Archery targets
Do you want to be more involved in archery? Getting archery targets for home use makes it easier to practice your shots and get better at crossbow hunting. There are three main types of targets that you’ll find in any good archery club, but you can also purchase these for your backyard.
Bag Targets
With filled bag targets, you can create a simple a practice range for any archery practice. You can practice target shooting, and they allow for repeated shots, holding together even after you have shot the bag hundreds of times. Typically, these bags are filled with synthetic materials that can withstand multiple shots from arrows.
However, these targets are only good to use with pointed arrows. This is because a broadhead tip often gets lodged in the bag’s fabric, ripping through and allowing all of the material to fall out. You shouldn’t use the bag type if you want to practice with broadhead arrows only.
Foam Block Targets
One of the most popular target types, you’ll find these at archery clubs and hunting shops. They can help you track and train targets, and they won’t fall apart from broadheads. However, they’re still not the best arrow to use while conducting target practice with foam blocks. They can still get lodged in the foam block and consistently tear through these layers, degrading the overall durability of your target.
Block targets are also not the best if you have a high draw weight and forceful shot. You can easily break apart a foam block if your bow is too strong and the arrow’s velocity knocks through the foam.
3D Practice Targets
This is the best target, especially for crossbow training. These are typically shaped to look like different animals and are available for almost any type of species. You can get targets for small game or medium sized game.These are typically available through hunting stores and archery shops. It’s a good way to master the art of targeting before you head out for a real hunting trip.
Crossbow target vs compound bow target
Durability is a major issue with crossbow targets. You don’t want to use the same target practice objects as you do with a regular bow. This is because recurve and compound bows have heavier draw weights and heavy-grain arrows, which can shoot through foam and bag targets. Obviously, it’s better to choose a 3D target so that you have a durable target, but the material used also matters.
Finding Crossbow Targets
The best crossbow targets are 3D animal blocks. You want targets that can withstand heavy draw weights and heavy grain arrows piercing through the fabric and interior material. However, there are specific brands that make block and bag targets to withstand high velocity crossbow target practice. These are designed to withstand shots of 460 FPS, so you are able to shoot with any kind of crossbow.
What Makes a Good Crossbow Target
The best targets will be high contrast, highly visible with aiming points. You want to be able to train for hunting as well, which is why they should off-center deer vitals for realistic targeting practice.
In addition, they should be designed to withstand high impact arrows from crossbows. This means they should have a speed rating of 450 FPS or above, depending on the type of crossbow you’re using. For example, you may find cheaper crossbow targets that can withstand shots up to 360 FPS.
The Best Targets for Crossbows
One crossbow expert gives you the full lowdown on how to use a crossbow with different targets, showing you the effects of a weak and strong target with a high-velocity, high-FPS compound crossbow.
3. Crossbow targets for 400 fps
The highest quality crossbow targets will provide a speed rating in feet-per-second (FPS). When you need different targets and aiming points, you want to choose the right materials and thickness so that your targets won’t fall apart after a couple of shots.
What FPS Rating is Best for Crossbow Targets
There are a number of different archery targets. The ones made for beginner bows will have no maximum speed rating, which lets you know that they won’t work with a crossbow. Any crossbow target worth its salt will have a rating of 320 fps or higher. Even if your crossbow doesn’t have an FPS as high as 400, it is important to get a target that can withstand as much speed as possible, or else it could fall apart after a few target practices.
Right Materials for Crossbow Targets
Foam typically won’t withstand high impact arrows on its own. However, when combined with a durable frame and reusable materials, it’s possible for it to withstand broadhead and fixed blade tips. The important part is studying the specifications before buying any target. You should also read reviews and look at any demos on YouTube before purchasing a foam target.
Rated for Crossbow Use
Any target that can withstand shots from high impact arrows and 350 or higher FPS will likely work with your crossbow. However, you should know the FPS rating for your crossbow before you pick out targets. You don’t want to pick up a 300 FPS rated target if your crossbow shoots at a minimum of 400 FPS.
Shooting without the right target won’t help you in the field or turn you into a better target shooter. You’ll need real targets that can withstand the impact of all your arrows so that you know exactly where to shoot and how to draw to hit your target every time.
4. 3d archery targets
With 3D targets, you don’t necessarily need them to look like exact taxidermy targets. In fact, these targets are made to have the same size and coloring, but in general, you won’t find any real animal lookalikes unless you want to spend a pretty penny on target practice. The main characteristic of these targets is that they are large with different shapes and targeting zones to help you become a better crossbow hunter.
Features of 3D Targets to Look For
Ultimately, the one thing you want is quality.
- What kind of arrows can it withstand?
- What’s the FPS rating?
- Is it weather-resistant?
- How does it store?
The best 3D targets are also four-sided with multiple areas to target, allowing you to get the most accurate target practice to use for the real thing. In addition, it always helps when the material is resistant and can heal itself, so it doesn’t degrade after multiple shots.
Many of these targets have the same size and look of actual wildlife, so if you plan to hunt small game or big game, you want to pick the targets that you plan to hunt for in order to shoot with precision.
Types of 3D Targets and How to Pick One
Most targets will be for deer and bucks. However, there are also bigger game 3D targets for bears and elk, which are slightly more expensive. No matter what game you are after, it’s important to check these features off the list when looking at your 3D target:
- Highly durable construction
- Can withstand 350+ fps or more
- Weather resistant
- Self-healing
- The right coloring for the species
- Affordable price for the quality
- Four-sided for multiple position target practice
- Easily stored
- Can easily remove arrows
Some of the targets that you might want to start with include:
- Four-sided deer target such as the GlenDel or BlackOut Deer Target
- Field Logic Bear 3D Target
- Delta McKenzie Target Bloodline Buck
- Delta McKenzie Fox Target
- Just for fun: Oncore Raptor Self-Healing target
- Rinehart Woodland Coyote 3D Target
GlenDel and BlackOut are considered the top brands, but Delta McKenzie has fun targets such as dinosaurs, zombies, and hyenas.
These targets all offer great benefits to shooters who want to hunt the real thing and need a variety of small to medium game targets. While some of these targets are heavy, it’s important to pick one that will be able to endure high impact shots.
5. Crossbow deer target
Target practice is more fun when you have something akin to a real deer to shoot. With 3D deer targets, you’re mainly looking for the right size and materials so that it can withstand high velocity arrows from your crossbow. However, if you have a compound crossbow with a higher FPS rating, then you’ll need to find a deer target that has a higher speed rating for FPS.
Construction and Design
The major reason for buying a 3D deer is that it has the right coloring and shape of the deer you are after. There are many types of deer, including white tail does and bucks. There are different head shapes and body sizes, which can make targeting more difficult if you haven’t been practicing with the right size.
Density and Size
The materials also matter because you won’t get very far with a lightweight deer-shaped target that falls over every time you shoot an arrow. You want something that can withstand your 400 FPS crossbow strikes and self-heal at the same time. Most of these target are made from high impact foam that can withstand shots from 400+ FPS crossbows.
Draw Weight and Target Speed Rating in FPS
This is the most important metric for finding a compatible deer target. Most targets will simply say that it can withstand certain types of arrows, such as blades and broadheads. However, does it have the same compatibility with your 170-lbs draw weight compound bow?
This is why it’s important to check the materials and speed rating. Most targets are designed for low draw weights, but higher impact targets will have a speed rating of 400+ FPS.
Best 3D Deer Archery Targets for Crossbows
Some brands are better than others because they have accurate sizing and coloring, but it’s also the attachments. With deer inserts, you can replace areas that have been torn apart over time so that you always have fresh vitals to target.
BlackOut
This is probably the most well known type of deer target manufacturer currently. These deers also have a removable insert that you can replace after hundreds of arrows have been fired at the deer heart vitals. The anatomy of the deer is also 100 percent accurate on these models.
Rinehart Woodland Buck
This is an incredible 3D target that can last 2,500 days in the sun, and it works with all types of arrows. It’s also rated to stop all high impact arrows and has self-healing foam. In addition, Rinehart also sells a vital insert so you can replace your heart targets.
The GlenDel Full Rut Target
This is a very realistic 3D deer target that has the actual look and size of a 300-lbs buck. It also includes vital inserts for multiple areas where you will likely practice your target shots. You can use broadheads, expandables, and field points to use with this model. It can stop all crossbow shots using open-layer friction foam with a PosiLock Compression System, which is trademarked by GlenDel.
Delta McKenzie Target Bloodline Buck
While it’s not as anatomically correct, the coloring on this model makes it fun to shoot. The size is a bit smaller, which can help if you want to practice precision shooting just for vitals. In addition, this buck is rated for 300 to 350 FPS only, so it’s likely that you will have to replace the core vitals after a hundred rounds.
6. Spyderweb crossbow target
Crossbow targets are specific objects that are placed at a distance and allow for high impact arrows. Spyderweb crossbow targets work best because they are made to withstand high impact arrows. While these spyderweb targets look very different from your traditional foam blocks or 3D animal targets, they are worth the investment if you want to get better at precision targeting with a compound crossbow.
Features to Look For in a Spyderweb Target
These targets are made to withstand blazing arrows with high kinetic energy. They are small in stature, but they are built to outlast any other targets because while they stop arrows, they don’t allow the arrow to penetrate into the frame of the target mold.
SpyderWeb Pattern
The most distinguishing figure of a SpyderWeb target is that it has multiple aiming points set up in a circular pattern that looks much like a web. There are various types of patterns from simple four-point, smaller targets to 9-point spyderweb pattern with varying sizes of aiming points.
High Speed FPS Rating
Spyderweb targets should always have a rating over 450 FPS. This means that any compound crossbow can be used with these targets, even if it has an FPS of 460 or higher.
Vital Target Zones
These targets have markers for all vitals, allowing you to easily and precisely target areas that you’ll need to shoot in the wild.
Fast Arrow Removal
You don’t want to spend all day trying to pull your arrows out of a block. The Spyderweb uses foam that should be easy to pull the arrows out with just two fingers.
Weatherproof Design
Since you’ll likely be setting up these targets outdoors, you want a block target that is going to have weatherproof material. If it doesn’t use a waterproof and heat-resistant material, then you should look elsewhere.
Size Matters
You also want a target that’s visible and can easily be carried to the practice location. The typical size is 18” by 18” by 14” or higher, and it should have a weight of 25 to 35 lbs.
Top Brands for Spyderweb Targets
Finding the best spyderweb target blocks means looking at materials first. They should use some type of friction flex foam that can easily heal itself and stop high impact arrows. These are some of the brands and products we like best.
No Speed Limit SpyderWeb S 1.5 XL Arrow Target
This is one of the best targets for crossbows because of its design and setup. It comes with everything you need to setup a medium distance target that stops 450 FPS arrows. It also has a long target life and can withstand thousands of arrows from compound crossbows. It measures 18” by 18” by 14” and weighs 34 lbs. You can easily remove arrows just with two fingers.
SpyderWeb ST 18 XL Field Point Crossbow Block Target
This block is highly rated for its ability to stop all arrows from any bow of any size. It’s made with Spyler true self-healing foam and can withstand thousands of arrows. It’s also weatherproof and easy to carry with the handle.
Cabela’s Barricade XD Target
This is a four-side spyderweb target that uses wield-core technology to eliminate any kind of arrows getting stuck in the foam. It can withstand arrows up to 300 FPS, so it’s not as great of a target for compound bows. However, it is rated for field points and broadheads.
7. Best crossbow Targets
So, which archery target is the best one for you? That depends on your budget and bow. While you may have chosen a bow for its powerful draw weight and FPS, you’ll want to pick a target that can withstand the velocity of your arrows. There are targets that claim to be for any crossbow, but they can’t match up when you take shots with a 400 FPS or higher crossbow.
Bag Target
The best bag target by far is the Morrel Supreme Range Target bag target. It is a commercial-grade bag rated by NASP that can withstand shots from any bow you got. You can use all field tips, broad heads, and expandable blades with this type of target. It has 76 layers and a nucleus that will stop any bow, no matter the velocity. However, it’s quite heavy at 60 lbs an.
Block Target
The Block Block Crossbow Target is the best option for those who want a high-impact four-sided target with multiple angles and positions. There are multiple sizes, including a 16” by 16” by 12” and a 20” by 20” by 16” that are both made to withstand impact of over 450 fps. This target also works well to stop all arrows, whether you have broadheads or field tips.
3D Archery Targets
We think the GlenDel Four-Sided Buck Target is likely the best if you want a pure deer target. These are large, realistic buck targets that can stop arrows of more than 300 FPS and have vital inserts that you can switch out if your foam target becomes damaged.
However, we also like Delta McKenzie targets because of the friction foam technology that allows you to shoot with higher FPS at around 350 maximum. You can pick between raptors, zombies, and small game targets that are fun to have when you want to switch it up.
SpyderWeb Target
We are inclined to go with the Cabella’s Barricade XD target because of its intricate spyderweb pattern and size.
8. Homemade crossbow target
One of the worst parts about having a crossbow is that you need to discharge into a target so that you can store your weapon safely. The most important thing to remember with crossbow targets is that your material has to withstand high impact arrow as well.
What You Need
- Rag bag target cover or 5-gallon bucket with lid
- Old carpet strips, old blue jeans, or towels for filling
- Spray paint or black permanent markers
Step 1
Whether you are using the large bucket or rag bag, you’ll need to open up either in order to put in the material. Once open, you can start stuffing with your materials.
Step 2
If using old carpet strips, you want to stack them inside of your bucket or Rag Bag target cover. You can use rubber bands to stack them together. You can also use old blue jeans, towels, blankets, or an old sleeping bag to stuff inside.
Step 3
Close your bucket by putting the lid back on or tie up the rag bag to finish your target.
Step 4
Unless using the rag bag cover which already comes with target markers, you can use a spyderweb pattern or other target points to mark off vital points that you want to hit on your DIY archery bag.
This target should work for all field points and broadheads, but it won’t last as long as a professional-grade archery target. These instructions are for the lowest cost homemade crossbow targets, but we strongly urge you to purchase a rag bag cover as it can withstand anything and is weather proof.