BowJudge

Best Crossbow Target – Comprehensive Guide

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Last Updated on March 7, 2022

Many of you reading this may have already spent a bit of time going from one bow to another, looking for “the one”.  Let me tell you; the precision, accuracy and functions should bring tears to your eyes – and that’s when you know you found it. But we’re not here to talk about crossbow functions, stances and such. You already know that you want to use a crossbow; we’re here to discuss the best archery target for you to practice on or use.

Why Do You Need a Crossbow Target?

Well, the answer to this question is quite obvious, isn’t it? How will you practice when you do not have a target? How will you even get to enjoy your crossbow if you do not have something to shoot at? All forms of archery need archery targets. If you have the best crossbow, you should also have the best crossbow target.

How Important is a Crossbow Target?

Allow me to tell you a short story: the first time that I picked up my crossbow from the box, it was at the peak of accuracy and was near perfect in my eyes. Out of the three arrows I shot, two had been Robin Hoods. So, my point is? Sure, the bow helped a lot, but accurate shots are not performed with luck or are they mere accidents. You, as an archer, need to make them happen and they won’t happen unless you practice. As you aim, there will be a lot of minor tweaks, adjustments and even more misses. This is why you need to have a crossbow target.

Kinds of Archery Targets

Finally! Let’s get right into it. I will discuss with you three general types of archery targets fit for crossbow users. Keep in mind that you won’t need to practice with all of them and the best crossbow target for one person does not mean it is also the best crossbow target for you.

  1. 3D Practice Targets – nowadays, you can buy 3D targets of any animal and even dinosaur targets! Most of them are made out of a material we call “self-healing foam” – a great help for lessening the damage from all your practice shots.
  2. Foam Layer Block Targets – one of our most popular options, foam layer block targets have slowly risen in demand in the past few years. These are made out of multiple foam layers, which make it easier to pull out your arrow without compromising its ability to stop your arrow.
  1. Bag Targets – bag targets are the basic archery target, but that does not mean it can’t be the best archery target for you. I bet that all archers once owned a bag target or two. Though broadhead users steer clear of this archery target; broadheads typically tear the material and get stuck in the bag target most of the time unless you they buy the heavy duty ones.

What You Need to Consider

Now that you have some options as to what kind of target to use, which one is the best archery target for you? Here’s a list of some factors that you should take into account before choosing. These reminders helped me a lot and if I had known of these earlier, I wouldn’t have wasted so much time and money!

Bag Targets

  • Highly suggested for all beginners.
  • Can be found at almost any local store that sell archery equipment.
  • Quick to deteriorate (depending on the quality you buy), not as weather resistant as the other archery targets.
  • Can be heavy and bulky.

Form Layer Block Targets

  • Best archery target for those who prefer easier removal of arrows.
  • Moderately holds up against deterioration from the elements and practice shooting.
  • Usually light weight and portable.
  • Typically for practice sessions outside.

3D Targets

  • You almost get the full experience of hunting down an animal.
  • You will clearly see an animal’s vital points, which is a big plus for all those aspiring hunters.
  • Great for beginners who prefer to start with a bigger target.
  • Hardly deteriorates and can be used for numerous practice sessions.
  • It may cost you quite a bit of money.

Best Crossbow Target Reviews

If you are still having a hard time choosing the best archery target for you, then I might just have the archery targets you are looking for. Of course, the choice is still yours if you would go with my suggestions or you would still look for your own.

Field Logic Glendel Pre Rut Buck 3D Archery Target

This amazing archery target will cost you up to $200. The build is 32 inches shoulder-height, core size of 12 inches x 12 inches x 12 inches and with a core surface seven times more when compared to other 3D cores.

Pros

  1. It provides a realistic experience, especially for those who will hunt a buck for the first time.
  2. Perfect for creating possible scenarios that may occur during a hunting trip.
  3. Great for archers who prefer a wider target.
  4. Contains pegs for the ground which provide extra support.
  5. Able to stop a crossbow up to 390 FPS.

Cons

  1. Expensive when compared to other archery targets.
  2. Barely works with broadheads.
  3. Legs are made out of hard plastic; arrows that strike this part are difficult to remove.

Morrell Double Duty 400 FPS Target

Now this is a double duty archery target, it WILL withstand arrows from your crossbow. You won’t need to pull out more than $70 dollars from your wallet. It has a dimension of 19 inches x 19 inches x 19 inches and weight roughly about 32 pounds.

 

Pros

  1. Provides easy arrow removal.
  2. It’s 100% resistant to the elements.
  3. It can stop speeds reaching up to 400 FPS and more.
  4. Able to stops bolts.
  5. Allows two finger removals.
  6. All four sides have different designs which aid you in shooting new targets.

Cons

  1. The images may vary in color from the actual product.
  2. It’s made of tough material, but the design on the four sides tend to fade after some time.
  3. Can’t really be used for broadheads.

RineHart RhinoBlock Target

Stops field points, expandables and even broadheads. Alongside dimensions of 17 inches x 17 inches by 14 inches and a weight of 19.6 pounds, this potential best archery target can be yours for roughly $169.

Pros

  1. Can stop arrows at more than 400 FPS.
  2. Portable and very durable.
  3. It has a total of 40 high-visibility target zones.
  4. Item’s material consists of “self-healing foam”.

Cons

  1. Arrows can be a bit difficult to remove.
  2. Color fades with time.

So, there you have it! To be honest with you, before I had years of enjoyment with my crossbow, I also had my fun and learning with crossbow targets. If these three aren’t the best for you, just keep the list I had in your mind when looking for one! Do not limit yourself to only one crossbow target as I suggest you try others that fit your criteria too; well, until you find “the one”.