A Complete Guide to the Best Crossbow Targets

Crossbow Arrowhead

The first thing to consider when choosing your crossbow target is the type of arrowheads you’ll be using. Here’s a quick description of the three types of arrowheads if you’re not yet familiar with them.

• Target Arrowhead or Field Tip – is the most popular arrowhead type among beginners. They can easily penetrate targets and are also very easy to remove. They’ll preserve your block since they don’t damage the foam as quickly.
• Blunt Arrowheads – are specially designed to pierce and damage the vital organs of whatever game you’re hunting. Blunt arrowheads are used less often but generate more shooting power than field tips. 3D targets like our pick from Shooter Buck below are the most ideal target types for blunt arrowheads. 
• Broadhead arrows – are the sharpest and most damaging among the arrowhead types. Broadheads are mostly used for hunting because of their sharpness. Even the most durable targets degrade easily when regularly shot with broadheads. You’ll only want to use these to confirm your aim after practicing with field points because 1) they’re expensive and can be damaged and dulled and 2) they will shred your block! If you’ll be shooting these bad boys, we suggest getting a high-quality foam target like the Morrell Yellow Jacket foam target below, as broadheads are easier to remove from foam-filled targets. Take note, however, that foam targets get worn out easily. 

Quality

Inspect the crossbow target you’re planning to buy closely and ensure that it’s made from high-quality materials. Here are the two major features that indicate the quality of a crossbow target.

Easy Retrieval

Retrieving bolts from the target can be frustrating and can take up a lot of your time. Besides, who wants to spend half of their allotted practice time retrieving arrows? So get a crossbow target made from high-density materials such as foam because they prevent deep penetration.

Durability

Honing your skills can take up hours of practice every session, especially if you’re the serious shooter type. If that’s the case, your crossbow target should be able to withstand getting shot on with multiple (and different types of) arrows on a regular basis.

Size

Your target’s size plays a big role in improving your performance, as each target size corresponds to different ranges. Take note that smaller targets limit your covered distance but increase your overall aim, so take this into serious consideration.

Stopping Power

Stopping power is measured in feet per second. It is a ranged weapon’s capability to incapacitate, but not necessarily kill, a target. One major factor that contributes to stopping power is the projectile’s physical properties (such as speed) and how its behavior affects the target upon impact.

The heavier and the faster the projectile, the more powerful they are. This is where a target’s durability comes in. Most crossbows have an average stopping power of 400 feet per second, so your target should be able to stop penetration from that much force (or higher, depending on which crossbow brand you’re using).

Best Overall: Morrell Double Duty 4 Sided Cube Field Point Archery Bag

Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube Field Point...

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Our best overall pick can take on the fastest penetrations from a traditional bow, a compound bow, a crossbow, or even an air bow with 450 FPS of stopping power.

It also comes with a replaceable cover. Not that you’d need to replace it often as its cover and stuffing material are guaranteed to last for years. Plus it comes with fun and visible graphics (5 traditional bullseyes, nine-ball bullseyes, dartboard game, and deer vitals designs) to help improve your shooting accuracy, especially at longer distances.

What Customers Say

“This target works great for my Excalibur axiom and crossbow which shoots 305 fps. I’ve included a picture of this target being shot 4 times from 40 yards. As you can see, it easily stops the arrows safely and I can remove them with only two fingers. I have been shooting at the deer side of this target for quite a while now and I haven’t noticed any significant wear. Still stops the arrows great. I think it’s the best bang for the buck target out there.”

Jeremy Spilm

“To be honest I was skeptical of this target due to it being half the price of the rhino block. But between me the wife and a few buddies and a few beers we have probably shot around 500 arrows at it over the weekend. I shoot a mathews with a 70 lb draw. And at 20 yards my arrows can be removed by my 4-year daughter. The color choices on the target could be better but hey I’ve got some fluorescent orange paint laying around when I get to mad at the colors morrel used I can always spray an orange dot. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to shoot or tune their bows at home.”

Doug

Best Bag Crossbow Target: Field Logic Hurricane H21 Crossbow Archery Bag Target

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Field Logic Hurricane H21 Crossbow Archery Bag...

$74.49

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The Field Logic Hurricane H21 crossbow target offers great value at less than $60! It’s specially designed for crossbows and other high-speed bows. This crossbow archery target can withstand bolts and arrows up to 400 fps. It’s made from materials that can last for years even with regular use, plus it’s very easy to move around and pack away. Its backside features deer vitals graphics and both sides come with high-contrast images for a more intensive long-distance practice.

What Customers Say

“Shot about 20 bolts(400-460gn tapered sharp field tips) so far, freestanding on the ground was stable. Stops bolts from 385 & 315fps (rated not tested) crossbows even @10yds, close to all 4 sides and with 4 bolts hitting within same 1/4″ spot. Some were harder to remove but nowhere near the chance of damaging the bolt. A lot Lighter than my son’s cube”

Repairitall

“After shooting through my Block with my [new] crossbow I ordered this after reading reviews. It is everything I expected…heavy enough to stay put when I shoot it but the arrows come out super easy. The durability of the covering might be questionable but I expect it can be patched up with duct tape when I start to open up holes in it. So far it’s great.”

Basshammer

Best Foam Crossbow Target: Morrell Yellow Jacket YJ-380 380 FPS Dual Threat Foam Archery Target

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Morrell Targets Yellow Jacket 380 FPS Dual Threat...

$139.99

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Morell has proven its worth in the field of targets, so we chose one of their most reliable products for our best foam crossbow target pick.

The Yellow Jacket dual-threat foam target offers outstanding performance in all kinds of weather, thanks to its weatherproof construction (yes, it can withstand getting rained on, but that doesn’t mean you should leave it under the rain for hours). It also comes with a tote bag handle for easy transport. 

This foam target is perfect for compound and crossbow shooting and can handle as much as 380 fps.

What Customers Say

“Good sturdy Target. Will probably hold up better than my bag targets. I guess some people could have problems removing the arrows, but I don’t have any. Plus it’s lightweight and maneuverable. I’m shooting a Bear Marshal rated about 320 ft per second stops my arrows no problem, I’m just shooting field points now and haven’t tried broadheads. The only gripe I have is for the price, after all, it’s just dense foam glued in layers so I don’t understand why it’s so expensive, but whatever.”

Dr. Toboggan

“I was very worried buying this target because I wanted to make sure I had a target that I could shoot with my crossbow and not have to worry about going through. This target stopped every arrow without going through the back. My bow has a 150lb draw and 245FPS. The picture was shot at 25 feet. I was worried that the arrows would be hard to pull but we haven’t had an issue yet. It’s a little tight but that’s not a bad thing. Each side has a different pattern of targets. I hope we don’t shoot a hole in the center from practicing so much.”

Monica Anderson

Best Value: Black Hole 18 – 4 Sided Archery Target

Field Logic Black Hole Archery Target 18"

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The Black Hole 18 4-sided archery target features an open-face layer design that uses friction to stop arrow penetration, making arrow removal smooth and easy. It’s lightweight and comes with a carrying handle for convenient transport. Two of its sides are constructed from woven polyurethane that’s designed specifically for field points.

Aside from field tips and fixed blades, it can also take on expandable broadheads, unlike our picks above. It also comes with bright high-contrast designs that provide better aim at long distances.

What Customers Say

“I have been doing archery for 5 years with a compound and recurve bow. I bought this target for my 6-year-old son to practice in our backyard. I bought the smallest one that this vendor sold, it has taken a beating and is still working great for 4 months. I love the handles on the top and you can rotate the target for more of a challenge with its side targets. I would defiantly buy this item again and but a larger target for myself.”

eliteSOG88

“I was a bit concerned about buying this target, as it didn’t look like much, but for the price, I thought I’d give it a go. I’ve been extremely satisfied with the performance. I’ve probably put close to 200 arrows into it thus far, with no signs of failure. I’m sure I’ll have to replace it sometime in the future, but so far it’s held up well against both field tips and broadheads. Shooting a Mission Switch set at 70lbs, between 20-40yds (forgive my crummy archery).”

Nicholas

Best 3D Crossbow Target: Shooter Buck 3D Deer Archery Target with Replaceable Core

Shooter Buck 3D Deer Archery Target with...

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The Shooter Buck 3D deer archery target takes crossbow shooting to the next level. It features scoring rings in the vitals area, making target practice more realistic. Plus it has a high-density foam core insert that’s easily replaceable. It’s 48 inches tall and comes with ground stakes for stability. This durable 3D target can stop all field points, expandables, and broadhead arrows at multiple angles. 

This Shooter Buck 3D target may cost a lot but it’s guaranteed to last for a long time and give you a more authentic experience compared to other target brands. Shooter Buck also offers other designs such as turkey, bear, and hog targets.

What Customers Say

“Product was in perfect condition when I received it, it is easy to put together, and performed appropriately when being shot at with arrows. This product seems to have received mixed reviews… My experience has been a very good one with this 3-D target. As stated above, the product was in excellent condition upon receiving and I have enjoyed using it. I’m a long-time bow hunter and I do recommend this product.”

Mark

“I really enjoy using this target. It’s not a 100% size deer, but I knew that going in. Putting it together was simple although I did, like other reviewers, need to trim off some molding flash before the target portion would fit correctly. Took all of 5 minutes with a sharp knife. I’ve now put about 250 arrows into the target and it shows no signs of degrading. Although you can’t get replacement targets here on Amazon, you can get them from the manufacturer. All in all, the best value 3D target I’ve found.”

D.S Barber