Archery has undergone a remarkable evolution over the years, transforming from a practical skill into a beloved sport around the globe. With advancements in technology and design, today’s archery targets offer unparalleled durability, realism, and versatility, catering to various shooting styles and preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a competitive shooter, or a novice looking to improve your aim, the right target can make all the difference in your practice routine. In this blog, we will explore the best archery targets of 2024, highlighting top recommendations in each category—be it bag targets, foam block targets, or lifelike 3D models Lets dive into the features, benefits, and standout choices that will elevate your archery experience this year.
7 Best Archery Targets: In-Depth Reviews
1. Rinehart Jimmy BigTine
| Feature | Details |
| Type | 3D Foam Target |
| Dimensions | Life-size deer figure |
| Weight | 50 lbs |
| Broadhead Friendly | Yes |
| Field Point Use | Yes |
| Durability | High-density foam |
The Rinehart Jimmy BigTine is a top-tier 3D target designed for archers and hunters who want a realistic practice experience. Its life-size deer shape is crafted from high-density foam, making it highly durable and capable of handling field points and broadheads. This lifelike appearance enhances the realism and helps improve accuracy by simulating real hunting scenarios. Its impressive construction ensures that it can withstand repeated shots without quickly deteriorating.
One of the standout features of this target is the use of replaceable inserts, which are key to its longevity. The insert is the target part specifically designed to absorb most of the shots. It is made of self-healing foam, which allows it to endure repeated impacts and recover quickly, prolonging the target’s lifespan. However, if you shoot outside of the insert, in areas not made of self-healing material, the foam will wear out much faster. This makes it crucial to focus your shots within the insert zone to maximize the target’s durability.
These inserts are readily available in the market and can be replaced as needed, typically lasting one to two years depending on the frequency and intensity of use. With proper care and regular replacement of the insert, the Rinehart Jimmy BigTine can serve you well for an extended period, making it a smart investment for any archer. Despite being relatively heavy at 50 lbs, which can make it a bit difficult to move, its durability and performance justify the effort.
Rating: 9/10
- Realistic deer anatomy
- Handles both field points and broadheads
- Durable construction
- Self Healing Insert
- Expensive
- Heavy to move
2. Morrell Transformer Buck
| Feature | Details |
| Type | 3D Foam Target |
| Dimensions | Life-size buck |
| Weight | 40 lbs |
| Broadhead Friendly | Yes |
| Replaceable Parts | Yes |
- Replaceable core for extended use
- Durable construction
- Great for broadheads and field points
- Slightly heavy
- Can be expensive
The Rinehart Jimmy BigTine is quite a versatile 3D deer target that offers a realistic practice experience for hunters and archers alike. This life-size deer target features a high-density, self-healing foam core, which makes arrow removal smooth and easy, even after repeated shots. The foam material is especially resilient, allowing it to absorb high-pressure impacts from both field points and broadheads without quick degradation, plus you can replace the insert in case of wear and tear.
One of the standout aspects of this target is its portability. It can be disassembled, allowing you to carry just the core or vital shooting section when needed. This flexibility makes it easier to transport compared to other 3D targets of similar size. Despite its foam absorbing significant pressure, including broadhead shots, the target holds up well against wear and tear, offering impressive longevity for frequent shooters.
Rating: 8.5/10
Caution: Be mindful to aim within the replaceable insert to maximize the lifespan of the target and ensure the foam outside the core doesn’t wear down too quickly.
3. Morrell Yellow Jacket
| Feature | Details |
| Type | Bag Target |
| Dimensions | 23 x 25 x 12 inches |
| Weight | 28 lbs |
| Field Point Use | Yes |
| Durability | High |
- Great stopping power
- Lightweight and portable
- Weather-resistant cover
- Not suitable for broadheads
- The outer woven layer wears out
The Morrell Yellow Jacket is a go-to choice for those seeking an affordable and reliable bag target, priced around $70. This target excels in stopping power, especially for field points, making it a great option for beginner and recreational archers. One of its most appealing features is the easy arrow removal, thanks to the synthetic fill inside the bag that holds up well under repeated shots. It comes with a weatherproof cover, making it durable enough for outdoor use.
While it’s great for casual practice, especially for those using compound bows or crossbows with low to medium draw weight, the Yellow Jacket does have limitations. It isn’t designed for use with broadheads, as they can cause significant damage to the target. Additionally, experienced archers may notice that the arrows don’t always seat as securely or deeply as they would in foam targets, which could be a downside for those who demand precision.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Morrell Yellow Jacket remains one of the best bag targets for field point shooting practice. Its low cost, portability, and ease of use make it a solid choice for beginners or casual shooters looking for an affordable, long-lasting target.
Rating: 8/10
4. Rinehart Targets RhinoBlock
| Feature | Details |
| Type | Foam Block/3D Target |
| Dimensions | 18 x 18 x 16 inches |
| Weight | 36 lbs |
| Broadhead Friendly | Yes |
| Field Point Use | Yes |
- Replaceable core
- High durability
- Realistic vitals zones
- Expensive
- Heavy
The Rinehart RhinoBlock is the perfect 3D block archery target. It features six sides for shooting, with realistic vital zones for precision shooting. This target is designed for both field-tip and broadhead-tipped arrows, absorbing even the fastest crossbow shots with ease. The highly visible target zones, including a wider centre dot surrounded by a ring, make it ideal for low-light conditions and precise aiming.
Constructed from Rinehart’s trademark durable, self-healing foam, the RhinoBlock can withstand repeated shots from the compound and recurve bows, without losing its integrity. The replaceable core further extends the target’s lifespan, allowing heavy use for up to two years if you consistently rotate the shooting sides. This makes it a top choice for hunting simulations, backyard practice, and extended shooting sessions.
Plus, its lightweight design and ergonomic handle make it easy to carry, whether you’re heading into the woods for hunting practice or taking it along on off-road adventures. While the Rinehart RhinoBlock is heavier and pricier compared to other foam block archery targets, its durability and performance make it a worthwhile investment for serious archers.
Rating: 9/10
Rating: 8/10
5. Delta McKenzie Big 8 Archery Target
| Feature | Details |
| Type | Foam Block Target |
| Dimensions | 20 x 20 x 12 inches |
| Weight | 24 lbs |
| Broadhead Friendly | Yes |
| Field Point Use | Yes |
- Affordable
- Multiple target faces
- Good for broadheads
- Shooting dots for practice
- Less durable than high-end targets
- Tougher arrow removal with field points
- Smaller size
The Delta McKenzie Big 8 Archery Target is a solid choice for those seeking a versatile and affordable foam block archery target. Its high-density urethane foam construction ensures that it holds up well to both broadheads and field points, offering excellent stopping power across its eight shootable sides. Each side is marked with printed green dots for easy targeting, and two faces even feature precision points designed for more accurate shooting practice, making this one of the best archery target blocks for honing your skills. Tip: You can rotate the target regularly to evenly distribute wear across all eight faces.
One notable advantage of this target is how easily broadheads can be removed, thanks to their larger cutting surface. However, with field points, you might encounter more resistance when pulling them out, as their smaller tips tend to embed deeper into the foam. Despite this minor drawback, the Big 8 remains highly practical for archers who use a mix of broadheads and field points.
While it may not be as durable as premium some block targets, the Delta McKenzie Big 8 is ideal for those looking for a cost-effective option that doesn’t sacrifice performance. Its lightweight design also makes it easy to transport, allowing you to set it up anywhere for practice. Overall, it’s one of the best archery target blocks for budget-conscious archers, offering plenty of versatility without breaking the bank.
Rating: 8.5/10
6- Hurricane Bag Archery Target Review
| Feature | Description |
| Material | Durable Tri-Core technology with weather-resistant cover |
| Dimensions | 23″ x 25″ x 12″ |
| Weight | 20 lbs |
| Shooting Sides | 2 sides, with high-contrast aiming points |
| Arrow Compatibility | Suitable for field points and light-draw arrows |
- The Tri-Core technology for durable construction
- High-visibility target zones:
- Lightweight and portable
- Not suitable for broadheads:
- Two-sided shooting only
- Less effective for high-draw bows
- Anticipate some resistance when removing arrows if shooting with a high-poundage bow.
Review:
The Hurricane Bag Archery Target is an outstanding option for recreational archers seeking an affordable and durable solution. Priced reasonably, this bag target features Tri-Core construction, ensuring it withstands repeated use from field points while offering a long lifespan for those who enjoy regular practice. The weather-resistant outer layer makes it versatile for both indoor and outdoor shooting conditions, enhancing its usability.
One of the target’s key highlights is its high-contrast faces, adorned with classic aiming points on one side and realistic deer vitals on the other. This dual design allows archers to practice for various scenarios, making it ideal for both target shooting and hunting preparation. The vibrant green and black patterns enhance visibility, ensuring accurate aiming even in lower light conditions.
Weighing just 20 lbs, the Hurricane Bag is highly portable, and the built-in carry handle facilitates easy transportation to the range or your backyard. However, it’s important to note that this target is specifically designed for field points; using broadheads can tear the material and significantly shorten its lifespan. While field points come out easily, arrows shot from higher-draw bows may sink deeper into the target, making removal a bit more challenging.
For archers primarily using field points with recurve or compound bows, the Hurricane Bag Target is a user-friendly choice. Its lightweight design, dual-pattern faces, and visibility make it a favorite among backyard shooters. However, it may not be the best archery target for those who frequently shoot high-draw bows or prefer broadheads.
Rating: 8/10
What Should You Look Into When Choosing Archery Targets
When selecting archery targets, several key factors come into play to ensure you make the right choice for your practice and skill level. Here are the main points to consider:
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Types of Archery Targets
When choosing an archery target, consider the specific features and benefits of each type to enhance your practice sessions.
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Foam Block Targets:
Constructed from layered polyethylene or highly compressed self-healing foam, these targets allow shooting from various angles. They effectively stop both field points and broadheads, making them versatile for different types of arrows. Their easy arrow retrieval and durability make foam block targets an excellent choice, particularly for those using broadheads.
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Bag Targets:
These targets offer an affordable option for beginners and younger archers. Designed primarily for field points, they provide effective stopping power at lower speeds, making them ideal for practice. The woven outer shell, filled with soft stuffing, absorbs impacts well, allowing for easy arrow removal. Bag targets are great for honing basic skills without breaking the bank.
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3D Targets:
If you seek the most realistic practice experience, 3D targets are your best bet. While they tend to be more expensive, their lifelike animal shapes and replaceable inserts offer years of use. Practicing with 3D targets simulates hunting scenarios, helping you improve your accuracy and shooting techniques in realistic conditions. These targets are especially beneficial for hunters looking to sharpen their skills for actual field situations.
2. Price
When choosing an archery target, price is an important factor to consider. A more affordable target may seem appealing, especially for the everyday archer who practices casually. However, opting for a lower-priced option could lead you to return to the store sooner than expected, as these targets often wear out quickly. On the other hand, if budget isn’t a concern, investing in premium quality targets can provide durability and better performance over time. Typically, bag targets range from $30 to $100, foam block targets are priced between $50 and $150, and 3D targets can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 or more, depending on their realism and durability. Assessing your archery goals and practice frequency will help you determine the best price point for your needs. A well-chosen target not only enhances your shooting experience but also saves you money in the long run.
3. Size
When selecting an archery target, consider how its size impacts both portability and shooting difficulty. If you plan to take your target on the road, opting for a smaller, lightweight option is ideal. Smaller targets are easier to transport, making them suitable for practice sessions at different locations.
On the other hand, larger targets offer enhanced visibility and can help improve your accuracy by providing a more forgiving space for error. If your primary goal is precision, a medium-sized target strikes a balance between portability and performance, allowing for effective practice without compromising ease of transport. Always think about your shooting environment and needs when choosing the size of your target.
4. Stopping Power
Stopping power is crucial for archery targets, as it determines their ability to halt arrows without excessive penetration, ensuring both safety and durability. When selecting a target, consider the speed limits of your arrows, which typically range from 350 fps to 500 fps, depending on your bow type. Bag targets are suitable for lower speeds, making them ideal for beginners using field points. Foam block targets offer excellent stopping power for both field points and broadheads, handling speeds up to 450 fps while allowing easy arrow retrieval. 3D targets, although pricier, accommodate higher speeds often exceeding 500 fps, making them perfect for serious archers and hunters seeking realistic practice. By matching the stopping power of a target with your arrow speed, you can enhance your shooting experience and ensure effective practice.
Conclusion
The right archery target significantly enhances your practice and overall shooting experience. Based on our reviews and experience, we recommend the Rinehart Jimmy BigTine and Morrell Transformer Buck for those seeking a realistic and durable 3D target experience, ideal for hunters and serious archers. For beginners or casual shooters, the Morrell Yellow Jacket stands out as an excellent bag target, offering great stopping power at an affordable price. Each of these options excels in durability and performance, ensuring that you can practice effectively while enjoying your time on the range or in the field. Consider your specific needs, whether for precision shooting or realistic hunting scenarios, to choose the best target for your archery journey in 2024.