Best Archery Targets, Expert Tested

Archery targets come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. Reliable models are durable enough to withstand thousands of shots and are helpful tools for improving shooting consistency and accuracy. Each year, I eagerly anticipate the release of new targets, as they are the heart of my archery practice. Like all archery gear, targets have come a long way. From sizeable bag targets designed to stop high-fps shafts to self-healing foam blocks, cubes, and spheres—I shoot them all. Not to mention the realistic 3D animal targets that are perfect for building the ultimate home archery range.

I am also lucky enough to test almost every flagship compound bow that hits the market yearly. This, coupled with shooting thousands of arrows annually, allows me to rigorously test various targets. Below are six of my favorites broken down into different categories. All of these selections are tried and true and make up some of the best archery targets on the market today. Here’s a closer look at each. 

How We Picked the Best Archery Targets

Testing targets isn’t rocket science. You shoot them with lots of arrows and see how they perform. Each of the targets in this article was tested for stopping power, longevity, and overall build. The foam targets were shot with field points, fixed-blade broadheads, mechanical broadheads, and hybrid heads. Each target was shot for at least six months and several for over a year. Targets branded with a maximum fsp rating were tested at that speed and above. All the targets, except for the Delta McKenzie Big Horn Sheep 3-D target, were shot with a compound bow and a crossbow. Targets were shot in various environmental conditions and at ranges between 10 and 120 yards. Here’s how they performed.

Best Archery Targets: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall Target: Rinehart 1/3 Scale Signature Elk

Specs

• Dimensions: 38″ x 44″(28-inch shoulder height)
• Weight: 21 pounds

Pros

• Real-life sculpted features
• Replaceable foam insert
• Compound and crossbow compatible
• Self-healing Solid Signature Foam

Cons

Anatomically reduced to 1/3 the size of a 600-pound 6×6 bull elk, this target sports a replaceable core and stands up to the elements. I appreciate the lifelike detail, and I promise that shooting smaller-sized 3D targets like this one will boost your shooting confidence. 

This target is a staple to any backyard range. You can shoot for a score with 12-, 10-, and 8-ring scoring rings or simply shoot to kill and work on punching the lungs. A 3D target breaks up the monotony of pounding dots and will make you a better shot and bowhunter. Though the $300-plus price tag is a drawback, in the world of 3D targets, these smaller models are cheaper, and you can stack several of them in a backyard range.

Best Bag Target: Yellow Jacket MOD Pro

Specs

• Dimensions: 29″ x 13″ x 31″
• Weight: 56 pounds
• Arrow speed rating: 435 fps

Pros 

• Weather resistant
• E-Z Tote Carrying Handle
• Works with vertical and crossbows
• MOD Pro Tuning + Precison Wrap

Cons

• Field points only
• Outserts can make for tricky arrow removal

This is the cream of the crop of bag targets, and I’ve spent six months shooting this sizeable target from ranges close and far. I’ve shot it with 414 fps crossbow bolts and micro-diameter and standard-size arrow shafts. This target stops arrows and bolts dead, and aside from arrows with outserts, arrow removal is a breeze.

The MOD Pro features a removable Velcro wrap that goes around the target and gives the shooter a 1-inch tuning grid complete with 1-inch, 3/4-inch, and 1/2-inch spots and squares. This system is a must-have for those looking to achieve maximum accuracy. I also like the crosshair-style aiming chart with windage and elevation dashes. When the wrap is off, shooters have a blank-bale side—perfect for those with target panic—and a side with multiple cycles and targets in various shapes.

Best Block/Cube Target: Block Infinity Archery Target

Specs

• Dimensions: 20- and 22-inch options
• Arrow speed rating: 500 fps
• Materials: Polyfusion layered foam

Pros

• Six-sided shooting
• Stops field points and broadheads
• Multiple aiming points

Cons

Block’s Infinity is one of my favorite block-style foam targets. I prefer the larger 22 x 22 target, which works exceptionally well on my backyard range. The target’s lightweight and dual-carrying handles make it perfect for taking on a hunting trip, too. The large face is ideal for long-range shooting, and often, with Block targets, I spray paint the sides and create my own aiming points. 

Thanks to the PolyFusion layered foam, arrow removal is effortless. And more so than the lesser foam targets I’ve tested, this target does a fantastic job at stopping high-speed arrows. I’ve shot field points, mechanical, fixed-blade, and hybrid-style broadheads into the target and have never had an issue. However, if you shoot tight groups, the target will wear out faster. Targets last longer if you resist shooting groups regularly. It comes with six individual sides with five different face designs including deer vitals, open squares, and white-block squares.

Best Travel Target: Morrell High Roller Foam Target

Specs

• Dimensions: 13″ x 13″ x 13″
• Weight: 10 pounds

Pros

• Lightweight
• Six-sided shooting
• Distinct aiming points
• Longevity

Cons

• Practice-style mechanical broadheads can bounce off

One of the best archery targets of all time, this foam block boosts accuracy and will take thousands of shots. I like the dice-style design, which gives the shooter multiple aiming points. The rope handle makes toting the 10-pound target easy, and when you’re traveling, you can use the rope to toss this target anywhere and get a shooting session in.

The High Roller stops all field points and broadheads, and while I don’t recommend shooting lots of fixed-blade heads into the target, it will handle them. I have noticed that mechanical broadheads with practice lock features like those from SEVR and practice-style broadheads tend to hit the foam and bounce back. This can make telling the exact arrow impact difficult from a distance. But the more you shoot the target, the less this happens.

Best Budget Target: Morrell Yellow Jacket YJ-425 Field Point Bag Archery Target

Specs

• Dimensions: 20″ x 15″ x 20″
• Weight: 32 pounds
• Arrow rating: 425 fps

Pros

• Handles compound bows and most crossbows
• Easy arrow removal
• 2-sided shooting

Cons

• Field points only
• Longevity

Morrel knows bag targets, and this sub-$70 weather-resistant beauty promises ultra-easy arrow removal and will handle high-speed compounds and most crossbows. Take advantage of the two-sided shooting and 10 bullseyes. Not only does shooting different spots sharpen your skills, but it will also extend the target’s life. The target has 90 arrow-stopping power layers, and the internal frame system keeps it from breaking down.

I’ve tested the bag with crossbows shooting right at and just over the 425-fps rating, and these short bolts at this speed will wear the target out quickly. It is also not for the everyday arrow slinger, but perfect for seasonal archers.

Best 3D Target: Delta McKenzie Bighorn Sheep 3D Archery Target

Specs

• Dimensions: 34-inch shoulder height and 49 inches long
• Arrow rating: 300-350 fps

Pros

• Universal scoring rings
• Lifelike 
• Handles field points and broadheads
• Replaceable core

Cons

• Expensive
• Not for crossbow shooters

The fact that Delta McKenzie made their best target into a Rocky Mountain big horn sheep only makes it cooler. But seriously, the target is ultra-lifelike and mimics the exact body size of a mature bighorn ram. The target is heavy-duty—not one you want to move often—but it provides years of shooting enjoyment once set. 

In 2021, I drew a once-in-a-lifetime Colorado Rocky Mountain big horn archery tag. The first thing I did was order that target. Now, three years and over a thousand shots with broadheads later, I’m still on the initial core insert. The scoring rings are gone, but the Duraflex Faom mid-section still stops arrows with ease. This target has sat in my backyard range uncovered year-round and still looks good. It is built to last.

What To Consider Before Buying a Target

If you are a bowhunter, I recommend 3D targets over a bag or dot foam targets. If you’re looking to climb the podium or make a name for yourself at your local archery pro shop league, you’ll want multiple 3D targets and at least one bag target. Do your research and find a target or targets that will withstand the elements, hold up to arrow abuse, and ones that look like they would be fun to shoot. Some targets, whether because of design, shape, or look, are more fun to shoot than others.

FAQs

Final Thoughts: Best Archery Targets

I’ve been shooting compound bows for over 25 years and have pursued big-game animals nationwide. In addition to shooting in countless 3D and target archery tournaments, I have my own backyard range where I shoot regularly. All of the targets in this article are part of my range, and they all perform extremely well. Pick the one that best fits your needs, and you won’t be disappointed.

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