If you want to be a successful archer, you need to shoot accurately at targets. However, these targets can be quite expensive. You might be wondering why something as simple as an archery target is so costly. There are quite a few reasons for this, each potentially impacting how you view the sport.
Good archery targets tend to be expensive because they are constructed with strong and rugged material. Such targets must be built to withstand the constant abuse that arrows will bring them. Shooting arrows with force at a target requires that the material withstand the force that it is hit with.
If you are looking for archery targets, you will have many to choose from. While you might be concerned by the high price associated with these targets, consider how essential they are to your enjoyment of the sport. Continue reading to learn more about archery targets and why they can be quite expensive.
What Makes an Archery Target so Expensive?
Archery targets can become quite expensive because of their durability. A target needs to be constructed so that it can withstand the repeated force that an arrow brings to the sport. Cheaper targets will break when constantly bombarded by an arrow, meaning you will be buying multiple targets.
This is a situation where you do get what you pay for. While there will be cheap archery targets available on the market, you need to keep in mind that this means you will be buying many more of them in the long run. This is because they will break far more often than the expensive ones. So in the end, you will end up paying about the same amount anyway.
Expensive targets tend to make use of a better grade of wood or foam. Some of the better targets made today also use a type of self-healing foam that is rather expensive but lasts for a long time. This type of foam can withstand the hardest of hits from an arrow, making the purchase well worth it in the long run.
Expensive targets also tend to have much better-stopping power. Unfortunately, many cheap targets cannot stop an arrow, meaning they become worthless to you as you shoot. In other words, a poor-quality target will not offer the type of resistance that you need to stop the arrow after you shoot it. This is why many archers opt for the expensive targets.
Are Archery Targets Really That Important?
Targets are very important in the sport of archery. Even if you plan to use archery for hunting purposes, you will still need a way to practice shooting at targets first. Within the sport of archery, targets are critical to determining how well you are doing. Without them, you would have nothing to gauge your success by.
A useful article if you are looking to practice your archery: Can you practice archery in a public park?
Some people might question why targets are so important. After all, success will be measured by whether you can shoot your arrow where you want it to go. However, you will be unable to gauge your success as an archer absent a target. In other words, a proper target is indispensable when it comes to archery.
Are Expensive Archery Targets Better for Your Arrows?
An expensive archery target will tend to be better for your arrows because it will result in far less damage overall. In addition, you will discover that the expensive targets are much easier to pull your arrows back out of. They are also easier on your arrow as they stick to the targets so that the arrows will last longer. And how long do archery arrows actually last?
The more expensive archery targets tend to be constructed of better-grade material. Cheaper targets will result in your arrows going through them and making contact with objects that could do them harm. You want to use targets that are designed for arrows and cause as little damage as possible.
Expensive targets also tend to be bigger than cheaper ones. This is particularly beneficial for beginners. It means that you are far more likely to make contact with the target itself, and this is helpful for your arrow. It makes it less likely that the arrow will miss altogether and hit potentially damaging rocks or other objects.
What Constitutes an Archery Target?
An archery target can be virtually anything that an arrow can stick into without falling out. When it comes to archery as a competition, a target will resemble a dartboard with points given depending on where the arrow ends up. For other purposes, setting up something to be hit will often suffice.
The type of target you choose will have a great deal to do with how often you get out to shoot your arrows. Targets can be challenging to set up because the more expensive ones are designed to remain in place and withstand a certain level of abuse leveled at it by your arrows. However, cheaper targets can be easy to set up when the mood strikes you to do some archery.
Why Type of Archery Target is Best?
The typical bullseye target is often considered the best because it trains you for accuracy. Unfortunately, it is also usually the most expensive. Such targets are best when constructed of foam, although wood varieties are available as well, and of course hay bales as archery targets are also well used. Block targets are also a popular choice, with 3D targets rounding out the selection.
Also read: How to make a foam archery target.
Or read what the best materials for archery targets are.
In the end, every archer seems to have their preference for the target they use. The key is to get a target that is easy to set up and one that will last for a long time. This is one of the most important pieces of equipment that you will own, so make sure that you take your time when making your selection.
Final thoughts
Targets are about as crucial to the sport of archery as your bow and arrow. Because of that, you will probably spend a lot of money on targets over the years, so it is essential to focus on quality equipment that will last you a long time. This is how you will maximize your enjoyment and save some money in the long run.
