7 Best Bow Target | Stop Thinking the Hay Bale Is a Good Idea

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You tune your bow, lock in your form, and then you face the real problem: finding something to shoot at that does not destroy your arrows, let them fly out the back, or fall apart after a hundred hits. The market splits into cheap straw discs that crumble, budget bag targets that sag, and premium foam cubes that cost as much as a new sight. Your choice depends on your bow’s draw weight, the speed it generates (measured in FPS, or feet per second), and whether you ever shoot broadheads (hunting tips with razor-sharp blades).

I’m Min — the founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.

Whether you shoot a light recurve in the backyard or a high-speed crossbow at the range, the right bow target stops your arrows clean, lets you pull them out without a fight, and survives hundreds of shots without turning into a shredded mess.

Quick Picks

How To Choose The Best Bow Target

Picking the wrong target usually means one of two things: your arrows blow straight through the back, or you spend ten minutes wrestling each one out. The three specs below will keep you from making either mistake.

FPS Rating vs Your Bow Speed

Every target comes with a maximum FPS (feet per second — the speed an arrow travels) rating. Your bow’s actual speed needs to be at or below that number. If you shoot a 400 FPS crossbow into a target rated for 350 FPS, you risk a pass-through that can ruin your arrow or hit something behind the target. The higher the FPS rating, the denser the internal material, which also affects how hard it is to pull arrows out.

Broadhead vs Field Point Compatibility

Many bag targets and straw mats specify “field points only” because broadheads (hunting tips with razor-sharp blades) slice through the fabric layers and nylon covers. If you hunt, you need a target with self-healing foam or a replaceable broadhead core — otherwise you will trash a bag target in one practice session. Check the manufacturer’s material type: self-healing foam or dedicated broadhead lanes are the only route for bladed tips.

Weight, Portability, and Longevity

A heavier target absorbs impact better and stays put when the arrow hits, but you have to move it around. At the lightest end, a 6.2-pound straw disc is easy to carry but may need a backstop behind it. A 27-pound bag target stops harder-hitting bows but is still manageable for one person to hang or set on the ground. Foam cubes in the 15-20 pound range hit a balance: they are dense enough to stop crossbow bolts and portable enough to toss in the trunk for a trip to the range.

Quick Comparison

Model Best For Weight FPS Rating Dimensions Amazon
Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20″ High-speed crossbow & compound practice 27 lbs 525 FPS 20″ x 10″ $49.99Amazon
Rinehart 18-1 Broadhead tuning & field points 500 FPS 15″ x 15″ x 15″ $159.99Amazon
Morrell Supreme Range High-volume target practice 14″ thick $139.99Amazon
Morrell Super Duper Family & beginner crossbow use 400 FPS $69.99Amazon
Delta McKenzie Speedbag Revolver Portable backyard shooting 15 lbs 450 FPS 12″ x 12″ x 12″ $35.76Amazon
TOPARCHERY Straw Target Low-poundage recurve & traditional 6.2 lbs 19.7″ x 19.7″ x 2.3″ $38.99Amazon
AUVIM Straw Target Kids & indoor archery 19.7″ x 19.7″ x 2.3″ $49.99Amazon
↻ Live Amazon prices — as of Jul 10, 2026 6:13 AM. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

In‑Depth Reviews

Top Performer

1. Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20″ Archery Field Point Bag Target

525 FPS Rating27 Pounds

The 20-inch bag that handles the fastest crossbows without letting a bolt slip through.

Your real worry with a high-powered bow or crossbow is pass-through — a bolt that punches all the way through and keeps flying. This bag stops that cold. It is rated to handle speeds up to 525 FPS (feet per second, a measure of arrow speed that most crossbows fall well under), which makes it the highest-rated bag in this lineup. Buyers report that at 15 feet with a 282 FPS bow, arrows penetrate only 6 to 7 inches into the 10-inch depth, leaving plenty of material to catch a stray shot.

Unlike the 15-pound Delta McKenzie Revolver cube, this bag weighs 27 pounds, giving it stability and stopping power without turning it into a furniture-moving job. The built-in hanging grommets let you mount it vertically on a stand or a wall, and the white face with high-contrast aiming dots works in low light. One buyer logged 600 to 700 shots with no issues, noting that the replaceable bag cover uses excellent velcro and that you can re-stuff the core when it starts to settle. Just remember: field points only — broadheads will disappear into the packed material and are nearly impossible to extract.

fast arrow stopper: Shoots with a 420-430 FPS bow and still stops bolts without damage. Easy arrow removal; holds up to high-volume practice.

limited arrow capacity: Does not accept broadheads. If you hunt, you will need a second target or a broadhead-specific core.

speed practice: You shoot a compound bow or crossbow over 400 FPS and want a bag that will survive hundreds of shots without sagging or letting arrows through.

extended sessions: You need a single target for both field points and broadheads — this one is field-point-only.

Broadhead Ready

2. Rinehart 18-1 Archery Target

Self-Healing Foam500 FPS

Self-healing foam that shrugs off broadheads after every other target says “field points only.”

If you hunt, this is the one that saves you money over time. Most bag targets and nylon cubes disintegrate the moment a broadhead hits them — the razor blades slice through the fabric and the inner fill shreds. The Rinehart 18-1 uses a “self-healing foam” (a dense material that closes back up after the arrow passes through) so broadheads do not leave permanent channels. It is rated up to 500 FPS, just slightly below the Delta McKenzie bag’s 525 FPS, but its 15-inch cube thickness gives it a deep stop zone. One reviewer noted 7 years of use with a PSE Levitate shooting 550-grain arrows tipped with 150-grain Cutthroat broadheads and said there were no pass-throughs at all.

The 18 faces give you fresh aiming surfaces long after the front face wears out, and the lightweight foam body has a carry handle so you can haul it to the woods or the club without a cart. That said, the paint job is thin — owners mention it flakes and scratches fast — but that is cosmetic, not functional. For daily field-point practice, one reviewer suggests sticking with a cheaper bag target and reserving this one for broadhead tuning and pre-hunt verification, since the foam shows your arrow’s entry angle, helping you diagnose form issues.

versatile target faces: Shoots broadheads without wrecking the target core. Compact enough for a hunting camp; lightweight enough to carry one-handed.

heavy to move: The exterior paint chips and fades quickly, and errant shots near the bottom edge can go through. Use a dedicated bag for daily field-point volume.

all-season training: You shoot broadheads and need a target that stops them without self-destructing, or you tune bare shafts and want to read the entry angle.

portability: You only ever shoot field points — you can get more faces and cheaper cost-per-shot from a bag target.

Best Value

3. Morrell Supreme Range Adult Field Point Archery Bag Target

NASP Rings14-Inch Thick

The premium-range bag that carries official NASP scoring rings and a replaceable cover for serious practice volume.

This bag target is built for high-volume practice in a permanent range or club lane. It is thick — 14 inches of multi-layer density polypropylene fill — so it catches arrows from high-speed compound bows without letting them blow through. Buyers mention it withstood repeated use with target-point arrows and that arrows come out easily even after 300-400 shots. The built-in Internal Frame System (IFS, a rigid internal structure that keeps the bag from collapsing into a saggy lump) preserves the shape far longer than a standard bag fill.

The front face is printed with official NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program) scoring rings, which is useful if you practice for competition or want a standardized aiming point. The cover is replaceable, extending the target’s life significantly. The catch is the weight: buyers consistently call it “heavy” and say moving it requires a hand truck or a wagon. It is not a toss-in-the-trunk target. Also, the 14-inch depth and dense fill means you should not shoot broadheads into it — field points only.

rugged construction

  • Multi-layer density stops arrows from high-speed bows without pass-through.
  • Replaceable cover extends the usable life when the front face wears out.
  • NASP scoring rings are standard for competition practice.

bulky size

  • Heavy — one person will struggle to move it without a dolly or cart.
  • Field points only; not for broadheads.
  • Dense core means repeated shots in the same spot can create a wear channel over time.

high volume shooting: You have a dedicated practice spot and shoot high volumes with field points. The replaceable cover and thick construction make it a long-term investment.

compact storage: You need to move your target frequently or share one between field points and broadheads.

Compact Pick

4. Morrell Super Duper Field Point Bow Target

400 FPSDual-Sided

A budget-friendly block with a deer-vitals side for hunters who want two targets in one.

This budget-friendly block is ideal for families and new archers with bows under 400 FPS. It is rated up to 400 FPS, which covers most entry-level to mid-range compound bows and light crossbows, but you will need something tougher if your bow is over that threshold. The dual-purpose face gives you a standard practice grid on one side and a deer vital-zone silhouette on the other, so you can switch from target practice to hunting simulation without buying a second target.

Buyers consistently praise how easy the arrows are to remove — one reviewer says they can pull arrows with one hand. The internal frame system and nucleus center (a dense internal plug that absorbs the highest-impact zone) keep the block from wearing out in the center too fast. However, one buyer mentioned that the outer layer separates over time and that the bag compresses easily, causing arrows to flop rather than stand straight. It is also polypropylene (a synthetic fiber fill), which means it gets heavy when wet and the yellow color fades quickly if left in direct sun. Not for broadheads or mechanical practice tips.

easy arrow removal: Easy arrow removal with one hand. The deer-vitals side is a nice bonus for hunters doing pre-season practice.

fabric wears: Outer layer separates with wear, and the bag gets heavy when wet. Rated only 400 FPS — skip it if you shoot a fast crossbow.

beginners: You are a beginner or casual shooter with a bow under 400 FPS and want a dual-sided target for practice and basic hunting practice.

heavy draw weights: You shoot a crossbow over 400 FPS or plan to use broadheads — this one is field-point-only and not rated for high speeds.

Six-Sided Value

5. Delta McKenzie Speedbag Revolver 6-Sided Archery Target

6 Sides15 Pounds

The 12-inch cube with six shootable faces that fits in a car trunk and stops crossbow bolts.

This 15-pound cube is the most portable option that still stops crossbow bolts up to 450 FPS. It measures 12 by 12 by 12 inches and weighs only 15 pounds, versus the 27-pound Delta McKenzie bag target above, so you can easily carry it to the range or toss it in the back seat. Despite the compact size, it is rated for 450 FPS — versus the 525 FPS of the larger bag — which still covers most crossbows on the market. One buyer confirmed it “stops bolts from a 430 fps crossbow” and noted that arrow removal is easy.

The six sides give you distinct aiming points with high-contrast graphics and calibration grids, so you can practice precision without shooting the same spot twice. The high-density fill material (nylon, not foam) provides a good balance of stopping power and easy extraction, and the rugged outer shell resists UV damage and moisture. That said, at 12 inches square, the surface is noticeably smaller than the 20-inch bag — a few buyers said it was smaller than expected. Still, for a backyard or indoor portable setup, this delivers value without taking up much space.

compact six-sided: Six sides boost usable surface in a compact cube. Handles crossbow bolts up to 450 FPS with easy removal.

small target area: At 12 inches, it is smaller than many archers expect. Not ideal for long-range practice where shot groups spread out.

travel training: You need a target you can move between home, the range, and the hunting camp. The 6 sides and 450 FPS rating make it versatile for most bows.

precision aiming: You shoot over 450 FPS or want a larger face for group shooting at longer distances.

Traditional Feel

6. TOPARCHERY Archery Target 3 Layers 20 inch Traditional Solid Straw Arc

Straw Material6.2 Pounds

A hand-woven straw disc that lasted one buyer over 10,000 shots before the center finally gave out.

This hand-woven straw target weighs 6.2 pounds and measures 19.7 inches across. It is not built for high-speed crossbows or heavy compound bows. The manufacturer recommends it for draw weights below 40 pounds, and for good reason: at 2.3 inches thick, a 50-pound bow will send an arrow right through unless you put a backstop behind it. One reviewer confirmed that with a 50-pound bow, you will need something behind the target to catch pass-throughs.

The value here is for traditional archers shooting recurves or longbows at moderate distances. The straw material grips arrows without bouncing them, and the 3-layer construction adds just enough density for lower-poundage bows. Customers note that after heavy use, you can step on the back of the target to flatten it back into shape, extending its life. Compare the dimensions: this is 19.7 inches by 19.7 inches, while the Delta McKenzie Revolver cube is 12 inches square, so you get a bigger aiming zone. But at only 6.2 pounds it is featherlight, so a strong gust of wind or a very errant arrow can knock it over if it is not propped against something.

natural material

  • Lasted over 10,000 shots before the center fell out per one buyer’s report.
  • Lightweight (6.2 lbs) and easy to carry or hang.
  • Straw is quiet and grips arrows without bounce or deflection.

weather sensitive

  • Thin at 2.3 inches — high-poundage bows above 40 lbs will punch through.
  • Broadheads wreck the straw quickly; the maker recommends field points only.
  • Lightweight means it can tip over easily outdoors unless anchored.

traditional archers: You shoot a recurve or longbow under 40 pounds and want a traditional, quiet target that costs very little per shot over many sessions.

wet conditions: You shoot a compound bow over 40 pounds, a crossbow, or broadheads — this straw target will not stop them.

Indoor & Youth

7. AUVIM Archery Target – Straw Solid Hand-Made

Handmade Straw19.7″ x 19.7″

A handmade straw circle that stops a 32-pound longbow indoors without damaging walls or arrows.

This handmade straw target is ideal for kids and beginners shooting light draw weights. It is essentially the same 3-layer straw design as the TOPARCHERY target above — hand-woven by farmers, not factory standardized, so the dimensions can vary slightly. One buyer using a 32-pound longbow at close range indoors reported the target stopped arrows without wall damage and caused no “hay fever” symptoms. For a lightweight setup, this is tough to top in terms of safety and simplicity.

The manufacturer’s guideline is clear: bows below 15 pounds can use a single layer at 10 yards; bows up to 35 pounds need the 3-layer version at 20-30 yards; above 35 pounds, step up to a 5-layer target. So this specific 3-layer unit is strictly for low to moderate draw weights. It also comes with a 7-day unconditional return warranty, which is a nice safety net for a handmade product whose dimensions may not be perfectly uniform. Just like the TOPARCHERY straw target, this one cannot handle broadheads and will not survive high-speed compound or crossbow use — it is for traditional archery at close to moderate range.

quiet backstop: Stops light recurves and longbows without wall damage. Handmade straw material is quiet and safe for close-range backyard or indoor practice.

low poundage limit: Not for compound bows over 35 pounds or any crossbow. Arrow pass-through is likely at higher speeds.

indoor practice: You are setting up a first target for a kid or beginner shooting a light recurve or longbow indoors or in a small backyard.

high power bows: You shoot a compound bow over 35 pounds, a crossbow, or broadheads — straw of this thickness will not stop them.

Understanding the Specs

FPS Rating (Feet Per Second)

This number tells you the maximum arrow speed the target is designed to stop. If your bow shoots arrows at 450 FPS and the target is rated for 400 FPS, there is a real risk the arrow punches through the back. Always match or exceed your bow’s IBO or advertised speed with the target’s FPS rating. For crossbow shooters, this is the single most important number to check — most bag targets tap out around 450-525 FPS, while foam blocks can go higher.

Weight and Portability

Lighter targets (under 10 pounds) are easy to carry but tend to shift or tip over when hit. Heavier targets (15-30 pounds) stay put and absorb impact better but are harder to move around. Bag targets in the 15-27 pound range strike the best balance for most archers, while foam cubes are often lighter than they look and are easier to carry thanks to built-in handles.

FAQ

Can I shoot broadheads into a bag target?
Most bag targets are clearly labeled “field points only” because broadhead blades cut through the nylon shell and shred the internal fill. If you need to shoot broadheads, choose a target with self-healing foam like the Rinehart 18-1, or a target with a dedicated broadhead core. Shooting broadheads into a bag target will destroy it quickly and make arrow removal nearly impossible.
How many shots does a straw target typically last?
One owner reported over 10,000 shots from a TOPARCHERY 3-layer straw target before the center wore out. The lifespan depends heavily on your draw weight and arrow speed — low-poundage recurves and longbows will get thousands of shots, while heavy compound bows above 40 pounds will punch through the straw much faster and may require a backstop.
What does FPS mean for a bow target?
FPS stands for feet per second and measures how fast your arrow travels from the bow. Target manufacturers rate their products with a maximum FPS number. If your bow shoots at 400 FPS and the target is rated for 450 FPS, you have a safety margin. If your bow is rated at 470 FPS and the target is rated for 450 FPS, the arrow may pass through the target entirely.
Heavier targets (25 pounds and up) are more stable but harder to move.
Heavier targets (25 pounds and up) are more stable and stop arrows more reliably, but they are harder to move and transport. Lighter targets (under 10 pounds) are easier to carry but may tip over or shift with each shot. Choose a lighter target for portability or a heavier one for stationary stability.
Can I use a bag target for a crossbow?
Yes, but only if the bag target’s FPS rating matches or exceeds your crossbow’s bolt speed. The Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20-inch is rated for 525 FPS and works with most crossbows. The Morrell Super Duper is rated for 400 FPS, so it is only suitable for slower crossbows. Always check the FPS rating before using a bag target with a crossbow.
How do I store a straw target to make it last longer?
Keep straw targets in a dry place or under a cover when not in use. Moisture causes the straw to rot and lose density. If the target starts to bulge or deform from repeated impacts, you can step on the back to flatten it back into shape, which extends the usable life significantly.
What is the difference between a bag target and a foam block target?
A bag target is filled with layered synthetic material (nylon or polypropylene fibers) inside a fabric shell. It is typically cheaper and lighter but is field-point-only. A foam block target uses dense self-healing foam that closes up after each shot, making it broadhead-compatible. Foam blocks generally last longer but cost more upfront.
Why do some targets have multiple sides or faces?
Multi-sided targets let you rotate to a fresh face once one side gets worn out, extending the target’s lifespan. The Delta McKenzie Speedbag Revolver has six sides, and the Rinehart 18-1 has 18 different faces. This design gives you many more aiming points before you need to replace the target entirely.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

Across the board, the bow target winner is the Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20″ because its 525 FPS rating stops the fastest crossbows and compounds, the 27-pound weight keeps it stable, and buyers confirm it survives hundreds of shots with easy arrow removal. If you need broadhead compatibility, grab the Rinehart 18-1 — its self-healing foam is the only pick here that handles blades without falling apart. And for a traditional recurve shooter on a budget, the TOPARCHERY straw target gives you a huge 19.7-inch face at just 6.2 pounds, perfect for indoor or backyard practice at low poundage.

How We Picked

We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.

Sources & Methodology

Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.

As an Amazon Associate, Gadgets Feed earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.