How long do crossbow targets last?
Let me first say, I am going to be honest here. Writing is not natural to me. After all, I stuff rags into a box for a living. However, having been in the archery profession for 25 years now, I have learned a few things during that time. Definitely on what to do, but more importantly; what to avoid. So here is my best effort to share some of what I have learned. You should know, straight from the get-go, all high speed rated crossbow targets will stop your bolts. The true concern is, how long.
Note - I am not talking about arrow pull. Obviously, some are better than others. While none are as difficult as foam targets.
All that to say, one of the most frequently asked questions posed by crossbow hunters is: How does it last? Want the quick answer? Well, like most things, it depends. I know. I hate to give you that answer too. But, it is without a doubt, true. Hang with me though. By the end of this, you should have a better idea on how to choose which target will last for you.
The Big 3: What really matters is:
1. A Long-Lasting Target Facing
2. Long-Term Stopping Power
3. A Frame that is built-to-last
1. A Long-Lasting Target Facing
You may be thinking, "Why is this before long-term stopping power?" Simply because it is what holds the inner guts of the target. The better it holds up, the better the core will stay intact. So let's take a look at 2 different target styles:
Bag Targets:
When a bag target is shot, it creates a decent-size hole in it. And the worst part, is that it doesn't close back up. As the hole gets bigger; whatever is inside, will come out. This target would no longer be safe to be shot. And the biggest fear will arise... Damaged and/or lost bolts.
Mesh Targets:
This style of target is pretty self-explanatory. There is a mesh-like material on the facing that is intended to spread apart upon impact, and not tear like a bag target. A Mesh-like material is by far better than the old-style bags.
I can’t speak for other brands, but at SpyderWeb, we are able to put more than twice the density of stuffing than an average bag target. Have you heard of the saying, “20 Lbs. of you know what in a 10 Lb. bag”? That’s a bag target. Well because of our Spylar™ Mesh, we can place 50 in a similar size.
Note - Not all target faces are equal. Just look at the comparison here, and you may see the difference between the two.
(500 Shots) vs (150 Shots)
2. Long-Term Stopping Power
Yeah, it seems relatively easy to figure out. But I promise you it is not as easy as you may think. First, it depends on how comfortable you are shooting your target. Let’s narrow it down to 3 different types of shooters:
Center-Spot Shooters:
This person does not want to risk missing the target, losing or breaking arrows. Sorry to say this, but this is like cutting your nose off to bite your face. There's no better way to wear a target out fast, than by only shooting in the middle. I know, this risk of missing can be costly. But, to only shoot the center is a true indicator that a pass-through is coming soon. Unfortunately that will cost you; at a minimum, one expensive bolt. So, don't forget that stacking tons of shots in one location can damage arrows. Causing you to likely need more arrows, and the money to buy them. This will only add to frustration and money out of your pocket. You can probably figure out, I am not a fan shooting just the center of the target.
Shoots 5 spots, with center being shot more at medium to long-distance:
This shooter is more confident in not missing the target and losing an arrow. This person (depending on the target they have) may draw or paint images on the target that are further away from the edge of the target. That is assuming that their aiming points may not be in an ideal location. However, the life expectancy of their target is nearly five times longer than single-spot shooters. Odds are that they will go through fewer bolts also.
Shoot as many spots available, and only shoot middle from long distance:
With this scenario, one can expect to get the best target life possible. More spots equal more target life. It's just as simple as that. Also, it is reasonable that this person is confident in hitting the target, therefore will not experience much arrow loss or damage. This is how an optimal shooter shoots.
3. A Frame That is Built-to-Last
This is one of the most often overlooked elements in a target. How can that be? Well, when it comes to picking a crossbow target, most folks are simply trying to solve an immediate problem. Oftentimes, neglecting the long-term impact of their choice. Well, I'm here to tell you that it could be a potential mistake. When you buy a brand-new crossbow, you wouldn't just throw it in some random case. The case is what protects the bow from potential damage, sustains the bow, and helps you move it from A-to-B. So when you think of the frame of a target, that is what protects the target from breaking down, and potentially no longer being useful. Like a bow case, your target frame is responsible to protect your arrows when shot, and protect the structure of the target through the conditions it may find itself in.
Here are three questions to consider when checking the durability of a target frame:
Will the interior frame hold its shape?
Good chance your target will be left outdoors and exposed to different weather conditions. Like your bow case, it will likely get banged around when you move it. Which is totally expected, but how would you know what you can’t see? Trust me when I say this. There will be signs. I would look for brands that don’t cut corners. One way to notice their craftsmanship is by simply looking at the handle. What is it made of? How is it built into the target? Is it simply attached the cheapest way possible? This will give you a strong indication of how important the construction of the target is to the brand.
How well is the protective shell crafted?
Does the shell protect the core of the target from moisture? I like to think of it like the roof on your house. Designed to keep your home and structure dry. Look for any avenues that water could seep into the frame and potentially cause it to deteriorate. Water leaking inside can happen when there are openings in the materials used. Also, when water rests on top of the target and soaks into the frame. So what questions would I ask myself? Is the shell custom-sized for the target, or multiple pieces attached separately? Is the material trustworthy, or susceptible to damage? Hopefully you won’t need to buy an additional cover for the target.
What is the target weight and strength capability?
Wait a minute. This doesn’t make much sense. Give me a second to explain. If you have heavy targets, you likely won't enjoy lugging that thing around. So, you will typically want to leave it outdoors. As we discussed above, water can be an issue to consider. So, it's best if we find a target that you can elevate off the ground and away from any moisture that will come up from below. It's also ideal if you placed the target up in the air and allowed it to swing. This greatly reduces the arrow penetration as well. There are target stands that exist, but can often be quite costly. You could make your own perhaps. That takes us to the strength capability and whether we can hang the target from the handle, or attach an elevated structure to the frame. Some target handles, and frames may not have the ability.
Like I always say, do the research yourself. That is the only way for you to know how long to expect your next target to last. But, I do hope that I have been able to give you some questions to ponder, and look deeper into. If you would like more information, please feel free to call me at 269-982-8003. I would love to help.
Kelly Branch
SpyderWeb Targets