag for field points |
| Rinehart Rhino Block XL | practise broadheads in a mid-range foam block |
| Rinehart 18-1 | want a durable cube for broadheads and field points |
| Morrell Bone Collector or High Roller | shoot a high volume of broadheads |
| Delta McKenzie Big Daddy Buck | want hunting-style 3D practice in the yard |
| 365 Archery XL Trio 48 | want a large target with a replaceable core |
| BigShot IronMan Kinetic 650 or BLOCK Infinity | shoot a crossbow |
Care and Safety Notes
- Never shoot at a target unless the area behind it is clear and a proper backstop is in place.
- Use only the arrow type the maker permits: field points only on bag targets.
- Stand to the side when pulling arrows and keep the point away from your face.
- Store foam out of sun and rain between sessions, and replace a target when it falls apart.
- Follow local laws on discharging a bow or crossbow on your property.
Alternatives
- Stacked cardboard or hay bales. Cheap, but not suited to broadheads and variable in quality.
- Replaceable-layer foam targets. Cost less over time because you swap the core.
- Range membership. Many clubs provide safe backstops and targets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I shoot broadheads into a bag target?
Reviewers say no. Broadhead blades cut the bag cover and filling, and the target can fall apart within a few hundred shots. Use a foam target rated for broadheads instead.
How do I know if a target suits my bow’s speed?
Compare the maker’s fps rating with your bow’s arrow speed. A target rated 335 fps suits slower setups; fast compounds and crossbows need higher ratings. When in doubt, choose a higher-rated target.
Why is my arrow hard to pull out?
Dense foam grips the shaft, especially at high speed. Use an arrow puller and pull straight out. Shooting in the centre of the face less often also helps reduce wear.
How long will a foam target last?
It depends on the foam, the arrows and how often you shoot. One reviewer reports 600 or more arrows from the Morrell High Roller, though results vary. Rotating your aiming point extends life.
Do I need a 3D target?
No. A foam block or bag works well for form practice. A 3D animal is useful if you hunt and want to practise shot placement on realistic shapes.
Can I leave a target outside?
Some are weatherproof, like the Keep Hammering bag according to Outdoor Life, but sun and moisture shorten the life of most targets. Cover or store them dry when you can.
