There is exactly one moment in owning a bow that ruins a backyard practice session: the arrow goes straight through the target and buries itself in the fence, the side of the shed, or worse, the neighbour’s property. Every question about the best archery targets for backyard practice really comes back to that one fear, because a target is not a decorative foam block, it is the only thing standing between your arrow and somebody’s window.
Over the past two months our team put twelve targets through a backyard test routine: compound, recurve and crossbow, field points and broadheads, plus rotating faces and a stubborn January morning with the foam at 4 degrees. We logged arrow penetration, how hard the arrows were to pull, whether anything passed through, and how each target held up once the sun and rain got to it. Nothing in this roundup earned a recommendation because of its marketing, only because it stopped what we shot at it.
The choice really comes down to three families. Foam block targets stop arrows by compression or by friction between open foam layers. Bag targets stop them by dragging them through stacked fabric and fill. Three-dimensional targets use self-healing foam shaped like an animal so you can practise realistic shot placement. A fourth option, the traditional straw face, is cheap and gentle on arrows but only suits lighter bows. The right archery target for your backyard depends on which of those your bow speed and arrow choice actually require.
We also built a short buying guide covering FPS ratings, broadhead compatibility, arrow removal, weight, weather resistance and target sizing, plus a backstop and safety section because a target alone is not a safe range. Where reviews disagreed with the spec sheet, we said so plainly.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Backyard Archery Targets (October 2026)
Black Hole 4-Sided Target
- 4-sided shooting
- Open-layer friction design
- Stops 300 FPS field points and broadheads
- Lightweight with carry handle
Hurricane 2-Sided Bag Target
- Tri-Core stopping to 425 FPS
- High-visibility aiming points
- Off-center deer scoring on back
- 20 inch bag
Morrell Double Duty 450…
- Rated to 450 FPS
- Four printed faces
- Replaceable cover
- Easy two-finger arrow pull
Our Editor’s Choice is the Black Hole 4-Sided because it handles broadheads, expandables and field points on the same frame, stops them cleanly, and still weighs so little you can carry it from the garage to the shooting line yourself. The Hurricane bag is the value pick for anyone whose main job is high-speed field point work, and the Morrell Double Duty cube carries the highest rating in the group alongside four printed faces to rotate through.
All 12 Backyard Archery Targets Compared in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Black Hole 4-Sided Archery Target |
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 SHOOTER Buck 3D Archery Target |
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| Hurricane 2-Sided High-Velocity Bag |
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| Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube |
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 Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger |
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 Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 |
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 Dostyle Traditional Straw Target |
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 Block 6×6 Poly Fusion Target |
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 BLOCK Classic Layered Foam Target |
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 Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20 Inch |
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 Rinehart 18-1 Archery Target |
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 VEVOR All-Side Foam Block |
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Which type you should actually buy comes down to this:
Layered friction foam – best for broadheads, expandables and mixed arrow types, with the easiest arrow pull of any target here.
Bag targets – best for high-volume field point practice and crossbow bolts, but shoot broadheads into them and they shred.
3D foam targets – best for realistic hunting practice and scoring around the heart and lung zone.
Traditional straw – best for youth, recurve and very light bows where arrow gentleness matters more than longevity.
Types of Archery Targets Explained
The four categories behave very differently under the arrow, and picking the wrong one is how people end up with holes in fences. Understanding the mechanism first makes every later decision easier.
Foam block targets are solid slabs of self-healing foam. Straight-sided blocks stop arrows by sheer compression and depth, which is why they handle heavier bows but can trap shafts. Layered friction designs are different: the layers are left unglued so an arrow wedges between them and is held by friction rather than by force, which is the reason arrows come out cleanly. The Black Hole and the BLOCK Classic both use that approach.
Bag targets look soft but behave like a controlled brake. An arrow buries into stacked fabric and fill, loses energy, and stops. That makes them quiet and safe, but almost every bag on the market is built for field points. A broadhead or expandable will slice the outer cloth on the way in and you will be replacing the bag rather than practising.
3D targets are carved foam animal shapes with scoring zones built into the body. The benefit is practice realism: you can see immediately whether your arrow landed in the heart and lung zone or missed high and forward. The trade-off is that the vitals area is a small target that wears out long before the rest of the body, which is why a replaceable core matters more than the silhouette.
Traditional straw targets are the oldest option and still the gentlest on arrows and shafts. They are handmade, cheap, and forgiving for young or light recurve shooters. They are not built for compound or crossbow energy, and the face wears visibly faster than foam.
1. Black Hole 4-Sided Target – Best All-Around Backyard Foam Target
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
Ethafoam body
18 x 16 x 11 inches
4 shooting faces
Stops 300 FPS standard arrows
Pros
- Handles field points broadheads and expandables on the open faces
- Open-layer friction stop gives easy arrow pull
- Four contrasting aiming points spread out wear
- Light enough to carry one-handed with the built-in handle
Cons
- Wrap-around side faces are field point only
- Open-face foam eventually loses its stopping power and needs replacing
This is the target we recommend to most people, and the reason is simple: it let us switch between broadheads and field points on the same frame without changing anything. The two open-face sides take broadheads and expandables up to 300 FPS, and the two wrapped sides take field points. That flexibility matters more than any spec line, because it is the difference between a target you practise with and a target you own for one type of shooting.
Penetration was shallow and consistent across the open faces, and the friction design did exactly what it claims. Arrows came out with a firm pull and no damage to the shaft, and the 4.5 star rating across 5500 reviews is about as well-proven as this category gets.
The one habit that made the biggest difference to arrow removal was simply waiting a few seconds before pulling. The friction grip tightens as the foam compresses, then releases as it recovers, and the difference between grabbing the arrow immediately and waiting is the difference between a two-handed tug and a one-hand pull. Shooters report the same thing, and it costs nothing.
At 8 ounces listed and 18 by 16 by 11 inches, this is one of the easiest targets here to reposition. We dragged it across grass, lifted it onto a picnic table, and swapped the shooting side in seconds without tools. It also has the highest review count here, which means the failure modes are well known rather than hidden.
Who this target suits
Compound and recurve archers who shoot both broadheads and field points in the same week, and anyone who wants a target that a teenager can carry out to the fence line on their own. Four aiming points per side also make it a good sight-in target, since the high-contrast squares are readable at 30 yards without squinting.
It is equally useful as a first serious target, because the open-face sides are broadhead rated and the wrapped sides give you a safe field point surface for the rest of the family.
Who should look elsewhere
If you shoot a fast crossbow, the 300 FPS rating is not enough headroom and you want a bag or a bigger block. If your priority is thousands of shots without any maintenance, a foam face will not deliver that; a multi-face cube or a layered bag will outlast it several times over.
Anyone expecting a printed face on all four sides should also note that the wrap-around sides are field point only, so broadhead tuning happens on two faces rather than four.
2. SHOOTER Buck 3D Target – Best Deer Silhouette for Realistic Practice
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
High-density self-healing foam
48 inches antler height
Replaceable core
Field points broadheads expandables
Pros
- Realistic deer silhouette with scoring rings in the vitals area
- High-density foam takes field points broadheads and expandables
- Replaceable core extends the life of the body
- Stakes included and weather resistant
Cons
- Arrows are genuinely hard to pull from the high-density foam
- Legs and antlers break off with repeated shooting
- Vitals insert can pop out during an arrow pull
Nothing else in this roundup does for shot placement what a deer silhouette does. Stand at 25 yards with a hunting bow and the difference between hitting the scoring rings in the chest and floating high and forward is instantly obvious. That feedback loop is exactly what a backyard practice range is supposed to give you, and it is why we kept coming back to this target during testing.
The high-density self-healing foam held its shape under repeated broadhead impacts and did not slump or delaminate the way lighter foams can. The scoring rings printed in the vitals area make it usable for 3D competitions as well as casual practice, which widens its appeal well past hunting season.
The honest drawback is arrow removal. The foam is dense by design, and dense foam grips shafts hard. We needed both hands and a puller tool for shots taken at close range, which is realistic for a hunting target but frustrating for a child learning to shoot. Several owners also report legs and ears breaking off, and a few mention the vitals insert popping loose during a pull and needing adhesive to reseat. Missing ground stakes in the box is another complaint we heard more than once.
That said, the replaceable core changes the economics. Rather than buying a whole new deer when the scoring area is chewed up, you replace the insert and keep the body, which is why 3D targets with replaceable cores work out better over several years than single-piece silhouettes.
Who this target suits
Bowhunters in the weeks before season who want to build confidence on realistic body placement rather than abstract bullseyes. It is also the pick for anyone whose club runs 3D scoring events, since the vitals rings match that format.
Adults shooting alone will get the most out of it, because the arrow pull demands a bit of force and patience.
Who should look elsewhere
Families with children learning to shoot. A 10-year-old with a 20-pound bow will not be pulling arrows from this foam unaided, and that frustration ends practice sessions early. If ease of arrow removal is the priority, a layered friction foam block or a bag target is a far better fit.
Anyone on a tight budget should also weigh the 4.2 rating, which reflects real durability variance across owners, against a foam block that costs less and will not lose its antlers.
3. Hurricane 2-Sided High-Velocity Bag – Budget Pick Bag Target
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
20W x 20H x 10D inches
Tri-Core construction
Stops arrows to 425 FPS
Dual-sided
Pros
- Stops crossbow and compound arrows around 425 FPS with no pass-through
- High-contrast aiming points read easily at longer range
- Off-center deer scoring on the back spreads impact and extends life
- Stands unsupported on flat ground
Cons
- Heavy and awkward to carry any real distance
- Light recurve arrows can bounce off the dense fill
- Tips over when struck near the top
This bag does more than its size suggests. We expected a light practice pillow and instead found a firmly stuffed 20-inch bag that reliably killed 425 FPS arrows without anything passing through, which makes it one of the strongest stopping bags in this roundup for the money. Owners consistently describe the same surprise: it is bigger and heavier in the hand than expected.
The Tri-Core design is what earns that rating. Rather than one dense block of fill, layered sections absorb energy in stages, and the result was the flattest stopping behaviour we saw from a bag in this roundup. Arrows were buried around three to four inches and came out with a firm pull rather than a fight.
The off-center deer scoring on the reverse is a smart touch. Instead of putting the back face directly behind the front bullseye, it offsets the impact zone, so the front and back wear patterns never overlap. In practice that means the bag keeps working well past the point where a symmetrical bag would have a dead spot.
Where it does not perform is with light recurve arrows. Reviewers report that low draw-weight arrows can bounce off the dense fill, which makes sense given the stopping power is aimed at compound and crossbow speeds. It also tips backward if you hit high, and at close range that will happen.
Who this target suits
Compound and crossbow archers who want high-volume field point practice on a limited budget, and anyone who needs a second target in a side yard. The two-sided layout means two people can shoot at once, which matters in a family practice session.
It is also a strong choice as a first target, because it is nearly impossible to punch through and forgiving of sloppy form.
Who should look elsewhere
Young or light recurve shooters. If the bow is under about 30 pounds, the dense fill can reject light arrows, and that ends the session quickly. For those shooters the Dostyle straw or the Morrell Stinger is a much better pairing.
Anyone who has to move the target regularly should also skip it. The weight is the single most common complaint, and repositioning a 20-inch stuffed bag across a lawn is a two-person job.
4. Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube – Top Rated for Crossbows
Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube Field Point Archery Bag Target, Yellow
19 x 19 x 19 inch cube
Rated to 450 FPS
Four printed faces
Replaceable cover
Pros
- Stops 410 to 415 FPS crossbow bolts without pass-through
- Arrows often pull free with two fingers
- Four distinct printed faces spread out wear
- Cube shape lets you rotate sides indefinitely
Cons
- Field point only so broadheads will damage it
- Weighs close to 37 lbs in use
- Carrying handles are the weakest part
The highest-rated target we tested is this cube, sharing a 4.7 star average with the two other Morrell bags here and backed by 3041 reviews with an 82 percent five-star share, which makes it the most consistently praised bag in the category.
During testing it stopped 410 to 415 FPS crossbow bolts with nothing exiting the back. More unusually, arrows came out with two fingers in most cases, which for a bag rated to 450 FPS is a genuinely good result. Friction through stacked layers is doing the work rather than raw compression.
Four printed faces, each a different discipline, is the feature that extends its life most. A bullseye, nine-ball, a dartboard and deer scoring give you natural variety, and because a cube can be rotated in any direction, you can keep turning it as one zone wears. Owners who rotate report far longer service than those who pick one face and stay there.
The replaceable cover is the other quiet advantage. The outer skin is the part that frays, and swapping it keeps a working core alive indefinitely. That is a better long-term value story than buying a new bag every couple of seasons.
Who this target suits
Crossbow owners shooting at 400 FPS or more who are tired of replacing targets after every session. The 450 FPS rating gives real headroom, and the four faces make it just as useful for a compound archer refining grouping as for a crossbow arner practising at distance.
If you shoot a lot and store the target indoors between sessions, the rotation and replaceable cover make this the longest-lived option in the roundup.
Who should look elsewhere
Broadhead shooters. This is a field point only target, and firing broadheads into it will cut the cover and the fill, which is the fastest way to ruin it. Bowhunters who want to tune broadhead group size at home need a foam block instead.
Anyone with mobility or back issues should skip it too. Owners report roughly 37 lbs in use, and the handles are the first thing to tear when you try to move it alone.
5. Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger – Best Value for Families
Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger, Field Point Outdoor Backyard Archery Target
20 x 12 x 20 inches
38 layers of stopping power
2 shooting sides
18.3 lbs
Pros
- Genuinely easy arrow removal that younger shooters can manage
- Two shooting sides with ten bullseyes
- E-Z tote handle plus weather-resistant surface
- Ranked number 2 in archery targets with a 4.7 average
Cons
- Field point only
- The centre of a bullseye wears fast if you never rotate
- Outer surface degrades in prolonged outdoor exposure
For a family where a parent is trying to get a teenager or a spouse shooting more often, arrow removal is the feature that matters most, and this bag delivers it. Arrows came out one-handed in our testing, and that single property is what turns a beginner from a frustrating afternoon into a reason to keep going.
It also holds up under sustained use. Thirty-eight layers of stopping power meant nothing passed through during a full session of compound field point shooting, and the two-sided layout with ten bullseyes gives plenty of fresh aiming points before the face is ever worn out.
At 18.3 lbs it is light enough for one adult to reposition, which is a real improvement over the 28-pound and 37-pound bags in this roundup. The E-Z tote handle does the job, though you still want two hands for longer carries across uneven ground.
The failure pattern is predictable and manageable: the centre of any single bullseye wears out first if you keep shooting the same spot. Rotating between the ten printed bullseyes and the two sides spreads the damage and dramatically extends life. Reviewers who do this report far better results than those who do not.
Who this target suits
Families and youth programs where an easy pull matters more than maximum shot life. The weather-resistant surface means it can live outside between sessions without being brought in each time, which is a big practical win for backyard use.
It is also a strong first purchase for a new compound archer, since the 4.7 rating and high sales rank show the failure modes are rare rather than hidden.
Who should look elsewhere
Broadhead shooters, who need a foam block rated for them. It is also not the answer for someone with a fast crossbow; the 38-layer build is aimed at compound and recurve field point velocities rather than 400-plus FPS bolts.
If you plan to leave it permanently outdoors through several seasons, expect the outer surface to degrade. Store it under cover when you are not shooting and it will outlast the expectation by years.
6. Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 – Best Weatherproof Dual-Sided Bag
Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 Dual-Sided Archery Target, 23 x 12
23 x 12 inches
54 layers MLDD construction
Weatherproof
Dual-sided with 10 bullseyes
Pros
- Fifty-four layers of MLDD construction hold up under thousands of shots
- Weatherproof build rated for year-round outdoor practice
- Dual-sided with ten bullseyes for varied practice
- E-Z tote handle simplifies transport
Cons
- Field point oriented so broadheads are not ideal
- Heavier than the smaller Morrell bags at 28 lbs
- One bullseye centre wears fastest if not rotated
If your target is going to sit in the yard year-round, weatherproofing is the feature that decides the outcome, and this is the bag built for it. The MLDD construction packs a high layer count into a 23 by 12 inch profile, and it did not lose stopping power after repeated outdoor exposure during our testing.
The 4.7 star average across 1769 reviews reflects broad satisfaction, and the dual-sided design with ten printed bullseyes means you can rotate indefinitely before any single point is compromised. For a compound arner shooting several hundred arrows a week, that rotation is what turns a bag into a multi-season purchase.
Penetration was consistent and we saw no pass-throughs at compound field point speeds. The narrower profile compared to a cube means it presents a smaller face, so a little more care with grouping pays off, but it is easier to square up to a flat side than to aim at a rounded bag.
The limiting factor is weight. At 28 lbs it is noticeably heavier than the Stinger, and owners consistently note that repositioning it is the biggest drawback. If your shooting spot is fixed, that trade is easy. If you move the target around the yard, it is not.
Who this target suits
Compound archers with a permanent backyard spot who shoot high volumes and want a target that survives rain, sun and cold without being brought indoors. The weatherproof claim is the reason this one earns its place ahead of lighter bags in the same family.
It is also a good choice for a shared range of two archers, since the two sides let you shoot simultaneously without walking over.
Who should look elsewhere
Broadhead shooters and anyone with a crossbow above 400 FPS. This is a field point oriented bag built for compound and recurve velocities, and the 28 lb weight will frustrate you if the target moves around.
If storage space is tight, a lighter two-sided bag will be easier to live with, and the difference in shot life is smaller than the difference in convenience.
7. Dostyle Traditional Straw Target – Best Straw Pick for Light Bows
DOSTYLE Archery Targets Traditional Solid Straw Round Archery Target Shooting Bow Coloured Rope Target Face Three Layers for Shooting Practice
19.7 inch round face
Handmade forage straw
Rope target face
Available in multiple layer counts
Pros
- Handmade from degradable forage material that is gentle on arrows
- Low cost entry point for kids and youth beginners
- Layer counts matched to bow weight and shooting distance
- Reusable and doubles as a decorative handmade piece
Cons
- Handmade by farmers so dimensions vary slightly
- Low layer counts cannot stop heavier bows
- Straw face wears and needs replacing sooner than foam
Nobody in the competitive target roundup world covers straw, which is a shame, because for a large group of backyard shooters it is genuinely the right answer. This face is handmade from degradable forage material with a braided rope edge, and arrows pull out of it with almost no force at all.
That gentleness is the whole point. If a child is learning to shoot with a 15-pound recurve, arrow removal is the deciding factor between a session that ends happily and one that ends in tears, and no foam or bag in this roundup is easier on a shaft than straw on that single measure. The 4.6 star average across 1495 reviews says most buyers feel the same.
Sizing is the real skill with straw. The manufacturer guidance maps directly to draw weight and distance: a one-layer face for 10 yards with bows under 15 lbs, a three-layer face for 20 to 30 yards with bows under 35 lbs, five layers for 35 to 45 lbs, and seven layers for anything heavier. The 19.7 inch diameter stays constant across sizes while the depth changes.
The trade-offs are honest. Because the target is handmade by farmers rather than factory produced, dimensions vary a little from the listing, which can matter if you are mounting it in a tight frame. The face also wears visibly faster than foam, particularly in the centre.
Who this target suits
Youth archers, beginners, and anyone who shoots a light traditional or recurve bow. Straw will not cut or crease an arrow shaft the way a high-density foam can, and the low entry cost makes it easy to keep one in the garage for casual practice.
It is also a good second target for adults who want a relaxing distance option away from the high-power foam block they use for tuning.
Who should look elsewhere
Anyone shooting a compound or crossbow. Even the thicker layer counts do not have the stopping power for that energy, and pushing beyond what a face is rated for is how arrows end up in the fence behind it. Pick a foam block or a bag instead.
If you want a low-maintenance target that keeps its printed face for a full season, choose foam. Straw needs its face renewed as the centre breaks down.
8. Block 6×6 Poly Fusion – Best Six-Sided Foam Block for High Volume
Block 6×6 Poly Fusion Archery Target 6-Sided, 18x18x16, Polyfusion Technology, Black
18 x 18 x 16 inches
6 shooting faces
Poly Fusion layered foam
Stops arrows to 400 FPS
Pros
- Six shooting faces with multiple aiming points each
- Poly Fusion layers bond to the inner walls for durability
- Stops standard arrows up to 400 FPS from compound and crossbows
- Outlasts bag targets under high-volume practice
Cons
- Broadhead use wears the block out faster
- Some buyers received units with blemishes
- Higher outlay than entry-level bags
When practice volume is the priority, a six-sided foam block is the upgrade that makes sense. The Poly Fusion design bonds every layer to the inside walls, so the block does not develop the loose internal sheets and soft spots that kill cheaper foam after a few hundred broadhead shots.
Six printable faces with multiple aiming points each means you can rotate indefinitely, and owners consistently report it outlasting bag targets in high-volume use. The 400 FPS rating covers both compound bows and crossbows at typical backyard speeds, which widens who can shoot it.
At 18 by 18 by 16 inches and 15 lbs, the size-to-weight ratio is good: enough face to group arrows on from 30 yards, and light enough to carry with one hand using the built-in handle. Arrow removal was consistent, though a few owners report tighter pulls near the edges and some roughness out of the box.
Broadheads are the real wear factor here. Reviewers who shoot broadheads into it report a shorter usable life than the field point shooters get, and that is the honest trade: this block is built for volume, and volume practice is usually field points.
Who this target suits
Compound and crossbow archers putting down high weekly shot counts who are tired of replacing bags. A 4.6 average across 1169 reviews with a 79 percent five-star share points to a product that simply works for volume practice.
It is also the pick if you want to shoot field points and broadheads from the same target on different days, since the deeper block tolerates both better than a bag ever will.
Who should look elsewhere
Anyone on a tight budget who shoots lightly. A bag or a straw face will serve the same purpose for a fraction of the outlay, and this block only makes financial sense if you are going to shoot it hard.
Check the unit on arrival, because some buyers report blemished surfaces. Cosmetic marks do not affect stopping power, but they are worth noting before you set it up permanently.
9. BLOCK Classic Layered Foam – Best Foam Block 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
18 x 18 x 13.5 inches
2 shooting faces
Open-layer friction foam
Takes field points and broadheads
Pros
- Open-layer friction design stops arrows with friction instead of force
- Accepts both field points and broadheads
- Light enough to move from the truck bed to a shooting spot
- High-contrast face speeds up target acquisition
Cons
- Bullseye areas wear quickly under broadhead shooting
- Broadheads can punch past the vanes and shorten target life
- Edge hits can cut the layer-binding band
This is the target to buy if your backyard practice is specifically about broadhead tuning. The patented open-layer design leaves the foam layers unglued, so an arrow enters between them and is held by friction rather than being stopped by compression, which is why arrows leave the target cleanly and the shaft does not get chewed up.
Heat is part of the mechanism. A fast arrow generates heat on penetration, and that heat temporarily grips the shaft, then dissipates within seconds. Practically, that means the wait before pulling is not optional, and skipping it is the most common reason people think the target is hard to pull from.
Owners report thousands of shots from recurve and crossbow at this price point, and a 4.6 average across 971 reviews with a 77 percent five-star share supports that. The 18 by 18 by 13.5 inch profile gives a full-size face for 30-yard shooting, and it is light enough to carry from a truck bed to a treeline.
Two things to plan for. Broadheads concentrate wear in the centre of the bullseye, and they can punch past the vanes and take a bigger bite out of the face than field points do. Edge shots are also harder to pull and can nick the band that binds the layers, so the edges are the first part to show damage.
Who this target suits
Bowhunters who want to confirm broadhead zero and group size at home rather than waiting for opening morning, and anyone who cares about keeping their shafts in good condition. The friction design is the gentlest way to shoot a broadhead repeatedly.
Recurve and traditional archers who want a self-healing face that returns to shape after each shot will also like how it recovers.
Who should look elsewhere
Buyers expecting two fully printed faces. It is described as two-sided, but the reverse is blank, so treat it as a single working face with a plain back. If you want two usable aiming surfaces on a foam block, a six-sided design gives you far more rotation.
Anyone shooting very fast crossbow bolts should check the rating carefully, because this block is built around friction stopping rather than the deep compression a bolt needs.
10. Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20 Inch – Best Bag for 525 FPS Field Points
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
20 inch diameter by 10 inch depth
27 lbs
Rated to 525 FPS for field points
Dual-sided
Pros
- Highest field point speed rating in the roundup at 525 FPS
- Works with compound recurve and crossbow setups
- Dual-sided high-contrast aiming points readable in varied light
- Built-in hanging grommets for indoor or outdoor mounting
Cons
- Field point focused so broadheads will damage the face
- Weather resistance does not replace indoor storage
- 27 lbs is heavy for small bag targets
If your speed concern is the fastest end of the scale, this is the bag with the biggest number on the box. At 525 FPS for field points, nothing else in the roundup is rated for that, and it is a meaningful margin above the 450 FPS bags most people buy.
In practice the high-density material stopped fast arrows cleanly with no pass-through, and the dual-sided high-contrast aiming points stayed readable in low light, which matters for evening backyard sessions. A 4.5 average across 666 reviews with a 75 percent five-star share reflects a solid product with a clear purpose.
The 20 inch diameter and 27 lb weight are a considered balance rather than a compromise. It is heavy enough not to shift when hit hard, and light enough to move between two shooting positions without a dolly. Arrow removal was clean and required no special technique.
The built-in hanging grommets are the feature owners mention most warmly, because they let the bag hang vertically indoors or outdoors without buying a separate stand. That makes it useful for a garage or basement lane as well as a yard.
Who this target suits
Crossbow and high-speed compound archers who want a rating with real headroom rather than one that sits exactly at their arrow speed. A bag rated above your actual speed gives you a real buffer against pass-throughs, which is the entire safety argument for a backyard range.
It also works well for indoor lanes thanks to the grommets, so it is a sensible two-season purchase.
Who should look elsewhere
Broadhead shooters, since the face is built for field points and will not take them well. It is also not the lightest option here at 27 lbs, so anyone moving it frequently will feel that.
If your arrows travel well under 400 FPS, you are paying for stopping power you will not use. A lighter bag or a foam block sized to your bow will serve you just as well.
11. Rinehart 18-1 Target – Best Multi-Face Cube for Long-Term Service
Rinehart 18-1 Archery Target, 18-Sided, Broadhead & Field Point Compatible
15 x 15 x 15 inch cube
18 shooting faces
Broadhead capable
Up to 500 FPS
Pros
- Eighteen distinct faces hold a huge amount of unused surface
- Broadhead capable and rated up to 500 FPS
- Crossbow approved with self-healing foam
- Light at 11 lbs with an easy-carry handle
Cons
- Highest price point in the roundup
- Rubber build is harder on arrow shafts than foam
- Cube geometry leaves some faces angled and awkward to reach
Eighteen shooting faces is the answer to the question every archery target eventually raises: what do I do when the front is worn out? The 18-1 keeps a cube shape and rotates so that eighteen separate faces cycle through, which is why owners report it lasting years rather than seasons. Long-term service is the entire argument for this target.
It is also broadhead capable and rated up to 500 FPS, so it works for bowhunters and crossbow shooters without a second purchase. The self-healing foam returns to shape after each impact, and a 4.6 average across 813 reviews with an 81 percent five-star share shows the design delivers on the promise.
At 11 lbs it is one of the lighter options, and the easy-carry handle makes it genuinely portable between the club, the yard and a hunting camp. For a target this capable, the weight is impressive, and it means one adult can reposition it without help.
Two trade-offs are worth naming. The rubber construction is less forgiving on arrow shafts than foam, so long-term broadhead testing will show more shaft damage than a foam block would allow. And because it is a cube rather than a flat-faced block, some faces sit at an angle that is awkward to reach at full draw.
Who this target suits
Shooters with the patience to treat a target as a long-term investment. If you shoot three or more times a week, the eighteen faces mean you could go a very long time before every usable surface is gone, and that changes the arithmetic completely.
It is the right pick for a bowhunter who shoots broadheads at home and wants one target that handles both that and crossbow practice.
Who should look elsewhere
Casual shooters and anyone on a budget. You would be paying well ahead of your usage, and a six-sided foam block covers most backyard practice at a fraction of the outlay. Shooters who shoot very few arrows per month will never use eighteen faces.
If arrow shaft longevity is your top concern, choose foam over rubber, because the harder surface wears fletching and shafts faster over time.
12. VEVOR All-Side Foam Block – Best Lightweight Target for Youth
VEVOR Archery Target Block, 16″x18″ All-Side Bow Target Block, Outdoor Portable Archery Target with Carry Handle, Easy Arrow Removal, Great Visibility, Lightweight, Easy to Transport, Black
16 x 18 x 11 inches
6 shootable faces
XPE foam surface
6.8 lbs with carry handle
Pros
- One of the lightest foam options here at 6.8 lbs with a built-in handle
- High-density XPE foam pulls arrows more cleanly than ordinary foam
- All-side shooting with high-contrast colours and clear aiming points
- Built for younger or casual archers
Cons
- Manufacturer recommends bows under 45 lbs only
- Broadheads and anchorheads are discouraged and shorten target life
- 4.2 average with 11 percent one-star reviews
At 6.8 lbs it is light enough for a child to carry out to the fence line by themselves with the built-in handle, and the XPE foam surface is denser and tougher than ordinary foam while still letting arrows out with a light pull.
All six faces shoot, with high-contrast patterns and clear aiming points that are easy to acquire at longer distances, and several pattern options let you match the face to what the young archer is working on. It is also a lower-cost serious foam block than most of the foam in this roundup, which is why we included it despite the lower rating.
Where the limits are, they are clearly stated by the manufacturer: bows under 45 lbs draw weight, and a recommended minimum shooting distance of 30 feet. Broadheads and anchorheads are explicitly discouraged because they shorten the target’s life. Those are not vague warnings, and ignoring them is how you end up with a pass-through.
The 4.2 rating with an 11 percent one-star share reflects that reality. Buyers like the weight, portability and visibility, while the recurring complaints centre on durability limits under heavier draw weights. In other words, the product is doing what it is designed to do.
Who this target suits
Young archers, beginners, and anyone with a bow under 45 pounds who wants a durable all-face target they can carry themselves. The visible aiming points help new shooters build a consistent hold and release, and the light weight removes the adult-in-the-way problem.
It also works as a travel target, since it fits in a car boot without any fuss.
Who should look elsewhere
Compound and crossbow shooters. The 45 pound draw weight guidance is the defining constraint, and ignoring it risks both damage to the target and an arrow going somewhere it should not. A foam block rated for your speed is the correct purchase.
Broadhead shooters should also move on, since the manufacturer advises against it. For that work, the Black Hole or the BLOCK Classic is the right tool.
What to Consider When Buying a Backyard Archery Target
Match the target to your bow speed first. Every target carries an FPS rating, and that number is the most important thing on the page. Shoot under it and the arrow stops. Shoot over it and the arrow is a projectile heading for whatever is behind. A 300 FPS rated target is a sensible match for a typical compound bow and most recurves, while a crossbow running above 400 FPS needs a target rated well above that figure. The Delta McKenzie Speedbag at 525 FPS and the Morrell Double Duty at 450 FPS cover the fast end, and the VEVOR block sits at the light end for bows under 45 lbs.
Decide between field points and broadheads. This single decision rules out half the roundup. Bag targets and the Delta McKenzie Speedbag are field point only, and the Morrell Double Duty, the Stinger and the Supreme 3 are field point oriented. If you tune broadheads at home, your shortlist is foam: the Black Hole 4-Sided on the open faces, the BLOCK Classic, the Block 6×6 Poly Fusion, the Rinehart 18-1, or a 3D target such as the SHOOTER Buck. Shooting a broadhead into a field point bag will cut it open, and that is the most common way people ruin an expensive target in week one.
Test arrow removal before you buy. If anyone in your household is a beginner or a child, ease of pull matters more than shot life. Layered friction foam releases arrows well once the foam has cooled, bags vary from effortless to stubborn depending on density, and high-density 3D foam is the hardest of all. Arrows that need two hands and a puller tool end practice sessions early.
Count faces, not shots. A two-face bag wears out in the centre no matter how good the core is. Six or eighteen faces, ten bullseyes and off-centre rear scoring all exist to spread the impact pattern, and rotating regularly is what turns a good target into a long-lasting one. Reviewers who rotate between faces report dramatically longer service than those who pick one spot.
Plan for weight and portability. Bag targets run from 18.3 lbs on the Stinger to roughly 37 lbs on the Morrell cube, and the difference decides whether one person can move the target or whether you need two. Foam blocks are much lighter, with the Black Hole and the VEVOR block the easiest to carry by a wide margin. If your shooting spot is not permanent, weight is a daily annoyance.
Check weather resistance, then still store it well. Weatherproof and weather-resistant claims vary widely, and none of them replace bringing the target under cover. A 4.5 star average on the Stinger comes partly from owners who stored it properly, and the outer cloth on most bags degrades faster when the target sits in full sun through several seasons. Foam blocks tolerate outdoor storage better than bags generally do.
Get the sizing right. A 19.7 inch straw face suits youth recurve shooting at 10 yards, while a 20 inch bag is a comfortable all-round size for adults. For foam blocks, 18 by 18 inches is the standard for 30-yard practice, and the extra depth of a six-sided cube is worth it if you also shoot close. A face that is too small for your group is just as frustrating as one that is too big.
Backyard Safety and Backstop Setup
A target is a stopping device for arrows you have already decided to shoot carefully. A backstop is what handles the arrow you did not. Treat the two as separate problems, because most fence holes come from shooters who assumed the target alone was enough.
Start with a clear zone. Keep a 30-yard path behind the target completely clear of people, pets, vehicles and play equipment, and check it every single time before you draw. This matters most with a crossbow and with broadheads, both of which produce far more dangerous pass-through behaviour than field points.
Build a proper backstop rather than relying on a fence. The most common approach is a wall of straw bales stacked behind and around the target, secured with stakes so a high hit cannot push them over. A PVC or wood frame holding the bales in place keeps the stack from shifting, and a layer of burlap or hessian across the front stops fragments and arrow parts. Keep a gap between the target and the backstop so you can reach stuck arrows, and so you can see anything that gets through.
Know what to do the moment an arrow passes through. Do not go looking for it until everyone is behind you and the bow is down. Mark where it exited, identify the direction, and wait for any other people in the area to move before retrieval. If it went past your property line, treat it as a serious event and do not repeat the shot until you have identified exactly what was missed.
Ricochets are the other risk and they come from the target frame itself. A plywood or plastic edge that has been hit hard can spit an arrow sideways at a sharp angle, so avoid shooting within an inch or two of any frame edge, and replace a face that has visible cracks or delamination. Never shoot a target that is loose, tilted or unsecured.
Finally, check your local rules and your neighbours. Local ordinances differ widely on discharging a bow in residential areas, and homeowner association rules can be stricter still, so check both before you set up. On the neighbour side, keep shoot times predictable, keep the backstop tall enough that nothing reaches over it, and be prepared to stop if someone raises a complaint. Ten minutes of goodwill is cheaper than a dispute.
Target Maintenance and Cold-Weather Arrow Removal
Most target complaints we saw were maintenance problems rather than product problems. Rotating between faces every few weeks extends target life more than any other single habit, and it costs nothing. Mark which face you are on so you rotate deliberately rather than out of habit.
Stuck arrows in cold weather are the most common frustration, and the cause is straightforward: cold foam is stiffer and grips more tightly. Waiting a full minute before pulling makes a real difference, and applying arrow lube to the shaft before it goes in reduces friction on the way out. A puller tool handles the shots that do not budge, and a rubber mallet on the tail end of the shaft is gentler than hitting it with anything metal.
Pass-throughs on a foam block usually mean the block is too thin for the arrow speed. The fix that works without buying anything is to stack two thinner foam blocks together rather than using one deep one, which spreads the stopping force across two layers. Do not keep shooting a block that has started to allow pass-throughs. Retire it and treat it as a range backstop rather than a practice face.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best foam archery target?
The Black Hole 4-Sided is the best all-around foam archery target because its open-layer friction design stops field points, broadheads and expandables on the same frame, and arrows pull out cleanly once the foam cools. For pure high-volume compound work, the Block 6×6 Poly Fusion offers six rotating faces rated to 400 FPS. For broadhead tuning specifically, the BLOCK Classic Layered Foam takes both arrow types and is gentle on shafts.
Can I target practice with my bow in my backyard?
In many places you can, but you must check local ordinances first, since rules on discharging a bow in residential areas vary by city, county and state. Homeowner association rules can be stricter than local law. Practically, you also need a safe shooting line, a backstop that contains pass-throughs, and a clear 30-yard zone behind the target with no people or pets.
Can archery targets stay outside?
Yes, most quality archery targets are built for outdoor use, and weatherproof and weather-resistant claims are common on foam blocks and bags. Even so, bringing the target under cover when you are not shooting will extend its life considerably, because UV exposure and repeated moisture break down outer cloth and printed faces faster than the foam core itself degrades.
What arrows to use for target practice?
Use field points for almost all backyard practice. They are accurate, repeatable, reusable and safe, and they are the correct arrow for every bag target in this roundup. Save broadheads and expandables for foam blocks and 3D targets that are explicitly broadhead rated, and never fire them into a field point bag, because the blades cut the outer cloth and the fill.
What to use as a backstop for an archery target?
Stacked straw bales are the standard choice, secured with stakes and held in place by a simple wood or PVC frame so a high hit cannot push them over. A layer of burlap or hessian across the front catches fragments, and you should leave a gap between the target and the backstop so stuck arrows remain reachable. Avoid shooting within an inch or two of any frame edge, where ricochets come from.
Why are my arrows so hard to pull out of the target?
The most common cause is cold weather making foam stiffer, plus pulling immediately after the shot. Layered friction foam grips the shaft briefly as heat dissipates, so wait about a minute before pulling. Apply arrow lube to the shaft before shooting, use a puller tool for stubborn shots, and avoid a rubber mallet tap on the tail rather than anything metal.
How big should an archery target be?
For adult backyard practice, a face around 18 to 20 inches works well for field points at 20 to 30 yards, and foam blocks of 18 by 18 inches give enough surface to group arrows on. A 19.7 inch straw face suits youth and recurve shooting at closer range. Match the size to your grouping rather than to the target, because a face smaller than your group gives you no useful feedback.
The Best Archery Targets for Backyard Practice in 2026
Whether you shoot a bow you draw hard or a bow a beginner can hold, the Black Hole is the safest of the foam options here because it takes every arrow type without a changeover. Its 4.5 star average across 5500 reviews is the most proven in the category we tested.
If your practice is field point focused, the Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube is a strong pick, rated 4.7 across 3041 reviews with four printed faces and a replaceable cover that keep it working for years. For high-volume compound work on a smaller budget, the Hurricane 2-Sided bag stops 425 FPS arrows and the Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger pulls arrows out one-handed, which is what keeps beginners coming back.
Whatever you choose, buy the rating that matches your bow, build a straw bale backstop behind it, and rotate between faces so the target lasts longer than you expect. Check the current details for each pick and pick your target today.