What are layered foam targets?

Layered foam targets are relatively new on the market. They have grown in popularity over the last few years. I think they are a good alternative to any foam targer since they are available in different sizes and are easy to use. I myself use a 90 x 90 size at home in the garden. The target stands upright on itself and you can also easily move them.
Layered foam targets consist of a wooden frame, foam sheets and straps. The targets are available in different sizes: 60cm x 60cm x 30cm, 90cm x 90cm x 30cm and 130cm x 130cm x 30cm are the most common ones. A big advantage of these targets is their thickness. It is rare to find a standard foam target that is 30cm thick!

The wooden frame and the strap ensure that the foam sheets are pressed together and stay in place. It depends on the size of the target and the type of tension strap, if two or three are used or not. If the straps are not tight enough, arrows may come through a bit. Especially with the large version, it is important that there is enough pressure. With these sizes it is more difficult to have enough pressure in the middle of the target resulting in less stopping power at that spot. Some manufacturers use textile pallet straps with buckles, others use reusable ratchet straps. The advantage with the ratchet straps is that you can tighten them back up now and again as you use them and can easily replace the foam. Make sure that you always tighten both straps equally, otherwise your target will be skewed. The foam is a type of polypropylene foam used in various other applications. It can be that the target consists of foam with different colors so you get a colored shooting face. Many shooters prefer an all black target but this is not always possible due to the sometimes limited availability of black foam.

The wooden frame is usually not impregnated with a moisture protector so it is better to put the target back inside after the shooting session. Of course you can easily apply a layer of varnish to protect the wood if you leave the target outside.

When the foam shooting part is worn out you can replace it with replacement cassettes. Some manufacturers have them available in 90cm and 130cm width. For the 60cmx60cm there are no separate cassettes available.

As mentioned before, you can easily put these targets on the ground without a targetstand. Therefore they are often used in field competitions.

The small version may remind you of the portable target bags we discussed in the previous blog. (9 Benefits of Portable Targets)This one is compact, light and has good stopping power.

ADVANTAGES:

• Available in both large and small sizes.
• Foam is gentle on the arrows.
• Easy extraction of arrows.
• The straps make it easy to replace worn foam.
• Can be used without target stand.
• 30cm thickness gives longer lifespan to your target.

DISADVANTAGES:

• The large size (130cm) is heavy (about 35kg) and therefore difficult to move.
• The wooden frame is not always treated against moisture.

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR:

• Make sure the straps are always tightened properly.
• Treat the wood with a moisture protector if you leave the target outside.
• If you are using the target without a target stand, make sure you place the target on a flat surface. This will keep the target from falling over and possibly breaking arrows.

Our team choices:

Layered foam target with target stand:

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Target Tech's Eros target comes in two versions, the 90cmand 130cm. For those who want a larger size with a stand, this is a very nice solution. You can also leave it outside because the wood is impregnated.

Layered foam target 90x90:

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The Avalon 90cm pack band is probably one of the best-selling targets. It is a target that offers a solution for a wide audience. The size allows you to move them around easily and still maintain a large shooting area. An alternative is the Target Tech banded 90x90. This version has textile pallet straps instead of ratchet straps.

This type of target has a lot to offer. It is a good alternative to both standard foam targets and targets with a replaceable center. Definitely something to consider when setting up your shooting space!

And remember... always keep it safe!

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