Saunders TS36 Face 80cm Review

The Saunders TS36 Face 80cm: Final Thoughts from Me

As an equipment specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience across various demanding environments, I’m always on the lookout for gear that performs reliably and offers genuine value. The Saunders TS36 Face 80cm, a skirted target face designed for archery, recently found its way into my testing rotation. My previous target faces, while functional, had started to show significant wear, and I needed a robust replacement that could withstand repeated impact without compromising accuracy. The promise of a toughened face and a generous 80cm diameter made this particular Saunders model an intriguing prospect.

Upon unboxing, my initial impression was one of solid construction. The material felt durable, and the printed bullseye seemed well-applied, suggesting it wouldn’t easily flake off with use. I’d considered a few other options, including a less expensive, unskirted model from a lesser-known brand, but the reputation of Saunders for archery equipment and the advertised toughness of this face swayed my decision. There was a quiet satisfaction in seeing a product that looked like it was built to last, a feeling that always precedes a good testing session.

Real-World Testing: Putting Saunders TS36 Face 80cm to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing primarily took place at my local outdoor archery range, a familiar environment where I’ve logged countless hours. I mounted the Saunders TS36 Face 80cm onto a standard 30-inch archery mat, which it fit perfectly. The initial setup was straightforward; the skirted design made alignment and attachment quick and secure, eliminating any concerns about the face shifting during shooting.

During my initial sessions, I shot a variety of arrows, from heavier hunting broadheads to lighter field points, at distances ranging from 20 to 50 yards. The performance in clear weather was excellent. The contrast between the four-color bullseye and the white background provided a clear aiming point, even at a distance. There were no immediate issues or surprises; the face remained firmly in place and showed no signs of damage after the first hundred arrows.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several weeks, this Saunders target face saw consistent use, with multiple shooting sessions per week. It endured various arrow weights and flight speeds without any significant degradation. Even after a light rain shower, the face dried quickly and retained its integrity, with no swelling or warping.

Durability has been a standout feature. Unlike previous targets I’ve used, which developed noticeable tears or frayed edges around the bullet holes, this 80cm face shows remarkable resilience. The “toughened face” claim seems well-founded, as arrow impacts are leaving cleaner holes that don’t immediately compromise the integrity of the scoring rings. Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt or mud.

Compared to the budget options I’ve encountered, this Saunders target face clearly outperforms. It feels like a significant step up in terms of longevity and resistance to wear and tear, justifying its price point for serious archers.

Breaking Down the Features of Saunders TS36 Face 80cm

Specifications

The Saunders TS36 Face 80cm is defined by its generous 80 cm diameter, a size that offers a substantial aiming area for archers of all skill levels. It features a four-color bullseye, a standard but effective design for easy scoring. A key specification is its skirted design, which ensures a snug fit on standard 30″ or 36″ archery mats.

The description also highlights a “toughened face” material, which is crucial for increasing the target’s lifespan by resisting arrow penetration damage. This toughened material is what allows the face to withstand repeated impacts from various arrow types without significant tearing or degradation. The overall build quality suggests a product designed for regular, demanding use.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary job, this target face performs exceptionally well. The 80 cm size provides ample room for shooting, making it forgiving for newer archers while still challenging for experienced shooters looking to tighten their groups. The four-color bullseye is clearly defined, aiding in accurate sight alignment and scoring.

A significant strength of this target face is its durability. Arrow holes tend to be cleaner and the material resists splitting or tearing better than many alternatives. This translates directly into a longer lifespan, meaning fewer replacements and better overall value. The only minor weakness might be the slight “puff” of paper or material that can sometimes be ejected from the hole with very high-velocity arrows, but this is common to most paper or fabric target faces and doesn’t impact usability.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Saunders TS36 Face 80cm is functional and effective. The skirted edge is a thoughtful addition, making it exceptionally easy to attach securely to a mat. This feature ensures the face stays taut and doesn’t sag or move, which is vital for consistent shooting.

The material, while not explicitly named beyond “toughened,” feels like a dense, high-quality paper or synthetic fabric blend. It has a satisfying weight and does not feel flimsy. The printed graphics are sharp and clear, and the color contrast is excellent. There’s no real learning curve; it’s a target face, and it does exactly what it’s supposed to do without any fuss.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of this Saunders target face is a major selling point. Based on my testing, it appears designed to last for a considerable number of shots, likely hundreds, if not thousands, depending on arrow spine and fletching. The toughened face material demonstrably resists the kind of damage that prematurely ruins lesser targets.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. For outdoor use, wiping it down after a session is typically all that’s needed to keep it in good condition. For longer-term storage, keeping it dry is the best practice to prevent any potential degradation of the material or inks. I haven’t identified any specific failure points yet, but like any target, extremely sharp broadheads or repeated hits in the exact same spot will eventually wear it down.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Saunders TS36 Face 80cm is primarily a consumable component, meaning it’s designed to be used and eventually replaced. As such, it doesn’t come with additional accessories. Its main compatibility is with standard archery target mats that accommodate its 80 cm diameter and skirted design.

While there are no built-in customization options for the face itself, its compatibility with standard mats is key. This allows archers to pair it with their preferred matting system, whether it’s a simple foam block or a more complex layered system, without issue. The straightforward design means it integrates seamlessly into existing setups.

Pros and Cons of Saunders TS36 Face 80cm

Who Should Buy Saunders TS36 Face 80cm?

This Saunders TS36 Face 80cm is an excellent choice for a wide range of archery enthusiasts. It’s ideal for recreational archers, club members, and anyone practicing regularly who wants a durable and reliable target face. Its forgiving size makes it particularly suitable for beginners learning the fundamentals of aiming and shooting.

Experienced archers looking to tighten their groups or those who shoot frequently will also appreciate its longevity and clear scoring zones. Anyone using a standard 30″ or 36″ archery mat will find this target face a perfect fit without modification. Those who should probably skip this are archers using highly specialized, non-standard target systems or those who absolutely require a sterile, medical-grade surface (which this is not).

For those looking to maximize their archery practice, I would strongly recommend pairing this face with a good quality, durable archery mat to fully utilize its lifespan. Keeping spare faces on hand is also wise for dedicated shooters, ensuring uninterrupted practice sessions.

Conclusion on Saunders TS36 Face 80cm

The Saunders TS36 Face 80cm is a well-executed piece of archery equipment that delivers on its promises. Its 80 cm diameter and clear bullseye make for a great shooting experience, while the “toughened face” construction significantly extends its usable life. The skirted design is a simple but highly effective feature that makes mounting a breeze.

Considering its price point of $24.99, the value proposition is strong. You get a durable, reliable target face that will withstand a considerable amount of shooting before needing replacement. I can confidently recommend this target face to any archer looking for a practical, long-lasting, and well-performing addition to their practice setup. It’s a straightforward product that does its job exceptionally well, making it a solid investment for your range days.