Let’s Dive into BIGshot Ballistic 350
The BIGshot Ballistic 350 is a bag target designed to offer archers a high-performance target at an accessible price point. BIGshot promises a target filled with 40% more material than comparable targets and a design capable of handling bows shooting up to 350 feet per second. This target also has a high definition target face with staggered dots.
I was in the market for a new target because my old one was falling apart, offering inconsistent stopping power, and generally making my practice sessions frustrating. I was specifically looking for a bag target that could handle the poundage of my compound bow without pass-throughs, but I didn’t want to break the bank on a competition-grade target. The BIGshot Ballistic 350 seemed to strike a good balance between performance and affordability, making it a strong contender.
Unboxing the Ballistic 350, my initial impression was positive; the target felt substantial and well-packed. The weather barrier gives me confidence that it can survive the weather. The high-definition target face was a nice touch.
I considered the Morrell Yellow Jacket YJ-350 and the Block Classic Archery Target before settling on the BIGshot Ballistic 350. The Morrell seemed similarly priced but had mixed reviews regarding durability, and the Block target was significantly more expensive for what seemed like a similar level of performance. Ultimately, the combination of price, stated arrow speed compatibility, and the promise of increased filling led me to choose the BIGshot Ballistic 350.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The BIGshot Ballistic 350 seemed like it could solve my practice problems without emptying my wallet. I was eager to get it out to the range and see how it performed.
Real-World Testing: Putting BIGshot Ballistic 350 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the BIGshot Ballistic 350 was at my local archery range, an outdoor setup exposed to the elements. I set the target up at 20 yards and began shooting with my compound bow, which is set to approximately 65 pounds draw weight. The weather was sunny, but there was a slight breeze.
The Ballistic 350 stopped my arrows consistently, with decent penetration and relatively easy arrow removal. The arrows were easily pulled by hand with little effort. I immediately noticed that the target was much more forgiving than my old one, and I wasn’t worried about damaging my arrows or having them pass straight through.
Using the Ballistic 350 was straightforward; it’s a bag target, after all. The grommets allowed me to hang it easily from a target stand, which was a definite plus. After the first few shots, I noticed some settling of the internal filling, which created a slight sag in the target face, but it didn’t seem to affect performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use (2-3 times per week), the BIGshot Ballistic 350 is holding up reasonably well. There are some signs of wear and tear, mainly around the impact zones, with some minor fraying of the outer material. However, the target is still stopping arrows effectively.
Durability has been acceptable, but the target is showing signs of settling in the center. Despite this, the weather barrier keeps rain out. It is easy to pick up and move.
Maintenance has been minimal; I occasionally brush off dirt and debris and rotate the target face to distribute wear. Cleaning is straightforward, and the material seems resistant to staining. Compared to my previous target, the BIGshot Ballistic 350 is a noticeable upgrade in stopping power and ease of arrow removal.
Breaking Down the Features of BIGshot Ballistic 350
Specifications
- Target Type: Bag Target. Designed for portability and ease of use.
- Arrow Speed Compatibility: Up to 350 FPS. Suitable for a wide range of bows and draw weights.
- Filling: Proprietary Blend, 40% More Filling than Standard Bag Targets. This additional filling is intended to enhance stopping power and target longevity.
- Target Face: High Definition with Staggered Dots. This is for increased visibility and aiming options.
- Dimensions: 24 x 24 inches. This provides a substantial target area.
- Weather Barrier: Integrated into the target’s construction. It adds protection against moisture and prolongs the target’s lifespan.
- Internal Frame: Provides structural support and prevents the target from sagging excessively over time. This keeps the target usable longer.
- Grommets: Included for easy hanging and securing of the target. This makes the target accessible at many different locations.
These specifications translate to a user experience that prioritizes stopping power, durability, and ease of use. The 40% more filling is a critical factor, promising better arrow retention and a longer lifespan, while the weather barrier addresses the common problem of bag targets deteriorating in outdoor conditions. The high definition target face and grommets further enhance the overall user experience, making the BIGshot Ballistic 350 a versatile and practical choice for archers.
Performance & Functionality
The BIGshot Ballistic 350 performs its primary job – stopping arrows – admirably. Accuracy is dependent on the archer, but the target provides a consistent and reliable point of aim. The target is easy to transport.
The main strength is its stopping power, especially for the price. A minor weakness is the settling of the filling over time.
Overall, the BIGshot Ballistic 350 largely meets my expectations, offering a good balance between performance, durability, and cost. I feel that it is well-suited for the price.
Design & Ergonomics
The BIGshot Ballistic 350 features a simple, functional design. The materials seem durable enough to withstand regular use, and the weight is manageable for transport. The weather barrier gives the target a look of high quality.
The Ballistic 350 is incredibly user-friendly. The target face is easy to see.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the BIGshot Ballistic 350 should last for a reasonable amount of time, possibly several seasons of regular use. It is easy to rotate the target.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and rotation of the target face. No repairs have been needed to this point.
Accessories and Customization Options
The BIGshot Ballistic 350 doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the target itself. However, its simplicity means there aren’t many customization options, either.
You can replace the target face with a similar sized one if you want. Beyond this, there are no other useful accessories or modification for the BIGshot Ballistic 350.
Pros and Cons of BIGshot Ballistic 350
Pros
- Good Stopping Power: Handles bows up to 350 FPS effectively.
- Affordable Price: Offers excellent value for the performance.
- Durable Construction: Weather barrier and reinforced stitching enhance longevity.
- Easy Arrow Removal: Arrows are relatively easy to pull, reducing fatigue.
- Convenient Portability: Manageable size and weight for transport.
Cons
- Filling Settling: The filling tends to settle over time, causing sag.
- Limited Customization: Few options for modifications or accessories.
Who Should Buy BIGshot Ballistic 350?
The BIGshot Ballistic 350 is perfect for:
- Beginner to intermediate archers looking for a reliable and affordable target.
- Recreational shooters who want a durable target for backyard practice.
- Archery clubs or organizations that need to outfit their ranges with budget-friendly targets.
Who should skip this product?
- Professional archers or those shooting with extremely high poundage bows might need a more specialized and robust target.
- Archers who want extensive customization options or integrated scoring systems should consider other models.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A sturdy target stand is essential for elevating the target and preventing ground contact.
- Arrow puller can be useful for removing arrows, especially at higher draw weights.
Conclusion on BIGshot Ballistic 350
The BIGshot Ballistic 350 offers excellent value for its price point. Its stopping power and ease of use make it a great choice for recreational archers and beginners. It’s not perfect, with some settling of the filling over time, but its durability and affordability outweigh its drawbacks.
The price is definitely justified. It is a low cost and high value target.
I would definitely recommend the BIGshot Ballistic 350 to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable bag target. Its combination of performance, durability, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for any archer. So, grab a BIGshot Ballistic 350 and get ready to sharpen your archery skills without breaking the bank!
