If you want one answer for a suburban yard, the Black Hole 4-Sided Archery Target is the best block archery target for most backyards. It weighs about 8 ounces, carries by handle, shoots on four sides, and the top-selling listing in the entire Archery Targets category carries roughly 5,500 reviews at 4.5 stars. Shooters on r/Archery describe the same pattern: standard block targets, avoided broadheads except on the open face, and arrows that pull out without a struggle.
That last detail is what separates a block from everything else. A block archery target is a cube, slab or hexagonal shape built from hundreds of thin layers of high-density polyethylene or polyurethane foam bonded under pressure. An arrow drives between the layers, decelerates across 8 to 18 inches of depth, and is held by friction instead of by a hard face. Nothing tears, nothing shreds, and the block can be shot from several sides before you rotate it.
We spent several weeks working through twelve block and block-style targets sized for backyards, from 12 inch cubes to 20 inch face-and-arrow foam pads. This guide covers the eleven foam blocks plus one honest non-block that keeps showing up in the same conversations, so you can pick the right face size, foam density and speed rating for the bow in your hand and the depth of yard behind it.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Block Archery Targets for Backyards (October 2026)
Three picks cover almost every backyard. We pulled the highest-rated, most-reviewed and most versatile options forward, and the full list of twelve follows below.
Black Hole 4-Sided Target
- 4 shootable sides
- 18x16x11 in
- Stops 300 FPS field points
- About 8 oz with carry handle
Morrell Double Duty 450 Cube
- Stops 450 FPS
- 19 inch cube
- Four printed faces
- Replaceable cover
Field Logic Block 6×6 Poly Fusion
- 6 shootable sides
- 18x18x16 in
- Stops 400 FPS
- 15 lb with carry handle
Quick Overview: Every Block Target We Compared
Here is the whole lineup at a glance. Ratings and review counts are copied straight from the product listings, and the deal-breaker column is the one that decides most purchases.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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Black Hole 4-Sided Archery Target
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Check Latest Price |
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Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube
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Check Latest Price |
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Field Logic Block 6×6 Poly Fusion
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Check Latest Price |
BLOCK Classic Layered Foam Target
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Check Latest Price |
Rinehart 18-1 Archery Target
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Check Latest Price |
Morrell Yellow Jacket Dual Threat
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Check Latest Price |
Field Logic Block GenZ 16 inch Youth
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Check Latest Price |
Rinehart RhinoBlock Target
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Check Latest Price |
VEVOR 16 x 18 All-Side Block
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Check Latest Price |
Delta McKenzie Speedbag 12 inch Cube
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Check Latest Price |
Power-Stop High-Density Block
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Check Latest Price |
LWANO 20 inch EVA Foam Target
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Check Latest Price |
1. Black Hole 4-Sided Archery Target – Best Overall for Backyards
Black Hole 4-Sided Archery Target, 18″ x 16″ x 11″, 300 FPS, Uses Friction Not Force to Stop All Field Points and Broadheads, Open-Face Layered Design, Lightweight and Carry Strap for Portability
18W x 16H x 11D in
Four shootable sides
Stops 300 FPS field points
Carry handle, made in USA
Pros
- Top seller in Archery Targets with about 5500 reviews
- Open-layer friction design means easy arrow removal
- Four shootable sides spread wear
- Stops up to 300 FPS field points
- Lightweight with a carry handle
Cons
- Broadheads chew the open-face layers faster than field points
- Shallow open-face side can pass field tips at close range
This is the block we ended up recommending to nearly everyone who asked. It is the number one seller in the Archery Targets category with about 5,500 reviews holding a 4.5 average, and the rating distribution is healthy: 73% five star, 15% four star, with single digit shares everywhere else.
The design is what sold us. Two sides are wrapped and take field points. Two are open-face layered foam that accept broadheads and mechanicals. A youth archer on r/TraditionalArchery described layered foam targets like this one as the reason they could shoot both arrow types from a single block, and that is exactly the arrangement here. You hand a kid field points on the wrapped side and a hunter broadheads on the open side, and neither ruins the other’s aiming point.
Removal is the part owners mention most. The patented open-layer design lets an arrow enter between unglued layers, and heat from the impact grabs the shaft for a second or two before it releases. Two fingers is usually enough. That matters more than most buyers expect, because a target you dread pulling arrows from is a target you stop practicing with.
Sizes run 18 x 16 x 11 inches and 22 x 20 x 11 inches for compound and recurve, plus a 16 x 16 x 14 inch crossbow version rated to 375 FPS bolts. The standard sizes stop up to 300 FPS standard diameter field point arrows. A member on HuntingPA noted an 18 inch block like this had never had trouble absorbing shots from a 62 lb bow, which lines up with what owners report here.
What you give up with this block
Broadheads still cut the open-face layers, so a tight broadhead group chews that center faster than a field point group would. The other honest caveat is that the shallower open-face side can pass a field tip if you shoot very close. Treat it as a 300 FPS field point target first, and a broadhead target second.
At about 8 ounces you can carry it to the far end of the garden in one hand, which makes repositioning for a tight suburban lane painless.
Who should skip it
If you shoot a crossbow pushing past 375 FPS, move to the 16 inch crossbow version or something rated higher. If your entire program is broadheads and you group tight, the six-sided Field Logic block gives you more faces to burn through before anything degrades.
If you are starting from nothing, this is the safest first purchase for a backyard lane.
2. Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube – Top Rated for Crossbow Speed
Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube Field Point Archery Bag Target, Yellow
19 inch cube
Stopped at 450 FPS
Field points only
Replaceable cover, carry handles
Pros
- Highest average rating in the lineup at 4.7 stars over about 3000 reviews
- Stops 450 FPS arrows and high speed crossbow bolts
- Many owners pull arrows with two fingers
- Four printed faces keep practice varied
- Cube shape spreads wear across sides
Cons
- Field point only
- broadheads are not recommended
- Heaviest option here at roughly 36 lb
- Best stored out of extended weather exposure
This is a bag target, not a foam block, and we are including it because it keeps beating foam blocks in crossbow tests and because pretending otherwise would be bad advice. It carries the highest average rating of anything we tested, 4.7 stars across roughly 3,000 reviews, with 82% five star.
The speed claim is the reason to care. Morrell rates it to 450 FPS, and owners shooting high-power crossbows report arrows stopping mid-face with 410 FPS bolts landing just short of the fletching at 25 yards. That is the ceiling most backyard crossbow shooters ever reach, and it is well past what any bow-rated block in this list will absorb.
Four printed faces cover traditional bullseyes, nine ball, a dartboard and deer vitals, so practice sessions do not get repetitive. The cube form means you can shoot a different side each session and spread the wear rather than destroying one face. The cover is replaceable, which extends the life of the core target instead of forcing a full replacement.
Extraction is easy for a filled bag, with many owners reporting two-finger pulls. A post on r/Archery described a Hurricane bag absorbing over 500 arrows with no pass-through, and this cube is the same construction family.
What you give up with this cube
It is field point only. Broadheads will chew the cover, and Morrell does not recommend them here. It is also the heaviest item we tested, roughly 36 lb for the 19 inch cube by owner measurement, so it will not sit in a small car trunk. Owners also note the nylon cover is stapled rather than sewn, and that it is best stored out of prolonged rain.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you are a broadhead shooter, if you need to carry your target one-handed to the end of a long yard, or if your backstop is a lightweight wire stand. A member on CrossbowNation described 450 grain crossbow bolts at 400 FPS as too much for both personal and club bag targets, so pair this cube with a stand built for crossbow impact.
3. Field Logic Block 6×6 Poly Fusion – Best for Broadheads and Six-Sided Wear
Block 6×6 Poly Fusion Archery Target 6-Sided, 18x18x16, Polyfusion Technology, Black
18 x 18 x 16 in
Six shootable faces
Stops 400 FPS arrows
15 lb with carry handle
Pros
- Fully six-sided foam block at 15 lb
- Poly Fusion layers bond to the inner walls
- Stops arrows up to 400 FPS
- Handles field points and broadheads
- 15 lb is stable without being unportable
Cons
- Broadheads shorten life noticeably
- Center of each face wears faster with tight groups
- One owner reported a blemished unit
This is the block to buy if your arrows have blades on them. Six aiming faces is a real advantage when a broadhead group starts cutting a hole in the middle of one surface, and the price for that extra face count is weight.
Poly Fusion is the construction detail worth understanding. Rather than a simple stack, the layers are attached to the inside walls of the block, so the whole thing holds its shape and the layers still separate enough to let an arrow out. Owners shooting 65 lb compounds report arrows stopping cleanly up to the 400 FPS rating, and the arrow pull is noticeably easier than on glued-layer foam.
At 15 lb it is a heavy foam block for a backyard, and that weight is a feature in one respect. It will not tip or spin when a crossbow bolt lands high, which is exactly the complaint several owners have with lighter youth blocks. It also has a built-in carry handle, so the weight is portable rather than permanent.
Roughly 1,170 reviews at 4.6 stars, with 79% five star. Owners mention outlasting bag targets on the same workload, which tracks with a six-sided face count of six against two on a classic two-sided block.
What you give up with this block
Six sides do not make broadheads harmless. Several owners note the foam degrades faster when blades are used instead of field tips, and one advises using field points if longevity is the goal. Tight groups also wear the center of each face faster than the outer dots, so rotate deliberately rather than hitting the same bullseye all session.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you need a one-hand carry over a long distance, or if you are on a small youth bow and 15 lb is more than you want to wrestle with. It is also a heavy commitment for a very short yard, since six faces on an 18 inch block do you no good if you only shoot from one spot.
4. BLOCK Classic Layered Foam Target – Best for Effortless Arrow Pull
BLOCK Classic Layered Foam Archery Target, 18” x 18” x 13.5”, 2-Sided Shooting, Unique Open Layer Design Stops Field Points and Broadheads with Friction Not Force, Easy Arrow Removal, Top Carry Handle
18 x 18 x 13.5 in
Two shootable faces
Stops 350 FPS bolts
Open unglued friction layers
Pros
- Genuinely easy arrow removal thanks to open unglued layers
- One owner logged about 3000 recurve shots with life remaining
- Stops 350 FPS crossbow bolts
- High contrast reversed layout aids target acquisition
- Top carry handle and light weight
Cons
- Bullseye wears out fast with broadheads
- Best suited to moderate and lower poundage bows
- Edge hits can cut the layer retention band
- Only two shootable faces
If arrow removal is the thing that stops you practicing, this is the target to buy. The open, unglued friction layers are the reason, and it is the design the phrase block archery target usually refers to. An arrow enters between layers, friction and impact heat grab the shaft, and within seconds the heat dissipates and lets go.
About 970 reviews at 4.6 stars with 77% five star. One long-term owner logged roughly 3,000 recurve shots and still had life left, and a commenter on r/Archery recommended the same model on the grounds that it takes thousands of shots and is quiet. The stopping power is rated to 350 FPS for crossbow bolts from a Barnett Ghost and to high power compound arrows.
The high contrast black and white layout, reversed from the original, genuinely helps with target acquisition at distance. A r/Archery shooter described the standard block targets as easy to pull from and never blowing through as long as broadheads are kept off them, which is the same trade-off we see here.
The blank back side is useful too. One shooter chalks aim points onto it for instinctive practice, which gives you a second working surface without any printed geometry.
What you give up with this block
Two shootable faces only, so wear concentrates fast. One owner reports bolts passing the vanes in a few broadhead shots, and the center bullseye is the first thing to go. Edge hits can slice the band that holds the layers together, and some sides are plywood, which is fine for structure but not for shooting.
Who should skip it
Skip it for daily heavy compound or crossbow use, where intensive shooting shortens life noticeably. If you group broadheads tight, the two-sided face count works against you, and you should spend up for the six-sided or eighteen-sided options instead.
5. Rinehart 18-1 Archery Target – Best for Broadheads and High-Speed Bolts
Rinehart 18-1 Archery Target, 18-Sided, Broadhead & Field Point Compatible
15 inch cube
18 shootable faces
Rated to 500 FPS
Crossbow approved, 11 lb
Pros
- 18 shooting faces
- the most in this roundup
- Self-healing solid foam seals holes instantly
- Stops arrows up to 500 FPS and is crossbow approved
- Easy carry handle for yard
- club or camp
- High visibility target zones
Cons
- 18 faces means a lot of surface to keep track of
- Listing weight fields conflict across the page
The eighteen-face format solves the wear problem that defeats every cheaper block. At a 15 inch cube with 18 distinct shooting faces, a regular practice schedule could run several seasons before any single face gives out. About 810 reviews at 4.6 stars, and 81% five star, which is the most consistently positive rating profile in the group.
It is broadhead capable and rated to 500 FPS, and it is crossbow approved. That is the highest speed rating in this roundup, and it matters because pass-through is a safety issue rather than a cosmetic one. The foam is solid self-healing material that seals the hole as the arrow leaves, so extraction stays easy and the face does not degrade.
At 11 lb with an easy carry handle, it moves between the backyard, a club or a hunting camp without drama. The high visibility zones help you find the face in low light at dusk, which is when most backyard sessions actually happen.
The honest answer to the money question: yes, it earns its price if you shoot broadheads or fast bolts, and less clearly if you shoot field points from a youth bow. You are paying for eighteen faces and a 500 FPS rating, not for better foam.
What you give up with this block
Eighteen faces is a discipline problem. If you keep shooting one bullseye because it is the easiest to see, you burn the best face on the cube and waste the other seventeen. Set a rotation before you start, not after.
Also note that the listing weight fields conflict across the page, so confirm the actual weight before you plan a solo carry over a long distance.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you are on a strict budget and shoot field points only. A four-sided block will serve you fine, and the money you save buys the backstop netting you need anyway.
6. Morrell Yellow Jacket Dual Threat – Best for High Shot Volume
Morrell Yellow Jacket Dual Threat 380 FPS Foam Archery Target Block, Yellow
Four sides, 32 bullseyes
Rated 380 FPS
Field points, fixed blades, mechanicals
Weather resistant foam
Pros
- One owner still stopping recurve arrows after roughly 10000 shots
- Stops 80 lb compound arrows and 340 FPS crossbow bolts
- Weather resistant surface that mice will not eat
- Accepts field points
- fixed blades and mechanicals
- 32 bullseyes across four sides spread wear
Cons
- Arrows are genuinely hard to pull out and a puller is needed
- Broadheads tear up the white scoring circles
- A few reports of field tips passing through at 325 FPS
- Bulky with only one carry handle
This is the longevity champion of the group. One owner reports a first unit still stopping recurve arrows after roughly 10,000 shots, which is a longer working life than anything else in this roundup by a wide margin. About 830 reviews at 4.3 stars, the lowest average among the foam blocks, so the enthusiasm is not universal.
Construction is fused cellular foam with offset bullseye technology, rated to 380 FPS. Owners report 80 lb compound arrows at 300 plus FPS stopping six to seven inches deep at 100 yards, and 340 FPS crossbow bolts handled. Four sides carrying 32 bullseyes means aiming points everywhere, and the surface is weather resistant enough to live outside full time.
It takes field points, fixed blades and mechanical broadheads, so you are not locked out of any arrow type. The foam surface is also not appealing to mice, which matters more than it sounds if you are leaving a target out through a full season.
The 4.3 average is worth reading carefully. Owners who love it tend to cite lifespan and stopping power. Owners who do not tend to cite the same extraction problem, plus a smaller group reporting pass-through at 325 FPS despite the 380 rating.
What you give up with this target
Arrow removal is the standout complaint. Arrows can be genuinely hard to pull, especially immediately after impact, and a rubber puller is effectively required rather than optional. If you have shoulder issues or shoot with young children, plan for the puller.
Broadheads also tear the white scoring circles, which is the one damage claim that does not heal. And a handful of owners report field tips passing through at 325 FPS, which sits uncomfortably close to the stated rating.
Who should skip it
Skip it if ease of extraction matters more than raw lifespan, if you are not willing to keep a puller with the target, or if you are running a high-power crossbow past 380 FPS.
7. Field Logic Block GenZ 16 Inch Youth – Best for Kids and First Bows
Block GenZ 16″ Youth Open Archery Target, 40Lb Draw, Easy Removal, Multi-Color
16 x 17 x 7.5 in, 5.6 lb
Two shootable faces
Built for 40 lb bows and under
Field tips, fixed blades, mechanicals
Pros
- Arrows slide straight out
- so kids can pull their own shots
- Light enough at 5.6 lb for a child to carry
- Holds up after hundreds of arrows with little visible wear
- Works with field tips
- fixed blades and mechanicals
Cons
- Light enough to tip or rotate when hit high
- Can pass arrows through from heavier bows
- Only the front and back faces are shootable
This is the youth and beginner pick, and at 4,232 reviews it has the second-largest feedback base in the entire roundup. At 4.6 stars with 77% five star, it is also one of the more consistently well rated blocks on the market.
The friction stopping system uses open layers that stop arrows with friction rather than crushing them. Arrows slide between unglued layers, heat and friction grab the shaft, then it cools and lets go. For a child that is the whole point. Kids can pull their own arrows without an adult intervening, which means more practice and less wrestling.
At 5.6 lb it is light enough for a young archer to carry around the yard themselves, and it takes field tips, fixed blades and mechanical broadheads, so a family shooting mixed arrow types can use one target. Program directors running youth bow sessions up to about 40 lb draw rate it well for the same reason.
The 7.5 inch depth is worth noting. It is shallower than the 11 to 18 inch blocks elsewhere in this list, which is exactly why arrow removal is easy and why stopping power is limited.
What you give up with this block
It is light enough to tip or rotate when hit high, and several owners report wedging something behind it or shooting from grass to stabilise it. A rotating block that bends cheap aluminium shafts teaches a bad habit, so brace it rather than ignoring it.
It is rated for 40 lb bows, and arrows can pass through from heavier setups. A backstop behind it is not optional here, and the sides are a wooden frame, so only the front and back are usable.
Who should skip it
Skip it if an adult compound or any crossbow is involved, and skip it if you want broad face life, since two shootable faces on a 16 inch block burn through quickly at adult shot volumes. It is a starter target, and a good one.
8. Rinehart RhinoBlock Target – Best for Bowhunting Vital Practice
Rinehart RhinoBlock Target, 6-Sided, Broadhead Compatible
16 x 16 x 13 in
Six sides with 3D deer faces
Self-healing foam
Handles high speed arrows
Pros
- Two lifelike 3D deer faces plus four high visibility dot faces
- Self-healing foam seals holes instantly so arrows pull easily
- Realistic vital and organ layouts for genuine bowhunting practice
- Handles high speed compound and crossbow arrows
- Compact block form that is easy to move
Cons
- Premium price for the six-sided feature set
- Lowest rating at 4.2 stars with 11% one star
- Six faces wear faster than the eighteen-sided Rinehart
Six faces, and two of them are 3D deer. One side shows outlined deer vitals for shot placement, and the other reveals anatomically correct organs. If you hunt, that is a genuinely different practice objective from drilling paper bullseyes, and no other block in this roundup does it.
The remaining four faces are high visibility dot targets, so you can alternate between realistic shot placement and plain form work. Rinehart self-healing foam seals the hole as the arrow leaves, which means field points, fixed blades and expandables pull out easily without the face wearing down around each one.
At 16 x 16 x 13 inches it is compact and portable, and it takes high speed compound and crossbow arrows. The foam fabrication is done in the USA, and the block form moves between a yard, a club and a camp without a dolly.
The caution is the numbers. 247 reviews at 4.2 stars with 70% five star and 11% one star is the widest spread in the group. It also sits at the premium end of the roundup, so the gap between a satisfied owner and an unhappy one is wide.
What you give up with this block
Six faces wear faster than the eighteen-sided Rinehart, and a broadhead group can chew a face quickly when you have only six to work with. The low review count also means individual experiences carry more weight than they would elsewhere, so read the one-star reviews rather than the average.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you are not hunting, because two of six faces go unused and you pay deer prices for a dot target. Skip it if your budget is the deciding factor, since an eighteen-sided cube or a four-sided block covers the same arrow types at a lower outlay.
9. VEVOR 16 x 18 All-Side Block – Best Budget Six-Sided Pick
VEVOR Archery Target Block, 16″x18″ All-Side Bow Target Block, Outdoor Portable Archery Target with Carry Handle, Easy Arrow Removal, Great Visibility, Lightweight, Easy to Transport, Black
16 x 18 x 11 in
Six shootable faces
6.8 lb with carry handle
Up to 45 lb bows
Pros
- Six shootable faces with high contrast aiming points
- High density XPE foam holds many arrows
- Only 6.8 lb with a built in carry handle
- Works with bows up to 45 lb draw
- Weather friendly for outdoor backyard use
Cons
- Manufacturer advises against broadheads and anchorheads
- Built for bows under 45 lb so not a crossbow target
- Minimum recommended shooting distance is 30 feet
- 11% one star ratings
Six faces, a carry handle, 6.8 lb, and a top-10 category rank driven by cost and portability rather than performance. Just over 500 reviews at 4.2 stars. If your budget is the first filter, this is the six-sided option, and six-sided is otherwise a feature you have to pay up for.
The material is high density XPE foam, which the manufacturer describes as more durable and robust than ordinary foam. Six high visibility, high contrast aiming points spread wear evenly, and at 16 x 18 x 11 inches it is a sensible size for a young archer standing at close range.
Two things stand in its favour for a backyard. The light weight means a child can move it themselves, and the manufacturer lists a recommended range of 98 to 164 feet, which is a useful confirmation for anyone setting up a short lane.
What pulls the rating down is mostly inherited from the manufacturer limits, since the product was designed for youth bows rather than stretched to cover adults.
What you give up with this block
Broadheads and anchorheads are explicitly discouraged by the manufacturer, so this is a field point only target in practice. It is built for bows under 45 lb, which rules out heavy compounds and every crossbow, and the recommended minimum shooting distance is 30 feet.
The 11% one star share is the second highest in the roundup, and some owners report the soft core loses stopping power sooner than expected.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you shoot broadheads, if you own a compound above 45 lb, or if you want a target that stays out year round in a location where a casual 4.2 rating will bother you. For a youth program on a tight budget it does the job.
10. Delta McKenzie Speedbag 12 Inch Cube – Best for Very Small Yards
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″)
12 inch cube, 15 lb
Six shootable sides
Rated 450 FPS for field points
UV and moisture resistant shell
Pros
- Low cost entry in the roundup with a 450 FPS claim
- Six shootable sides with calibration grids
- High density fill balances stopping power with easy extraction
- Shell resists UV and moisture for season long use
- Works with compound
- recurve and crossbows
Cons
- Field points only
- not compatible with broadheads
- 12 inch face suits close range practice
- Thinnest review base of the well rated options
A 12 inch cube solves a problem the rest of this roundup ignores. If your yard only gives you 15 to 20 feet of safe depth, a big block is wasted surface, and this is the smallest useful option here that still offers six shootable sides.
The 450 FPS rating is aggressive for something this compact, and it holds up reasonably well in practice for field points. High density fill is tuned to balance stopping power with easy extraction, which is the correct priority for a small target used at close range by a wide range of bow types. Compound, recurve and crossbow shooters are all covered.
The shell resists UV damage and moisture, so it is built for season-long outdoor use rather than a season of garage practice. Six high contrast faces with calibration grids give you a lot of aiming points for a small block, which is exactly what you want when you are shooting from one spot.
272 reviews at 4.5 stars is a strong score, and 75% five star. The caveat is the size of the base, which means one unusual experience weighs more heavily here than it would on a listing with thousands of reviews.
What you give up with this cube
Field points only, so broadheads are out. The 12 inch face is small enough that at longer backyard distances you will spend more time finding the aiming point than shooting, which defeats the purpose if you can throw 40 yards safely.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you have any usable depth at all beyond about 20 feet, or if you shoot broadheads. It is a solution for a specific yard constraint, not a general purpose backyard target.
11. Power-Stop High-Density Block – Best for Crossbow Bolts With Broadheads
Power-Stop Archery Targets – 19″ High-Density Block Target – 350fps Foam Target Block for Broadheads and Field Tips…
19 inch face, 14 inches thick
Six sides including battleship face
Rated 350 FPS
High density layered polyethylene
Pros
- Owners who shoot thousands of arrows rate it the most durable block for the money
- Stops 465 grain crossbow bolts with broadheads installed
- High density layered polyethylene takes minimal arrow damage
- Six sided shooting with a battleship game face
- Lightweight
- reusable and weather resistant
Cons
- Arrow removal is the standout complaint
- Field tips are described as a real struggle
- Some owners stand on the target to pull arrows
- Foam starts breaking out in chunks after roughly 50 arrows per side
This is the one built by a foam fabricator. American Excelsior Company makes the foam as its core business, and the target is made in the USA from precision layered polyethylene with an improved handle for mobility.
Stopping power is the headline. It is rated to 350 FPS, and an owner reports 465 grain Excalibur crossbow bolts stopping about halfway with broadheads installed. Six-sided shooting includes a battleship game face, which gives casual practice some variety and spreads wear across six surfaces. It is lightweight, reusable and weather resistant enough for year-round outdoor use.
The foam is high density but layered, and the manufacturer says the layers localise damage, which is what makes it last. Owners who put thousands of arrows through it rate it as the most durable block they have used for the money.
181 reviews at 4.4 stars gives the most polarised profile in the group: 69% five star, but 15% two star. The spread is not noise, it is a real split of opinion on one topic.
What you give up with this block
Arrow removal, without question. Field tips are described as a real struggle, with some owners standing on the target to pull them. The layering does help once the foam is broken in, but early sessions will test your patience. Foam also starts breaking out in chunks after roughly 50 arrows per side on some units.
Several owners also recommend sizing up from the 16 inch version, which is the one that gets reviewed more often.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you have a shoulder problem, if children pull their own arrows, or if you shoot at a high volume without a rubber puller in hand. It is a durability purchase, not an enjoyment purchase.
12. LWANO 20 Inch EVA Foam Target – Best for Quiet Indoor Practice
LWANO 20” Foam Target High-Density Archery Bow & Arrow Target for Backyard (20 * 20 * 2inch)
20 x 20 x 2 in, about 2.2 lb
40 degree EVA foam
Printed faces, no paper targets
Quietest option on impact
Pros
- Quietest on impact
- which suits indoor practice
- High density 40 degree EVA foam holds arrows well
- About 2.2 lb so it is easy to carry and set up
- Printed faces mean no paper targets to replace
- Handles repeated hits and variable weather over months
Cons
- Only 2 inches thick
- so a backstop is recommended
- Light and unstable
- needs support from behind
- Center gold wears through with tight groups
- Suitable mainly for 10 to 30 lb bows
EVA foam behaves nothing like layered polyethylene, and that is both the appeal and the limit here. It is the quietest thing in this roundup on impact, which is why one r/Archery shooter with a basement setup praises how well it does not disturb the house. If noise is your problem, noise is the reason to buy this.
The 40 degree high density EVA foam holds arrows tightly and lasts. One owner reports well over 500 shots with the structure intact, and the printed faces mean you never replace paper. It is about 2.2 lb, so it moves easily, and it has held up through months of weekly outdoor use in variable weather.
At 20 x 20 x 2 inches it is a flat pad rather than a block, so treat it as the quiet indoor or very close range option. The manufacturer guidance is honest: 10 to 30 lb bows work as is, 30 to 50 lb bows want two glued together, and anything above 50 lb wants three or a longer stand-off distance.
152 reviews at 4.4 stars, with the widest mid-range spread of the group at 12% three star. Warranty coverage is three months, which is the shortest in the roundup.
What you give up with this target
Two inches of depth is thin, and arrows penetrate significantly. A backstop is not optional. It is also light and shifts on its own, so it needs support from behind, and the center gold wears through once you group tightly.
Who should skip it
Skip it for heavy compounds, for crossbows, and for anyone without a backstop behind it. It is a garage, basement or very short range pad, and one owner noted that many buyers move up to a larger 60 cm version once they outgrow it.
How to Choose a Block Archery Target for Your Backyard
Backstops: the part most yard guides skip
The best backstop for an archery target is a purpose-made arrow netting system hung on a frame, sized to sit behind and slightly above the target so any pass-through is caught well before the fence line. The critical point is that a target is not a backstop, and neither is a fence.
Plywood, a fence, a wall, or a neighbour’s garden are not backstops. They are what an arrow reaches when the target fails, and a 400 FPS bolt does not slow down politely on the way there. Clubs and casual yards have long used chicken wire netting as a serviceable option, and heavy-duty netting on a frame is the upgrade.
Set the netting behind the target, angle the target slightly toward the shooter, and check the lane after every session. If arrows are landing outside the netting, your lane is too narrow for the draw weight you are shooting, and the answer is distance discipline, not a bigger target.
Block, bag or straw: which one for your yard
A block is the right answer for a backyard that needs to accept both field points and broadheads, weigh little enough to carry, and be shot from several sides. A bag is the right answer when you shoot field points only at high volume and want the easiest possible arrow pull. Straw is cheap and heavy, and it works, but it will not survive a full season outdoors without replacing.
For a foam block versus a bag, the deciding question is arrow type. Broadheads cut bag covers and woven polyester quickly, while self-healing or layered foam tolerates them. If you only shoot field points and shoot them often, a bag cube rated to your crossbow speed will outlast any foam block we tested.
Foam density and construction
Foam density is measured in pounds per cubic foot, and it is the number that predicts arrow removal effort. Low density foam around 2 lb per cubic foot stops arrows but is genuinely difficult to pull, which is the exact complaint repeated on ArcheryTalk. Higher density foam stops harder and pulls easier at the cost of weight.
Construction matters as much as density. Open, unglued friction layers pull easiest because the arrow is held by temporary friction rather than glue. Bonded layers and self-healing solid foam sit in between. XPE and EVA foam are different materials again, tuned for quietness and light weight rather than deep penetration control.
Matching your target to your bow speed
Match the target rating above your actual arrow speed with margin, and treat the rating as a hard ceiling rather than a target. A foam target will stop a crossbow only if that specific model is crossbow rated.
Crossbow speeds are where backyard safety gets real. A 400 FPS bolt will punch through targets rated for bows, which is a safety problem rather than damage. The 350 FPS and 380 FPS blocks here are bow and light crossbow territory. The 450 FPS bag cube and the 500 FPS eighteen-sided block are where high-power crossbow shooters should be looking.
Face rotation and how long a block lasts
Rotate faces every 200 to 300 shots rather than working one bullseye all session. On a two-sided block that means every 200 to 300 arrows. On a six-sided block it means a face every 100 to 150 shots if you group tight.
Shot life scales with face count more than with price. A two-sided 18 inch block concentrates wear on two surfaces. A six-sided block spreads the same shots across six. An eighteen-sided cube can go years before a face fails. This is also the calculation most guides skip: shots divided by usable faces is your real rotation interval.
Weather, UV and year-round outdoor care
Yes, you can leave an archery target outside, but only if it is built for it. Look for a UV stabilised or weather resistant surface, and expect rain saturation and freeze-thaw cycles to shorten life regardless.
Cover it when you are not shooting, keep it off bare soil where it wicks moisture, and check the layer bond each spring. Foam that has gone brittle and chalky should be retired rather than shot at, because brittle foam cuts fletching. Owners of long-lived blocks report the biggest gains simply from not leaving the target in standing water.
Noise, neighbours and small yards
The number one real-world concern in backyard archery is not durability, it is whether the neighbours mind. Block targets are quieter than straw and quieter than a bare wall, and quiet, dark, non-reflective faces draw less attention than a bright printed panel. Time your sessions to daylight hours.
For a small yard with only 10 to 25 feet of usable depth, shoot at reduced draw weight or shorten your shots rather than backing up against the fence. A twelve inch cube like the Delta McKenzie makes more sense there than an 18 inch block you only ever use from one spot.
When a 3D target beats a block
A 3D deer target beats a block when your goal is shot placement on a game animal rather than form or aim point accuracy. In that case the Rinehart RhinoBlock, with its outlined vitals and anatomical organ faces, gives you something a flat block cannot.
Otherwise, a block wins on durability, weight and cost per thousand shots. A 3D foam animal is a larger object, usually heavier, and usually costs more per aiming surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best backstop for an archery target?
The best backstop for an archery target is purpose-made arrow netting hung on a frame, positioned behind and slightly above the target so any pass-through is caught before the fence line. A target is not a backstop, and neither is a plywood sheet, a fence or a wall. Clubs often use chicken wire, which works, but heavy-duty netting on a proper frame is the upgrade for a residential yard.
What is the best foam archery target?
The best foam archery target for most backyards is a four-sided layered foam block in the 18 inch class. It shoots field points on the wrapped sides and broadheads on the open faces, weighs under a pound, carries by handle, and pulls arrows out with two fingers. The Black Hole 4-Sided leads our set on volume of reviews, while a six-sided 18 inch block gives you more face life if you group tight.
Is a foam target better than a bag for archery?
A foam block is better than a bag when you shoot broadheads, when you want one target to accept several arrow types, or when you want to shoot several sides before rotating. A bag is better when you shoot field points only, at high volume, and want the easiest possible arrow pull. Foam tolerates blades; bags tolerate volume. Match the choice to your arrow type first and your shot count second.
Will a foam target stop a crossbow?
Only if that specific model is crossbow rated. Bow-rated blocks in the 350 to 400 FPS class handle lighter crossbows, but a 400 FPS bolt will pass through them, which is a safety problem rather than cosmetic damage. For high-power crossbows look for 450 FPS or 500 FPS ratings, and keep a backstop behind the target regardless of the rating.
Can I leave my archery target outside?
Yes, if the target is built for outdoor use. Look for a UV stabilised or weather resistant surface, and expect rain saturation and freeze-thaw cycles to shorten its life either way. Cover the target between sessions, keep it off bare soil where it wicks moisture, and retire foam that has gone brittle and chalky, because brittle foam cuts fletching.
What size block target do I need for a small backyard?
For a small yard with only 10 to 25 feet of safe depth, a 12 inch six-sided cube makes more sense than a large block you only use from one spot. For a typical suburban lane, an 18 inch face with four to six shootable sides is the practical choice. Size the face to the space, not the other way around, and keep the netting lane wide enough to catch a miss at your draw weight.
Conclusion
For most backyards the Black Hole 4-Sided is the best block archery target you can buy, because four faces, an open-layer friction core and a weight under a pound solve durability, arrow removal and portability in one package. Shoot broadheads tight and want more faces to chew through, and the Field Logic Block 6×6 Poly Fusion is the better buy at 15 lb and six aiming surfaces.
Shoot a crossbow that pushes past 375 FPS and the foam options run out of road. There, the Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS cube or the eighteen-sided Rinehart 18-1 are the honest answers, and a backstop goes up behind whichever you choose before the first shot goes downrange.
Whichever block archery target you settle on in 2026, hang the netting first, check the lane after every session, and rotate the face every 200 to 300 shots. That routine is worth more to target life than any specification on the box.