Was the Allen Ez Aim Reflective Targets Worth It?
For anyone who spends time at the shooting range, whether it’s for recreational target practice or honing skills for competition, clear and effective targets are paramount. The Allen Ez Aim Reflective Targets promise to simplify the process of seeing where your shots land, even at a distance or in varying light conditions. As an equipment specialist with over a decade of diverse real-world experience, I’m always on the lookout for gear that genuinely enhances functionality without unnecessary complexity. This particular pack caught my eye due to its advertised reflective properties and peel-and-stick design, offering a potential solution to the frustrating squinting and guesswork that can plague less visible targets.
My decision to try these targets stemmed from a common range day problem: difficulty in accurately assessing shot placement, especially with smaller calibers or when I was trying to maintain a rapid firing cadence. Standard paper targets can become a confetti of holes, making the original impact point a guessing game. I’d considered other reactive targets, like splatter targets or steel, but wanted something more economical and portable for everyday practice sessions. My initial impression upon receiving the pack was positive; the targets felt substantial for their type, with a distinct Mylar surface and a good amount of adhesive backing. They immediately seemed like a step up from flimsy paper alternatives.
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Allen Ez Aim Reflective Targets was at my local outdoor shooting range, a familiar environment with covered bays and a backstop for safety. I was testing them with a .22LR rifle, a caliber known for its challenging-to-see bullet holes on paper. After affixing one to a standard cardboard backer, the initial setup was straightforward thanks to the adhesive backing, which held firm without needing staples or tape.
The real test began with the first shot. Immediately, a bright, reflective ring appeared around the impact point, making it incredibly easy to spot even from the bench at 50 yards. This significantly reduced the need to walk downrange or use binoculars between shooting sessions. The flaking ink effect, as described, worked as intended, crumbling around the hole to highlight the precise location of the hit.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over several subsequent range days, the Allen Ez Aim Reflective Targets continued to perform admirably. Even after multiple impacts, the reflective ring remained distinct, though some targets eventually became too riddled to be useful. The pack included red and black peel-and-stick dots, which were invaluable for covering existing holes and extending the life of each target sheet. This feature is a smart addition, allowing for more shots per target and a better cost-per-shot experience.
Durability was decent for this type of target. While the Mylar surface is susceptible to tearing with direct hits, especially from larger calibers (though I primarily used .22LR), the reflective quality persisted until the target was functionally destroyed. Cleaning was non-existent, as they are designed to be disposable or patched with the included dots. Compared to standard paper targets that just tear, these offered a visual advantage that justified their use.
Specifications
The Allen Ez Aim Reflective Targets come with a clear set of specifications designed for ease of use and visibility. Each target boasts a 9-inch diameter, providing a generous aiming area suitable for most common shooting disciplines. The core technology relies on a Mylar surface with specialized flaking ink, which reacts to bullet impacts by revealing a reflective ring around the hole.
This design is a practical enhancement over standard paper targets. The adhesive backing ensures quick and secure mounting to a variety of surfaces, like cardboard backers or wooden frames, eliminating the need for extra tools or cumbersome attachment methods. Each pack contains 6 targets, offering a good starting quantity for practice sessions.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of pure performance, the Allen Ez Aim Reflective Targets excel at their primary function: making bullet impacts immediately visible. The reflective ring is bright and contrasts well with the target’s surface and the surrounding environment, which is a significant advantage during dawn, dusk, or even bright sunny conditions. This enhanced visibility directly translates to more efficient range time, as shooters spend less time trying to locate their shots and more time practicing.
The main strength is undoubtedly the reflective material that clearly shows bullet impacts. A minor limitation, however, is that very close-range impacts, especially with higher-velocity rounds, can sometimes obliterate the target surface more aggressively. While the included dots help, extensive damage can still render a target less effective over time. Nonetheless, for their intended use, the functionality is top-notch.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Allen Ez Aim Reflective Targets is driven by practicality. The round shape with a 9-inch diameter is standard and intuitive, while the adhesive backing makes deployment effortless. The Mylar material feels durable enough to withstand multiple shots, and the printing of the target itself is clean and unfussy.
Ergonomically, there’s little to critique because the target is a passive item; its “handling” is in its application. The peel-and-stick nature is user-friendly, requiring no special skills or tools, which is ideal for quick setup at the range. The inclusion of red and black peel-and-stick dots is a thoughtful design element, directly addressing the longevity of the targets.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the Allen Ez Aim Reflective Targets is inherently tied to their material and intended use. As reflective targets designed for a single session or until sufficiently impacted, they aren’t built for extreme longevity in the way a steel target might be. However, for their price point and disposable nature, they hold up well through a typical range session.
Maintenance is essentially non-existent, which is a significant advantage. Once used, they are either discarded or patched with the provided dots. There’s nothing to clean or recondition, making them an exceptionally low-maintenance option for frequent shooters. Potential concerns would primarily revolve around physical damage from impacts rather than material degradation.
Accessories and Customization Options
The primary “accessory” that comes with the Allen Ez Aim Reflective Targets are the red and black peel-and-stick dots. These are crucial for extending the usability of each target sheet by allowing shooters to cover previous bullet holes. This simple addition significantly enhances the value proposition of the pack.
Beyond the included dots, there are no other inherent customization options for the targets themselves, as they are a consumable product. However, their adhesive backing makes them compatible with a wide range of target stands and backer materials commonly found at shooting ranges. The simplicity here is a feature, not a limitation, ensuring broad compatibility.
Pros and Cons of Allen Ez Aim Reflective Targets
Pros
- Reflective Material Shows Bullet Impact: This is the standout feature, making shot placement incredibly easy to see.
- Adhesive Back: Peel-and-stick application is quick, secure, and requires no extra fasteners.
- Included Dots: Red and black peel-and-stick dots allow for covering holes, extending the target’s life and value.
- Generous 9-inch Diameter: Offers ample aiming space for various shooting distances and calibers.
- Cost-Effective Practice: Provides a practical and affordable way to improve accuracy during range sessions.
Cons
- Limited Durability with Heavy Fire: Larger calibers or very dense fire can quickly render a target unusable, even with patching.
- Mylar Surface Fragility: While functional, the Mylar can tear, especially on direct hits, affecting its integrity over time.
- Not for Extreme Long-Range Precision: For ultra-fine shot grouping at extreme distances, more specialized targets might be preferred.
Who Should Buy Allen Ez Aim Reflective Targets?
These targets are ideal for recreational shooters, new firearm owners, and anyone looking for an economical way to practice their marksmanship. They are particularly beneficial for those who shoot .22LR, .223/5.56mm, or other smaller calibers where bullet holes are hard to spot on traditional paper. Home workshop enthusiasts who enjoy occasional range days or competitive shooters needing affordable training aids will find them very useful.
Anyone who requires extreme durability for high-volume shooting with large-caliber firearms, or who needs to observe the absolute smallest of bullet holes at hundreds of yards, might consider alternatives like steel targets or specialized paper. However, for general practice and immediate feedback, these Allen Ez Aim Reflective Targets are hard to beat. A simple cardboard backer or a portable target stand are the only “must-have” accessories to maximize their utility.
Conclusion on Allen Ez Aim Reflective Targets
The Allen Ez Aim Reflective Targets deliver on their promise of making bullet impacts easy to see, offering a significant upgrade over standard paper targets for everyday practice. The combination of a reflective Mylar surface, convenient adhesive backing, and the smart inclusion of dots for patching creates a product that is both functional and excellent value for money at $11.99 for a pack of 6. They streamline the range experience, allowing for more focused shooting and less time spent trying to decipher where your shots landed.
While they might not withstand sustained fire from magnum calibers without wearing out quickly, their performance for smaller calibers and general accuracy training is exceptional. I would confidently recommend these targets to anyone who frequently visits the shooting range and is looking for an effective, affordable, and user-friendly way to improve their accuracy. They are a practical tool that genuinely enhances the shooting experience without breaking the bank.