Best Crossbow Targets For 2023

As bow hunters and archers, we constantly look for the best crossbow targets to improve our skills. While traditional paper marks provide a great opportunity for practice, those who want an extra challenge can explore other options in the market that imitate the features of real game animals.

These realistic targets give you a taste of what it’s like to hunt in the wild and help you refine your shooting form before aiming at that elusive buck. I understand the importance of having the best crossbow targets when setting up your practice range, so I went out of my way to find the highest quality selection.

Let us discuss the key characteristics of the best crossbow targets so you can make an informed decision when choosing the right one.

Our Top Picks

Key Characteristics of Best Crossbow Targets (Buyer’s Guide):

Crossbow target practice is a great way to improve your shooting accuracy while having fun. It can be done in any open space or backyard, and you don’t need much fancy equipment. However, having the right one can make a huge difference in your practice sessions.

When selecting crossbow targets, there are several key characteristics to look out for. Here are some important ones:

Durability:

Regarding durability, the thickness of a crossbow target’s material is essential. You want to ensure that your arrows penetrate it without causing any damage. The ideal materials are rubber and metal, which are strong yet flexible enough to withstand high-powered shots.

For extra durability, look for ones that feature a layered design with multiple layers of material, from a hard outer shell to an inner core. This will ensure that arrows don’t puncture through and through too easily and also provide more support against wear and tear.

Resistance:

When you’re shooting, you need the target to absorb the impact of your shot. The best crossbow targets should be made from material with high penetration resistance.

Look for those with a high-density foam core which helps to absorb the impact of shots and also helps to protect arrows from damaging each other.

Removability:

We also want removability to be easy when the arrows drill in. If a compact material like foam is used, it becomes harder for us to pull the bolts out.

To counter this, we can slightly lubricate the bolts with some liquid soap so they don’t become fixed inside.

Suitability:

Choosing a target compatible with your crossbow and arrows is also critical, as different blots and heads require different resistance levels.

For example, if you are using field tips, you’ll be better off with materials like polyester fillers that make it easy for you to take the arrows out without much resistance.

However, if you are using broadheads then using foam ones will be better as they would allow easy entry. But the removability of your broadheads will be compromised.

Arrow Longevity:

We want to ensure that our targets aren’t too hard or too soft for our arrows. If the target is too hard, the bolts won’t penetrate proper. Or even if they manage to do so, you’ll be left with loose tips or, even worst, your valuable broadheads stuck inside it.

Luckily some targets allow you to open them up and retrieve your arrow heads. If that’s not the case, then you’ll usually have a tug of war with them daily.

On the other hand, if it’s too soft, arrows can sink in and degrade quickly, making them unsafe to use.

The best crossbow targets should be firm enough to allow arrows to penetrate yet not so hard that they damage the arrow tips.

Multiple Aim Points:

Multiple aiming points provide you with an added layer of challenge, as you can practice shooting at different angles and distances.

Generally speaking, choosing a crossbow target with several aim points is best, so you can switch up your shooting routine.

Ensure the aim points are realistic, not simple circles or squares. Look for targets that offer different sizes, shapes, and colors, which can help you to hone your skills more accurately.

Since your ultimate goal is to take down a game animal, a target that mimics the size and shape of an animal can be especially helpful. When hunting, we hit no more than an inch of our intended lock position. So it’s best to have smaller but measured circles so you can know how much moving can deviate your aim.

Density:

High-density targets are ideal for absorbing the impact of your shots more effectively.

It is best to choose crossbow targets that have a certain weight to them otherwise they would be falling down after every other shot.

The best crossbow broadhead target should be able to withstand multiple shots without moving an inch. If not, then you can put wooden logs or reinforcements behind to stop arrows from displacing them.

Mobility:

It’s important to consider how easily mobile you want your targets to be. Some models are designed to be mounted on a stand or hung from a tree, while others can simply be placed on the ground.

If you plan on move around and change your practice locations frequently, look for lightweight, portable and ones with quick and easy assembly.

Size:

The best crossbow target size depends upon your level of experience. If you are a newbie, then using bigger ones will help you correct your aim in no time. However, if you are an expert, then using smaller multfaced targets will help you hone your aims for the kill zone.

Different Types of Crossbow Targets

Here are some of the most common types:

Bag Targets

Bag targets are made from heavy-duty burlap or canvas and filled with foam, straw, or other absorbent materials.

These can be hung on a wall or stand, and they’re great for shooting indoors because they provide a softer surface to shoot at. However, you can’t use broadheads on them as they will shred the outer covering and render them useless.

Block Targets:

Mostly the blocks are made of hard materials such as wood, metal, or even plastic. They are best crossbow targets for field tips as they’re extremely durable and can take on many shots without being damaged.

Their shooting surface is usually flat for easier aiming and don’t move much due to the compact packing done.

Multi-face targets

These offer you multiple angle to practise your aim. One such example is the Rinehar 18-1. It includes 18 shooting faces that can be shot from multiple angles and allows you more shooting time before you physically go and recollect your bolts.

Foam Targets

Foam targets are mostly in the shape of blocks and have the added benefit of allowing you to check your broadheads out on them.

However, retreiving the arrows from inside them is a significant challenge. You can get your broadheads back, but they can also become stuck inside, making you lose your precious hunting equipment.

One way to curb this matter is to choose such foam targets that allow you to replace the layers. This will help you get your arrow and broadheads back with much ease. But, the repeated exposure of the foam residue can damage your blots in the long run.

3D Targets

For crossbow hunters, striking a 3D target is the ultimate test of accuracy and marksmanship. Constructed from durable materials such as foam or rubber, these can be the best crossbow targets for you, considering how much fun they are.

They feature lifelike designs that accurately simulate game animals’ size and shape, such as deer, elk, or bear.

The main plus point is that these allow you to learn the anatomy of the real life game and help you practice your aim for the perfect shot in the kill zone.

However, the drawback to these is that they are more costlier than the average targets on the market. Also, their portability can be a issue if you are fond of changing locations.

Spider webs:

Spider web targets are a great way to practice accuracy and shot placement. These targets feature a central bullseye surrounded by various web lines that get smaller as they go outward, providing you with different difficulty levels.

These crossbow targets come in blocks, and removing the arrow from the target is super convenient. However, broadheads can’t be used, and most can only withstand field tips.

Hay bale Targets

Hay bales offer an inexpensive alternative to more expensive options, making it much easier to set up a range even in areas with limited space.

Hay bales also provide the advantage of being able to adjust the size of the target area with ease – simply piling more hay onto the target lets you adjust how large or small of an area you want your practice shots to land on.

Furthermore, hay is easily replaceable and can last for quite some time before needing a replacement, making it a very cost-effective option if you are just starting out.

Best Crossbow Targets In 2023 Reviewed

1. Rinehart 18-1 Broadhead Target

Product Details:

Rinehart 18-1 is a cube-shaped multi-face broadhead target that is one of the best crossbow targets on the market. It weighs 11 lb with a 15 inch size.

With a whopping 18 different faces, you get plenty of practice opportunities to perfect your aim. It’s also crafted from lightweight foam so that you can count on its enhanced portability and easy transport.

Not only that, the foam is made of closed urethane cells that self heals when the arrows are removed. No doubt, the every target becomes dull over time, but Rinehart 18 is able to maintain it’s shape and quality over extended period of times.

You’ll love how easy it is to move around due to the ergonomic carry handle! It’s low maintenance and isn’t affected by weather conditions much. However, proper care for every equipment is a must.

It is also tough enough to handle speeds of up to 500 FPS, making it perfect for use with your high-powered crossbow and broadheads. The high visibility target zones ensure easy aiming and make sure you don’t miss even the trickiest of shots.

2. SpyderWeb ST 18XL Field Point Crossbow Block Target

Product Details:

The Spyderweb Field Point Crossbow Block is a trustworthy crossbow and archery target. With this product, I can assure you that your bolts will be securely stored with an easy-to-remove backing. Plus, there are no speed limit restrictions – this means maximum stopping power!

This would have been the best crossbow target if it was able to withstand broadheads. But unfortunately it’s only meant to be practiced with field tips. Apart from that, this product worked well with my increasing accuracy and speed, so I didn’t have to worry about whether my shots would hit the target.

The Spyderweb successfully retained its performance level throughout various arrow sizes, and arrow speeds up to 550fps!

You will also benefit from extra durability, as this field point target is designed to withstand hundreds of shots from your crossbow. The surface is made up self-repair material called Spylar which allows the bolts to slide in between the fibers without damaging them.

You won’t regret trying out this powerful and dependable target, whether a beginner or a seasoned hunter. 

3. Morrell Double Duty 450FPS Field Point Bag Target

Product Details:

The Morrell Double Duty Archery Bag Target offers an easy-to-hit field point to practice, giving you the same feeling of firing at a real game.It Measures 19.5 inches long, 19.25 inches wide, and 19.25 inches tall, tough enough that the arrows stick without bouncing back or falling out on the ground.

It offers thousands of shots before needing to be replaced. As a bonus, you can replace the core target cover, increasing its extended life! It is perfect for outdoors or even indoors for those rainy days when outside isn’t an option. It is easy to set up and move if needed.

This bag has a rating of 450 FPS, allowing it to handle even the fastest bows on the market. It packs heavy, offering incredible stopping power for your arrows or bolts, ensuring you practice with precision and accuracy. With its bright orange color and black outline, the Morrell Double Duty Target is sure to bring hours of archery fun.

Crafted with quality materials, this impressive target features 5 traditional bullseyes and nine-ball bullseyes, as well as a dartboard game and deer vitals, allowing you to practice your aim in a wide range of scenarios.

The built-in tote-carrying handles make it super convenient: flip it up and carry it off to your hunting site! 

4. Splatterburst 8-Inch Stick & Splatter Reactive Self-Adhesive Shooting Targets

Product Details:

We all can agree that every hunter needs quality tools to practice their craft, and Splatterburst Targets are a great choice due to their superior design and performance. They are convenient and easy to use, and their revolutionary self-adhesive application sticks to almost any surface at any temperature.

These are designed with a fluorescent yellow splatter to ensure maximum visibility for pinpoint precision shooting. Besides giving you unique visual feedback, they also stay in place no matter your conditions!

Whether you’re shooting a bow, rifle, crossbow, or any other type of gun, you’ll appreciate their superior performance. Made from durable materials and designed to handle whatever you can throw at it, they provide an accurate point of impact even after multiple shots.

Plus, thanks to their bright coloring and clear contrast design, they’re great for people with reduced vision who need extra assistance sighting their target. If you’re not completely satisfied after trying them out, the company offers a full refund, so you’re never out of pocket or stuck with something that doesn’t meet your expectations.

5. Bulldog Targets Doghouse FP Archery Target Plus

Product Details:

Despite its lightweight design, the Bulldog Doghouse Crossbow Target is incredibly sturdy and solid, so even the most powerful shots can withstand it. Thus, this is the best broadhead archery target on the market.

Whether you are shooting arrow tips or broadheads at the Bulldog Doghouse Crossbow Target, you will surely get a great result every time. As this target has two shootable sides, it offers twice the use, so it will last for years to come! Not to mention, its easy two-finger arrow removal system makes practice sessions more efficient and effective.

This claim by the company is no exaggeration, and we tested this ourselves. Even a small child can retrieve the arrow from it. For assurance in quality, these targets come with a lifetime warranty so you can buy with confidence and know that the company stands behind the product entirely.

As far as the target itself is concerned, it won’t wear out with regular use. As a result of its durable construction, you’ll be able to use it for a lifetime and expect it to provide consistent performance.

It also has great impact absorption characteristics, so arrows penetrate easily without causing any damage to the target or bouncing off in unpredictable directions.

6. BIGSHOT Archery Titan 16 Multipurpose Broadhead Target

Product Details:

The BIGSHOT Archery Titan 16 is a multipurpose broadhead target that provides all the features you need to refine your skills. It offers five faces for providing ample shooting surface to practice your aim.

The best part is its foam block style construction offering easy arrow removal of high-speed crossbows up to 460fps! So you can spend your time improving your skillset instead of wasting time on!

It also allows fast assembly with no tools or additional parts required. Just unbox, attach, and aim! Plus, it’s constructed with Elasto-Flex self-healing foam technology to withstand multiple shot of every size.

Thus, this broadhead target is sure to last through every session, providing superior flexibility with every impact.

It measures 16 x 16 x 13.5 inches and has a total weight of 12 pounds, making it the most durable and reliable choice for those serious about their shooting practice. The Titan 16 offers multi-layer density protection from various angles of fire with its weatherproof design, making this truly multipurpose.

Its thick outer shell will absorb energy from impact bolts, traps them safely within the target, and protect your equipment from deterioration due to damage when practicing with broadheads.

7. Black Hole 22” Block Target

Product Details:

Next on the list is the revolutionary Black Hole 22” Block Target.

The superior construction begins with the 22-inch size of the target, providing plenty of room for you to test your skills. Its polypropylene material ensures that the blocks stay in place throughout multiple uses while allowing arrows to penetrate deep to measure their true power.

As if that weren’t enough, you’ll also love its 4 sided shooting design, which allows you to quickly change orientation while practicing by alternating sides without unnecessary repositioning.

But what all customers really appreciate about the Black Hole 22” Block Target is its superior visibility. Arrows penetrate deeply for easy scoring. The bold coloring provides sharper contrast for enhanced accuracy when aiming shots – optimizing practice sessions!

The unique open-layered design of this target offers easy arrow removal with no force required. This friction-based approach stops arrows fast, achieving accurate results and an elaborated output for each shot. Plus, it can handle up to 400 fps without failing.

It’s made from a durable E-Z flex foam that absorbs impact upon impact, providing incredible longevity and value for money over time. It also features multiple layers to ensure your arrows stay secure and penetrate easily. They come with a convenient carry handle, making transportation super easy!

8. GlenDel Full-Rut Buck 3D Archery Target

Product Details:

The GlenDel Full-Rut Buck is an incredible 3D deer target that provides an open-field hunting experience in your backyard. Per my research, this is the largest practice buck in its class. The total height of 62″, combined with Polyfusion Technology, creates unparalleled realism and ensures uniform layer compression. 

Thanks to this technology, arrows are removed with ease – allowing you to practice longer without extra effort. The 4-Sided Replaceable Insert Core is designed to provide extended life so you can keep shooting this best crossbow target for years to come. 

I also found it fascinating that by simply replacing worn-out core inserts, the GlenDel Full-Rut Buck delivers long-lasting utility, providing maximum value from just one purchase.

The GlenDel Full-Rut Buck features a rotating head with an impressive 150” B&C rack. This target allows you to practice as if hunting a real whitetail in its full rut form. It even features a realistic deer hair look, so you can fully immerse yourself in your practice sessions.

The best part? This target can stop all types of broadheads and field tip arrows, making it the ultimate crossbow target!

9. Real Wild 3D Big Buck Archery Target

Product Details:

If you’re looking for the most realistic and engaging target around, then this is it. It is built to replicate a 200 lb whitetail deer raised to life with amazing detail and constructed from a durable foam material. 

This target stands up to any high-speed crossbow or compound bow, shooting up to 500 fps. You have plenty of targets to aim at an impressively large average length of 37 to 87 inches, so you can sharpen your precision and accuracy throughout those long practice sessions.

The poly fiber filling adds elevated levels of impact resistance, so you don’t need to worry about wear and tear like other inferior targets out there.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned archer/hunter, you’ll love how realistically this target helps you refine all aspects of your game. In addition to providing excellent stopping power, this target comes with a replaceable core section that adds even more stopping power and value, allowing you to use your target for long periods of time.

The foam within the mid-section replacement core is facing backward to offer more protection from wear and tear on the poly fusion spear-targeted layer over time.

This product is made of unique composite materials ensuring exceptional durability while protecting against natural elements like rain and mud. These specialized materials also give you superior impact resistance and toughness against all caliber sizes of arrows.

Crossbow Target Usage And Maintenance

Shooting with a crossbow is a fantastic experience. Beyond its undeniable appeal, though, it also requires some finesse and maintenance to keep the equipment functioning optimally.

Regularly checking and taking care of your best crossbow targets will not only extend their life but also improve your accuracy. Following are the tips you can implement from the get-go.

1. Placing a Backstop

One of the most important parts of using a crossbow target is having a backstop in place. A backstop is something that will stop the arrows from going all the way through target and into whatever is behind it.

The most common type of backstop is a piece of plywood that is placed behind. This will stop the arrows from going through and will also help to prolong the life.

2. Frequent Rotation

Another important part of using a crossbow target is rotating it on a regular basis. This will help to prolong the life of the target and will also ensure that you are able to practice your shooting at different angles. It is important to make sure that you rotate the target at least once per week.

3. Weatherproofing

When you have bought your best crossbow target, it become more important to make sure that it is weatherproof and works for long. This means that it should be able to withstand sun, rain, snow, and wind without being damaged.

Many different materials can be used for weatherproofing, so make sure to choose one that will work well in your area.

4. Replacing the Cover

If you notice that the cover on your crossbow target is starting to fade or become worn out, it is important to replace it as soon as possible. This will help to prolong the life of the target and will also ensure that you are able to practice your shooting at different angles. There are a number of different covers available, so make sure to choose one that will work well in your area.

Additionally, consider investing in high-quality materials such as weatherproof pressed cotton or hemp for the backing material. This should be overlaid with denser filler, such as heavy felt or crushed rubber, for an effective buffer against impact damage.

Regularly check for any damage or signs of wear and tear after every use to ensure safety and accuracy during shooting sessions. Please don’t forget to store them indoors when not in use—sunlight can cause premature fading or warping of the target material over time.

The Best Crossbow Targets: Conclusion

Overall, we provided reviews based on our test results and experiences with a variety of crossbow targets. When selecting your ideal choice, you should consider your environment, the materials you like and the crossbows and bolts you use.

If you’re looking for an excellent team to purchase from, we recommend checking out the above-listed brands. They all offer quality products with exceptional features and are sure to give you the best shooting experience possible! Good luck on your hunting trips, and happy shooting!

Frequently Asked Questions. (FAQs)