Oncore Targets Red Squirrel Self-Healing Archery Target Review

Reviewing the Oncore Targets Red Squirrel Self-Healing Archery Target: Beyond Marketing

For anyone who spends time at the archery range, whether a seasoned competitor or a weekend warrior, a reliable target is paramount. My search for a durable and engaging target face led me to the Oncore Targets Red Squirrel Self-Healing Archery Target. This target face, featuring a hand-painted red squirrel design, promises excellent durability and weather resistance, easily attaching to any safe backstop. My previous target faces were starting to show significant wear, with many arrow holes making it difficult to accurately track my shots and score properly. I needed something that could withstand hundreds, if not thousands, of arrows without deteriorating too quickly. Considering its advertised self-healing properties, it seemed like a promising solution.

My first impression upon receiving the target was positive. The material felt robust, and the hand-painted detail of the red squirrel was surprisingly intricate. It didn’t feel like a cheap printed image that would flake off after a few outings. I briefly considered a generic foam target blank, but the appeal of a pre-marked, themed target was too strong to ignore, especially at this price point. My initial reaction was a sense of quiet satisfaction, a feeling that I might have found a solid, long-lasting addition to my archery gear.

Real-World Testing: Putting Oncore Targets Red Squirrel Self-Healing Archery Target to the Test

I set up the Oncore Targets Red Squirrel Self-Healing Archery Target at my usual outdoor range, a spot that sees sun, wind, and the occasional light shower. My testing primarily involved my compound bow, shooting at distances ranging from 20 to 50 yards. The target mounted easily to my existing foam backstop using simple zip ties, a testament to its versatile attachment design.

First Use Experience

The initial experience was straightforward; the target face was ready to go right out of the package. I started with my standard broadhead practice arrows, then moved to field points. The arrows punched cleanly into the material, and I was pleased to see that, as advertised, the holes largely closed up after the arrows were removed. This self-healing aspect was immediately apparent and impressive. I noticed no adverse effects from the ambient temperature, which ranged from cool mornings to warm afternoons during my testing period.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, shooting anywhere from 50 to 100 arrows per session, the red squirrel target continues to perform admirably. The center score ring, which I expected to be the first to show significant degradation, still shows remarkable resilience, sustaining hundreds of shots with minimal visible damage. The combined scoring rings are also holding up well, with only minor fraying in the most heavily impacted areas. Cleaning is as simple as wiping down the surface with a damp cloth if any dirt or mud accumulates.

Compared to other self-healing targets I’ve used, this one from Oncore Targets seems to strike a good balance between cost and longevity. Cheaper alternatives often start to delaminate or tear after just a few dozen shots, while premium targets can be prohibitively expensive. This model feels like it’s on par with, if not slightly exceeding, the durability of targets costing twice as much. I haven’t encountered any issues with stiffness or performance degradation, even after being left out in light rain overnight.

Breaking Down the Features of Oncore Targets Red Squirrel Self-Healing Archery Target

Specifications

The Oncore Targets Red Squirrel Self-Healing Archery Target is constructed from 5/8″ premium self-healing foam. This material is the core of its durability and resilience. The target measures 11 inches in width and has a depth/thickness of 0.6 inches, with a length also listed at 0.6 inches, which appears to refer to its thin profile as a target face rather than a standalone 3D target.

The hand-painted design of the red squirrel offers a clear and engaging visual cue for aiming. It’s important to note that this is a target face, designed to be mounted onto a suitable backstop, which is a critical distinction. The material’s self-healing nature means that arrow holes will close up over time, preserving the integrity of the target face for repeated use. This is a significant advantage over traditional paper targets or basic foam blocks that quickly become riddled with permanent holes.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary job, the Oncore Targets Red Squirrel Self-Healing Archery Target performs exceptionally well. The self-healing foam lives up to its promise, with arrow holes disappearing after retraction, extending the life of the target significantly. The precision sculpted and hand-painted design provides clear aiming points, and the scoring rings are well-defined, facilitating accurate shot tracking.

A major strength is its durability; the center score ring is designed to sustain hundreds of shots, while the combined rings can handle 1000 shots plus. This level of longevity is impressive for its price point. The primary weakness, if one can call it that, is its reliance on a separate backstop. It is not a standalone target and requires an appropriate backing to function safely and effectively.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this archery target face is functional and appealing. The hand-painted red squirrel is a charming addition, making practice sessions a bit more visually interesting than a plain bulls-eye. The 5/8″ premium self-healing foam offers a good balance of firmness to stop arrows without excessive pass-through, yet it’s soft enough for the self-healing properties to work effectively.

The universal score rings are a practical touch, aiding in consistent scoring. Attaching it to any safe backstop is facilitated by its simple, flat design. It is lightweight, making it easy to handle, mount, and store when not in use. There’s no real learning curve; it’s a matter of attaching it and shooting.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Oncore Targets Red Squirrel Self-Healing Archery Target is a standout feature. Made from premium self-healing foam, it’s designed for repeated impact. Even after numerous shooting sessions, the target shows minimal signs of wear, with the crucial scoring rings remaining largely intact.

Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe-down is usually sufficient to keep it clean. Storage is also a breeze due to its lightweight and relatively thin profile. Potential failure points are minimal, assuming proper use with appropriate archery equipment and a safe backstop. Prolonged exposure to extreme UV rays might eventually degrade the foam, but under normal outdoor conditions, it seems built to last.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Oncore Targets Red Squirrel Self-Healing Archery Target is designed to be a target face, meaning it doesn’t come with standalone accessories in the way a complete target system might. It’s intended to be used with a safe backstop, which is a crucial component for any archery setup. The product description mentions availability with Universal Score Rings, which is a key functional feature rather than an accessory.

There are no specific customization options for the target face itself, beyond its intended purpose. However, its compatibility with various backstop systems makes it highly adaptable. For optimal use, ensuring you have a robust foam block or a dedicated archery target buttress behind it is the most important consideration.

Pros and Cons of Oncore Targets Red Squirrel Self-Healing Archery Target

Who Should Buy Oncore Targets Red Squirrel Self-Healing Archery Target?

This target face is an excellent choice for archers of all skill levels who practice outdoors or in a dedicated range setup with a suitable backstop. It’s particularly well-suited for individuals looking for a cost-effective solution that offers superior longevity compared to paper targets. Home range enthusiasts, club members, and even beginner archers looking to improve their consistency will find this target very beneficial.

Individuals who require a portable, standalone target system or those who shoot in environments where a separate backstop is not feasible should look elsewhere. Those demanding sterile, medical-grade precision might also find this target’s slightly less precise scoring rings (compared to competition-grade targets) to be a minor limitation, though for general practice, it is more than adequate. For enhancing its use, a sturdy foam backstop is the most essential complementary item to ensure safe and effective practice.

Conclusion on Oncore Targets Red Squirrel Self-Healing Archery Target

The Oncore Targets Red Squirrel Self-Healing Archery Target is a highly effective and remarkably durable archery target face that punches well above its weight class, especially considering its affordable price of $10.49. The premium self-healing foam construction ensures that it can withstand hundreds of impacts while maintaining its integrity, making it a far more economical choice than constantly replacing paper targets. Its hand-painted design adds a touch of personality to the range, and its ability to easily mount to any safe backstop makes it incredibly versatile for various shooting setups.

For the archer seeking a reliable, long-lasting, and engaging target face that offers excellent performance without breaking the bank, this model is an easy recommendation. It fulfills its promises of durability and self-healing capabilities effectively, providing a consistently usable surface for practice. If you have a good backstop in place, this target face will serve you admirably for countless shooting sessions.