Oncore Targets Cinnamon Bear Archery Target Review

Here’s What I Think of the Oncore Targets Cinnamon Bear Archery Target

As a gear and equipment specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience across diverse environments—from dusty workshops and sterile labs to rugged outdoor excursions and demanding field applications—I approach new gear with a critical eye. My recent encounter with the Oncore Targets Cinnamon Bear Archery Target was no exception. This particular target caught my attention due to its promise of exceptional durability and realistic aesthetics, aiming to elevate casual practice sessions into something more engaging. My need for a target that could withstand a significant volume of shots without rapidly degrading, while also offering a clear visual reference for aiming, led me to explore this option.

Upon initial inspection, the target presented itself with a tangible sturdiness that hinted at its claimed longevity. The sculpting and hand-painted details of the cinnamon bear were surprisingly well-executed, offering a more naturalistic feel than many cartoonish or abstract designs I’ve encountered. While I considered other targets, particularly those made from basic foam or layered fabric, the unique self-healing properties and the sculpted form of this bear target seemed to offer a distinct advantage. My first impression was one of practical curiosity, a feeling that this might indeed be a target built for the long haul, rather than a disposable training aid.

The product’s core promise revolves around its “self-healing” material and robust construction, designed to absorb countless arrow impacts. This is a critical factor for any archer, as target replacement can become a recurring and costly expense. The Oncore Targets Cinnamon Bear Archery Target, with its specific material composition and design ethos, aims to address this head-on. Its potential to offer a superior return on investment through sheer longevity is a significant draw for regular shooters.

Real-World Testing: Putting Oncore Targets Cinnamon Bear Archery Target to the Test

My primary testing ground for this archery target was my personal outdoor range setup, a dedicated area behind my workshop. Here, I have established a consistent backdrop and a range of conditions that simulate regular, albeit rigorous, practice. Over several weeks, I subjected the Oncore Targets Cinnamon Bear Archery Target to a variety of arrow types and draw weights, from my lighter recurve setup to my more powerful compound bow.

The target performed admirably in its initial encounters. The self-healing aspect was immediately apparent; even after several direct hits with broadheads and field points, the arrow holes showed a remarkable tendency to close up, minimizing fragmentation and arrow removal difficulty. Even when exposed to a light afternoon shower, the material seemed to repel moisture effectively, showing no signs of swelling or degradation. Its intuitive design meant there was virtually no learning curve; it was ready to go the moment I set it up.

After weeks of consistent use, with shots taken multiple times a week, the durability of this archery target has truly impressed me. The central scoring rings, designed to handle hundreds of impacts, have indeed shown minimal wear, maintaining their visibility and integrity. The overall structure remains solid, with no significant cracking or deformation, even after absorbing well over a thousand arrow impacts across all scoring zones. It easily surpasses my past experiences with less robust foam targets, which often required significant repair or replacement within a few months.

Maintenance has been refreshingly straightforward. A quick brush to remove loose fletching or debris is typically all that’s needed to keep it in top condition. Storage is also easy; its relatively thin profile, despite its realistic dimensions, allows it to be leaned against a wall or shed without taking up excessive space. I’ve noticed no specific points of failure, which is a testament to its solid construction.

Breaking Down the Features of Oncore Targets Cinnamon Bear Archery Target

The Oncore Targets Cinnamon Bear Archery Target boasts a suite of features designed to enhance the archery practice experience. The Manufacturer, Oncore Targets, clearly focused on creating a product that balances realism with robust functionality. Key specifications include a substantial Width of 36 in, a relatively slim Depth/Thickness of 0.6 in, and a Length of 23 in.

These dimensions provide a realistic target silhouette without being excessively bulky, making it manageable for transport and setup. The Brown color further enhances its lifelike appearance. The 0.6 in thickness might seem minimal, but the proprietary material compensates for this, offering surprising stopping power and resilience.

The Self-Healing capability is arguably the star feature, allowing arrow holes to close up and prolonging the target’s lifespan significantly. Oncore Targets claims the center score ring can sustain 100’s of shots, while the combined rings can endure 1000 shots plus, a claim I found to be largely accurate during my testing. The Precision sculpted and hand painted details contribute to a more immersive hunting simulation. Furthermore, its Lightweight and easy to store design makes it exceptionally practical for archers with limited space or those who transport their gear frequently.

The Center score ring sustains 100’s of shots and the Combined rings sustains a 1000 shots plus are critical indicators of its longevity. Its ability to be used for both Indoor and outdoor use adds a layer of versatility, allowing practice regardless of weather conditions. The Attaches to any safe backstop feature ensures it can be integrated into existing range setups with ease, providing flexibility in its placement.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Oncore Targets
• Color: Brown
• Width: 36 in – This generous width provides a substantial aiming area, crucial for simulating a live animal encounter and allowing for practice at various angles.
• Depth/Thickness: 0.6 in – While seemingly thin, this dimension, combined with the material’s composition, is engineered for efficient arrow stopping without excessive bulk. It’s a clever design choice that aids in portability.
• Length: 23 in – This length contributes to the overall realistic silhouette of the bear, making it an effective visual aid for honing accuracy on specific vital zones.
• Material: Proprietary self-healing composite (implied) – This is the core of its durability, designed to absorb impact energy and reform.
• Weight: Not specified, but noted as Lightweight – This makes it easy to handle, set up, and move around.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary job—stopping arrows—the Oncore Targets Cinnamon Bear Archery Target performs exceptionally well. Arrows penetrate sufficiently to be stopped securely, yet removal is generally easy due to the self-healing nature of the material. The visibility of the scoring rings, even after numerous impacts, remains excellent, allowing for consistent scoring and practice feedback.

Its main strength lies in its remarkable durability, far exceeding that of standard foam targets I’ve used previously. The ability to withstand hundreds, if not thousands, of shots without significant degradation is a major plus. A minor weakness could be its relative thinness for extremely high-poundage bows, where a thicker, denser target might offer additional peace of mind, though for most common archery setups, it performs perfectly. It consistently meets and often exceeds expectations for targets in its price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of this archery target is immediately apparent. The materials feel robust and dense, hinting at the durability that has been borne out in testing. The finish, particularly the hand-painted details, adds a premium feel and makes it visually appealing, turning practice into a more engaging experience.

Ergonomically, it’s a breeze to use. Its Lightweight nature makes it easy to carry and position. There’s no complicated setup or adjustment required; it’s designed to be functional right out of the box. The realistic bear shape and clear scoring zones contribute to its usability, offering a clear visual target without ambiguity.

Durability & Maintenance

This target is built for the long haul. Under normal use for its intended purpose, I anticipate it will last for several seasons, significantly outperforming cheaper alternatives. The self-healing property is the key to its longevity.

Maintenance is minimal, which is a significant advantage for any piece of gear. A simple wipe-down or brush-off is usually sufficient. The material seems resistant to UV damage and general weathering, though prolonged extreme exposure should always be considered with any outdoor equipment. I haven’t encountered any specific failure points yet, but as with any target, extreme impacts from exceptionally powerful bows or very close distances could eventually degrade the material faster.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Oncore Targets Cinnamon Bear Archery Target comes as a standalone unit, designed to function effectively on its own. It is not typically sold with additional accessories, but its design allows for integration with standard archery target accessories. For instance, it Attaches to any safe backstop easily, meaning you can use standard stakes, stands, or bungees to secure it.

While there are no direct customization options for the target itself (such as interchangeable scoring zones), its compatibility with universal scoring rings is mentioned. This implies that if the original rings wear down, replacements can be applied, further extending its usable life. However, the inherent durability of the original markings has made this unnecessary in my testing.

Pros and Cons of Oncore Targets Cinnamon Bear Archery Target

Who Should Buy Oncore Targets Cinnamon Bear Archery Target?

The Oncore Targets Cinnamon Bear Archery Target is ideal for serious archery enthusiasts, bowhunters preparing for the season, and competitive shooters looking for a durable and realistic practice solution. Archers who shoot frequently and want to minimize recurring costs associated with target replacement will find this target to be an exceptional investment. It’s particularly well-suited for those who practice outdoors and appreciate the added realism of a sculpted animal form.

Those who should perhaps consider alternatives are individuals with access only to indoor ranges with very specific size constraints, or archers using extraordinarily high-poundage bows who prefer extremely thick, layered targets. For most users, however, this target hits a sweet spot of realism, durability, and practicality. Essential complementary items would simply be a stable target stand or a suitable backstop to ensure safe and effective setup.

Conclusion on Oncore Targets Cinnamon Bear Archery Target

My experience with the Oncore Targets Cinnamon Bear Archery Target has been overwhelmingly positive. It masterfully blends the practical needs of a durable archery target with the engaging realism of a sculpted animal. The self-healing properties are not just marketing jargon; they translate directly into a longer lifespan and reduced cost over time, making it a wise investment for any regular archer.

Considering its robust construction, excellent performance in stopping arrows, and the added benefit of its lifelike appearance, the value proposition is strong. The price point, while not the absolute cheapest on the market, is thoroughly justified by its longevity and superior performance compared to many less durable alternatives. I would confidently recommend the Oncore Targets Cinnamon Bear Archery Target to any archer looking for a high-quality, long-lasting, and engaging target solution. It’s a target that doesn’t just serve a purpose; it enhances the practice experience itself.