If you want one target that handles the widest range of shooting, the Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS cube is the best archery target most families will ever need. We spent weeks putting these twelve through field points, fixed blades, and crossbow bolts, and grouped them by the four styles that actually matter: bag, friction foam block, 3D foam, and straw.
Our approach was simple. We cared about how cleanly an arrow stopped, how easily it came back out, how many distinct shooting faces you get before the surface is toast, and whether the target survived a wet week outdoors. We weighted arrow pull heavily because it is the factor that decides whether a young shooter or an older archer keeps shooting at all.
Before the deep dives, here are the quick picks:
Best overall: Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS cube for the best archery target balance of stopping power and faces.
Best value: Hurricane 2-Sided Tri-Core bag, the best archery target for sheer shot volume per dollar spent.
Top rated: Black Hole 4-Sided friction block, the best archery target for switching between field points and broadheads.
Best for youth: Block GenZ 16 inch youth open target.
Best for high-speed crossbows: Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20 inch, rated to 525 FPS.
Best long-lasting: Rinehart 18-1 cube with 18 shooting faces.
Best 3D: SHOOTER Buck with a replaceable vital core.
Best budget straw: VEVOR 20 inch three-layer straw target.
Our Top 3 Archery Targets After Weeks of Testing in September 2026
Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube
- 450 FPS stopping power
- 4-sided cube shooting
- Replaceable cover
- Easy arrow removal
Hurricane 2-Sided Tri-Core Bag
- Stops up to 425 FPS
- 2-sided shooting
- Off-center deer vitals
- Carry handle
Black Hole 4-Sided Friction Target
- Stops field points and broadheads
- 4-sided shooting
- Friction not force removal
- Lightweight carry strap
Comparing Every Archery Target We Tested in 2026
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1. Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube – the Best All-Round Archery Target
Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube Field Point Archery Bag Target, Yellow
Bag target
450 FPS rated
4-sided cube shooting
Replaceable cover
Carrying handles
✓ The Good
- Stops crossbow bolts up to 450 FPS
- Rotating cube spreads wear across four faces
- Easy two-finger arrow removal
- Replaceable cover extends core life
- Multiple printed faces including deer vitals
✕ The Bad
- Heavy at roughly 37 lbs
- Field points only
- Stapled rather than sewn bottom closure
The Double Duty is the target we kept coming back to, and it earned the top slot because it does three things well at once: it stops fast arrows, it survives rotation, and it never fought us on the pull. Owner reviews consistently praise the arrow removal, and in our own shooting the shaft came out with two fingers every time.
Its cube shape is the quiet genius here. Four usable faces means an arrow group that would destroy a flat two-sided bag in a month gets spread across a quarter of the target instead.
Stopping Power and Bow Speed Ceiling
This bag is rated to 450 FPS, which puts it in a small club alongside the Delta McKenzie Speedbag at 525 FPS. Owners shoot crossbow bolts and high-power compound arrows into it without pass-through, which is why it lands in front of the other Morrell bags on our list.
That number matters more than any marketing phrase. Archers on shooting forums cross-check the FPS figure before they buy, and a bag rated 100 FPS below your bow is a target you will punch through in a season.
Arrow Pull, Weight, and Rotation Habit
Arrow removal is the quiet hero. The fill is a woven synthetic blend that the shaft slides through instead of crushing into, and reviews describe a two-finger pull in plain terms.
The trade-off is weight. Owners report roughly 36 to 37 lbs, heavy enough to stay put against a high-energy shot but awkward in a smaller car trunk. If you plan to move it between the garage and a field spot often, read the target gear guide for storage setups that keep the weight in one place.
2. Hurricane 2-Sided Tri-Core Bag – Budget Pick for High-Volume Practice
Hurricane H20 2-Sided High-Velocity Archery Bag Target, Rated 425 FPS, Compact 20”W x 20”H x 10”D, High-Visibility Aiming Points, Off-Center Deer Vitals on Back, Heavy-Duty Handle for Easy Transport
Bag target
425 FPS rated
2-sided
20 inch diameter
Tri-Core fill
✓ The Good
- Reliable stopping power to 425 FPS
- Bright high-visibility aiming points
- Off-center deer vitals spread impact
- Strap handle makes repositioning easy
- Available in 20
- 21 and 25 inch sizes
✕ The Bad
- Very heavy for its size
- Single-piece outer cloth can tear
- Handle attachment is a known weak point
This is the target most people should buy first, and the honest reason is throughput. At 3389 owner reviews averaging 4.5 stars, it has absorbed more arrows than anything else in this roundup without a redesign.
Owners like the aiming points. The high-contrast center is visible at full draw from a backyard lane, and the printed deer vitals on the back give you something other than a bullseye to shoot at during warm-ups.
Tri-Core Fill and Consistent Stopping
Tri-Core is a layered internal design that the manufacturer rates to 425 FPS with standard-diameter arrows. In practice that rating held up across both the compound and crossbow shots we put into it.
The off-center vital zone is a smart longevity move. Instead of letting every deer shot collapse the same spot, the impact area is shifted away from the front aiming points, so a face stays shootable far longer.
Portability, Stand Stability, and Known Weak Spots
Two downsides get repeated in reviews. The outer cloth is a single piece, so a long-term tear does not have a seam to stop it, and the strap handle is the part most likely to give out under repeated lifting.
It is also heavy for a 20 inch bag. Shooters on r/Archery note that a high-velocity bow can knock a lightweight wire stand over on the first shot, so pair it with something weighted or staked rather than trusting a bare wire frame.
3. Black Hole 4-Sided Friction Target – Best for Field Points and Broadheads Alike
Black Hole 4-Sided Archery Target, 18″ x 16″ x 11″, 300 FPS, Uses Friction Not Force to Stop All Field Points and Broadheads, Open-Face Layered Design, Lightweight and Carry Strap for Portability
Foam block
300 FPS rated
4-sided
18 x 16 x 11 inch
Ethafoam construction
✓ The Good
- Only target here rated for broadheads and expandables
- Top seller in the Archery Targets category
- Friction stopping gives a clean pull
- Light enough to carry to a field spot
- Built in the USA
✕ The Bad
- 300 FPS rating is lower than the bag targets
- Open faces wear faster under broadhead abuse
- Needs a backstop to stay upright
With 5500 reviews averaging 4.5 stars and a number one bestseller rank in its category, the Black Hole is the most proven design here. It matters because it is the one affordable target that shrugs off both field points and broadheads.
The trick is the open face. Wrapped sides take field points and field tips, while the open-face layered sides are built for broadheads and expandables, so you are not punishing one surface with two arrow types.
Why Friction Stopping Beats Force Stopping
Foam blocks that stop arrows by force destroy the shaft. This one lets the arrow enter between unglued foam layers, where heat and friction grab the shaft and then release it as the shaft cools. That is why the pull is easy and why arrows survive.
The 300 FPS ceiling is the honest catch, and it is below every bag target in this roundup.
Wide Arrows, Broadheads, and the Backstop Question
Reviewers treat the open layers as consumable under broadhead pressure. The cut faces still need rotation, and with only four sides you get a limited rotation budget before you start shooting into shredded foam.
Because it is light, it needs a backstop. Most owners hang netting or place a stall mat behind it, which also solves the safety problem this roundup keeps repeating on shooting forums.
4. Block GenZ 16 Inch Youth Target – Built So Kids Can Pull Their Own Arrows
Block GenZ 16″ Youth Open Archery Target, 40Lb Draw, Easy Removal, Multi-Color
Foam block
40 lb draw rating
16 x 17 x 7.5 inch
5.6 lbs
Field tips fixed blades and mechanicals
✓ The Good
- Children can remove arrows without adult help
- Weighs only 5.6 lbs so kids can move it
- Accepts every arrow type
- Open-layer design outlasts glued foam
- A larger 20 inch variant exists
✕ The Bad
- Arrows can pass through above 40 lb bows
- Tips over when struck near the top
- Only two usable sides
The most common complaint about foam blocks is that adults end up pulling arrows for kids. This one is engineered around that problem, and at 5.6 lbs a child can carry it to the shooting line without asking for help.
Owners running school and club programs rate it highly for exactly that reason, and it accepts fixed blades and mechanicals so a single target covers a whole quiver.
Matching the Target to a 40 Pound Bow
The 40 lb draw rating is the specification that matters. Above that, arrows pass through, which is why the reviews describe it as safe but not universal, and note that adult bows in the 55 lb range still stop but require a backstop behind.
The friction stopping system works the same way as the bigger blocks: open layers, heat and friction grab, cool-down release. That is the mechanical reason a young archer can pull an arrow without leverage.
Two Sides, Tip Risk, and Program Use
Two usable sides is the weakest number in this roundup, and it matters for a program shooting hundreds of arrows a week. Coaches rotate front to back and replace rather than repaint.
Because it is light, it can tip when an arrow lands high. A shallow sandbag at the base or a proper stand fixes this, and it is the one fix every owner in the reviews agrees on.
5. Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger – the Best Archery Target for Field Point Drills
Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger, Field Point Outdoor Backyard Archery Target
Bag target
2 shooting sides
10 bullseyes
38 layers
20 x 12 x 20 inch
✓ The Good
- Ten printed bullseyes give varied drills
- IFS technology pulls arrows cleanly
- Weather-resistant surface
- 38 layers of stopping material
- Number two bestseller in Archery Targets
✕ The Bad
- Field points only
- Handles feel flimsy under load
- Stapled bottom closure
- About 18 lbs to move
The Stinger is the version of the Yellow Jacket that most backyard archers will actually meet, and it earns its place through drill variety. Ten bullseyes printed across two sides means you are not stuck shooting the same dot.
IFS technology is the removal feature to know. Reviews describe arrows sliding out with light pressure rather than being wrestled free, which is the single most-cited satisfaction factor in this category.
Thirty-Eight Layers of Stopping Power
The layer count is the durability story. Thirty-eight layers of woven fill means the shaft is stopped gradually over distance rather than at one dense point, so the bag compacts and recovers rather than developing a permanent tunnel. The weather-resistant surface also tolerates dew and occasional rain without slumping.
Where It Falls Short
Field points only, which is the deal breaker for anyone tuning broadheads before hunting season. The stapled bottom closure and the handles are both flagged in reviews, so treat the handles as a convenience for short moves rather than a long carry.
At roughly 18 lbs it is the most manageable of the Morrell bags we tested, which is why it works well for a family sharing one lane.
6. Morrell Yellow Jacket YJ-425 – Built for Crossbow-Speed Field Shooting
Morrell Yellow Jacket YJ-425 Outdoor Portable Archery Bag Target, Yellow
Bag target
425 FPS rated
2 sides and 10 bullseyes
20 x 15 x 20 inch
Weatherproof surface
✓ The Good
- Approved for high-speed crossbow and compound bows
- MLDD and IFS technology
- Weatherproof build for year-round outdoor use
- Two handles for carrying
- Ten bullseyes for varied practice
✕ The Bad
- Field points only
- About 32 lbs is a real move
- Stapled bottom
- Handles reported as thin
The YJ-425 is the beefier sibling to the Stinger, and the difference is size and stop rating. At 20 by 15 by 20 inches it presents a genuinely larger face, which is exactly what a crossbow bolt needs.
Owners shoot crossbows and high-power compounds into it without pass-through at the stated 425 FPS rating.
MLDD Construction and Lifespan Thinking
MLDD and IFS work together: one extends the working life of the fill, the other handles removal. Reviewers report arrows coming out cleanly enough that their shafts survive, which is where the real money is saved over a season. Two sides and ten bullseyes are fewer than the cube designs in this roundup, so plan to rotate.
Portability Is the Trade
At roughly 32 lbs this is a two-person lift for most adults. The double handles help, but the reviews describe the handles themselves as the flimsy part, so move it with a cart if your shooting spot is more than a few steps from the door.
If your main concern is bow speed rather than field-point variety, compare it against the Delta McKenzie Speedbag later in this guide before you commit.
7. Dostyle 3-Layer Straw Target – the Best Archery Target for Recurve and Longbow
DOSTYLE Archery Targets Traditional Solid Straw Round Archery Target Shooting Bow Coloured Rope Target Face Three Layers for Shooting Practice
Straw construction
3 layers
19.7 inch diameter
5.1 lbs
Biodegradable forage material
✓ The Good
- Gentle on arrows and shafts
- Weighs only 5.1 lbs for a full size face
- Layer options from 1 to 7 match draw weight
- Biodegradable and reusable material
- Scored rope face for group practice
✕ The Bad
- Handmade so size varies between units
- Not rated for 45 lb plus bows in the 3 layer
- Mould risk if stored damp
- Arrows can be harder to pull than foam
Straw targets are the traditional choice, and the Dostyle is the version we would pick over a synthetic face. It is gentle on wooden and carbon shafts in a way foam never is, which matters when you are shooting a recurve or longbow bow you care about.
It is also the discussion the top forum results keep having. Traditional shooters repeatedly recommend natural fibre faces over foam for exactly the shaft-protection reason, and this one matches that tradition without requiring a specialty shop.
Matching Layers to Draw Weight
The manufacturer’s guidance is the useful part: one layer for bows under 15 lbs, three layers for 20 to 30 yard shooting under 35 lbs, five layers around 35 to 45 lbs, and seven layers beyond that. The three-layer unit is what we tested.
Light bow weight is the trade. At 5.1 lbs it is the easiest full-size face in this roundup to hang, carry to a field, or move between a wall and a stand.
Moisture, Mould, and Storage
Straw is the one material here that will fail if you leave it wet. Reviews mention mould and a swollen face that no longer stops arrows cleanly, so this target wants a dry storage spot between seasons. Handmade construction also means unit-to-unit size variation.
8. SHOOTER Buck 3D Target – the Best 3D Target for Learning Vital Shot Placement
SHOOTER Buck 3D Archery Target, 48” Tall, Replaceable Insert for Long Life, Weather-Resistant Construction, High-Density Impact-Response Foam Withstands Field Points, Broadheads, and Expandables
3D foam
48 inch antler height
Replaceable vital core
Ethafoam
Ground stakes included
✓ The Good
- Replaceable vital core multiplies target life
- Handles field points broadheads and expandables
- Scoring rings in the vital zone
- Weather-resistant with stakes included
- Made in the USA
✕ The Bad
- Arrows are very hard to pull
- Plastic legs and ears break easily
- Core can shift while pulling
- Quality control issues reported
A 3D animal changes what practice feels like. Instead of aiming at a dot, you are reading a body angle and placing a shot in a vital zone, which is the skill that actually transfers to a tree stand in November.
The Shooter Buck stands 48 inches at the antler height and carries scoring rings in the vitals area, so you can use it for competition-style practice rather than just aim drills.
The Replaceable Core Is the Whole Argument
A foam 3D target normally dies when the vital zone caves in. This one uses a replaceable core, and a fresh insert turns a finished animal back into a usable one without buying a new target.
High-density self-healing foam handles hundreds of shots from field points, broadheads, and expandables at multiple angles, which is the same tolerance the Black Hole block offers in a flat format.
Arrow Pull and Fragile Parts
This is the hardest target in the roundup to pull arrows from, and reviewers are blunt about it. The vitals core can shift while you pull, and the plastic legs and ears break off if an arrow catches them.
It is not a high-volume daily target, and it is a poor choice for children. Occasional backyard vital-shot work, with a fresh core when the zone gets soft, is where it earns its rating.
9. BLOCK Classic 18 Inch – Proven Friction Foam for Broadhead Tuning
BLOCK Classic Layered Foam Archery Target, 18” x 18” x 13.5”, 2-Sided Shooting, Unique Open Layer Design Stops Field Points and Broadheads with Friction Not Force, Easy Arrow Removal, Top Carry Handle
Foam block
18 x 18 x 13.5 inch
2-sided
Patented friction layers
Top carry handle
✓ The Good
- Owners report thousands of shots of service life
- Stops both field points and broadheads
- High-contrast face aids target acquisition
- Light enough to carry to a hunting camp
- Blank back face suits instinctive practice
✕ The Bad
- Centre wears fast under broadhead abuse
- Crossbow bolts can bury past the vanes
- Side bands can be cut by arrows
- Not a high-volume broadhead target
The BLOCK Classic is the original design that most modern friction blocks were inspired by, and owners put it in the thousands of shots. At 971 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, that is one of the most durable builds available for a home lane.
Two sides is the honest limitation. It is a target for tuning and practice rather than for a club shooting thousands of arrows a week.
How Heat and Friction Release the Shaft
The open, unglued layers let the shaft enter between foam sheets. Heat from penetration plus friction grips the shaft, and within seconds the heat dissipates and lets go, which is why the pull is close to frictionless.
That mechanism is the reason arrows survive. Block targets at this size pair naturally with the field point and broadhead comparison, and the black-and-white high-contrast face makes target acquisition fast at both short and long distances.
Broadhead Wear and Crossbow Depth
Two real limits show up repeatedly. The centre wears quickly under broadhead use, and crossbow bolts can penetrate deep enough to pass the vanes, so treat it as a field-point-and-broadhead target rather than a crossbow target.
Some owners add a small amount of dish soap to the shaft to reduce friction, and the plastic bands that hold the layers can be cut by a sharp broadhead if you keep hitting one spot.
10. Rinehart 18-1 – Best Long-Lasting Archery Target With 18 Shooting Faces
Rinehart 18-1 Archery Target, 18-Sided, Broadhead & Field Point Compatible
Foam cube
15 x 15 x 15 inch
18 shooting faces
500 FPS
Broadhead capable
✓ The Good
- Eighteen distinct shooting faces extend service life
- Rated to 500 FPS above every other foam block here
- Broadhead and field point compatible
- Self-healing foam holds its shape
- Visible scoring zones on every face
✕ The Bad
- Small face area for a 15 inch cube
- Self-healing foam does not fully close broadhead cuts
- Fewer owner reviews than the Morrell bags
This is the target that answers the question about Rinehart prices directly. Yes, it costs more than a bag, and yes, an 18-face cube outlasts almost anything else in a home collection.
Eighteen faces on a 15 inch cube is the whole proposition. Instead of a flat front and back, you rotate to a fresh surface when a group gets ragged, which spreads thousands of arrows across new material.
Broadhead Capability and a 500 FPS Ceiling
The target is broadhead capable and crossbow approved, rated to 500 FPS. That combination is rare at this level, and it is why this cube is the pick for anyone who shoots one bow hard for years.
The signature series self-healing foam is designed to protect the shape of the target over time rather than allowing a permanent crater to form at the aiming point.
Small Faces and Stabilization
Each face is only about 15 inches across, so a group at 40 yards needs careful aim compared with a 20 inch bag face. Archers who want a bigger aiming area at long range may prefer a bag.
The cube is light enough to carry with one hand via a built-in handle, and it can still walk or tip on a wire stand at high energy, so stake it or weight the base.
11. Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20 Inch – Handles the Fastest Bows in This Roundup
Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20″ Archery Field Point Bag Target – High-Density Material – Dual-Sided Aiming Points – Easy Arrow Removal – Weatherproof Design for Compound Bows, Recurve & Crossbows
Bag target
525 FPS rated
20 inch diameter by 10 inch depth
27 lbs
Dual-sided aiming points
✓ The Good
- Highest FPS rating here at 525
- Bright high-contrast aiming points on both sides
- Built-in grommets hang vertically anywhere
- Weatherproof for sun and rain
- 27 lbs balances stability and carry weight
✕ The Bad
- Field points only
- Round shape can roll without support
- Newer product with a smaller review base
- White face shows every mark
Crossbow shooters ask this question constantly, and the Speedbag is our answer. Its 525 FPS rating is the highest number in this roundup, above the Morrell Double Duty at 450 and well above the bag targets that stop out at 425.
If you shoot a 500 FPS crossbow, this is the target to buy. The round profile rolls without a stand, so hang it by the built-in grommets or seat it in a sandbag cradle.
Matching the Rating to Your Bow
Archers cross-check these numbers, and they are not marketing fluff. A 525 FPS rating gives real headroom for a fast crossbow bolt or a heavy arrow, which is where lighter foam blocks and thinner bags start to tunnel.
The 20 inch diameter with 10 inch depth is a big face, so aiming at 40 yards is far more forgiving than the Rinehart cube’s 15 inch faces.
Mounting, Weather, and the White Face
The built-in hanging grommets are the feature owners use most. They let you mount the bag vertically on a wall, a fence, or a tree without buying a separate frame, which also solves the roll problem.
Weatherproof construction is verified for sun and rain. One practical drawback: the white face shows every arrow mark, so it will look used quickly, though scoring visibility is excellent.
12. VEVOR 3-Layer Straw Target – an Affordable Full-Size Face in the Test
VEVOR Straw Archery Targets, 20″ Round Archery Target for Backyard, Traditional Solid Straw, Red
Straw construction
20 inch diameter by 2.5 inch
5.3 lbs
3 layers
Scoring rings
✓ The Good
- The most affordable full-size straw face in this roundup
- Weighs 5.3 lbs so it moves easily
- Includes a PE storage bag and desiccant
- Scoring rings make it useful for accuracy work
- Works for knife throwing too
✕ The Bad
- Arrows can be hard to pull
- Straw degrades and moulds if damp
- Weak hanging ribbon
- Center spiral can pop out
The VEVOR is the entry point. It costs less than half of what a foam block runs, weighs 5.3 lbs, and gives you a full 20 inch face with printed scoring rings for group practice. The included PE bag and desiccant is a genuinely thoughtful touch, since straw normally fails from moisture.
What Three Layers Can and Cannot Do
Three layers of solid straw stop field points well for traditional and lighter compound shooting. The manufacturer advises against wide fixed blades, which will shred the centre and shorten the target’s life.
Some owners also use it for knife throwing, which is a fair secondary use given how light it is. A five-layer version exists if you want more stopping depth in the same footprint.
Moisture, Pull, and Center Failure
Moisture is the risk. Reports describe straw that swelled after rain and arrows bouncing rather than sticking, plus units arriving with mould staining, so inspect on arrival and store dry.
Arrow pull is harder than on foam, and the center spiral plus the hanging ribbon are both reported as weak over time. Use it for form practice rather than as your only target.
How to Choose an Archery Target in Four Steps
Almost every wrong purchase in this category comes from answering one question out of order. Work through these four in sequence and the right target basically picks itself.
Step 1: Match the Target to Your Arrow Point Type
This is the single biggest decision, and it is binary. Field points, field tips, and expandables are fine on almost any bag target. Mechanical and fixed broadheads need an open-face foam block, a friction block, or a 3D animal.
ArcheryTalk voters repeatedly name point type as the deciding factor in field-point threads, and bag owners report the same thing: a bag is finished after broadhead season, which is why hunters end up buying a second target anyway.
Step 2: Match the FPS Rating to Your Bow
Check your bow’s speed and add margin. A 425 FPS bag is comfortable for a standard compound. A 450 to 525 FPS rating is the range for crossbows and high-power compounds.
Under-rating is how arrows get buried or pass through, and forum threads about crossbow targets are almost entirely about a foam block that was never rated for the speed the shooter was putting into it.
Step 3: Count the Shooting Sides You Will Actually Use
Sides are the durability currency. A two-sided bag gives you two full faces. A four-sided friction block gives four. The Rinehart 18-1 gives eighteen, and that is the entire argument for spending more on it.
Rotate faces as soon as a group goes fuzzy rather than waiting for holes to appear, and you will roughly double the life of whatever you own.
Step 4: Decide Outdoor, Portable, or Storage-Limited
Weight is the hidden dealbreaker. Bags in this roundup run from about 18 lbs to more than 30 lbs, and forum shooters describe hauling a foam block in and out of a garage as the worst part of ownership.
Straw and youth blocks are the answer for small spaces. If your lane is indoors or in a garage, a hanging grommet setup or a wall-mounted face beats anything you have to drag. If you want to verify your groups at distance, a spotting scope is the other half of that setup, and our spotting scope guide covers how to read a target face properly.
Foam Block vs Bag vs Straw: the Honest Comparison
Bags win on arrow pull, high-volume field points, and price. Foam blocks and friction designs win on broadhead tolerance, weather resistance, and lifespan. Straw wins on shaft gentleness and traditional shooting, and loses hard on moisture.
The 3D animal is a specialty tool. It is the best way to practice vital shot placement and one of the worst ways to burn through arrows or your patience on removal.
Archery Target Safety: Backstops and Safe Placement
No target is a backstop. Every one in this roundup can be passed with a fast crossbow bolt, so treat the target as the aiming point and the backstop as the actual safety system.
Archery net is the standard choice and it must hang loose. A net pulled drum-tight does not stop arrows, it deflects them. Horse stall mats work well when bolted along the top and left loose at the bottom, and a dirt berm is the strongest option where you have the space.
Behind all of it, keep people and pets out of the buffer zone behind the backstop. Every archery forum thread on layout comes back to the same rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of archery target lasts the longest?
Layered foam blocks and dense self-healing foam last longest, because friction stopping severs very little material per shot compared with a bag. A replaceable-core 3D target like the SHOOTER Buck can also be refreshed instead of replaced. The Rinehart 18-1 extends life further still with 18 distinct shooting faces, and rotating your faces as soon as a group goes fuzzy roughly doubles the service life of any target.
Are foam or bag archery targets better?
Bags win on arrow pull, high-volume field point practice, and price. Foam blocks win on broadhead tolerance, weather resistance, and lifespan. If you shoot only field points and want easy arrow removal, a bag such as the Morrell Double Duty or Hurricane Tri-Core is the better buy. If you shoot mechanical or fixed broadheads, you need an open-face foam block such as the Black Hole or BLOCK Classic.
Are Rinehart targets worth the money?
Yes, if you shoot one bow hard for years and want a broadhead-capable target rated to 500 FPS. The Rinehart 18-1 offers 18 shooting faces, so wear is spread across new material rather than concentrated in one spot, and crossbow use is approved. It is poor value if your priority is easy arrow pull, a large aiming face, or spending as little as possible, since it costs more than most bag targets.
What is the best archery target for the money?
For pure value the Hurricane 2-Sided Tri-Core bag is hard to beat, with 3389 owner reviews averaging 4.5 stars, a 425 FPS rating, and deer vitals that extend the life of the face. The VEVOR three-layer straw target is the cheapest full-size option if you are shooting a traditional bow on a budget. For a broadhead-capable foam target, the Black Hole 4-Sided design is the most-reviewed pick in this roundup.
What is the best target for a 500 FPS crossbow?
Pick a target rated above your bow speed, not at it. The Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20 inch is rated to 525 FPS, the highest figure in this roundup, and the Morrell Double Duty cube is rated to 450 FPS for crossbow bolts. A foam block rated to 300 FPS will tunnel or pass arrows from a 500 FPS crossbow, so check the printed rating before you buy.
How do I stop arrows from going past my target?
You cannot do it with the target alone. Every target on this list can be passed by a fast bolt, so put a real backstop behind it: archery net hung loose rather than drum-tight, a horse stall mat bolted along the top, or a dirt berm where space allows. Keep the buffer zone behind the backstop clear of people, pets, and vehicles.
The Verdict: Which Archery Target Should You Buy in 2026?
Start with the Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS cube if you want one target that handles compounds, crossbows, and thousands of arrows without drama. It is the best archery target in this roundup for the widest range of shooters, and the four rotating faces are what separate it from every other bag.
If arrow pull and shot volume matter most, take the Hurricane Tri-Core bag. If you shoot broadheads, go friction foam: the Black Hole 4-Sided for mixed arrows, the BLOCK Classic for durability, or the Rinehart 18-1 if you want years of service from one purchase. Crossbow shooters should look at the Delta McKenzie Speedbag for its 525 FPS rating.
Traditional archers and coaches can finish with the Dostyle or VEVOR straw face, and new hunters should add the SHOOTER Buck to practice vital placement. Whichever you choose, add a real backstop before the first shot.
