Home Archery Targets Guide
Best Archery Targets — Buying Guide & Selector
Which archery target is right for your setup? Use the target selector below for a specific recommendation — then read the full type comparison, broadhead guide, brand breakdown, and DIY options.
Quick navigation: Target Selector · Types Compared · Broadhead Targets · 3D Targets · Brands · DIY Guide · Distance & Size · FAQs
Answer four questions to get a specific target type recommendation matched to your bow, use, and budget.
Recommendation updates as you answer. All four inputs give the most precise result.
Archery target types — full comparison
The four main target types differ in construction, stopping mechanism, durability, and suitability. Choosing the wrong type for your bow and use case is the most common and expensive target-buying mistake.
| Target type | How it stops arrows | Broadhead safe? | Best for | Avoid if |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foam block | Layered or solid foam — friction stops the arrow | Only if rated — check packaging | Compound bow field point practice, general use | Light draw weights — foam can be too hard for arrow removal |
| Bag target | Packed synthetic fill — resistance stops the arrow | No — broadheads cut through fill | Recurve, traditional, youth, light compound | Heavy compound bows — wear out fast, hard arrow removal |
| 3D foam target | Self-healing or standard foam animal form | Yes — most 3D targets are broadhead rated | 3D practice and competition, shot placement drills | Indoor use — sized for outdoor distances |
| Self-healing foam | Open-cell foam closes around arrow after each shot | Yes — designed for broadheads | Broadhead practice, high-volume shooting, hunting prep | Budget-constrained — premium price point |
| Block / layered foam | Compressed layered foam — stops any arrow cleanly | Yes if Block brand or explicitly rated | Mixed field point and broadhead use, easy arrow removal | Very heavy crossbow bolts at close range — may pass through |
| DIY compressed | Packed cardboard, rags, or foam — varies | No | Backyard field point practice on a budget | Any broadhead use, heavy compound draw weights |
Foam block targets
Dense foam layers stop arrows from all bow types when sized correctly. Easy arrow removal with a pull-through or twist. Most foam block targets last 3,000–6,000 shots depending on draw weight and density. Shop foam block targets on Amazon.
Bag targets
Canvas or synthetic shell packed with fill material. Cheaper and lighter than foam targets. Best suited to lighter draw weights under 50 lbs where the fill stops arrows without excessive wear. Not broadhead safe. Shop bag targets on Amazon.
Self-healing foam targets
Specialised open-cell foam closes around the arrow on entry and returns to shape after removal. Broadhead safe by design. Significantly more durable than standard foam — justified for high-volume shooters. Shop self-healing targets at Optics Planet.
Crossbow targets
Crossbow bolts penetrate deeper than compound arrows at equivalent draw weight. Always verify crossbow compatibility before purchasing any archery target — most manufacturers specify this clearly. Crossbow-rated targets use denser foam layers or higher-density self-healing compound.
Archery targets for broadhead practice
Broadhead practice is where most target-buying mistakes happen — either shooting broadheads at an unrated target until it fails, or buying a broadhead target that is too small or too soft for the draw weight.
Why broadhead targets are different
A broadhead has exposed cutting blades that slice through material rather than displacing it. Standard foam block construction uses layer friction to grip the arrow shaft — broadhead blades cut those layers, creating a larger entry hole and cutting the friction surface. Self-healing foam targets work around this: the foam closes around the blades on entry and returns to shape after the arrow is removed.
What to look for in a broadhead target
Shop broadhead-rated targets: Optics Planet archery targets — filter by broadhead compatible. Amazon archery targets — check product descriptions for explicit broadhead rating.
Broadhead tuning vs broadhead practice
Broadhead tuning (confirming broadheads hit the same point as field points) requires only a few shots — any broadhead-rated target works. Broadhead practice requires a target that withstands hundreds of broadhead shots per season — self-healing foam is strongly preferred. See the Broadhead Tuning Guide for the complete sequence before committing to regular broadhead practice.
3D archery targets — what to know before you buy
3D targets are foam animal forms used for practice at realistic distances and 3D archery competition. They teach you to identify and aim at a specific anatomical zone on a three-dimensional form — the same mental process required in bowhunting and 3D competition.
3D target foam types — standard vs self-healing
Standard polyurethane foam is cheaper and adequate for occasional use but degrades at a steady rate. Self-healing foam (Rinehart's compound) closes around the arrow after each shot and is significantly more durable for high-volume use. For club and competition courses, self-healing 3D targets last 3–5 times longer than standard foam.
| 3D target size | Typical distance | Best for | Common species |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 5–20 yards | Close-range precision, youth practice | Turkey, rabbit, javelina, raccoon |
| Medium | 15–35 yards | General practice, mixed course | Coyote, antelope, wild boar |
| Large | 25–50 yards | Hunting preparation, distance practice | Whitetail deer, black bear, mule deer |
| Extra large | 35–60 yards | Western hunting prep, long-range practice | Elk, moose, bison |
Shop 3D targets: 3D archery targets at Optics Planet — Rinehart, McKenzie, and Delta McKenzie. 3D targets on Amazon — broad selection at all price points.
Archery target brands — what each is known for
Brand choice matters more for targets than most archery equipment because targets wear out and must be replaced. A cheap target that fails quickly costs more over a season than a premium target that lasts.
Rinehart
The benchmark for self-healing foam. Their multi-sided cube targets (18-1 series: 18 shooting faces) deliver exceptional value through extended life. Every Rinehart target is broadhead compatible. The 18-1 is the most popular broadhead practice target in the market. Shop Rinehart at Optics Planet.
Block
Popularised layered foam construction with the easiest arrow removal of any foam design. Their Vault series is broadhead rated. Mid-range price with good durability. Best for compound bow field point practice. Shop Block on Amazon.
Morrell
The leading bag target brand. Exceptional durability at light to medium draw weights — recurve and traditional archers find Morrell bag targets outlast most alternatives. Not recommended for heavy compound or crossbow use. Not broadhead safe. Shop Morrell on Amazon.
McKenzie
The most anatomically detailed 3D targets — used by many competition courses as the reference standard. Broadhead compatible. Widest range of species and sizes. Excellent for hunting preparation because of realistic anatomy. Shop McKenzie at Optics Planet.
Delta McKenzie
Budget-oriented sister brand to McKenzie. Less durable foam at meaningfully lower prices. Excellent for club ranges needing large numbers of 3D targets. Youth programs and beginner courses use Delta McKenzie extensively. Shop Delta McKenzie on Amazon.
GlenDel
Specialises in whitetail deer 3D targets with a replaceable vital zone core — swap the insert when worn without replacing the entire target body. Best long-term value for dedicated deer hunters shooting the same target repeatedly. Broadhead compatible. Shop GlenDel on Amazon.
Brand summary by use case
| Use case | Top pick | Budget alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Broadhead practice (high volume) | Rinehart (any multi-face target) | Block Vault |
| Field point practice — compound | Block (any model) | Any foam block target |
| Field point practice — recurve / traditional | Morrell bag target | DIY compressed cardboard |
| 3D competition practice | Rinehart or McKenzie 3D | Delta McKenzie |
| Deer hunting preparation | GlenDel (replaceable core) | McKenzie deer target |
| Youth and beginner | Morrell or Delta McKenzie | DIY bag target |
DIY archery targets — how to make one and when to buy instead
A DIY archery target is a legitimate choice for backyard field point practice on a budget. Neither DIY option below is broadhead safe, and neither performs at heavy compound draw weights as well as a commercial target.
DIY compressed cardboard target
Cost: approximately $5–$15 in lumber and free cardboard. Not broadhead safe. Not suitable for crossbows.
DIY bag target
Fill a burlap sack, canvas bag, or heavy-duty polypropylene bag with tightly packed rags, old clothing, or plastic bags. The tighter the pack, the better the stopping power. A well-packed bag target stops recurve and light compound arrows reliably. At heavy compound draw weights, the fill compresses over time — add more fill or replace it when stopping power decreases. Carpet underlay foam cut into squares and layered in a bag performs better than packed rags and lasts longer.
When to buy instead of building
Buy a commercial target when: you shoot regularly at 50+ lbs draw weight, you need broadhead practice, you are preparing for a hunting season and need realistic anatomy, or you value easy arrow removal. DIY targets are worthwhile for occasional backyard shooting at light draw weights and youth practice setups. Entry-level commercial targets start at $30–$50 and significantly outperform most DIY options in durability.
Budget commercial targets
Entry-level archery targets on Amazon — foam block and bag targets under $60. Bag and foam targets sorted by price — budget options across all styles.
Archery target distance and size guide
Target size and shooting distance are related — the guidelines below apply to any target type.
| Shooting distance | Minimum target face size | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|
| 10–15 yards | 12×12 inches | Beginners building form, close-range broadhead tuning |
| 15–25 yards | 18×18 inches | General practice, hunting prep at typical stand distances |
| 25–40 yards | 24×24 inches | Extended practice, intermediate and advanced archers |
| 40–60 yards | 24×24 minimum, 36×36 preferred | Western hunting prep, long-range compound practice |
| 60+ yards | Full-size competition face (40×40 cm+) | Target archery, advanced long-range practice |
Always ensure a safe backstop behind the target. The Arrow Trajectory Calculator shows arrow drop at every distance — useful for confirming arrows arrive with enough energy to stop cleanly in the target at your maximum shooting distance.
Competition target face distances
| Competition format | Distance | Target face diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor compound / recurve | 18 meters (20 yards) | 40 cm or 60 cm |
| Outdoor recurve (Olympic) | 70 meters | 122 cm |
| Outdoor compound | 50 meters | 80 cm |
| Field archery | 5–60 meters (varies) | 20–60 cm (varies by distance) |
| 3D archery (IBO / ASA) | Unmarked — 5–50+ yards | Animal form — proportional to species |
Archery target FAQs
What is the best archery target for a compound bow?
For compound bows at hunting draw weights (50–70 lbs), a high-density foam block or self-healing foam target handles the kinetic energy without degrading quickly. For field point practice, Block brand or equivalent layered foam targets offer easy arrow removal and long life. For broadhead practice, a Rinehart self-healing target is the most durable choice. Always verify the target's draw weight rating matches your setup. Shop compound bow targets on Amazon.
What is the best 3D archery target?
Rinehart for competition and high-volume use — self-healing foam extends target life dramatically. McKenzie for anatomical realism and species variety. Delta McKenzie for club and youth programs at lower price points. GlenDel for dedicated whitetail deer practice — the replaceable core design provides the best long-term value. Shop 3D targets at Optics Planet or 3D targets on Amazon.
Can I use a regular archery target for broadhead practice?
No — only use a target explicitly rated for broadheads. Broadhead blades cut through the internal structure of bag targets and unrated foam blocks, ruining them quickly and making arrow removal unsafe. Look for "broadhead compatible" on the packaging. Rinehart, Block Vault, and rated McKenzie 3D targets are safe for broadheads. After tuning, see the Broadhead Tuning Guide before your first practice session.
What is a self-healing archery target?
A self-healing target uses specialised open-cell foam that closes around the arrow after each shot, leaving no permanent hole. This extends target life by thousands of additional shots compared to standard foam, and makes arrow removal easier. All Rinehart targets use self-healing foam. It is the most cost-effective target type for high-volume broadhead practice over a full season.
How do I make a DIY archery target?
Build an 18×18 inch wooden frame from 2×4 lumber, fill it with corrugated cardboard sheets stacked with corrugation channels perpendicular to arrow travel, and compress tightly with ratchet straps. Cost: $5–$15 in lumber and free cardboard. This stops field point arrows from bows up to 60 lbs at 15+ yards. Not broadhead safe. See the full DIY guide above for all options and step-by-step instructions.
How far should I set up my archery target?
Start at 10–15 yards if building form. Move to 20–30 yards for hunting preparation once grouping is consistent. For broadhead tuning, start at 20 yards before confirming at your maximum hunting distance. Always ensure a safe backstop behind the target. Use the Arrow Trajectory Calculator to see your arrow's drop at every distance for your setup.
What size archery target do I need?
At 20 yards, an 18×18 inch target face is adequate for most intermediate archers. At 40 yards, use 24×24 inch minimum. At 50+ yards, 24×24 is the minimum and 36×36 is more practical. For beginners at any distance, use a larger target than you think you need — missing the target at any distance risks arrow damage and creates safety hazards.
Is a foam block or bag target better for practice?
Foam block targets are better for compound bows at hunting draw weights — they handle higher kinetic energy, last longer, and provide easier arrow removal. Bag targets are better for recurve, longbow, and light compound setups — cheaper and lighter. At heavy compound draw weights, bag targets compress over time and lose stopping power. Shop bag and foam targets on Amazon.