Today’s high-tech crossbows pack a considerable punch — some generating beyond 225 foot-pounds of energy — with velocities exceeding the 500 fps mark. Harnessing the power unleashed by these modern marvels requires a formidable target on the receiving end of the range to absorb all of that power during lengthy practice sessions and survive to perform another day.
Responding to a growing interest in crossbows, target manufacturers — at least those with insight — are producing models tailor made for horizontal bow shooters. These targets have one commonality — they are built extra tough. But target makers also understand that practice sessions should not be only productive but also fun. And that’s why they offer a variety of energy absorbing configurations — blocks, bags and realistic 3-D models — so crossbow enthusiasts can develop their shooting skills without the tedium often associated with range time.
Most archery target manufacturers produce foam and bag-style crossbow targets that generally work well with crossbows shooting up to and even beyond 430 fps. Bag targets can be hung from their grommets so that they can swing, allowing them to better absorb the impact of crossbow arrows. Foam block and 3-D targets are built to absorb more impact and can be placed on the ground.
As they say, practice makes perfect, and regular practice sessions are important for maximizing good bowmanship. Be sure you are geared up to make each outing as productive as possible by investing in an archery target that’s built to take a beating. Here are some examples that should put you on the path to better — and fun — shooting.
Delta McKenzie Big 8 Target
Delta McKenzie’s Big 8 Archery Target features an innovative asymmetric hexagon shape, providing eight shooting faces, greatly increasing usable life with any type of bow or crossbow. Its design provides a larger shooting area vs. conventional square targets, giving shooters confidence to stretch the distance without fear of missing the target. Delta’s Big 8 also utilizes a new premium competition-grade “self-healing” foam that withstands even heavy tournament use, lasting up to eight times longer, while maintaining a lower pull force for easier arrow extraction. It is field point and broadhead compatible, speed rated for all high-performance bows and crossbows and available in 16- and 20-inch models. Both are self-supporting — just drop and shoot. MSRP: $169.99/16-inch; $245.99/20-inch. Contact: www.dmtargets.com
Hurricane H-21 Bag Target
Designed for crossbows, the Hurricane H-21 Bag Target features highly visible aiming points that are easy to see against a contrasting background, even at longer ranges. And shooters can hone their hunting skills with the deer vitals target on the back of the Hurricane. For longer target life, the vitals are positioned off-center so they don’t line up with aiming points on the front target. A heavy-duty strap handle makes the 21x21x21-inch Hurricane H-21 easy to carry and place. The target is designed to stop 400+ fps standard diameter crossbow bolts. MSRP: $59.99. www.feradyne.com/brands/hurricane-bag-targets
Morrell Targets Big High Roller Target
Due to the popularity of its High Roller archery target, Morrell Targets recently launched the mack-daddy of them all, the Big High Roller. Just like its little brother, this thing has it all. Bigger, badder and designed to stop arrow speeds of up to 500+ fps, this self-healing, weather and fade resistant foam target works harder and lasts longer — suitable for any field point or broadhead delivered from crossbows, compounds and traditional bows. This six-sided solid foam target has 21 bull’s-eyes and is equipped with an E-Z tote carrying handle that makes it convenient to use. It measures 16x16x16 inches and weighs 18 pounds. MSRP: $219.99.
Rinehart X-Bow Bag Target
The Rinehart X-Bow Bag Target features exclusive Dual Layered Power Band technology, built tough to last season after season and stop crossbow bolts traveling up to 450 fps. The crossbow-specific MOA Sight-In Grid Target Face makes sighting-in simple and incredibly fast. The flip side of the target provides 12 highly visible dots for plenty of versatile target practice. The Rinehart X-Bow Bag Target is available in 18-inch and 22-inch sizes and is equipped with a convenient carry handle. MSRP: $59.99/18-inch; $79.99/22-inch.
