Full Disclosure: Morrell YellowJacket Supreme 2
The Morrell YellowJacket Supreme 2 target has become a staple for many archers looking for a reliable and cost-effective practice solution. As someone who has spent over a decade putting gear through its paces in everything from dusty workshops to rugged outdoor expeditions, I approached this archery target with a seasoned eye, curious to see if its widely advertised durability and ease of use held up under serious, repeated impact. My own journey led me to seek out a new target after my previous one, a foam block that had seen better days, began to disintegrate, scattering foam fragments across my shooting area. The need for something more robust, weather-resistant, and straightforward to transport became paramount. My initial impression of this Morrell target was one of solid construction; the bright yellow exterior and the promise of its layered density design suggested it was built for longevity. I had briefly considered a more expensive, denser block target that promised unparalleled stopping power, but the immediate practicality and the much lower price point of this Morrell unit made it the clear choice for my immediate needs. The first impression was one of pragmatic design, a tool ready for work.
Real-World Testing: Putting Morrell YellowJacket Supreme 2 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first encounter with the Morrell YellowJacket Supreme 2 was on a crisp autumn afternoon in my backyard range. The setup was remarkably simple; the integrated E-Z Tote carrying handle made it effortless to position the target exactly where I wanted it, a welcome change from wrestling with heavier, more awkward targets. I primarily tested it with my compound bow, shooting a variety of field points at distances ranging from 10 to 30 yards. The performance was immediately impressive; arrows penetrated deeply but stopped cleanly, with no pass-throughs or excessive bounce. The patented design with its multilayered density meant that even at closer ranges, where impacts are most forceful, the target absorbed energy effectively. What surprised me most was the ease of arrow removal; unlike some targets that require significant effort, pulling arrows from this Morrell unit was a smooth, quick process, a testament to its Internal Frame System technology.
Over several weeks of consistent practice, regardless of the weather, this archery target proved its mettle. I deliberately left it out during a light rain shower, and it emerged without any noticeable degradation in performance, confirming its 100% weatherproof claim. The bright yellow exterior and bold red aiming points remained highly visible, even under overcast skies. I did notice that after hundreds of shots, particularly from my heavier-bow setup, some of the red aiming points had begun to show wear, but the core of the target remained remarkably intact. Maintenance has been virtually nonexistent; a quick brush to remove any stray fletching debris is all that has been required. Compared to some of the more expensive, single-density foam targets I’ve used in the past, this Morrell unit offered a significantly better balance of arrow retention, ease of arrow removal, and longevity for its price point.
Extended Use & Reliability
Months into regular use, the Morrell YellowJacket Supreme 2 continues to be a dependable companion for my archery practice. The Multi-layered Density Design, boasting 54 layers, has shown remarkable resilience. While the vibrant aiming points have faded slightly and a few arrow holes have begun to coalesce in high-impact zones, the target’s core integrity remains solid. There are no signs of cracking, stiffness, or any significant reduction in stopping power, which is a common failure point in less robust targets. The Internal Frame System technology continues to distribute impact forces effectively, ensuring that every part of the target is usable and that arrows remove with relative ease.
Cleaning has been minimal, mainly requiring the occasional removal of stray grass or leaves, which the 100% weatherproof construction handles without issue. Storing it is as simple as leaning it against a shed wall, thanks to its relatively compact size and the practical E-Z Tote carrying handle which also aids in repositioning. When I compare its performance and durability to some budget foam targets I’ve owned, which often warp or become brittle after a single season, this Morrell target has undeniably outperformed them. It hasn’t quite matched the almost infinite lifespan of some high-end, professional-grade block targets, but for its price and intended use as a field-point practice target, its reliability has been exceptional.
Breaking Down the Features of Morrell YellowJacket Supreme 2
Specifications
The Morrell YellowJacket Supreme 2 is engineered with archery practice in mind, featuring a robust construction designed to withstand thousands of arrow impacts. Its defining characteristic is the Multi-layered Density Design comprising 54 layers of specialized material, engineered to provide excellent stopping power for field points. This multilayered approach is crucial for ensuring arrows penetrate sufficiently without passing through, while also allowing for easy arrow extraction. The target’s dimensions are suitable for most backyard ranges, and its design focuses on maximizing usable surface area thanks to the Internal Frame System technology. This internal frame ensures that the target maintains its shape and structural integrity even under repeated, high-energy impacts.
The 100% weatherproof construction means it can be left outdoors without concern for rain, sun, or other environmental factors that can degrade lesser targets. This weather resistance is a significant advantage for archers who don’t have dedicated indoor shooting facilities. For portability, the integrated E-Z Tote carrying handle is a standout feature. It’s not just a handle; it’s designed for comfort and ease of transport, making it simple to move the target from storage to your shooting spot. The bright yellow exterior, accented with red aiming points, is a patented design choice aimed at maximizing visibility, allowing archers to clearly see their shot placement from a distance. This target is specifically designed for field points only, meaning broadheads or other specialized arrowheads are not recommended and could damage the target.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Morrell YellowJacket Supreme 2 is to stop arrows accurately and repeatedly, and it excels at this task for its intended purpose. The Multi-layered Density Design effectively absorbs the kinetic energy of arrows fired with field points, providing a satisfying “thwack” upon impact and reliably halting the arrow without pass-throughs. This consistent stopping power is crucial for building confidence and improving accuracy during practice sessions. Arrow removal is remarkably smooth; the layers compress around the shaft and pull out cleanly with minimal effort, a significant advantage over targets that grip arrows too tightly or, conversely, allow them to penetrate too deeply without friction.
A key strength of this Morrell target is its durability-to-cost ratio. It stands up exceptionally well to sustained use with field points, outlasting many cheaper alternatives. The 100% weatherproof nature means its performance doesn’t degrade significantly when exposed to the elements, adding to its functional versatility. However, it’s important to reiterate that this target is strictly for field points. Attempting to use broadheads would not only damage the target but would also negate its excellent arrow-retention capabilities and likely lead to dangerous pass-throughs. For its intended application—practice with field points—its functionality is top-tier within its price segment.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Morrell YellowJacket Supreme 2 is driven by practicality and user-friendliness. Its bright yellow exterior is highly visible, a thoughtful choice that makes it easy to locate in various lighting conditions and against different backdrops. The stark red aiming points are strategically placed to provide clear targets for different shooting scenarios. The Internal Frame System technology not only contributes to the target’s structural integrity but also ensures a more uniform density throughout the face, preventing the dead spots that can plague simpler foam targets. This contributes to a more predictable and reliable shooting experience.
Ergonomically, the inclusion of the E-Z Tote carrying handle is a game-changer. It’s robust, comfortable to grip, and perfectly balances the target’s weight, making it incredibly easy to move and reposition. This feature significantly enhances the user experience, especially for those who might need to set up and break down their range frequently. The overall build quality feels solid; the layered construction is tightly bound, giving it a dense and durable feel. There’s no significant learning curve; it’s ready to go right out of the box, and its straightforward design means anyone can pick it up and start shooting immediately.
Durability & Maintenance
The Morrell YellowJacket Supreme 2 is built for a demanding use case: thousands of arrow impacts. The 54-layer Multi-layered Density Design is the core of its durability, distributing impact forces across a large surface area and through multiple layers. This design effectively mitigates the stress on any single point, contributing to its longevity. As a 100% weatherproof unit, it’s designed to resist the effects of moisture and UV exposure, preventing premature cracking or material breakdown often seen in less resilient targets. While it’s rated for field points only, it holds up remarkably well to this specific type of impact.
Maintenance is refreshingly simple. Primarily, it involves keeping the surface clear of debris like leaves or grass, which can be done with a quick wipe or brush. The bright colors may eventually fade with prolonged extreme sun exposure, but this is largely cosmetic and does not impact its functional performance. For those who are meticulous, an occasional rotation of the target can help distribute wear more evenly across all faces, further extending its lifespan. The key to its longevity lies in adhering to the field points only guideline; attempting to shoot broadheads will compromise its structure and significantly shorten its usable life.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Morrell YellowJacket Supreme 2 is designed for simplicity and immediate use, and as such, it comes with a very focused set of features rather than a wide array of accessories. The most notable integrated “accessory” is the E-Z Tote carrying handle, which is crucial for its portability and ease of setup. The patented design itself includes the bright yellow exterior and red aiming points, which are integral to its functionality and visibility. This particular target does not come with interchangeable parts or a broad range of customization options in the traditional sense.
Its primary compatibility is with field points, and users should avoid any other arrowhead types to maintain warranty and performance. For those looking to enhance their practice, additional aiming point stickers or markers could be applied, but this is entirely optional and dependent on individual preference. The focus here is on a self-contained, highly effective practice tool that requires no additional purchases to fulfill its core purpose. Unlike some more complex targets that might offer modular components or require specialized replacement parts, this Morrell unit is designed to be used as is, for thousands of shots with standard field points.
Pros and Cons of Morrell YellowJacket Supreme 2
Pros
- Exceptional stopping power for field points due to its 54-layer Multi-layered Density Design.
- Easy arrow removal thanks to the internal design and layered compression.
- 100% weatherproof construction allows for year-round outdoor use without degradation.
- E-Z Tote carrying handle makes transport and setup remarkably simple.
- High visibility with bright yellow exterior and red aiming points, aiding shot accuracy.
- Excellent value for money, offering significant durability for its price point.
Cons
- Strictly designed for field points only; broadheads will damage the target and compromise performance.
- Aiming points can show wear over time with very heavy use, though the core structure remains sound.
- Limited customization options as it is a fixed, integrated design.
Who Should Buy Morrell YellowJacket Supreme 2?
The Morrell YellowJacket Supreme 2 is an ideal choice for recreational archers, backyard enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a reliable, durable, and cost-effective practice target. It’s perfect for individuals who primarily shoot with compound or recurve bows using field points and need a target that can withstand hundreds, if not thousands, of shots without significant degradation. Its 100% weatherproof nature makes it a great option for those who want to leave their target set up outdoors without constant worry.
However, archers who regularly shoot broadheads or specialized hunting arrowheads should look elsewhere; this target is not designed for those applications and will be damaged quickly. Professionals or competitive archers requiring extreme precision with a multitude of arrow types might also seek out higher-end, more specialized targets with interchangeable components or denser materials. For enhanced practice, consider having a variety of field point weights to simulate different shooting scenarios and perhaps some archery-specific chalk or markers if you wish to create custom aiming points on the bright yellow surface.
Conclusion on Morrell YellowJacket Supreme 2
The Morrell YellowJacket Supreme 2 absolutely delivers on its promise of a durable, affordable, and user-friendly archery practice target. Its Multi-layered Density Design with 54 layers provides impressive stopping power and crucially, easy arrow removal, while the 100% weatherproof construction ensures it can withstand the elements. The E-Z Tote carrying handle is a standout feature, making it incredibly practical for anyone with limited space or who needs to move their target regularly. For its price of $63.99, the value proposition is exceptionally strong, offering a longevity that far surpasses many cheaper alternatives. I wholeheartedly recommend this target to any archer who primarily uses field points and is looking for a dependable workhorse that won’t break the bank. It’s a no-nonsense, highly effective piece of gear that has earned its place in my regular shooting routine.