By the Home Archery Range UK – Setup Guides, Reviews & Gear Team · Updated May 2026 · Independent, reader-supported

Archery Boss Targets vs Bag Targets UK: Which Should You Buy?

If you're setting up a home archery range in the UK, choosing the right target is one of the most important decisions you'll make. The two most popular options are Boss targets (usually compressed straw-based) and bag targets (fabric-stuffed models), and which one suits you depends entirely on your situation, budget, and how seriously you're taking the sport.

What's the Difference?

Boss targets are typically made from compressed straw or similar high-density material. They're solid, chunky, and designed to mimic realistic archery conditions. Most British archers buying for a permanent range go this route because they're built to last thousands of shots.

Bag targets are fabric sleeves stuffed with a combination of sand, sawdust, or recycled plastic fibres. They're looser, squishier, and feel more forgiving when an arrow hits. They're lighter and take up less space, which matters if you're tight on room.

The difference in feel is noticeable immediately. A Boss target stops an arrow with density and firmness. A bag target absorbs the impact more gradually, which can feel softer to shoot but also means arrows can sometimes deflect at odd angles if you don't hit flush.

Lifespan and Durability

This is where Boss targets genuinely shine. A quality Boss target will handle 5,000 to 10,000 arrows before it needs replacing, sometimes more depending on the poundage you're shooting and how well you maintain it. They're also more weather-resistant when stored outside, though you should still protect them from direct rain.

Bag targets typically last 1,500 to 3,000 arrows. This varies depending on the quality and fill material—cheaper models deteriorate faster. After a couple of seasons of regular use, you'll notice the target becoming denser and less responsive, and arrow removal becomes trickier. The fabric also weakens over time, especially if left in the sun.

For serious archers shooting 5+ days a week, Boss targets work out significantly cheaper per shot over a year or two, despite the higher initial outlay.

Cost and Value

You'll find decent bag targets in the UK for £40 to £100. They're genuinely affordable entry points. Boss targets start around £60 and can reach £200+ for larger or premium models. That upfront difference is real, but it's worth viewing it as a per-arrow cost over the lifetime of the target.

If you're shooting casually (weekends, light practice), a bag target is reasonable value. You'll get a couple of seasons and then move on. But if you're committing to regular practice, a Boss target pays for itself.

Best Use Cases

Go for a Boss target if:

• You're planning to shoot consistently for years
• You're training for competition
• You want minimal maintenance and arrow removal frustration
• You have space for a larger target
• You're shooting 40+ arrows per session regularly
• You want stable, predictable arrow flight behaviour

A bag target makes sense if:

• You're brand new to archery and testing commitment
• Your garden space is genuinely tight
• You move house frequently
• You shoot sporadically (once or twice a month)
• You want something portable to take to a club or friend's garden
• You're on a tight budget and need to start small

Practical Considerations

Arrow removal: With a Boss target, arrows pull out cleanly. With a bag target, especially an older one, you can struggle. The material compresses around the shaft, and pulling becomes harder work. This matters more than you'd think when you're taking out your tenth arrow of the session.

Weather: Boss targets handle UK weather reasonably well if you give them basic protection. A weatherproof cover is sensible but they won't rot. Bag targets can soak up rain and become waterlogged, which adds weight and ruins the performance. They should be stored indoors or under cover, which limits convenience.

Space and transport: Bag targets are genuinely easier to move. They weigh less, pack smaller, and are simpler to carry to a friend's place or club shooting day. If your range setup needs to be flexible, this matters.

Sound and feedback: Boss targets are quieter and have a more solid impact feeling. Bag targets are noisier and the impact is dampened, which some people find less satisfying (though it's not a technical issue).

The Honest Take

If you're setting up a permanent home range in the UK and you can afford it, buy a Boss target. The lifespan, maintenance, and shooting feel make it the obvious choice for anything beyond casual use. You'll appreciate it every time you shoot.

If you're genuinely uncertain about long-term commitment or your space is limited, start with a bag target. It's not a waste—it's a sensible experiment. Once you've got a few hundred arrows through it and you know you're hooked on archery, upgrade to a Boss target then.

The worst decision is buying the cheapest bag target and expecting it to last. You'll get frustrated quickly and spend money again within months. Buy once, buy right.