Choosing the best crossbow target is essential for any crossbow enthusiast or hunter. Crossbows generate significantly more speed and kinetic energy than compound bows, making selecting a target that can withstand these powerful shots crucial. From economic options to high-speed and broadhead-specific targets, finding the right crossbow target ensures your practice sessions are practical and enjoyable. In this guide, we’ll explore the best crossbow targets available today, highlighting key features and considerations to help you make an informed decision. We’ve got you covered whether you’re looking for durability, portability, or specific shooting capabilities. Compound bows typically top out at around 350 FPS and 80-110 Ft-lbs of kinetic energy, whereas the newest crossbows regularly shoot up to 500 FPS with nearly 200 ft-lbs of kinetic energy. Here is a list of the best crossbow targets out today and additional factors to consider when purchasing the best one.
Our list of the best crossbow targets for all situations and budgets:
- Most Economical Crossbow Target: Morrell Yellow Jacket Crossbow Field Point Bag Target (Click to shop)
- Best Overall Crossbow Target: Morrell Targets 144 Yellow Jacket Kinetic 1.0 65 Pound Portable Field Point Archery Bag Target w/ 2 Shooting Sides, 10 Bullseyes, and Handles, Yellow (Click to Shop)
- Best High-Speed Crossbow Target: Big Shot Targets Kinetic 650 20-Inch High-Kinetic-Energy Crossbow Field Point Target (Click to Shop)
- Best High Speed Self-Healing Crossbow Target – Morrell Targets Big High Roller (click to shop)
- Best Hanging Crossbow Target: Hurricane Category 5 High Energy Bag Archery Target (Click to shop)
- Best Crossbow Target for Broadheads: Block Infinity Crossbow Target (Click to Shop)
- Most Fun Crossbow Target: Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS 4-Sided Cube Field Point Archery Bag Target with Traditional Bullseyes, Nine-ball, Dartboard Game, and Deer Vitals, Yellow (Click to Shop)
- Most Durable Crossbow Target: BIGShot Titan 10X HD Broadhead Target (click to shop)
Most Economical Crossbow Target: Morrell Yellow Jacket Crossbow Field Point Bag Target (Click to shop)
Ed. Note – The Morrell Yellow Jacket gets our vote for the best crossbow target for the “buck”
The Morrell Yellow Jacket Crossbow Field Point Bag Target is a top-notch choice for crossbow enthusiasts looking to hone their accuracy and prolong the lifespan of their equipment. This target boasts exceptional durability thanks to its multi-layered design, which can withstand the high-speed impact of crossbow bolts without damaging them. Its distinctive yellow and black colors provide excellent visibility from a distance, making it easier for shooters to aim precisely. The bag target’s easy arrow removal feature ensures that you won’t struggle to retrieve your bolts, saving time and effort during practice sessions. With multiple target zones and aiming points, the Morrell Yellow Jacket Crossbow Field Point Bag Target offers a versatile and enjoyable shooting experience for archers and crossbow hunters of all skill levels, making it an excellent and cost effective investment for those seeking to improve their crossbow shooting skills.
Best Overall Crossbow Target: Morrell Targets 144 Yellow Jacket Kinetic 1.0 65 Pound Portable Field Point Archery Bag Target w/ 2 Shooting Sides, 10 Bullseyes, and Handles, Yellow (Click to Shop)
The Yellow Jacket Kinetic X 500 FPS Archery Target by Morrell stops arrows up to 500 fps. It sports a polypropylene bag cover that’s built for field points. The Morrell Targets 144 Yellow Jacket is a remarkable addition to the world of archery and target shooting. This target stands out for its impressive size and durability, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and advanced archers. The Yellow Jacket’s patented Multi-Layered Density Design ensures that arrows are easily stopped and removed without damaging them, enhancing the longevity of both your arrows and the target itself. Whether you’re practicing with a compound bow, recurve bow, or crossbow, the Morrell Targets 144 Yellow Jacket is a versatile and reliable target that can withstand the repeated impact of arrows while providing hours of enjoyable and productive shooting sessions. It is weather-resistant and can be left outside. It comes with four shooting sides. It’s 16” by 16” by 16” and is best found on Amazon.
Best High Speed Crossbow Target: Big Shot Targets Kinetic 650 20-Inch High-Kinetic-Energy Crossbow Field Point Target (Click to Shop)
The Bigshot Targets Kinetic 650 20-Inch High-Kinetic-Energy Crossbow Field Point Target is made for ultra-fast crossbows.
Currently, it can handle the fastest crossbows on the market. It incorporates Iron Man stuffing and a five-stage, multi-layered aramid core to stop fast arrows. It has 95 aiming points.
Best High Speed Self-Healing Crossbow Target: Morrell Targets Big High Roller (click to shop)
The Morrell Targets Big High Roller target is built with a solid poured foam and self-healing ability. The target will stop arrows up to 500 fps, allowing the user to remove them easily. It stops field points, mechanical blades, and fixed blade broadheads. It measures 16 x 16 x 16 inches, with six shooting sides and 21 bullseyes resembling dice. The target is weatherproof, fade-resistant, and has a carrying handle. The test team shot hundreds of arrows in the Big High Roller Targets and easily removed them. They never had problems stopping even the fastest crossbows.
Best Hanging Crossbow Target: Hurricane Category 5 High Energy Bag Archery Target (Click to shop)
The Hurricane Category 5 High Energy Bag Archery Target is a solid pick for those shooting fast crossbows. It’s rated to stop arrows and bolts up to 620 fps. It even sports all-weather construction. This 25” by 25” self-standing target is a great buy, especially for the money.
Best Crossbow Target for Broadheads: Block Infinity Crossbow Target (Click to Shop)
The Block Infinity Crossbow Target is a 16”, 20”, or 22’ square faced option that works really well stopping both field points and broadheads (fixed and mechanical) . It uses PolyFusion Technology and uses friction (not force) to stop the arrow. It sports six-sided shooting with five unique designs. It stops arrows and bolts up to 520 fps.
Most Fun Crossbow Target: Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS 4 Sided Cube Field Point Archery Bag Target with Traditional Bullseyes, Nine-ball, Dartboard Game, and Deer Vitals, Yellow (Click to Shop)
The Morrel 9-ball shooting target is a versatile and innovative shooting target designed for improving marksmanship skills. This target system features nine circular target zones of varying sizes, providing shooters with a challenging and dynamic shooting experience. Each target is made from durable materials, ensuring longevity even under heavy use. The Morrel 9-ball shooting target is not only ideal for honing accuracy with handguns and rifles but also a fun backyard game with friends and family.
Most Durable Crossbow Target: BIGShot Titan 10X HD Broadhead Target
The Titan 10X HD Broadhead Target by BIGShot is an excellent offering. It’s designed to stop the TenPoint Nitro 505 (505 fps). It provides incredible stopping power and minimum effort for arrow removal. It has 10 shooting faces and over 150 aiming points. It’s 17” by 17” in size.
Another Great High Speed Option: BlackOut Speed Trap Archery Target
The Speed Trap Archery Target by Blackout is four-sided and stops shots up to 520 fps. It’s compatible with field points, fixed-blade broadheads, or expandable broadheads. It utilizes open layered PolyFusion technology in a 20” by 18” by 20” sizing.
Another Great Bag Option: Delta McKenzie SpeedBag 24”
Crossbow Max Bag Target
The SpeedBag 24” Crossbow Max Bag Target by Delta McKenzie is a great selection. It’s ideal for even some of the fastest crossbows on the market. It also includes color contrast graphics, a sight-in calibration grid, and is compatible with field points or target points only. The dimensions are 24” by 24” by 10” and weighs 50 pounds. MSRP is $64.99.
More to consider when selecting a crossbow target:
One question to ask yourself is what the speed rating of your target is and be certain to match it to the rated speed of your crossbow arrow. If you choose a target that is underrated, and shoot a crossbow arrow into it, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise. Hyper fast arrows can shoot all the way through a target and exit the back, or bury themselves up to the fletching, making them hard to grab to pull out. When shooting into a foam target, sometimes the lacquer on the shaft heats up as it penetrates the target causing the arrows to adhere to the target so it is nearly impossible to pull them out by hand. You may need to get an arrow puller to get them out, like this one -the Legend Spear Archery Puller.
Another hack worth trying is to coat your arrows, especially when they are new and the lacquer isn’t worn off yet, using Scorpion Sable Venom rail lube and pull them out quickly after you shoot. Don’t let them sit for more than a few minutes or they may fuse to the target necessitating the use of the arrow puller mentioned above. These tips are important as you choose a target.
Also, know that a hanging bag target will tend to dissipate energy faster than a block target that is positioned on the ground, and therefore arrows tend not to penetrate as far into a hanging bag target. This tends to make the hanging targets easier to use and suffer from less penetration than the stationary blocks might experience.
The last question to consider is if you will be shooting broadheads into the target. Again, check the ratings of the targets to see how they perform, but know that if you shoot a broadhead (fixed or mechanical) into any target it will typically be harder to pull than a field tipped arrow.
FAQ’s
What type of crossbow target should I choose for broadhead practice?
For broadhead practice, it’s best to choose a target specifically designed for broadheads. These targets are usually made from layered foam or other materials that can withstand the cutting action of broadheads. Look for targets labeled as “broadhead targets” or “field point and broadhead targets” to ensure durability and longevity. Also, shooting broadheads into a field point only rated target will usually be very hard if not impossible to pull the arrow out.
Can I use a regular archery target for my crossbow?
While you can use a regular archery target, it’s not recommended. Crossbows typically have higher draw weights and shoot arrows at higher velocities than traditional bows. This means they require targets specifically designed to stop crossbow bolts without causing excessive damage to the target or the bolts. Crossbow arrows are also typically shorter, and can bury themselves up to and over the fletching, or worse shoot through the target.
What is the difference between bag targets, foam block targets, and 3D targets?
- Bag Targets: These are filled with synthetic fiber and are ideal for field points. They are durable and easy to retrieve arrows from but may not be suitable for broadheads.
- Foam Block Targets: These are made from layered foam and can handle both field points and broadheads. They are lightweight, portable, and often have multiple target faces.
- 3D Targets: These targets are shaped like animals and are great for realistic practice. They can be used with both field points and broadheads but may wear out faster with frequent use.
How do I ensure my crossbow target lasts longer?
To prolong the life of your crossbow target:
- Rotate the target frequently to distribute wear evenly.
- Avoid shooting the same spot repeatedly.
- Store the target indoors or in a dry place when not in use to prevent weather-related damage.
- Use the appropriate type of arrows for the target (e.g., field points for bag targets).
What should I consider regarding the stopping power of a crossbow target?
The stopping power of a crossbow target is crucial. Ensure the target is rated for the speed of your crossbow. Targets usually specify the maximum feet per second (fps) they can handle. Using a target rated for a lower fps than your crossbow can result in arrows penetrating too deeply or even passing through the target. Most compound bow targets are rated for arrow speeds up to 350 FPS, and not rated for crossbows, which typically shoot over 400 FPS.
How portable are crossbow targets?
Portability depends on the type and size of the target. Bag targets and foam block targets are generally lightweight and easy to transport. 3D targets can vary in weight and may require more effort to move. Consider your needs for mobility and choose a target that suits your practice environment.
Are there any safety considerations when selecting a crossbow target?
Yes, safety is paramount. Ensure the target is placed in a safe area with a suitable backstop to catch any missed shots. Always inspect the target for wear and tear before use, and replace it if it shows signs of significant damage to prevent arrows from passing through. Ensure the rated velocity of the target is not exceeded by the arrows coming from your crossbow or they may shoot through the target.
What do I do if my arrow will not come out of a crossbow target?
If you cannot pull your arrow out of a crossbow target it is likely that you have a crossbow that shoots arrows at a greater velocity than the target is rated to use. This can be especially prevalent when arrows are new. Most if not all arrows have a lacquer coating to help protect the arrow, which heats up as it penetrates the target, and can fuse the arrow into the target. You will need to have an arrow puller like that noted above, or visit your local archery shop for assistance. A home hack can help to prevent this if you coat your new arrows with some of the rail lubricant supplied with your crossbow, it can help reduce this fusing of the arrow to the target.
In conclusion:
Choosing the best crossbow target is a crucial decision for any crossbow enthusiast or hunter. A high-quality crossbow target should provide durability, easy arrow removal, and a variety of target zones to challenge and improve your accuracy. Whether you prefer foam or bag targets, the key is to invest in a target that matches your skill level and shooting style. Additionally, considering factors like weather resistance, target size, and the ability to withstand high-speed crossbow bolts is essential. Ultimately, the best crossbow target for you will enhance your shooting experience, helping you become a more proficient and accurate crossbow shooter while ensuring your equipment remains in great shape for many seasons of archery enjoyment.
