Short answer: the Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube is the best bag archery target for beginners. It carries a 4.7 rating across more than 3,000 reviews, stops field-point arrows and crossbow bolts rated to 450 FPS, and gives you four shootable faces so a new archer is not chewing through one aiming point in a season.
That matters more than it sounds. Almost every beginner mistake we see in the archery forums traces back to one of two things: buying a target that is too small for the distance being shot, or shooting the same six-inch circle until the fill gives out. The best bag archery targets for beginners solve both, because they combine a generous face with multiple usable sides and a fill that lets you pull arrows out with two fingers instead of a puller.
We compared ten of the highest-reviewed bag targets available right now, from a 15 lb cube you can carry with one hand to 50 lb crossbow bags built for heavy bolts. Below you will find what each one is actually good at, where it falls short, and the criteria that should drive your first purchase.
A note on what a bag target is, since it is not the same thing as a foam target. A bag archery target is a woven outer fabric shell stretched around a loose fill material, usually shredded fabric, plastic bags, foam, or rice. On impact the fill deforms and dissipates the arrow’s momentum so it decelerates instead of passing through, and the shaft stays near the surface where you can pull it out by hand. Hanging the bag so it swings on its grommets absorbs even more energy and is the single biggest lever you have on how long it lasts.
If you want a broader look at every target style rather than just bags, our guide to the best archery targets covers foam, layered foam, and 3D options side by side.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for the Best Bag Archery Targets for Beginners (October 2026)
- All 10 Bag Archery Targets Compared in 2026
- 1. Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube: Best Overall Bag Target for Beginners
- 2. Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger: Best Value Bag Target for New Archers
- 3. Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3: Best Long-Lasting Bag for Heavy Practice
- 4. Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20 Inch: Best for a Big Forgiving Face
- 5. Delta McKenzie Speedbag Revolver 6-Sided: Best Budget Bag Target for Small Yards
- 6. SpyderWeb 14XL: Best for High-Speed Crossbows
- 7. Delta McKenzie Crossbow MAX Speedbag: Best for Heavy Bolts in Windy Conditions
- 8. BIGshot Ballistic 450X: Best Wide Face That Handles Broadheads
- 9. BIGSHOT Crossbow Ballistic Discharge Bag: Best Lightweight Portable Bag
- 10. Rinehart 18 Inch X-Bow Bag: Best for MOA Sight-In Work
- How to Hang a Bag Archery Target So It Lasts Longer
- Bag vs Foam: Which Should a Beginner Buy First?
- The Beginner Bag Target Checklist: 7 Criteria in Priority Order
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Are foam or bag archery targets better?
- What are archery bag targets filled with?
- Which arrow points are best for shooting bag targets?
- What is the best target for shooting field points in archery?
- What type of archery target lasts the longest?
- What is the best archery target to leave outside?
- Are Rinehart targets worth the money?
- How to stop target panic archery?
- Which Bag Archery Target Should You Buy?
Top 3 Picks for the Best Bag Archery Targets for Beginners (October 2026)
Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger
- 38 layers of stopping power
- Two sides with 10 bullseyes
- 18.3 lb carry weight
All 10 Bag Archery Targets Compared in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube |
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| Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger |
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| Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 |
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 Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20 inch |
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 Delta McKenzie Speedbag Revolver |
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 SpyderWeb 14XL Crossbow Target |
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 Delta McKenzie Crossbow MAX Speedbag |
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 BIGshot Ballistic 450X |
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Check Latest Price |
 BIGSHOT Crossbow Ballistic Discharge Bag |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Rinehart 18 inch X-Bow Bag |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube: Best Overall Bag Target for Beginners
Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube Field Point Archery Bag Target, Yellow
450 FPS field point rating
Four shootable sides
Replaceable cover
Pros
- Stops high-speed crossbow bolts cleanly
- Arrows and bolts pull out with two fingers
- Four printed aim point styles spread out wear
- Holds up outdoors for months
Cons
- Field point only
- Hefty to load in a small car
- Cover degrades if left exposed long term
This is the target we keep coming back to. It sits at a 4.7 rating across 3,041 reviews, which is the largest review base of anything in this roundup, and the rating distribution is unusually clean with 82 percent five-star feedback. That is a lot of people shooting the same bag, which is exactly what you want from a first target.
What separates it is the four-sided layout. The cube carries a traditional bullseye, a nine-ball face, a dartboard, and deer vital graphics, so a beginner working on form can move between disciplines instead of drilling one hole. Owners also point out that the cube proportions are short and stable, which matters more than it sounds when a taller bag starts wobbling halfway through a quiver.
The stopping power is the real headline. It is rated to 450 FPS, and reviewers consistently report that crossbow bolts stop right before the fletchings with the shaft still easy to grip. Arrow removal is the other repeated positive, with most owners pulling arrows and bolts with two fingers rather than reaching for a puller, which is what keeps practice sessions fast.
Field point use only is the specification to know before you buy. The shell is not built to take broadheads, and users report a large share of their arrows are field points, so for a new archer practising form that is exactly the right pairing.
What you get for the money
You get a replaceable cover, which is a genuine advantage over fixed-face bags. When the outer skin is shot out, replacing it extends the life of the core rather than buying a whole new target. Buyers on the forums treat outer skin replacement as routine maintenance on a bag they have owned for years, and this design supports that.
Where it falls short for a beginner
Weight is the honest drawback. Buyers report roughly 36 to 40 lb in practice, even though the listed item weight in the specifications is clearly off. That is a lot to lift into a hatchback, and it is a real constraint for someone shooting alone. The carrying handles also get called out as flimsy after repeated lifting, and the bottom seam is stapled rather than stitched, so care is needed when you use it indoors on carpet.
If you need something you can carry comfortably on foot to a public range, step down to the Yellow Jacket Stinger at 18.3 lb or the Delta Revolver cube at 15 lb.
2. Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger: Best Value Bag Target for New Archers
Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger, Field Point Outdoor Backyard Archery Target
38 layers of stopping power
Two sides with 10 bullseyes
18.3 lb
Pros
- Stops arrows and bolts with minimal penetration
- Easy arrow removal
- Ten bullseyes across two sides
- Light enough to move solo
Cons
- Field point only
- Tall bag can tip or wobble
- Stopping power drops in tight groups
Morrell’s Yellow Jacket line is the brand most beginners encounter first, and the Stinger is the reason. It holds a 4.7 rating from 2,428 reviews, which makes it one of the best-reviewed targets in the category, and at 18.3 lb it is light enough for one person to reposition without a wrestling match.
The construction is a 38-layer design using Morrell’s IFS fill, and that is what produces the easy arrow removal owners describe. Arrows bury to a shallow depth and come out with a firm two-finger pull, no puller required. Two shooting sides with ten bullseyes between them give a beginner enough variety to practise sight alignment, grouping, and point-of-aim corrections without turning one spot into swiss cheese.
The E-Z tote carrying handle is a small detail that matters more than most spec sheets admit. It runs the full height of the bag so you can sling it over a shoulder or drag it to the edge of a yard, and the surface is described as weather-resistant rather than waterproof, which is the honest way to put it.
For an archer who shoots maybe two or three times a week, this is the target that gives the most practice per dollar of effort. You are not fighting a heavy bag, you are not digging arrows out, and you have enough printed faces to keep sessions interesting for a full season.
Why it suits a first bow
Compound, recurve, or traditional at beginner speeds, this bag is comfortably in its element. Nothing in the feedback suggests pass-through problems at typical recreational compound velocities, and the multiple bullseyes are forgiving enough to reward small consistency gains, which is the whole point in your first year.
It also scales to a shared family target. Several reviewers mention kids and other adults shooting the same bag, and the wide variety of printed faces means two people aiming at different spots are not competing for the same damaged area.
When to buy something else
Two honest limits. The tall cylinder-style profile is more prone to tipping or wobbling than a low cube, so if your yard is uneven or windy, set it on a level pad or stake it lightly. And several owners report reduced stopping power in heavily concentrated shot groups, so spread your shots across both faces instead of hammering the same bullseye every session.
If you shoot a fast crossbow as your main weapon, move up to a 500-plus FPS bag. If you want to hunt later this year, keep this for field points and add a broadhead-rated foam target as a separate purchase.
3. Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3: Best Long-Lasting Bag for Heavy Practice
Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 Dual-Sided Archery Target, 23 x 12
54 layers of MLDD construction
Weatherproof shell
28 lb
Pros
- 54-layer build survives heavy compound volume
- Weatherproof for year-round outdoor use
- Dual-sided with 10 bullseyes
- Backed by a two-year warranty
Cons
- Field point only
- 28 lb is heavy to move alone
- Narrow 12 inch face height
The Supreme 3 is the one to pick if you already know you will be shooting often. Its MLDD construction gives it 54 layers of arrow stopping power, and owners routinely describe putting thousands of arrows through it without visible degradation. It holds a 4.7 rating from 1,769 reviews.
Unlike most bags in this category it is explicitly weatherproof, not just weather-resistant, and that distinction is the reason to choose it if your target lives outside. Rain, sun, and seasonal temperature swings are the three things that shorten bag life, and a weatherproof shell removes the biggest one of those from the equation.
Two-sided shooting with ten bullseyes means you can work sight-in on one face while practising on the other, and the E-Z tote handle makes range trips straightforward. It also comes in one, two, three, and four packs, which is a practical option if you want a separate bag for your yard and one for a field position or a club.
There is a two-year manufacturer warranty behind it too, which is unusual at this level and worth factoring in if you are thinking about cost per season rather than upfront cost alone.
Where the extra layers pay off
The gap between a 38-layer bag and a 54-layer bag shows up in shot volume. If you are shooting 40 to 60 arrows a session several times a week, the thinner fill compresses sooner and your groups start landing in a depression that changes your point of aim. Reviewers of the Supreme 3 report flatter faces and more consistent point-of-impact after long sessions, which is a form-of-work benefit as much as a durability one.
Where beginners feel the downsides
At 28 lb it is one of the heavier bags here, and repositioning it alone is awkward. The narrower 12-inch face height is the more interesting limitation for a new archer, because a shorter vertical field means a smaller aiming area at distance than a square or round face gives you. Practise at 20 yards and you will not notice; push out to 40 with a compound and you will be glad you had a bigger face.
It is also field point only, so plan to pair it with a broadhead-rated foam target when hunting season starts.
4. Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20 Inch: Best for a Big Forgiving Face
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
20 inch round dual-sided face
525 FPS field point rating
27 lb
Pros
- Very forgiving round face for learning form
- 525 FPS covers crossbow practice
- Dual-sided high-contrast aim points
- Built-in hanging grommets
Cons
- Field point only
- Lower pressure fill compresses sooner
- Nylon shell discolours with UV exposure
The Speedbag 20 is built around one idea: give a beginner as much face as possible. At 20 inches in diameter with dual-sided printing, it is the most forgiving circle in this roundup, and that is the single best antidote to the frustration that makes people quit archery in month two.
It is rated to 525 FPS with field points, which is a high ceiling for a bag, and reviewers confirm it handles both compound and crossbow practice without trouble. The 27 lb weight sits in the middle of the range, heavy enough to stay put in a breeze without being a two-person lift.
Built-in hanging grommets are the feature experienced shooters care about most. Run the bag from a tree limb, a joist, or a proper target stand and it swings on impact, which soaks up energy the bag would otherwise absorb one arrow at a time. We will walk through the method in detail further down, because it changes how long a bag lasts more than any other single habit.
The dual-sided faces use high-contrast aiming points that reviewers say stay visible in low light and mixed weather, which is useful for evening backyard sessions.
Why the round face matters for a first archer
A round 20-inch face gives you a wider aiming area at the same price point as a square bag with a much smaller printed area. Beginners who are still learning consistent draw length and release will miss high and low; the margin absorbs that error without punishing it, and the high-contrast grid options let you practise sight-in work rather than just flailing.
It is listed as compatible with compound, recurve, and crossbow, and the 525 FPS rating covers the fastest mainstream crossbows without requiring a specialist target.
Where it does not shine
The fill pressure is listed in the 800 to 1400 PSI range, below what premium foam targets use, and reviewers report it compressing faster under heavy crossbow volume than higher-end alternatives. In plain terms: it will feel soft in a worked-over area sooner. UV exposure also discolours the nylon shell over time, so if you are leaving it out permanently, expect the finish to fade.
It is field point only. That is fine for a beginner practising form, but do not plan on using this one for broadhead hunting practice.
5. Delta McKenzie Speedbag Revolver 6-Sided: Best Budget Bag Target for Small Yards
Pros
- Six faces spread wear thin
- Only 15 lb to carry alone
- Calibration grids aid sight alignment
- Stops field points reliably
Cons
- Field point only
- 12 inch faces are small for distance
- Compresses quickly vs larger cubes
- 450 FPS ceiling is below some rivals
The Revolver cube is the lowest-commitment way to start shooting. Six shootable faces at 15 lb makes it the easiest target here to carry, reposition, and live with, and for a complete beginner that combination matters more than raw stopping power.
Each face carries high-contrast graphics and calibration grids, which gives you reference lines for sight-in and point-of-aim work. Reviewers appreciate having that built in rather than having to print a face and tape it on. The 450 FPS rating handles field-point arrows and lighter crossbow bolts without drama.
That is also the honest limit. Twelve-inch faces are small, and a beginner shooting out to 30 or 40 yards will spend more time hunting for the target than thinking about form. The shell is described as UV- and moisture-resistant, so it tolerates a season outside without falling apart, but it is not a year-round permanent installation.
Where it genuinely shines is volume of shooting per unit of effort. Six faces means you are rarely putting two arrows in the same square inch, which is the single biggest destroyer of bag targets.
Best for tight spaces and light equipment
At 15 lb this is a bag a teenager, a small-statured adult, or anyone with a back issue can carry one-handed. It fits in a car boot without a folding seat, and it is easy to move a few steps to reset a backyard session. If your practice space is a lawn rather than a field, a small cube is often more practical than a large bag you never want to drag across grass.
It also makes a sensible first target for a young archer moving from youth equipment to a full-size bow, because the light weight means an adult can reposition it quickly between shots.
When to step up instead
Move up if you shoot at distance, if your bow is a fast compound or a crossbow, or if you plan to hunt with broadheads. The 450 FPS ceiling sits below the 505 and 525 FPS ratings of several picks here, and the fill compresses faster relative to the 19 and 20 inch cubes, so heavy daily volume will show it.
Treat it as the target that teaches you how a target works. Once you are grouping consistently and want to work on sight-in, move to a larger face.
6. SpyderWeb 14XL: Best for High-Speed Crossbows
SpyderWeb 14XL Portable Crossbow Target, No Speed Limit™, Easy Arrow Pull
Rated 500 FPS and beyond
Over 2000 PSI fiber fill
20 plus aim points
Pros
- Stops very fast bolts before the fletchings
- Genuinely easy two-finger bolt removal
- Waterproof cover
- 20 plus aim points
Cons
- Smaller face makes sighting in harder
- Bracing needed with very powerful crossbows
- Field point only
- Highest cost in this roundup
The SpyderWeb 14XL is the specialist option. It is rated for 500 FPS and beyond with no published speed limit, and its Spylar mesh face is backed by over 2,000 PSI of high-density fiber fill. That is the most serious stopping-power specification in this roundup, and it is why crossbow shooters single it out.
The headline finding across reviews is that bolts still come out with two fingers. That is unusual at this power level, where most high-speed targets leave you leaning on a puller. Reviewers also report that it holds together through a full two-week deer camp and still looks presentable afterward.
There are more than 20 distinct aim points on the face, including deer anatomy graphics, so you can run sighting-in drills, precision practice, and simulated shots at game without repainting anything. A waterproof cover handles rain and sun, and the silk-screened graphics are described as fade resistant.
The heavy-duty steel handle makes it a genuine travel target for deer camp or a public range, which is where crossbow shooters actually need it.
Who this is actually for
If you are a pure beginner on a low-draw compound, you do not need this and the money is better spent on a bigger face. It earns its place when you shoot a high-power crossbow, when you need a portable target for camp, or when bolt pass-through would mean walking into the woods to find your arrows.
It is a companion target rather than a first target. Most owners pair it with a larger bag or foam target for form work and use the SpyderWeb for sight-in and discharge practice.
The trade-off you should know about
The face is smaller than several competitors here, and that is the most common complaint in the reviews. When you are sighting in a new bow, a compact face means your first few arrows are spent finding the target rather than reading the sight. Very powerful crossbows also sometimes need the target braced before you can achieve a two-finger pull, so keep a stake or a stand on hand.
It is field point only, and it is the most expensive pick in the group. Buy it for a specific crossbow problem, not as a default.
7. Delta McKenzie Crossbow MAX Speedbag: Best for Heavy Bolts in Windy Conditions
Delta McKenzie Crossbow MAX SPEEDBAG, Black (79026)
525 FPS max rating
24 x 10 x 24 in
50 lb
Pros
- Stops heavy bolts in about 7 inches
- Two-finger removal on most setups
- Grid face for sight calibration
- Very stable in wind on uneven ground
Cons
- Heaviest pick here at 50 lb
- Single carry handle draws complaints
- Field point only
- Nylon fades and embrittles in sun
At 50 lb this is the heaviest bag here, and that weight is the entire point. Crossbow owners report that the extra mass keeps it planted in wind and on uneven ground in a way lighter bags do not, and a target that moves is a target whose arrow impacts are not repeatable.
Stopping power is excellent for the class. Users shooting heavy bolts report penetration of roughly seven inches, which keeps the shaft well clear of the fletchings, and two-finger removal works for most setups. The 525 FPS rating covers the fastest mainstream crossbows.
The two faces are split by job. One side carries multiple high-contrast aim points, the other a grid-style face for sight calibration, so you can sight in on one side and practise on the other without repainting anything. That is a thoughtful design choice for anyone who is tuning a crossbow at distance.
It measures 24 by 10 by 24 inches, so the face is generous in both directions rather than tall and narrow.
Why the weight is a feature here
Crossbow bolts carry a lot of energy, and a bag that shifts or rocks on impact changes your point of impact between shots. That is frustrating in a way that only shows up once you start tuning a bow at 50 or 60 yards. The 50 lb figure here is a deliberate trade: you give up portability to gain a repeatable anchor.
If you are setting up a permanent backyard lane, that is the correct trade. If you are hauling to a range alone, it is not.
Where the weight costs you
Moving it is genuinely hard. It is the heaviest target in this roundup, and the single carrying handle is the most criticised feature across the reviews, described as uncomfortable for dragging. You will want a hand truck or a second person.
The nylon outer layer also fades and becomes brittle with prolonged sun exposure, so do not plan to leave this one up permanently without some shade. It is field point only, which is normal for this category.
8. BIGshot Ballistic 450X: Best Wide Face That Handles Broadheads
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
Dual core self-healing build
26 x 28 x 13 in
450 FPS rated
Pros
- Only pick here rated for field points and broadheads
- Stops 400+ FPS crossbow bolts
- Bolts pull out one-handed
- Very wide forgiving face
- Internal frame resists tipping
Cons
- Heavy and awkward to move
- Cover fades in direct sun
- Stopping power drops in an over-shot hole
- One report of broadheads tearing the face
The 450X is the odd one out in this roundup: it is the only target on this list that is rated for both field points and broadheads. Every other bag here is field point only, so if you plan to practise with hunting tips this is the one to look at first.
Its face is enormous, 26 by 28 inches, which makes it the most forgiving aiming area of anything we tested. For a beginner shooting 40 yards and grouping badly, that extra margin is worth a lot. Five aim spots on the front plus vital zones on the back give you two working faces for sighting-in and form work.
Crossbow shooters report that bolts from high-output crossbows stop cleanly and pull out one-handed. The dual core self-healing construction is what keeps the face looking presentable after many sessions rather than turning into a shredded mess of holes, and the internal frame with its ballast keeps the target from rocking.
It carries a lifetime warranty, which is the strongest warranty coverage in this group.
Broadhead capability, with a caveat
Broadheads cut. That is what they are designed to do, and the fact that this target is built to take them does not mean it is indestructible. One reviewer reports broadheads tearing the target face, so treat the broadhead rating as permission to practise with hunting tips, not as a licence to drill a single spot with a razor-tip head every session.
The self-healing core recovers from ordinary arrow damage far better than a loose-fill bag does, which is the real advantage here. Fixed-blade broadheads concentrated in one area are still a bad idea.
Where it disappoints
Weight is listed at 35 lb with additional internal ballast cited at 55 lb in the marketing copy, and either figure is a lot to reposition. The yellow polyester cover fades with prolonged direct sunlight, so a permanent outdoor lane will need shade or an occasional cover.
Several owners also report that stopping power drops noticeably if the same hole is shot repeatedly, which is the standard bag failure mode and the reason the wide face matters so much here. It also has one of the smaller review bases on this list, so treat the feedback as thinner than the ratings alone suggest.
9. BIGSHOT Crossbow Ballistic Discharge Bag: Best Lightweight Portable Bag
Pros
- Lightest crossbow-rated pick here
- 505 FPS rating for its size
- Two-finger removal on heavy bolts
- Weatherproof for all-season use
- Doubles as a discharge target
Cons
- Field point only
- 18 x 10 inch face is small
- Only 8 inches deep
- Smallest review base here
This is the bag for camp. At roughly 9.5 lb it is the lightest crossbow-rated target on the list, which means it goes in a truck bed or a car boot without rearranging anything. Users treat it as a travel companion rather than a full practice face.
It is rated to 505 FPS with a multi-layered ballistic fiber core, and reviewers confirm two-finger removal even on heavy crossbow bolts. The multi-layered density construction is described as weatherproof and can stay outdoors without degrading, which is a genuine advantage over bags that need to be brought in after rain.
There is a second use worth knowing about: safely discharging a loaded crossbow at the end of a hunt. Several owners rely on it for exactly that, which is a safety habit every crossbow shooter should build. The carry handle makes repositioning between shots one-handed.
The self-healing face keeps visible damage to a minimum, which matters when the target is going to be scuffed around in a truck bed.
Best used as a second target
Pair it with a larger bag. Its job is sight-in, discharge, and quick portable practice at camp, not form work at 40 yards. An 18 by 10 inch face is small, and at only 8 inches deep you can bury more shaft than you would like before extraction gets fiddly.
For a beginner who does not yet have a crossbow, it is a sensible buy later rather than a first purchase. Once you add speed, this is the bag that travels with you.
Honest limitations
It is field point only, so keep your broadhead practice on a separate broadhead-rated target. It also has the smallest review base of the ten products here, around 123 ratings, so the feedback is thinner than the others even though the rating is strong.
At 505 FPS the rating is comfortably above most of the bag category but below the 525 FPS ceiling of the two Delta crossbow models, so a very fast crossbow may sit near the top of its range.
10. Rinehart 18 Inch X-Bow Bag: Best for MOA Sight-In Work
Rinehart 18″ X-Bow Bag Target, High-Speed Crossbow Bag Rated up to 450 FPS
450 FPS rating
MOA sight-in grid face
12.6 lb
Pros
- MOA grid built for crossbow sight-in
- Only 12.6 lb to carry
- Weather-resistant for yard or camp
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Lowest rated pick here at 4.3
- Some owners report difficult arrow removal
- 10 inch depth is thin for very fast crossbows
- Field point only
- Fewer aim point graphics than rivals
The Rinehart X-Bow does one thing very specifically: it puts a MOA sight-in grid on the face. If you are tuning a crossbow at 50 or 60 yards and want readable reference points, that is a real feature you will not find on most bags.
It is also the second-lightest target here at 12.6 lb, so moving it around a yard or carrying it to a range is straightforward. The dual layered Power Band construction is built to last season after season, the shell is weather-resistant for outdoor use, and it is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Rinehart is a premium brand and users consistently treat it that way, which is why the question of whether it is worth the money comes up so often. The construction and warranty here are the most serious in the roundup, and the brand has a strong reputation for longevity among experienced archers.
What the ratings show is more mixed than the build deserves. At 4.3 from 138 reviews it is the lowest-rated pick here, with the highest proportion of one-star feedback, and the complaints cluster in a specific place rather than being spread across the design.
Where the complaints actually come from
Arrow removal is the recurring issue. Several owners report arrows being difficult to pull out of the Power Band fill, which is the one thing a beginner most wants to avoid. If fast two-finger removal is non-negotiable for you, test it in person if you can or pick a bag whose reviews speak to that specifically.
The second limitation is depth. At 10 inches it is thinner than the 13 to 14 inch bags in this category, and that matters for very high-power crossbows where a deeper bag gives the bolt more material to bury into before it stops.
Is the premium worth it for a beginner?
For a first bow, honestly, probably not. You are paying a premium for longevity and the sight-in grid, and neither gets used heavily in year one. The 12.6 lb weight and the MOA face are genuine advantages, but the removal complaints are exactly the wrong first experience for someone who is trying to make practice enjoyable.
It makes more sense as a second or third target once you are shooting fast and far and know that durability over years is what you are buying.
How to Hang a Bag Archery Target So It Lasts Longer
Hanging a bag so it swings on impact is the most commonly repeated piece of advice in the archery forums, and it is the one habit that genuinely extends target life. The reason is physical. A free-hanging bag absorbs the arrow’s energy by moving, so a far larger share of the momentum is dissipated in air and the bag structure rather than being driven into one spot of fill.
Step one: check that your target has grommets or D-rings. The Delta Speedbag 20 and the Speedbag Revolver both have built-in grommets specifically for this. If your bag has only a carry handle, look for a bag with hanging points or plan to use a stand instead.
Step two: pick a hanging point above head height and well clear of the arrow flight path. A tree limb, a garage door rail, a joist under a covered porch, or a purpose-built target stand all work. Never hang a bag from a fence post or a thin sapling where a swinging target could bring the support down.
Step three: use a wide strap or a short length of chain rather than a thin rope, and leave enough slack that the bag can swing several inches forward. A bag that is pulled tight against its support does not absorb anything, which defeats the point.
Step four: hang it so the bag is never resting against a solid wall. If it touches a fence or a shed wall, the impact energy goes straight into the structure and into the bag instead of into the swing.
Step five: check the swing before every session. If the bag has gone stiff from being packed too tightly, the free-hanging advantage shrinks. Turning the bag over, or moving to a fresh face, restores it.
Hanging also changes arrow behaviour in a way beginners notice. A free-hanging bag moves on impact, so arrows land slightly differently and occasionally deflect. Standing a few steps back and shooting a fresh bag rather than judging your form on a shot that dropped three inches low is a good habit to build from week one.
Bag vs Foam: Which Should a Beginner Buy First?
Buy the bag first. That is the short answer, and it is the same conclusion experienced archers reach after a few seasons. A bag target is lighter, cheaper, quieter, and much more forgiving about arrow removal, which are the four things that matter when you shoot two dozen arrows in your first month.
A foam target earns its place later. Layered and high-density foam is where you go for broadhead practice, for stopping power that does not compress, and for a face that stays flat after thousands of arrows. It is heavier, louder, and usually needs an arrow puller.
The combination experienced shooters recommend is a cheap bag for everyday field point practice plus a separate broadhead-rated foam target for hunting preparation. Trying to make one target do both jobs is the fastest way to ruin one of them, because broadheads tear the shell of a field point bag and the fill never recovers.
There is one exception to the buy-a-bag-first rule. If you already shoot a fast crossbow and live in a windy area, a heavier foam target may serve you better than a bag that rocks. If you are a pure beginner on a low-draw compound, recurve, or traditional bow, the bag is the right first purchase every time.
One thing a bag will not do is help you aim at a deer. A 3D target or a printed foam face with vital zones is the tool for that, and it is a good third purchase once your grouping is tight enough for it to teach you something.
The Beginner Bag Target Checklist: 7 Criteria in Priority Order
One: face size relative to your shooting distance. A 20 inch round face or a 26 by 28 inch rectangle forgives beginner form errors far better than a 12 inch cube. Practise at 20 yards with almost anything; if you are shooting 40 yards, buy the bigger face.
Two: field points only, and treat that as a feature. Unless you are actively practising with broadheads, a field point target is what you want, and it protects your target from a single bad habit.
Three: the FPS rating must exceed your bow’s arrow speed with margin. Manufacturers round these numbers generously, and forum users consistently warn that high speed claims vary between listings. Match the rating to the fastest thing you shoot, not the average.
Four: arrow removal. Read the reviews specifically for two-finger pull comments, because that is the factor that decides whether practice sessions feel fast or frustrating. A target you have to dig arrows out of is a target you will stop using.
Five: weight you can actually move. Anything over 30 lb is a two-person job or a hand-truck job. If you are shooting alone and need to move your target, 15 to 20 lb is the practical range.
Six: how many usable faces, and whether they are single or dual sided. More faces mean more shot volume before the fill is compromised. Dual-sided is a genuine advantage because you can sight in on one side and practise on the other.
Seven: weatherproof versus weather-resistant. Weatherproof means you can leave it out through rain and sun. Weather-resistant means tolerate occasional weather and bring it in when the forecast turns. Know which one you are buying, because the difference determines whether the target lives in the yard or in the garage.
Two more considerations that do not fit the list neatly. A carry handle or E-Z tote matters more than spec sheets suggest if you will be moving the target regularly. And a warranty is worth something at this level, because a two-year or lifetime warranty is a manufacturer telling you how long they expect the fill to last.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are foam or bag archery targets better?
A bag target is better for a beginner because it is lighter, quieter, cheaper, and much easier to pull arrows from with two fingers. Foam is better for longevity, for broadhead practice, and for a face that stays flat after thousands of arrows. Most experienced archers own both: a bag for everyday field point practice and a broadhead-rated foam target for hunting preparation.
What are archery bag targets filled with?
A bag archery target is a woven outer fabric shell stretched around a loose fill. The fill is usually shredded fabric, plastic grocery bags, foam, or rice. On impact the fill deforms and dissipates the arrow’s momentum, so the arrow stops instead of passing through and stays near the surface where you can pull it out by hand. A DIY version uses a burlap or feed sack packed with old clothing.
Which arrow points are best for shooting bag targets?
Field points. They are the blunt, narrow profile that most bag targets are designed around, and they are what almost every bag on the market is rated for. Broadheads, whether fixed blade or mechanical, cut the outer shell and shred the fill. If you want to practise with hunting tips, keep a separate broadhead-rated foam target rather than risking your bag.
What is the best target for shooting field points in archery?
For a beginner, a bag target rated to 450 FPS or higher with a 20 inch or larger face is the best target for field points. Bag targets are built specifically for this job because they stop field point arrows reliably and let you pull them out without a puller. Match the FPS rating to the fastest bow you shoot, and pick a face large enough for the distance you actually practice at.
What type of archery target lasts the longest?
A dense layered foam target rated for broadheads generally lasts the longest, because it does not compress or perforate the way a loose-fill bag does. Among bag targets, longevity comes down to habits you control: hang the bag so it swings on impact, spread your shots across every face, rotate the bag rather than working one spot, and never use broadheads on a field point target.
What is the best archery target to leave outside?
A target described as weatherproof is the one to leave outside permanently, and among bags that means a shell built to handle rain, sun, and temperature swings rather than merely tolerate them. Some bags are only weather-resistant and should be brought in when rain is forecast. Either way, prolonged direct sunlight fades polyester and nylon covers over time, so shade helps extend the life of the shell.
Are Rinehart targets worth the money?
For most beginners, no. Rinehart is a premium brand and you pay for build quality, a lifetime warranty on some models, and long service life, none of which a first-year archer will fully use. The X-Bow Bag is also the lowest rated model in our roundup, with recurring complaints about arrow removal from the Power Band fill. Buy it later if you want a durable MOA sight-in target.
How to stop target panic archery?
Target panic comes down to visual stress, and target design affects it more than most people expect. Shoot a large face with high-contrast aiming points and plenty of margin, so a small miss still lands on the target. Start close, at 15 to 20 yards, and build distance in steps. Finish each session with a few arrows at a spot you hit easily, which leaves you with a positive image instead of a miss.
Which Bag Archery Target Should You Buy?
If you want one answer, take the Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube. It has the largest review base in this roundup, four shootable faces, a 450 FPS rating, and a replaceable cover, and it is the only pick here that combines all three of a beginner-friendly face count, a large body of verified feedback, and two-finger arrow removal at speed.
If you want the lightest option you can carry alone, the Delta McKenzie Speedbag Revolver at 15 lb wins on portability and six usable faces, at the cost of a smaller 12 inch face. If you want a big round forgiving face and clean grommet hanging, the Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20 inch is the one.
If you shoot a crossbow, the choices narrow. The Delta Crossbow MAX Speedbag gives you the most stable anchor and the most wind resistance at 50 lb, the BIGSHOT discharge bag travels best at under 10 lb, and the SpyderWeb 14XL handles the highest bolt speeds with the easiest pull.
One safety note before you set anything up in a yard. Make sure you have a clear backstop behind the target, such as an approved backstop net or a solid, tall obstruction, and check the flight path well beyond the target. Make sure the area is clear of people, pets, windows, and vehicles before every session, and keep the target hung or staked so it cannot tip forward onto a low fence line.
Whatever you pick, buy it once, hang it properly, spread your shots across every face, and keep your broadheads for a separate target. Do those four things and the best bag archery targets for beginners will keep working for you well past the first season in 2026.