The best bag archery target for a backyard is the one rated above your bow’s arrow speed, sized for your draw weight, and filled well enough that arrows stop on the first pass. A bag target grips the shaft through friction instead of force, which makes it the cheapest way to put hundreds of arrows through a target without wrecking them. That also means it is field-point only. Shoot broadheads into a foam block or a 3D, never into a bag.
Bag targets earn their spot in a backyard because they are quiet, forgiving on arrow pull, and cheap enough that replacing one every season or two still costs less per shot than anything else. What they are not is indestructible. The fill packs down, the outer shell fades in sun, and a bag undersized for a fast compound will let arrows pass clean through the back.
We compared ten bag targets across the whole category, from an 18-inch Rinehart crossbow bag to a 450 FPS Morrell cube, and looked hard at stopping power, face life, arrow removal, weight, weather resistance, and warranty. Over 2026, if you want one target for a family shooting field points at 20 yards, the backyard archery target guide covers the foam block and paper options that bags compete with. If your bow is a crossbow running bolts above 400 FPS, start with crossbow target recommendations instead.
Top 3 Bag Archery Targets for Backyards in 2026
The Morrell Double Duty 450 wins this roundup because four shootable sides and a replaceable cover give it more usable life than any single-face bag we tested, and 3041 reviews at 4.7 stars back that up. The Hurricane H21 is the pick if your bow is a crossbow, since it is rated to 520 FPS. The Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger is the all-round family option, and the easiest bag here to pull arrows from by hand.
All 10 Bag Archery Targets Compared in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Hurricane 2-Sided High-Velocity Bag Target |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20 inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Delta McKenzie Speedbag Revolver |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Delta McKenzie Crossbow MAX Speedbag |
|
Check Latest Price |
 BIGshot Ballistic 450X |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Rinehart X-Bow Bag Target |
|
Check Latest Price |
 BIGSHOT Crossbow Ballistic Discharge Bag |
|
Check Latest Price |
Two things stand out in the full list. First, the weight spread runs from 10 lb to a 50 lb bag, which matters more in a small yard than people expect because most bag targets get hung rather than propped. Second, only one target on this list is broadhead-capable, and that single fact rules most of them out for hunters who practice with hunting tips.
1. Morrell Double Duty 450 Cube – Best Overall Bag Archery Target
Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube Field Point Archery Bag Target, Yellow
450 FPS field point rated
Four shootable sides
19 x 19 x 19 in cube
Replaceable cover
Pros
- Stops high-velocity crossbow bolts cleanly
- Arrows and bolts pull out with two fingers
- Four faces spread wear across multiple aiming points
- Bullseye
- nine-ball
- dartboard and deer vitals graphics
- Carrying handles for moving it around
Cons
- Field point only
- Heavy to move at around 36.8 lbs weighted
- Outer cover weathers in permanent sun exposure
This is the bag we kept coming back to. It carries a 450 FPS field point rating, which covers a typical adult compound at close to yard speed, and owners report crossbow bolts stopping without passing through. The listing weight field says 22.68 g, which is obviously wrong for a target this size; owners report roughly 36.8 lbs once weighted.
What sold us is the four-sided cube layout. You shoot a bullseye, rotate to the nine-ball or dartboard face, and by the time you circle back the fill has had time to recover. Replacing the cover rather than the whole bag extends core life, which matters when a target this size costs real money to swap.
Arrow removal is where this bag separates itself from foam. Owners consistently describe pulling arrows and bolts with two fingers or one hand, and the 82% five-star share across 3041 reviews backs up the claim. For a family shooting a hundred arrows an evening, that difference is the whole game.
The dimensions are a 19 x 19 x 19 inch cube, so it needs a saw horse or frame rather than a post. The multiple graphics also keep practice from getting stale, which matters more than it sounds like it should for kids who lose interest fast.
When this cube fits your yard
Pick the Double Duty 450 if more than one person shoots at your target and you want faces that do not wear out in a month. Four sides means roughly four times the surface before the same hole is repeated, and the varied graphics give you something to work on beyond a single bullseye.
It also makes sense if you rotate targets around the property, since the carry handles are one of the nicer touches at this size. Just budget for the fact that you will be lifting it with your legs.
When it is the wrong choice
Skip it if you shoot broadheads or fixed-blade hunting tips. Bag fill gets shredded by a blade, and you will find blades and pieces of arrow in the bottom seam the first time you try.
Also pass if your yard is very small or you plan to hang the target rather than stand it on a frame. At roughly 36.8 lbs weighted, this is a two-person lift on a windy day, and several owners mention staples rather than stitching on the bottom seam of their unit.
2. Hurricane H21 Bag Target – Best Value Crossbow Bag
Hurricane Crossbow H21 2-Sided High-Velocity Archery Bag Target, Rated 520 FPS, Compact 21”W x 21”H x 12”D, High Visibility Aiming Points, Off-Center Deer Vitals on Back, Heavy-Duty Handle
520 FPS crossbow rating
Tri-Core construction
21 W x 21 H x 12 D inch
Two-sided, off-center vitals
Pros
- Handles crossbow bolts rated to 520 FPS
- Bright orange aiming points on white grid are easy to acquire
- Off-center back-face deer vitals spread impact
- Two-sided shooting surface
- Heavy-duty handle simplifies transport
Cons
- Field point only
- Single aiming zone per face wears faster than a cube layout
- Listed weight of 8 ounces looks wrong for the size
At 3392 reviews and 4.5 stars, this is the most-reviewed bag target in our list, and it sits in the top three of the Archery Targets category. The 520 FPS capacity is the headline number, and it is the reason we rate it best value for anyone shooting a modern crossbow at 400 FPS or above.
The face design matters more than the rating. Bright orange aiming points on a white grid are easy to pick up at distance, and the off-center deer vitals on the back spread crossbow bolt impact away from the front aiming zone, which stretches the life of the face.
One data warning: the listing lists an item weight of 8 ounces, which cannot be right for a 21 inch crossbow bag. Assume you are lifting something in the mid-teens and plan accordingly. The heavy-duty handle is real and does help, but it is a two-hand carry at best.
The tradeoff is face longevity. One aiming zone per side means concentrated wear, so when the front starts going soft you flip to the back rather than rotating around four faces like the Morrell cube.
When this bag is the right call
This is the target for a crossbow owner with a limited budget who still wants bolt stopping power that holds. Tri-Core construction handles the velocities modern crossbows generate, and the two-sided format doubles your surface for very little extra bulk.
It also suits anyone who values fast target acquisition. The high-visibility layout means less time squinting down the yard before each shot, which adds up over a long session.
When you should pick something else
Choose a multi-face cube instead if you shoot a lot and want the face to stay printable. A single aiming zone on each side will concentrate wear in one spot, and that spot will go soft before the rest of the bag does.
It is also field point only, and the back face is deer vitals rather than a second bullseye, so if you are drilling form on a single aiming point you are giving up some flexibility for crossbow-specific speed.
3. Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger – Best for Family Backyard Practice
Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger, Field Point Outdoor Backyard Archery Target
38 layers of stopping power
2 shooting sides, 10 bullseyes
20 x 12 x 20 inch
18.3 lb with E-Z tote handle
Pros
- Easy arrow removal suits younger shooters
- Ten bullseyes across two sides for varied practice
- Weather-resistant surface for year-round use
- E-Z tote handle makes moving it simple
- 38 layers hold up under sustained compound shooting
Cons
- Field point only
- Two-sided format gives less face variety than a cube
- At 18.3 lb it is not a one-hand carry
This is the one we would hand to a family with mixed ages. At 20 inches long, 12 inches wide and 20 inches tall with 18.3 lbs of weight, it is big enough to be a real adult target and light enough that a teenager can drag it into position with the E-Z tote handle.
Two shooting sides carry ten bullseyes between them, which is more aiming variety than most two-sided bags give you. That is useful for sight-in work, form drills, and keeping a kid interested long enough to actually improve.
The 38 layers of arrow stopping power are the spec that matters here, and the field point rating covers standard compound draw weights without drama. Owners highlight consistent stopping, painless pulls, and the ten-bullseye layout as the recurring wins across 2428 reviews.
The weather-resistant surface is what lets it stay up between seasons. It is not fully waterproof in the way a foam block is, but it holds up to being left out and rained on better than most bags at this weight.
When this bag fits your setup
Choose the Stinger when the target has to move. A yard, a garage, a cousin’s driveway, a campground. The tote handle and 18.3 lb weight make it the easiest full-size bag here to relocate, and the ten bullseyes keep practice sessions varied for beginners.
It is also a solid first target for a young archer moving up from a lightweight recurve, since the arrow pull is gentle enough not to punish a shaky release.
When it is not enough
Look elsewhere if your bow is a fast crossbow. The rating is respectable for a compound, but crossbow bolts in the 400-plus FPS range are better served by a bag built and rated for them.
It is also field point only, and two sides is thinner face variety than you get from a six-sided cube at similar money. Serious high-volume shooters will wear the ten bullseyes out faster than they wear out a Revolver.
4. Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 – Best All-Weather Bag
Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 Dual-Sided Archery Target, 23 x 12
54 layers with MLDD build
23 x 12 in dual-sided
Weatherproof shell
28 lb, E-Z tote handle
Pros
- 54 layers rated for thousands of shots
- Weatherproof for year-round outdoor use
- Dual-sided shooting with ten bullseyes
- E-Z tote handle despite the 28 lb weight
- Two-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Field point only
- 28 lb is a real lift for a portable target
- Two-sided layout limits face variety
The Supreme 3 is the bag to buy if the target lives outside and you stop thinking about it. Weatherproof construction is stated outright, and the 54 layers with MLDD construction are the highest layer count among the Morrell bags in this roundup.
It holds a 4.7 average across 1769 reviews with 81% five-star ratings, which is one of the strongest rating profiles in the category. Buyers point to the durability and the ability to shoot year-round without bringing it in.
The face is 23 inches by 12 inches, dual-sided, with ten bullseyes for sight-in and precision work. Two-sided is less variety than a cube, but each individual face is larger than most, which is its own kind of benefit for grouping practice.
A two-year manufacturer warranty is longer than most bags here offer, and multi-packs exist if your group or family shoots together. That changes the math per target noticeably for shared practice.
When all-weather matters most
This is the pick for a yard where the target stays hung from spring to fall, or a property where you do not want to haul anything into a garage between sessions. Weatherproof is stated, and the warranty covers you if the shell cracks.
It also suits precision shooters who want a bigger single face than a cube offers, because the ten bullseyes on a 23 inch profile give you room to work on a sight picture.
When the weight is a problem
At 28 lb, this is one of the heavier bags on the list and the E-Z tote handle only goes so far. If you need to move it more than a few yards, or if a smaller archer is going to be handling it, look at a lighter option.
It remains field point only, and if your plan is high-volume repetition drilling, the ten bullseyes on two sides will concentrate wear faster than a six-face cube would.
5. Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20 Inch – Best for Grommet Mounting
Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20″ Archery Field Point Bag Target – High-Density Material – Dual-Sided Aiming Points – Easy Arrow Removal – Weatherproof Design for Compound Bows, Recurve & Crossbows
525 FPS field point rating
20 inch diameter, 10 inch depth
Built-in hanging grommets
27 lb, weatherproof
Pros
- Rated to 525 FPS for field points
- 27 lb balances stability and portability
- Built-in hanging grommets allow vertical mounting without a stand
- Dual-sided high-contrast aiming points
- Weatherproof for year-round use
Cons
- Field point only
- Round profile less efficient for bolt spread than a flat face
- Rating sits below the top Morrell models
This is the only bag in the roundup with built-in hanging grommets, and in a shallow backyard that is the feature that decides everything. You can hang it vertically off a beam, a T-post, or a saw horse without buying a separate stand, and it works indoors the same way.
The 525 FPS rating is the highest field point number here, and the 27 lb weight keeps it stable enough on a frame without being a workout to lift.
Dual-sided high-contrast aiming points stay readable in mixed light, which matters in a yard where the sun moves across the session. Weatherproof construction handles sun, rain, and temperature swings without complaint.
The round profile is worth thinking about. A circle gives you a smaller usable area than a square face of the same nominal size, and crossbow bolts landing wide will drift toward the edge sooner than they would on a flat face.
When the grommets solve your problem
Buy this if you have a small yard, a garage, or a basement lane and no room to stand a heavy target on the ground. The grommets mean one rope and one hook and you are shooting.
It is also the pick if you shoot more than one bow type, since the listing covers compound, recurve, and crossbow field points at a 525 FPS rating.
When you want more face area
Pass if your group needs maximum usable surface at 20 yards. A 20 inch circle is less forgiving than a 26 x 28 inch square, and a crossbow shooting wide bolts will find the edge faster.
It is field point only as well, so it does not solve the broadhead problem that pushes people toward foam blocks or 3D targets in the first place.
6. Delta McKenzie Speedbag Revolver – Best Budget Bag Target
Delta McKenzie Speedbag Revolver 6-Sided Archery Target – 450 FPS Rated Portable Cube for Compound Bows, Recurve & Crossbows – High-Contrast Field Point Target with Easy Arrow Removal (12″x12″x12″)
Six shootable sides with grids
450 FPS field point rating
12 x 12 x 12 in cube
15 lb, UV and moisture resistant
Pros
- Six shootable faces with calibration grids
- Lightest full-size cube at 15 lb
- Easy arrow extraction from the high-density fill
- UV and moisture resistant outer shell
- Works with compound
- recurve and crossbow
Cons
- Field point only
- 12 inch face is small for long-distance work
- 450 FPS rating is below the 500-plus FPS crossbow bags
The Revolver is the value pick, and the reason is simple arithmetic. Six shootable sides means six times the surface before you repeat a hole, which is the single biggest driver of how long any bag target lasts. At 15 lb it is also one of the lighter cubes here to move.
The calibration grids printed on the faces are genuinely useful. They let you set a sight reference and come back to it after a move, a weather change, or a re-string, without needing a separate target face.
High-density fill is what makes arrows pull out easily from a body this compact, and owners confirm the extraction is easy. The outer shell resists UV damage and moisture, so it can live outside between sessions.
At 4.5 stars across 272 reviews with 75% five-star ratings, the rating profile is solid, though the review base is much smaller than the Morrell and Hurricane bags on this list.
When six faces beat a bigger one
Choose the Revolver when volume matters more than face size. Six sides, calibration grids, and a 15 lb weight make it the best starter bag for a teenager, a garage range, or anyone shooting three hundred arrows a week.
It is also a straightforward cube to shift between a yard and an indoor lane.
When the small face bites
A 12 inch cube is tight at 30 yards and unforgiving for beginners learning to group. If your practice distance is longer than 20 yards, or if you are still building form, aim at a larger face.
The 450 FPS rating also sits below the 500-plus FPS bags in this roundup, so it is a poor match for the fastest crossbows even though it will accept crossbow field points at moderate speed.
7. Delta McKenzie Crossbow MAX Speedbag – Best for High-Speed Crossbows
Delta McKenzie Crossbow MAX SPEEDBAG, Black (79026)
525 FPS crossbow rating
24 x 10 x 24 inch profile
Multi-target face plus grid face
50 lb
Pros
- Stops 450-grain bolts with under 7 inches of penetration
- Two-finger bolt pull-out confirmed by owners
- 525 FPS rating handles the fastest crossbows
- One multi-target face and one sight calibration face
- 85 percent five-star rating share
Cons
- Very heavy at 50 lb with a tough handle
- Field point only
- Shell can fade and embrittle in prolonged sun
If you shoot the fastest crossbows available, this is the bag rated for them. The 525 FPS rating covers the top end of crossbow bolt speed, and owners report 450-grain bolts stopping with under seven inches of penetration and pulling out with two fingers.
Reviewers who switched from double-thick foam blocks report dramatically better performance, which tracks with how much harder bolts are on a target than a field point arrow.
Two faces serve different jobs. One carries multiple high-contrast targets for practice, and the other is a grid-style face for sight calibration, which is useful when you are zeroing a scope rather than grouping arrows.
The 85 percent five-star share across 230 reviews is the highest proportion of top ratings among the crossbow bags here, so satisfaction is unusually consistent even though the review base is modest.
When bolt stopping power is the priority
Pick this when a pass-through bolt would ruin your day. Penetration under seven inches and a two-finger pull are the numbers that matter, and both are confirmed by multiple owners rather than just the listing.
It also works if you want to keep a dedicated crossbow target separate from your field point practice target, so the faces do not get chewed up by mixed shooting.
When 50 pounds is too much
This is a heavy bag, and the carrying handle is the most common complaint in reviews. At 50 lb, repositioning it across a yard is a two-person job on uneven ground.
It is also field point only, and the shell can fade and become brittle with prolonged direct sun, so bring it in if your yard bakes in the afternoon.
8. BIGshot Ballistic 450X – Best Bag for Broadhead Practice
BIGshot Ballistic 450X Archery Target for Crossbow and Compound Bow – Self-Healing Bag Target – 450 FPS Rated – Dual Core Technology – UV Resistant – Easy Arrow Removal – 26″x28″x13″ – 55 lbs
450 FPS rated for crossbow and compound
Dual Core Technology
26 x 28 x 13 inch
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- The only bag here listed to handle broadheads as well as field points
- Stops 400 to 425 FPS bolts with about 3 inches of penetration
- Bolts pull out one-handed
- Internal frame and ballast weight keep it stable on uneven ground
- Weather resistant with a rain barrier
Cons
- Heavy and cumbersome to reposition
- Stop-the-world broadheads can tear the face
- Repeated hits on one spot reduce stopping power
This is the outlier in the roundup. Every other bag on this list is field point only, and the Ballistic 450X is listed as handling both field points and broadheads. That makes it the only option here for anyone who wants to practice with hunting tips before a season.
Understand the limit before you buy. One owner recommends field-point-only practice tips because stop-the-world broadheads can tear the face. Broadhead capable does not mean broadhead friendly forever.
Stopping performance is the real story. Owners shooting 400 to 425 FPS crossbows report about three inches of penetration and one-handed bolt removal, the tightest penetration figure reported for a crossbow-rated bag here.
An internal frame plus ballast keeps it stable on uneven ground, and the self-healing UV-resistant polyester cover with a rain barrier holds up when it stays outdoors. The lifetime warranty is the longest coverage here.
When broadheads are the reason you need a target
Choose the 450X if you hunt with broadheads and want to zero your sight and check your penetration with real hunting tips. Nothing else on this list is built for that, and it is a 450 FPS rated bag, so fast crossbow bolts are covered too.
Five front aiming spots plus vitals on the back spread the impact, which matters more here than on a normal bag because every broadhead hit does more damage.
When to practice with field points instead
Even here, most of your shooting should be field points. Repeated hits in the same zone reduce stopping power, and broadhead blades will eventually tear the face no matter how good the construction is.
It is also heavy and cumbersome to reposition, so plan your backstop layout before you set it down rather than planning to move it later.
9. Rinehart X-Bow Bag Target – Best for Crossbow Sight-In
Rinehart 18″ X-Bow Bag Target, High-Speed Crossbow Bag Rated up to 450 FPS
450 FPS crossbow bolt rating
Dual Layered Power Band
MOA sight-in grid face
18 x 18 x 10 inch, 12.6 lb
Pros
- MOA sight-in grid makes crossbow zeroing fast
- Compact 18 inch cube is easy to transport and set up
- Dual Layered Power Band handles 450 FPS bolts
- Lifetime warranty from Rinehart
Cons
- Lowest rating in the roundup at 4.3 with 8 percent one-star reviews
- Single grid face concentrates all wear in one area
- Weather resistance is build quality rather than full waterproofing
The Rinehart is bought for one reason: the MOA sight-in grid face. If you are zeroing a crossbow scope or a magnifier, a grid marked in minutes of angle saves you a lot of guesswork compared with hunting for a bullseye center.
It is also light for a crossbow-rated bag at 12.6 lb, and the compact 18 inch cube is easy to move between the garage and the yard. The lifetime warranty is a real plus from Rinehart.
Be aware of the rating spread. At 4.3 stars across 138 reviews, with 68% five-star against 8% one-star, this is the weakest profile in the roundup. The single grid face concentrates every impact in one area, so it wears faster than any multi-sided cube on this list.
Dual Layered Power Band technology handles high-speed crossbow bolts up to 450 FPS, and the construction is described as weather resistant, which is build quality rather than full waterproofing.
When you are zeroing a crossbow sight
Pick the X-Bow when your goal is sight-in accuracy rather than high-volume practice. The MOA grid makes zeroing quick, and the light weight means you can move it out of the way once the scope is dialed in.
It is also a good travel target, since 12.6 lb fits in a truck bed far better than a 50 lb bag does.
When face life matters more
Pass if you shoot a lot and want the face to stay usable. A single grid face takes every bolt in the same region, and that region will go soft well before the rest of the bag does.
The wider rating spread also suggests build or expectation varies between units, so if consistent face life is your priority, a six-sided cube is the safer pick.
10. BIGSHOT Crossbow Ballistic Discharge Bag – Best Portable High-Speed Bag
BIGSHOT Archery Crossbow Ballistic Discharge Bag Target – 505 FPS Rated, Multi-Layered Core, 18″x10″x8″ Weatherproof, Portable, Field Point, Camp & Range – Easy Arrow Removal
505 FPS crossbow rating
Multi-layered ballistic core
18 x 10 x 8 inch
10 lb with carry handle
Pros
- Lightest high-FPS bag in the roundup at 10 lb
- 505 FPS rating for the fastest crossbows
- Two-finger arrow removal
- Weatherproof construction rated to stay outdoors
- Doubles as a discharge bag for loaded crossbows in the field
Cons
- Field point only
- Small 18 x 10 inch face wears faster than larger targets
- Newer listing with a smaller review base than the rest
At 10 lb, this is the most portable high-speed bag here by a wide margin, and portability is the entire point. It throws into a truck bed, carries one-handed, and can be dragged across grass to set up a temporary lane in a field or at a camp.
The 505 FPS rating covers the fastest crossbows, and multi-layered ballistic core construction delivers two-finger arrow removal. It holds a 4.6 average across 123 reviews with 77% five-star ratings.
The dual use is unusual and genuinely useful. Owners use it to discharge a loaded crossbow safely at the end of a hunt, then keep it as a practice target for the rest of the trip, rather than carrying two separate bags.
Construction is described as 100% weatherproof with a self-healing face, so it can live outdoors at camp or at a range without being brought in.
When you shoot away from home
Buy this for deer camp, a public range, or any setup where you are moving the target more than you are shooting it. Ten pounds changes how often you will actually relocate rather than settle for a bad shooting position.
The discharge-bag function makes it a safe choice around loaded crossbows, which is where a foam block or a cardboard box would be a poor stand-in.
When the small face is the wrong trade
An 18 x 10 inch face concentrates wear quickly, so high-volume shooters will burn through it faster than a 24 inch bag. Practice on it, but do not expect it to double as your main target.
It is field point only, and the listing is newer with a smaller review base than the other models here, so there is less long-term owner history behind it.
How to Choose a Bag Archery Target for a Backyard
Match the rating above your bow speed
Every rating in this roundup is a maximum. Add roughly 50 FPS of headroom above your bow’s actual arrow speed, and never size a target from the weakest bow in the household if a stronger one will also shoot at it. Most pass-through complaints trace back to a bag rated at or below the bow speed shooting at it.
Compound bows and crossbows outpace recurves and youth bows by a wide margin. A 450 FPS rated bag handles a typical adult compound at yard distance, but a fast crossbow at 400-plus FPS deserves a 520 or 525 FPS bag or a dedicated crossbow target like the ones in our crossbow target guide.
Decide field point or broadhead first
Bag targets stop arrows through friction, and a broadhead blade cuts fill on contact. Field points only is the rule for every bag here except the BIGshot Ballistic 450X, which is listed for broadheads with the caveat that stop-the-world tips can tear the face.
If your main goal is broadhead practice or hunting preparation, a bag is the wrong category. Our broader backyard archery target guide covers foam blocks and 3D options that take blades.
Count faces, not inches
Face variety drives target life more than diameter. A six-sided 12 inch cube can outlast a single-faced 23 inch bag because you rotate instead of drilling through one spot, and once a zone compacts the arrows start going through.
For grouping practice at 20 yards, favor a larger single face such as the Morrell Supreme 3. For volume and variety, favor the Revolver or the Morrell Double Duty 450 cube.
Plan the backyard safety setup
A target needs a backstop, and a backstop needs distance behind it. Twenty yards is the practical maximum for backyard bag practice, and behind the target you want arrow netting on a frame, a wall of stacked hay or foam, or a dedicated netting product rated for the speed you shoot.
Keep people, pets, neighboring yards, fences, and vehicles out of the buffer zone behind and beside the target. Check your local rules and any neighborhood agreements before you start, and never shoot over a fence line or toward a road.
Hang it in a way that does not move
A bag that swings changes your point of aim, and small grommets are hard to secure. The Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20 inch is built with hanging grommets for exactly this reason. On a saw horse, use wide straps rather than single hooks, and hang the target so the face is perpendicular to the shooting line.
Add a quiver or arrow basket so you are not walking into the target zone to retrieve arrows. Holding your own quiver is one of the simplest safety habits a backyard archer can build, and it is why picking the right hip quiver for target archery matters more than it looks.
Extend target life with five habits
Rotate to a fresh face before a zone goes soft. Keep arrows stored indoors so shafts do not get damp. Use an arrow puller or apply target lube rather than yanking fletched arrows by hand. Bring the target under cover during heavy rain, since wet fill stops arrows unpredictably and can mildew the shell. And practice with field points even when you plan to hunt with broadheads, because a torn face costs more to replace than the tips you would ruin.
Storage matters more than most buyers expect. Fill that has soaked and dried repeatedly compacts unevenly, and that unevenness is why arrows start slipping through the same spot while the rest of the bag still works fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are foam or bag archery targets better?
Bag targets are better for backyard practice with field points: they are cheaper, quieter, easier to pull arrows from, and forgiving for beginners. Foam blocks are better when you shoot broadheads, need angled shots, or want a target you can carry into the field. A bag stops arrows by friction, so any blade tip will shred the fill.
Can I leave my archery target outside?
Most bag targets can stay outside between sessions, and models described as weatherproof or weather resistant handle sun and rain without damage. Bring them under cover during heavy rain anyway, because wet fill stops arrows unpredictably and can mildew the shell. Expect the outer cover to fade and eventually become brittle with constant direct sun.
What is the best backstop for an archery target?
Arrow netting on a purpose-built frame is the most reliable backstop, rated for the arrow speed you shoot. A wall of stacked hay bales or foam blocks works at lower speeds and far lower cost. Whatever you choose, it needs enough distance behind the target to catch arrows that pass through, and it needs to cover the full width of your shooting area.
Can you shoot broadheads into a bag target?
You should not. Bag fill is stopped by friction around the shaft, and a broadhead blade cuts that fill apart on contact, which wrecks the target and can send debris back at you. Almost every bag target on the market is field point only. If you need broadhead practice, use a foam block or a 3D target designed for it.
How do I stop arrows going through my target?
Rotate to an unused face first, since a compacted zone is the usual cause. If every face is shot out, the target is undersized for your bow, and you need one rated above your arrow speed with more layers of stopping material. Replace the cover if the fill is still good, and use field points rather than heavier practice tips.
Final Verdict
The best bag archery targets for backyards are all about matching the bag to your bow, and for most families that means the Morrell Double Duty 450 cube. Four shootable sides, a replaceable cover, a 450 FPS field point rating, and arrows that come out with two fingers add up to the most usable life per target in this roundup.
Shoot crossbow bolts above 400 FPS and the choice changes. The Hurricane H21 is the value pick at 520 FPS, and the Delta McKenzie Crossbow MAX is the option for the fastest crossbows with a 525 FPS rating and confirmed two-finger bolt removal. Broadhead practice rules every bag out except the BIGshot Ballistic 450X, and even that one wants field points for most of your shooting.
Whichever you choose, rate the target above your bow speed, hang it on something that will not swing, put a backstop behind it, and check the target buying guides we keep updated before you order. Backyard time gets expensive fast when arrows start landing in the neighbor’s hedge.