13 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Crossbow Target

Are you in the market for a new target that can handle your crossbow? Have you been let down by targets in the past? Are you unsure about what to look for?

Asking the right questions makes all the difference, today’s crossbows are no joke — many are launching bolts at 400–500 FPS or more. With that kind of power, a whole new set of challenges arise. Not only do you need a target that can stop those bolts, but also one that lets you pull them out with ease. Ideally, you want it to last a long time too. You’ve already invested serious time, energy, and money into your setup. So let’s make sure you check all the boxes when deciding what to shoot your crossbow into. This guide will help you focus on what matters most:

  • Target performance

  • Ease of use

  • Real-world feedback

  • The integrity behind the product

 

13 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Crossbow Target

1. How long will this target last for?

 Can it handle high-speed crossbows for a prolonged period of time?

 Is it durable enough to withstand close-range shots (e.g. within 10 Feet) without destroying your bolts?

2. How easy is the arrow-pull?

 Do you have to wrestle with it to retrieve your bolts?

 Is the removal smooth and quick, even in cold weather?

3. How long does the target face last?

 Is the target face strong enough to last, or will it need replacing quickly?

 Is the facing material strong and high quality? Or cheap, and susceptible to tearing?

4. How heavy is the target?

 Can you move it around without the need of a cart?

 Is the target handle durable and functional?

5. Can I leave the target outdoors?

 Will water seep into it and breakdown its core?

 How does it hold up under direct sunlight?

6. Will the target tip over when shot?

 Is it stable enough to stay upright — even with heavy-hitting bolts?

 Will it protect your arrows from being damaged by tipping over?

7. How large are the aiming points?

 Are the aiming points too close to the edges?

 Do the aiming points fade, or bleed over time?

8. Does it have shooting spots for different distances?

 Are there aim points for short, medium, and long-range practice?

 Can you cycle through a variety of spots to avoid damaging arrows? Or do they only provide single-spot shooting in the middle of your target?

9. Can I shoot other types of bows into it?

 Can your buddy use their compound bow too, or is it strictly for crossbows?

10. What do other shooters say about the target?

 How many reviews does the target have?

 Are their reviews from real users who’ve actually put the target to use?

11. What does the company specialize in?

 Do they focus solely on targets — or do they sell a little bit of everything?

 To what standard is their craftsmanship, and quality of materials?

12. Are you able to talk with someone who knows what they’re doing?

 When you call or email, do you get a real person with real knowledge?

13. What’s is their warranty like?

 Will the company stand behind the product if something goes wrong?

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide helps you pick a crossbow target that performs, lasts, and feels good to shoot. The right target makes practice more enjoyable — and keeps your equipment protected. If you found this useful, please share it with friends and family. And if you have questions, I’m always happy to talk:

Kelly Branch
SpyderWeb® Targets
269-982-8003