Morrell NASP Youth Target Review

What You Should Know About the Morrell NASP Youth Target

As an equipment specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience, I’ve encountered a vast array of gear designed for different purposes. My search for a durable and effective archery practice target for my younger relatives led me to the Morrell NASP Youth Target. This particular model caught my eye due to its specific design catering to young archers and the NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program) curriculum.

The need for a safe and reliable practice tool became apparent after observing some frustrating and less-than-ideal setups. My previous experience with more robust, professional-grade targets highlighted the importance of a system that not only stops arrows but also facilitates easy retrieval, a common pain point for beginners. Considering alternatives like DIY targets or simpler foam blocks, the promise of an integrated system specifically built for this purpose felt like a significant step up.

Upon initial inspection, the target presented itself with a robust, no-nonsense construction. The materials felt substantial, suggesting it could withstand a decent amount of use without immediate degradation. This initial impression offered a sense of confidence that it could meet the demands of enthusiastic young archers.

I had briefly considered some lighter, more portable foam targets that often pop up online, but their long-term durability and arrow-stopping capabilities were questionable. The Morrell option, with its advertised Internal Frame System, seemed to offer a more structured and lasting solution. My first reaction was one of cautious optimism; it looked like a tool that could genuinely simplify the learning process for new archers.

Real-World Testing: Putting Morrell NASP Youth Target to the Test

First Use Experience

I set up the Morrell NASP Youth Target in my backyard, a controlled environment ideal for initial testing. It was immediately apparent that this target was designed with ease of use in mind, requiring no complex assembly. My nephews, aged 8 and 10, were eager to test it with their NASP-approved bows, which are rated for draw weights of 30 lbs and under.

The target performed admirably in these initial sessions, effectively stopping arrows from these lower-poundage bows without excessive penetration. Even with rapid-fire practice over an hour, the target showed minimal signs of deflection or arrow skip. The light weight made it easy to reposition after each series of shots, which was a welcome convenience.

One pleasant surprise was how effortlessly arrows were removed. Unlike some cheaper targets where fletching can snag or significant force is required, pulling arrows from this unit was remarkably smooth, a testament to its internal design. This feature significantly reduced frustration for the younger archers and kept the practice session flowing.

There were no significant issues or quirks during this first use. The target performed exactly as advertised for its intended purpose and user group, making it an intuitive and effective tool from the moment it was unboxed.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several weeks, this Morrell target became a regular fixture in our backyard practice sessions, accumulating dozens of arrow impacts. It has held up exceptionally well, showing very little degradation despite consistent use in varying weather conditions. I noticed no significant wear and tear, such as cracks or stiffness, which can plague less robust targets.

The durability of the target’s exterior material is noteworthy; it has resisted tears and abrasions from stray fletching and occasional accidental ground contact. Arrow removal remains as easy as it was on day one, a clear indicator of the robust Internal Frame System’s sustained effectiveness. This consistent performance is a significant advantage over cheaper alternatives that often lose their arrow-stopping power or become difficult to use over time.

Maintenance has been minimal, primarily involving occasional dusting or wiping down the exterior. Its 18 lb weight, while not ultra-light, makes it manageable for repositioning or storing when not in use. Compared to some professional targets I’ve used, the Morrell NASP Youth Target offers a remarkable balance of durability, performance, and ease of use for its price point.

Breaking Down the Features of Morrell NASP Youth Target

Specifications

The Morrell NASP Youth Target boasts a straightforward yet effective set of specifications designed for its target audience. Its primary dimension is a generous 28″x28″x10″, providing a substantial surface area for practice. The target weighs in at 18 lbs, striking a good balance between stability and portability for home or camp use.

Crucially, it is designed for bows 30 lbs and under, making it ideal for young archers participating in programs like NASP. The Internal Frame System is a key technological feature, engineered to maintain the target’s shape and ensure consistent arrow stopping power over time. This internal structure is vital for preventing the target from becoming misshapen or too difficult to shoot into.

The easy arrow removal feature is not just a marketing claim; it’s a critical functional aspect that significantly enhances the user experience for beginners. This specification directly addresses a common frustration, allowing for uninterrupted practice sessions. The manufacturer, Morrell, has clearly focused on these practical elements for their youth-oriented product.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its core function, stopping arrows, the Morrell NASP Youth Target performs exceptionally well within its intended parameters. Arrows from bows up to 30 lbs are consistently stopped without significant pass-through or excessive depth. This reliable performance instills confidence in young archers, allowing them to focus on their form rather than worrying about their arrows.

Its biggest strength lies in its user-friendly design, particularly the effortless arrow removal. This aspect alone is a significant differentiator and makes practice far more enjoyable and less physically demanding for children. The consistent arrow stopping power ensures that the target remains effective even after hundreds of shots.

A minor limitation is that it is explicitly not for school or commercial use, indicating its design is optimized for individual or family practice rather than high-volume institutional settings. While it is durable for home use, its material may not withstand the extreme wear and tear of a professional school program’s daily usage. However, for its intended home or camp use, its functionality is superb.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this target is intentionally robust and functional, favoring durability and performance over aesthetic flair. The 28″x28″x10″ dimensions offer ample shooting real estate, reducing the likelihood of missing the target entirely, which is common for beginners. The 18 lb weight contributes to its stability, preventing it from tipping over easily during shooting sessions.

Ergonomically, the target is straightforward; its primary interaction is receiving arrows. The real ergonomic win is the easy arrow removal, which minimizes physical strain and user frustration. The compact, box-like design makes it easy to place against a wall or prop up in a corner, and its lightweight and portable nature allows for easy relocation.

The Internal Frame System is not visible externally, but its presence is felt in the target’s consistent shape and stiffness. This hidden engineering ensures that the target remains user-friendly for its entire lifespan, a critical factor for a product aimed at younger, less experienced archers.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extended testing, the Morrell NASP Youth Target appears built for longevity in a home or casual environment. The exterior material feels tough and resistant to sun and general weather exposure, suggesting it can handle being left outdoors for periods. I have observed no signs of premature wear, fraying, or structural compromise, even after numerous impacts.

Maintenance is virtually non-existent, which is a significant advantage for busy families. A simple wipe-down is all that’s needed to keep it looking tidy. There are no complex parts or mechanisms to clean or adjust.

The primary concern for durability would be the potential for sustained, high-poundage archery, which this target is not designed for. However, within its specified limits (30 lbs and under), I anticipate this target will last for several seasons of regular use. Its construction is solid, and the internal structure seems robust enough to maintain its integrity.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Morrell NASP Youth Target comes as a self-contained unit with no additional accessories or customization options included or readily apparent. Its design is focused on delivering its core function effectively. There are no interchangeable parts or modular components to swap out.

This simplicity means there’s no need for additional purchases to make the target functional, which is a benefit for those seeking a straightforward solution. While some might desire the ability to add target faces or other enhancements, this model prioritizes a unified, ready-to-use experience. Its compatibility is solely with arrows from bows within its specified poundage range.

Pros and Cons of Morrell NASP Youth Target

Who Should Buy Morrell NASP Youth Target?

This Morrell NASP Youth Target is an excellent choice for parents or guardians looking for a safe and effective practice tool for young archers, particularly those involved in the National Archery in the Schools Program. It’s ideal for backyard practice, home range setups, or even bringing along to a campsite for recreational shooting. Anyone introducing a child to archery will find its ease of use and reliable performance invaluable.

Conversely, this target is not suitable for adult archers with bows exceeding 30 lbs of draw weight. It would also not be appropriate for commercial shooting ranges or school programs that require targets capable of withstanding extremely high volumes of use or higher poundage bows. Those seeking a target with interchangeable faces or customization options would need to look at different models.

For those using it as intended, I highly recommend ensuring the shooting area is clear and safe, as with any archery practice. Ensuring the target is placed on a stable, level surface will maximize its longevity and effectiveness.

Conclusion on Morrell NASP Youth Target

The Morrell NASP Youth Target delivers precisely what it promises: a user-friendly, durable, and effective practice solution for young archers. Its standout feature, the effortless arrow removal, significantly enhances the learning experience by minimizing common frustrations. For its price of $89.79, the value is clear, offering a level of performance and convenience that far exceeds what one might expect.

I would absolutely recommend this target to any parent or guardian looking to support a child’s archery endeavors, especially those participating in NASP. It’s a well-built piece of equipment that makes practice enjoyable and productive. If you have a young archer with a bow rated 30 lbs or under, this target is an investment that will pay dividends in their skill development and confidence.