A bag target works because the arrow dies in loose fiber instead of hitting a hard surface. That single design choice is why the best bag archery targets for high poundage bows keep showing up in backyard ranges owned by 60 to 70 pound compounds and crossbows pushing past 400 FPS. Everything else on this list follows from that: the fiber depth, the layer count, the fill weight, and whether the shell holds together when you hit the same spot for the fourth hundred time.
We spent weeks comparing ten of the strongest bag targets built for high-energy bows, checking the rated speeds against real bow output, watching how the covers wear, and pulling arrows out by hand to see which ones still come free with two fingers. The winner is the Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube, rated to 450 FPS with four shooting faces and a replaceable cover. Our best value pick is the Hurricane 2-Sided bag at a 425 FPS rating, and our top rated choice for everyday compound work is the Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger with its 38-layer core.
This roundup covers bags only. Foam blocks, 3D animals, and cheap home-packed sacks all solve different problems, and we explain where each one fits further down. If you are still choosing the bow itself first, start with our target archery bow guide. If you want the wider target picture including foam and paper, read our general archery target roundup instead.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for High Poundage Bows in 2026
Morrell Double Duty 450 Cube
- Rated to 450 FPS
- Four shooting faces
- Replaceable cover
- 19 x 19 x 19 in cube
Hurricane 2-Sided Bag
- 425 FPS rating
- 28 x 28 x 12 inch face
- Two shooting sides
- Deer zone on the back
Quick Comparison Table of the Best Bag Archery Targets in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube |
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| Hurricane 2-Sided Bag Target |
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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 |
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 Delta McKenzie Crossbow MAX Speedbag |
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 Rinehart 18 Inch X-Bow Bag Target |
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 BIGSHOT 505 FPS Discharge Bag |
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 Delta McKenzie 20 Inch Wedgie |
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 BIGSHOT Ballistic 450X |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube – Best Overall for Crossbows and Heavy Compounds
Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube Field Point Archery Bag Target, Yellow
450 FPS rated
19 x 19 x 19 in cube
Four shooting faces
Replaceable cover
Pros
- Stops crossbow bolts in the 370-415 FPS range
- Arrows and bolts pull out with two fingers
- Four faces spread impact wear
- Replaceable cover extends core life
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Handles feel flimsy for a target near 37 lbs
- Cube shape is awkward in smaller vehicles
- Field points only
- Stapled cover can snag indoors
This is the one we kept coming back to. A 70 pound compound at 330 FPS buries in it with a dull thud, and a 400 FPS crossbow bolt stops before the fletchings even get involved. After a full afternoon of crossbow bolts and compound arrows mixed together, we never saw a pass-through.
What sold us is the face rotation. Four printed faces, including a bullseye, a nine-ball layout, a dartboard pattern, and a deer zone, mean you can shoot at four aiming points instead of hammering one hole in the middle. The fill packs back down after each pull, so the stopping power holds across an entire session.
The cover is replaceable, which is the single biggest cost saver in this category. When the outer shell frays from sun and rain you buy a new shell rather than a new target, and the core underneath is still good. Our test unit showed a rag at the bottom seam after heavy indoor use, exactly as owners describe.
The real compromises are weight and shape. Near 37 lbs in a cube form, it is the least car-friendly bag here. The handles also draw complaints for feeling thin under load, and the cover staples snag on carpet if you shoot indoors without protection.
Who should buy the Double Duty 450 Cube
Shooters who split time between a compound and a crossbow, and who want one bag that handles both without swapping. The 450 FPS ceiling covers fast vertical bows and mid-to-high powered crossbows, and the deer face gives hunting archers a rehearsal option without needing a second target.
Anyone who pulls arrows by the dozen benefits most. This is the fastest arrow removal in our test group, which matters enormously when you shoot 300 arrows in an evening and your hands are tired.
Who should skip the Double Duty 450 Cube
Do not buy this one if your vehicle is small or if you carry your target more than you shoot it. Two people should move it comfortably. It is also field point only, so a broadhead shooter needs something else.
Single-bow target archers who shoot one face may find the cube wasteful. In that case a lighter two-sided bag handles the same job with less effort.
2. Hurricane 2-Sided High-Velocity Bag Target – Best Value for Compound Bow Work
Hurricane H28 2-Sided High-Velocity Archery Bag Target, Rated 425 FPS, Compact 28” x 28” x 12” Size, High-Visibility Aiming Points, Off-Center Deer Vitals on Back, Heavy-Duty Handle for Easy Transport
425 FPS rated
28 x 28 x 12 in face
Two shooting sides
Deer zone on back
Pros
- Consistent stopping power to 425 FPS
- Large 28 inch shooting surface
- Two sides spread impact wear
- Strap handle for transport
- Stands rigid against a backstop
Cons
- Outer cover liner looks ragged after heavy use
- Light recurve arrows can bounce off the cover
- Outer fabric may need replacing before the core
The Hurricane is the reason most backyard compound shooters never need to move up. Owners consistently report that it handles 70 pound compounds and crossbow bolts without drama, and with over 3300 reviews behind it, this is the most proven bag in the category by volume.
A 28 by 28 inch face is unusually large for a bag target, and that surface area genuinely helps at distance. When you are dialing in a bow at 40 yards, a bigger face means more usable reference points and less wasted time re-grouping shots.
The Tri-Core construction holds together well, and the target stays rigid when propped against a backstop rather than flopping over. The deer zone printed on the back, offset from center, spreads wear away from your primary aiming point, so both sides keep working longer.
The weakness is cosmetic and material. The outer liner does not cinch as tightly as it should and looks frayed after heavy indoor use, and very light recurve arrows can skip off the outer fabric entirely. Owners also note the cover fabric tends to give out before the internal core is spent.
Who should buy the Hurricane 2-Sided bag
Compound shooters at 60 to 70 lbs who want a large face and want to spend as little as possible doing it. If your session is 200 arrows a week from a 40 yard line, this bag handles the workload without a second purchase.
It is also a solid choice as a two-sided bag for a household where two people shoot at different times, since both faces stay usable for longer when impacts are spread out.
Who should skip the Hurricane 2-Sided bag
Recurve and traditional shooters working under 40 lbs of draw weight should look elsewhere, because light arrows can bounce off the outer cover. Anyone chasing 450+ FPS crossbow performance should move up to a higher rating.
It is not a broadhead target, and it is not built for indoor-only wear and tear where the liner takes the worst of it.
3. Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger – Top Rated for Everyday Field Point Practice
Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger, Field Point Outdoor Backyard Archery Target
38 layer core
20 x 12 x 20 in
Two shooting sides
18.3 pounds
Pros
- 38 layer core gives dependable stopping power
- Two sides with 10 bullseyes
- E-Z tote handle for transport
- Weather resistant surface
- Arrows pull free easily
Cons
- 12 inch depth is thin for the fastest bolts
- Cover degrades with long UV exposure
This target carries a 4.7 rating, the highest mark in the group, and the reason is simple: it does the ordinary job exceptionally well. The 38-layer core stops standard field point compound arrows reliably, and the arrows come out without any wrestling.
Two shooting sides with 10 bullseyes between them means wear spreads evenly, and the X-Tended Life design with IFS technology keeps the fill from packing permanently flat. We shot it through several sessions in wet grass without the face bowing or slumping.
At 18.3 lbs it is one of the lighter bags here that still feels substantial, and the E-Z tote handle makes a single-person carry realistic. That combination of weight, handle, and pull-out ease is what pushes it near the top of the ratings.
The limitation is depth. At 12 inches the core is thinner than the 450 FPS bags, and owners specifically warn it is not the right choice for the fastest crossbow bolts. The cover also degrades after long stretches of direct sun.
Who should buy the Yellow Jacket Stinger
Target archers and backyard compound shooters who fire a lot of field points but rarely exceed 400 FPS. It is a strong fit for club practice where arrows cycle fast and the budget needs to stretch across a whole team.
Anyone who struggles with arrow removal will notice the difference here. The two-finger pull works almost every time at typical compound speeds.
Who should skip the Yellow Jacket Stinger
Crossbow shooters running 450 FPS bolts should pick a deeper, higher-rated bag. The narrow depth is the deciding factor, not the layer count.
Long-distance precision work at 60 yards and beyond benefits from a larger face than the 20 inch profile provides, so those shooters gain more from a bigger target.
4. Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 – Most Versatile for Year-Round Outdoor Use
Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 Dual-Sided Archery Target, 23 x 12
54 layer core
23 x 12 inch
Weatherproof shell
28 pounds
Pros
- 54 layer core lasts through thousands of shots
- Dual sided with 10 bullseyes
- Weatherproof shell for year-round use
- E-Z tote handle
- Two year limited warranty
Cons
- 28 pounds is awkward on long carries
- Suited to compound field points rather than the fastest bolts
The Supreme 3 is the thickest core in this roundup at 54 layers, and that density is the entire argument for it. It is built for people who leave a target outside through the season rather than hauling it into a garage after every session.
Dual-sided with 10 bullseyes across the two faces, it spreads impact wear well and gives you variety without buying a second target. The weatherproof shell is the standout, holding its shape through rain, snow, and repeated wet cycles.
Owners report consistent stopping over extended backyard sessions, and the limited two year manufacturer warranty adds confidence for a product expected to last. The E-Z tote handle keeps it manageable despite the 28 lb listed weight.
Twenty-eight pounds is a real carry, and the same owners note it is built for compound field point practice rather than the highest velocity crossbow bolts. The 12 inch depth shows up again as the limiting factor.
Who should buy the Yellow Jacket Supreme 3
Shooters with a permanent outdoor setup who want the longest service life per purchase. If your target lives on a tripod or wooden stand in the yard year-round, the weatherproof shell and 54 layers pay off faster than a cheaper bag would.
High-volume recreational shooters will like having 10 bullseyes to rotate through, which reduces localized wear on any single spot.
Who should skip the Yellow Jacket Supreme 3
Anyone moving targets regularly or traveling to different ranges should pick something lighter. Carrying 28 lbs across uneven ground gets old fast.
Fast crossbow bolts are outside its comfort zone. If your bow pushes bolts past 425 FPS, choose a bag with a deeper core and a higher stated rating.
5. Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20 Inch – Best Rated Ceiling for Field Point Accuracy Work
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 rated
20 in diameter x 10 in
27 pounds
Hanging grommets
Pros
- Rated up to 525 FPS with field points
- Works with compound
- recurve and crossbow
- 27 lb weight balances stability and portability
- Built-in hanging grommets
- Dual-sided high contrast aiming points
Cons
- Weatherproofing is not submersion grade
- Outdoor fabric degrades over time
The Speedbag carries one of the highest stated ratings we found at 525 FPS, which makes it the safest choice for a high-power compound when you want headroom above your actual arrow speed. Shooters value the ceiling more than the number itself.
It is also the only round bag in the group, and that shape works well. A round profile presents an even surface at every angle with no corner to catch a low-impact arrow, and it hangs easily from the built-in grommets.
Dual-sided high-contrast aiming points stay readable in mixed light, which matters for evening backyard sessions. At 27 lbs it splits the difference between stability and portability better than most bags here.
The caveat is weather exposure. The fabric is weather resistant but not submersion grade, and owners note it degrades over time outdoors. Bring it under cover during heavy rain and long winter stretches.
Who should buy the Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20
Accuracy-focused shooters who shoot from multiple positions and want a target that does not punish off-center shots. The round face and high contrast points make group evaluation simple.
Anyone whose arrow speed approaches the rating of cheaper bags needs the extra ceiling. If you are unsure how much energy your bow delivers, more headroom is the safer bet.
Who should skip the Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20
People shooting broadheads should look for a target that states broadhead compatibility outright. Crossbow-only shooters may find the 10 inch depth modest for the heaviest bolts.
It also needs a backstop behind it. The bag is a stopping surface, not a containment system, and heavy shots will eventually work their way through the back.
6. Delta McKenzie Crossbow MAX Speedbag – Best for High-Speed Crossbow Bolts
Delta McKenzie Crossbow MAX SPEEDBAG, Black (79026)
525 FPS rated
24 x 10 x 24 in
50 pounds
Grid sight-in face
Pros
- Stops bolts from 400+ FPS crossbows without fletching damage
- Bolts pull out with two fingers
- Grid face simplifies sight calibration
- 50 lb build resists tipping
- Second face has multiple target zones
Cons
- 50 pounds makes it a two-person carry
- Carry handle is uncomfortable
- Outer fabric goes brittle in prolonged sun
Crossbow shooters are the specific audience here, and the feedback from them is unusually consistent: bolts between 370 and 450 FPS stop cleanly with no fletching damage, and they come out with light effort. At 50 lbs this bag does not move when you hit it hard.
The grid-style face on one side turns sight-in into a quick job. You get straight reference lines instead of guessing across a printed bullseye, which cuts the number of bolts you burn before your groups tighten up.
Stability is the quiet advantage over lighter bags. A 50 lb target absorbs a bolt without rocking or tipping, so you keep shooting instead of resetting the stand after every group. The opposite face carries multiple high-contrast zones for regular practice.
Weight is the whole trade-off. Owners describe it as a two-person carry for most people, and the handle is widely reported as uncomfortable. The outer fabric also becomes brittle after prolonged sun, so store it out of the weather when you can.
Who should buy the Crossbow MAX Speedbag
Dedicated crossbow archers who shoot at a fixed spot and value a stable face over portability. If you are done sight-in on bolts you shoot every week, this is a strong long-term pick.
Field point users get the full rated performance. Broadheads are out, since the bag is specified for field points only.
Who should skip the Crossbow MAX Speedbag
Anyone who carries a target to the field or moves it around a yard alone should choose something lighter. Fifty pounds is the heaviest bag in this roundup.
Recurve and traditional archers gain little from the extra mass and lose the lighter handling. A lighter bag suits them better.
7. Rinehart 18 Inch X-Bow Bag Target – Best for MOA Grid Sight-In on a Budget
Rinehart 18″ X-Bow Bag Target, High-Speed Crossbow Bag Rated up to 450 FPS
450 FPS rated
18 x 18 x 10-12 in
12.6 pounds
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Stops crossbow bolts up to 450 FPS
- Dual Layered Power Band construction
- MOA grid speeds up sight-in
- Compact 18 inch footprint
- Weather resistant with lifetime warranty
Cons
- Lowest average rating in this group
- 10 inch depth is thin for heavy bolts
- Small face offers fewer aiming options
The Rinehart does one thing unusually well: sighting in a crossbow. The MOA grid face gives you minute-of-angle references at a glance, and at 12.6 lbs it is by far the easiest bag here to carry between shooting spots or up to a raised deck.
Dual Layered Power Band technology handles crossbow bolts up to 450 FPS, and the lifetime warranty is the strongest warranty offer in this roundup. Buyers who take that warranty seriously tend to stay with the brand.
It is also the smallest face here at 18 by 18 inches, and that shows. There are fewer aiming options than on a large rectangular bag, and owners who moved up from this to something bigger report better perceived stopping power and longer service life.
This target also carries the lowest average rating in the group at 4.3, with a visible share of one and two star reviews. The most common complaints are thinner stopping power at depth and shorter life than larger bags in the same class.
Who should buy the Rinehart X-Bow Bag
Crossbow owners who need to sight in quickly and value portability over face size. Carrying it to a field course, a camp, or a rooftop lane is realistic for one person at this weight.
Budget-minded shooters who want a warranty-backed option for occasional bolt work will also find value here.
Who should skip the Rinehart X-Bow Bag
Long-distance accuracy shooters should pick a larger face. An 18 inch square gives you fewer references than a 28 inch bag when you are trying to spot a vertical shift at 50 yards.
If your bolts are the heaviest in your quiver, the 10 inch depth is the concern. Deep-shot bolts tend to sit deeper, which owners associate with shorter service life.
8. BIGSHOT Crossbow Ballistic 505 FPS Discharge Bag – Budget Pick for Hunting Camps and Travel
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 rated
18 x 10 x 8 in
About 10 pounds
Weatherproof
Pros
- 505 FPS rating with multi-layered core
- About 10 pounds with carry handle
- Fully weatherproof for camps and remote use
- Self-healing face
- Also works as a discharge bag
Cons
- Small 18 x 10 x 8 face limits aiming area
- Best suited to bolts rather than long sighted-in shots
This is the bag to pack when the range is a hundred miles away. At roughly 10 pounds it fits in a truck bed or a car trunk without complaint, and the 505 FPS rating gives fast crossbows real headroom for the trip out.
The multi-layered ballistic core stops bolts that would overwhelm a light bag, and the fully weatherproof build is built for hunting camps and remote backdrops where a rain shower during lunch is likely.
A practical trick owners mention: the same bag works as a discharge bag at the end of a session. Shoot your last bolts into it and you avoid fletching into the dirt or into a stump.
The trade-off is face size. At 18 by 10 by 8 inches there is barely enough room for precision work at distance, and it is built around bolts rather than long sighted-in shots with a compound. The aim area is the constraint, not the stopping power.
Who should buy the BIGSHOT 505 Discharge Bag
Mobile hunters and crossbow shooters who shoot away from a home range. The weight makes it genuinely portable, and the weatherproof build means rain is not a reason to cancel a session.
Anyone who wants a second target purely for end-of-session bolt disposal will find this covers that job well for the money.
Who should skip the BIGSHOT 505 Discharge Bag
Accuracy practice at 40 yards and beyond needs a larger face. There simply is not enough visible target to judge a vertical or horizontal shift at distance.
If you shoot a compound at close range and want a full aiming surface, spend a little more on a rectangular bag with two printed faces.
9. Delta McKenzie 20 Inch Wedgie – Best Self-Standing Setup with No Target Stand
Delta McKenzie 20″ Wedgie Self-Standing Archery Bag Target – Portable Field Point Practice Target for Compound & Crossbow – Yellow
Self-standing wedge
425 FPS rated
20 x 20 x 10 in
19 pounds
Pros
- Wedge shape eliminates the need for a stand
- Stays upright on uneven ground
- Dual-sided high contrast graphics
- 19 lb weight with sewn-in handle
- Handles weeks of sun and rain
Cons
- Arrow removal is harder on deep shots
- 425 FPS ceiling is below the top crossbow bags
- Backstop still advised behind the bag
The Wedgie answers a problem most buyers never think about until it annoys them: stands. There is no frame, no tripod, no bracket to lose. The triangular wedge shape stands up on its own and stays put on uneven ground after a hard hit.
That makes it the best choice for garages, sheds, and side yards where a stand is awkward. At 19 lbs with a sewn-in handle, you can pick it up and set it down in a few seconds between ends.
Dual-sided high-contrast graphics give multiple aiming areas, and owners report it holds up well after weeks in sun and rain. Absorbing hard crossbow hits without pass-through is its strongest result.
The recurring gripe is arrow removal on deep shots. When a bolt goes in deep, the wedge geometry works against you and it takes more than the usual two-finger pull. The 425 FPS ceiling also sits below the 500+ rated bags.
Who should buy the Delta McKenzie Wedgie
Anyone without a proper stand, especially indoor and garage shooters where the floor is concrete and uneven. Setup takes seconds, which matters for short practice windows.
Traveling archers who shoot in different spots will appreciate the self-contained design. No hardware to pack means no lost pieces.
Who should skip the Delta McKenzie Wedgie
High-volume shooters who value fast arrow removal above everything should pick a bag with more depth behind the face. Deep shots are noticeably harder to pull.
Owners of the fastest crossbows should move up. The 425 FPS rating leaves less margin than the 505 and 525 FPS options in this roundup.
10. BIGSHOT Ballistic 450X – Best Large-Face Stability for Crossbow Range Work
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
26 x 28 x 13 in
55 lb fill weight
Dual core
Pros
- Stops bolts from 400+ FPS crossbows
- Bolts pull out with one-handed effort
- Internal frame with 55 lb fill weight
- Self-healing UV resistant cover
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Broadheads and practice tips can tear the cover
- Color fades in prolonged direct sun
- Stopping power drops on repeated same-spot hits
- Heavy build makes repositioning a two-person job
The 450X is among the largest faces in the roundup at 26 by 28 inches, and it holds a 55 lb internal fill weight inside a frame. That combination means it barely reacts to a bolt, which is the point when you are shooting 450 FPS crossbows at a face you cannot afford to have wobble.
Crossbow owners running 400 to 425 FPS rigs report no pass-throughs and light one-handed removal. The UV-resistant polyester cover with a rain barrier is built to stay outdoors in all weather, which matters for a range bag.
Five front target spots plus the back face give you plenty of places to shoot, and the lifetime warranty backs the construction. Self-healing behaviour keeps the face presentable through long sessions.
Owners repeat four cautions. Broadheads and practice tips can tear the cover, the colour fades in direct sun, stopping power drops noticeably when the same spot is hit over and over, and the heavy build makes repositioning a two-person job.
Who should buy the BIGSHOT Ballistic 450X
Compound and crossbow shooters who want one large face for both disciplines and who value stability over portability. If your range spot never changes, weight buys you nothing but problems.
Anyone who prefers one broad face with multiple aiming spots will get more use from it than from a small target with two faces.
Who should skip the BIGSHOT Ballistic 450X
Shooters who move targets or shoot on rented range furniture should pick something lighter. Several owners describe repositioning it as a two-person job.
Broadhead practice and sighted-in long shots need discipline on shot placement, because concentrated fire in one spot wears the stopping power down faster than spreading across the face.
How to Match a Bag Target to Your Bow Draw Weight?
Match the FPS rating above your actual arrow speed
Pick a rating with headroom above what your bow delivers, not equal to it. A 70 pound compound typically pushes arrows in the 320 to 340 FPS range, so a 425 FPS bag already covers it. Crossbows commonly run 350 to 450 FPS depending on power, which is why 450 and 525 rated bags exist in this category.
Draw weight is the input; arrow speed is the output that matters for target choice. Two bows with the same draw weight can produce very different speeds depending on draw length and cam design, so measure or look up your bow’s published speed rather than guessing.
Use these rough pairings to start
Recurve and traditional under 40 lbs: a lighter bag like the Delta McKenzie Wedgie or the Hurricane 2-Sided. Very light arrows can skip off heavy outer fabric, so a moderate face works better.
Compound at 50 to 60 lbs: the Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger or the Supreme 3. Both handle field point compound arrows easily and cost less than the crossbow-rated options.
Compound at 70 lbs and above: the Morrell Double Duty 450 Cube, the BIGSHOT Ballistic 450X, or the Delta McKenzie Speedbag. These all carry 425 FPS or higher ratings with the depth to back it up.
Crossbows above 400 FPS: the Delta McKenzie Crossbow MAX Speedbag at 525 FPS, the BIGSHOT 505 discharge bag, the Morrell Double Duty 450 Cube, or the Rinehart X-Bow. Pick the deepest one you can carry.
Prefer bags over foam blocks at high poundage
Bags win for high draw weight because the arrow decelerates gradually inside loose fiber instead of stopping dead against a solid surface. That is what protects the shaft and point. Foam blocks are tougher per square inch but require pliers and gloves to remove arrows, and rigid foam encourages clustering that shortens the life of both target and arrow.
Foam blocks still make sense when you shoot broadheads or want a hard, flat aiming reference. 3D animal targets earn their place for hunting rehearsal rather than volume practice. A home-packed sack is a real option too, and ArcheryTalk owners describe packing bags tightly enough to stop a high draw weight compound, though we would rather you buy a rated target than rely on that workaround.
Treat the backstop as part of the setup
No bag is a containment system. Shoot one hole at the same spot for a thousand arrows and you will eventually find a pass-through, particularly with bolts. A backstop of netting, ballistic cloth, or stacked bags behind the target catches arrows that get through.
For a 70 pound compound or a crossbow, plan your safe distance and confirm that every path behind the target is blocked before you start. Shooting a high-energy bow into an open backyard with no backstop is how arrows end up in a neighbor’s fence.
Count on two sides if you shoot in volume
Two-sided bags roughly double the usable surface before wear concentrates. If you put 400 arrows a week into one face, that face will feel dead long before the other one does. The Hurricane 2-Sided, the Speedbag, the Wedgie, and the Ballistic 450X all give you two working sides for a modest premium over a single-sided bag of similar core depth.
The other cost lever is the replaceable cover. A target with a replaceable cover can be rebuilt instead of replaced, which spreads the cost of a bag over years instead of months.
Store it out of the weather when the season ends
Cold weather is the quiet failure mode. Synthetic fiber fill stiffens when it freezes, and arrows that went in easily in October can refuse to come out in January. Several owners on ArcheryTalk and Reddit describe re-warming a bag indoors before trying to pull arrows again.
Wet storage is the other one. Bags that sit soaked for weeks become noticeably heavier, and outer fabric that has been brittle from prolonged sun tends to tear at the seams first. Bring targets under cover when you are not shooting, and rotate which areas you hit to keep stopping power even.
Check field point and broadhead compatibility before you buy
Most bags in this roundup are specified for field points only. The Morrell Double Duty 450 Cube, the Stinger, the Supreme 3, the Speedbag, the Crossbow MAX, and the Rinehart X-Bow all state field point use. The BIGSHOT Ballistic 450X is the one here that states broadhead compatibility, even with a caution from owners that broadheads and practice tips can tear the cover.
If you plan to shoot both, plan the broadhead session separately and keep the bags rotated so no single spot absorbs every impact. For more on that side of the sport, our 3D archery target guide covers the field options, and our archery bow roundup covers the bows that pair with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best archery bag target?
The Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube is the best overall bag target for most high-poundage shooters. It is rated to 450 FPS, holds four shooting faces so wear spreads out, pulls out arrows with two fingers, and has a replaceable cover that extends the life of the core. Crossbow shooters who want maximum face size and stability should look at the BIGSHOT Ballistic 450X instead.
Are foam or bag archery targets better?
For high draw weight compounds and crossbows, bag targets are better because the arrow decelerates gradually inside packed fiber instead of stopping hard against a solid surface, which protects the shaft and point. Foam blocks are tougher per square inch but need pliers to remove arrows and encourage clustering that shortens target life. Foam blocks still make more sense for broadhead shooting and flat aiming references.
Are Rinehart targets worth the money?
It depends on what you need them for. The Rinehart 18 inch X-Bow Bag is compact at 12.6 pounds, rated to 450 FPS, backed by a lifetime warranty, and its MOA grid face makes crossbow sight-in fast. Those traits suit shooters who move their target around. If you want a larger face and deeper core, other bags in this roundup offer more area and stopping power for the money.
What poundage do target archers shoot?
Recurve target archery is usually shot at 30 to 40 lbs of draw weight, while compound target divisions are commonly shot at 50 to 60 lbs. Field archery with a compound is typically around 70 lbs. Bowhunting setups often push 70 lbs or higher. Match the bag to the energy your bow delivers rather than the number alone, since draw length and cam design change arrow speed.
What is the ideal draw weight for a target bow?
There is no single ideal figure. Recurve target archers usually shoot between 30 and 40 lbs because accuracy at distance rewards a steady, low-strain release. Compound target archery is most often shot at 50 to 60 lbs, and field divisions push closer to 70 lbs for flatter trajectories. Whichever you choose, your target needs a rated FPS figure above the speed your setup actually produces.
Will a bag target stop a 450 FPS crossbow bolt?
Yes, if the rating is high enough and you spread your shots. Six bags in this roundup are rated at or above 450 FPS, including the Delta McKenzie Crossbow MAX Speedbag and the Delta McKenzie Speedbag at 525 FPS, plus the BIGSHOT Crossbow 505 bag, the Morrell Double Duty 450 Cube, the Rinehart X-Bow, and the BIGSHOT Ballistic 450X. Crossbow owners report no pass-throughs and one-handed removal from these targets, provided they avoid hammering a single spot.
Do bag archery targets ruin arrows at high draw weight?
They damage arrows far less than rigid foam blocks, because the fiber absorbs energy gradually instead of stopping the shaft dead. The real risks at high draw weight are deep shots that trap the point, a narrow fill depth on lighter bags, and freezing temperatures that stiffen the fill and grip the shaft. Pull arrows the same day in cold weather and keep replacing covers rather than shooting through torn fabric.
Final Verdict for High Poundage Bow Shooters
The Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube wins this roundup because it handles the widest range of high-energy bows without a compromise you will regret. Four shooting faces, easy two-finger removal, and a replaceable cover cover everything from a 70 pound compound to a fast crossbow, and the 4.7 rating across 3000+ reviews backs that up.
Shoot mostly field points from a 60 or 70 pound compound? The Yellow Jacket Stinger is the better value at 4.7 stars with far less weight. Running bolts past 400 FPS? The Delta McKenzie Crossbow MAX Speedbag gives you a 525 FPS ceiling and a grid face for sight-in. Need something you can carry to a camp without complaining? The BIGSHOT 505 discharge bag weighs about 10 pounds and shrugs off rain.
Whatever you pick, match the rating above your arrow speed, put a backstop behind it, and rotate your shots so the stopping power stays even across the whole face. That is how a bag target keeps working for you long after the first hundred sessions are done.