Updated March 2023
What is the best kind of archery target and how to do you pick the right one? With so many target options out there, choosing the right type of target for you may be more difficult than you think. To start, there is the choice between different styles such as cube, bag or 3D. When choosing a target there are many factors to consider such as type, size, shape, intended use and price. This article was written to inform and help you find the right target for you and your specific needs. Overall, you want to purchase a target that stops your arrows effectively, releases arrows easily, lasts a long time and fits your price range.
Summary List
Types of Archery Targets
Cube or Foam – Cube, or foam, style archery targets have become popular in recent years in the bowhunting community. One of the reasons for their popularity is their extended lifespan. On most cube targets, you are able to shoot at 4 different sides and on some cubes you are able to shoot all 6 sides. It is like having multiple targets in one and allows for even and extended wear. Some of these targets can be shot thousands of times. Cube style targets are also popular because they are relatively small and can be packed away or thrown in a truck bed with little space being taken up. The main reason many bowhunters use cube style targets is because you can shoot both field points and broadheads at most of them. Many have “self-healing” material that closes back up around shots. Cube targets tend to also be lighter in weight than other types of targets.
3D – 3D targets are great for simulating real game animals that you would encounter on a hunt. 3D targets such as a whitetail deer, allow for the user to visualize the vital area on a deer and practice shooting this spot on a fake animal. The cool thing about 3D targets is that there are many different animals you can buy including turkey, elk, etc. 3D targets are great if you have room for them as they can be a hassle to move around. A lot of 3D targets also have removable “vitals” so you can easily replace the highly used part of the target to extend target life.
Bag – Bag style targets have been around for decades and continue to be sold at almost every archery retailer. Bag targets should only be use with field points as broadheads will destroy them quickly. Bag targets tend to be larger than most cube targets and tend to be easier to see at longer distances. Unlike cube targets, bag targets can only be shot on two sides and usuallt wear quicker than other targets although some brands have replaceable outer bags that you can purchase to extend target use.
What to Consider When Choosing a Target
Field Points vs. Broadheads – If you plan on shooting a lot of broadheads, you will want to go with a cube style target as they will hold up better. Broadheads and practice broadheads do more damage to targets so you will wear a target out quicker. If you are planning on shooting only field points, you will get a longer lifespan out of your targets. I use mainly cube style targets and shoot broadheads every once in a while at them. Bag targets are also a great choice if you are only shooting field points.
Arrow Speed – Some targets stop arrows better than others. For instance, some targets may not be able to stop crossbow bolts traveling at faster feet-per-seconds than compound bows. You should take into consideration your bow’s speed and penetration when looking at a target. Some targets have speed ratings that are shown on them. Overall, just about all targets should be sufficient to stop an arrow from a compound bow.
Size and Shape – I prefer cube targets because they are smaller in size and more versatile. Smaller cube targets can easily be thrown in the bed of a truck or stored in your garage or backyard. Some targets are different sizes than others and should be taken into consideration when buying. If you plan on shooting at longer distances, a larger sized target will probably serve you better, making it easier to see and allowing a larger surface area. If you are on the go a lot, a cube or bag target is probably a better choice as a 3D target is larger and less convenient to move.
Material – When looking at different targets, you will notice that some are made with different materials than others. In general, your cube style targets are made of compressed foam. This type of foam is designed to quickly stop an arrow and also has a “self-healing” effect when an arrow is removed. Because the foam is compressed it fills the void that the arrow just created, leading to a longer target life. This material is also what many 3D targets are made out of. Most bag targets are constructed with a thick outer bag that is filled with plastic foam. Some companies sell replacement outer bag covers for when the original cover wears out.
Price – Finally, you will probably be taking price into consideration when choosing a target. Targets can range anywhere from $30 to over $200. I always recommend buying the best target you can afford at that time. In general, the larger and higher quality targets will cost over $100. If price is a major factor, bag targets are usually the cheapest style of target that will get the job done. If you can afford a more expensive cube target, it will tend to last longer than some of the cheaper priced ones out there.
5 Best Targets for Bowhunters
Block Vault – The Block Vault is a 4-sided practice target that features a locked-in high density layered core for extended target life on all sides. Each side has different aiming points for even target wear and provides different practice shots. The Vault is also known for its easy arrow removal by using horizontal layers that allow arrows to slide right out. The Vault is designed to stop all broadheads and field points which makes it a very versatile target. The contrasting black and white colors provide an easy visual downrange. Similar to the Vault, Block also offers a 6X6 Block Target with many of the same features as the Vault that you may want to consider also. Overall, Block is one of the most popular brands of targets out there that many bowhunters rely on for target practice.
Features:
- Available in Medium, Large, X-Large and XX-Large sizes.
- Block’s Polyfusion Technology featuring open layered design.
- Easy arrow removal.
- Long target life.
- Open-layered design stops arrows with friction, not force, for easy arrow removal.
Click here to view this target on Amazon
Morrell High Roller – The Morrell High Roller is another popular target that is designed to hold up against field points, fixed blade and mechanical broadheads. Morrell is known for its quality targets and this target is no exception. With a simple and efficient design, the High Roller was created for those looking for a target that can handle anything. Give this target a try and you will not be disappointed. Morrell also has other great targets such as the Yellow Jacket Plus or the Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 that are both great alternatives.
Features:
- Stops all field points and broadheads at speeds up to 450 feet per second.
- Easy arrow removal.
- Weather resistant design and fade resistant paint.
- 6 shootable sides with 21 aiming points.
Click here to view this target on Amazon
GlenDel 3D Buck – The GlenDel 3D buck target is a great all-around 3D target that is great for practicing on a life-like target. This target is designed to appear as 200-pound 150” Boone and Crockett buck. The removable core around the vitals, can be replaced easily when worn out, extended the life of the target. Another great target by GlenDel is the larger Full-Rut Buck target you may want to consider. Also comparable to the GlenDel 3D Buck target, the Shooter Buck 3D target is a similar alternative that is popular amongst bowhunters for life-like practice. By choosing any of the GlenDel 3D targets, you will definitely be happy with the quality and long lifespan of these targets.
Features:
- Replaceable insert core.
- Stops all field points and broadheads.
- Easy arrow removal.
- Large life-like design with the body size of a 200-pound buck.
Click here to view this target on Amazon
Rinehart RhinoBlock – The Rinehart RhinoBlock is Rinehart’s award-winning six-sided cube target that is engineered to meet just about every practice need. On two sides of the target, a deer vital zone is displayed and the remaining four sides feature various other highly visible target patterns. Rinehart is well-known for their quality 3D and cube style targets that many bowhunters rely on for offseason practice. The self-healing capability of this compressed foam target is designed to take shot after shot. The six sides of the RhinoBlock allow for extended target life by spreading out the wear on each side. Rinehart also makes high quality 3D targets such as the Rhinehart Woodland Elk target with self-healing foam and easy arrow removal.
Features:
- Stops all field points and broadheads.
- Rope handle for easy transport.
- 6 shootable sides with 40 high-visibility target zones.
- Self-healing foam.
Click here to view this target on Amazon
Field Logic Hurricane – The Hurricane archery target by Field Logic is a durable double-sided bag-style target that features highly visible aiming points for use at both short and long ranges. On the back side of the target, deer vitals are displayed to hone in your practice for the upcoming season. Field Logic’s Tri-Core Technology is designed to provide longer target life and eliminate any arrow pass-throughs. Another great bag-style target you may be interested in is the Morrell Supreme Range Target that features a more classic style target look.
Features:
- Available in 3 different sizes (20, 25 & 28”).
- Double-sided use (9 aiming points and deer vitals).
- High visibility aiming points.
- Heavy duty material for increased lifespan.
Click here to view this target on Amazon
Top Brands
Block – Block is owned by the parent company, FeraDyne Outdoors. FeraDyne owns many popular outdoor brands including GlenDel Targets, Rage Broadheads and IQ Bowsights. For years, Block has been one of the leaders in archery targets because of their quality and long-lasting products. The Block Vault is their flagship product that many hunters rely on for practice. Block also has a number of other quality targets for different needs. Block targets tend to lean on the more expensive side compared to other targets out there but are worth every penny.
Morrell – Morrell Targets have become popular in recent years because of their durable, quality and long-lasting products. Morrell makes cube/foam targets, bag targets and some 3D targets for all different uses. You will find Morrell targets at most outdoor retailers. Similar to Block, you can’t go wrong with a Morrell target.
Rinehart – Rinehart is mostly known for their highly-detailed life-like 3D targets ranging from deer, bear, turkey, predators and varmints. Rinehart also makes quality cube/foam and bag targets. If you are looking for a great 3D target, Rinehart is the way to go. You also will be very happy with any of their quality and long-lasting cube or bag targets.
Tips for Making Your Targets Last Longer
Limit Broadhead Use – Shooting broadheads at a target will indefinitely wear it out quicker. To alleviate this, try using practice tips or just stick to field points. A lot of broadheads come with a practice tip that is not sharp and will not tear your target up as much. I recommend only shooting broadheads every now and then and to not overdo it.
Rotate Sides Evenly – Most targets tend to wear out in the middle first. Try aiming at points closer to the corners and out edges that are used less. This will even out the wear and avoid making holes that cause arrow pass through. A lot of targets have different aiming points that are spaced out to allow for even wear. If using a cube, bag or 3D target, make sure to switch sides or flip around so you don’t wear out one side faster than the other.
Replace Inserts if Possible – This applies mostly to 3D targets that have removable inserts. A lot of newer 3D targets have removal vital areas that you can buy replacements for as this is usually the area of the target that wears out the fastest, leading to a longer overall target life.
Store Indoors – Leaving a target outside in year-round conditions can lead to unintended premature wear. Targets that are left out in direct sunlight, snow or wet conditions, will tend to lose their effectiveness quicker. Storing your target in a garage, shed, or basement when not in use will help extend the life of your target.
Summary
This article was intended to provide a basic overview and product recommendations for the best targets for bowhunters. With many different types of targets out there, you should now be able to decide which style of target is right for you and your needs. When deciding on a target it is most important to think about price and target life. These two factors will help the most in determining which type of target is the best for you.