Let’s Dive into Saunders TS36 Face 80cm
The Saunders TS36 Face 80cm is a seemingly simple, yet critical piece of archery equipment. It’s more than just a target face; it’s the focal point of hours of practice and a tangible representation of skill development. This review aims to dissect this unassuming piece of gear, from its initial impressions to its long-term performance.
What initially drew me to the Saunders TS36 Face 80cm was a need for a reliable, long-lasting target face for my backyard archery setup. I was tired of replacing cheaper targets every few weeks. My initial unboxing revealed a no-frills design, but the promise of increased target life was intriguing.
Compared to standard paper targets or even some foam alternatives, the Saunders TS36 Face 80cm stands out due to its skirted design. This skirted design promises to better secure the target face to the target butt and its “toughened face” construction. I was also considering a layered foam target but opted for this replaceable face system hoping for a better long-term value. I felt a cautious optimism, hoping that this target face would live up to the Saunders reputation.
Real-World Testing: Putting Saunders TS36 Face 80cm to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Saunders TS36 Face 80cm was at my backyard range, set up at 30 yards. The day was sunny, with a slight breeze – typical conditions for most of my practice sessions. Securing the face to my existing 36″ target butt was straightforward.
The initial shots impacted the target cleanly. The colors were bright and easy to see at that distance. I immediately noticed a difference in how the arrows penetrated compared to my old target. The Saunders TS36 Face 80cm seemed to offer a more consistent stopping power. There were no immediate issues.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use (averaging about 100 arrows a week), the Saunders TS36 Face 80cm is holding up remarkably well. While there are visible signs of wear, particularly around the bullseye, the target face hasn’t torn or ripped. The “toughened face” seems to be doing its job.
Maintenance is minimal; I occasionally brush off loose debris. I’ve shot in light rain a few times, and the target face doesn’t seem to absorb much moisture, preventing sagging or deformation. Compared to past experiences with cheaper targets that would quickly become unusable, the Saunders TS36 Face 80cm has exceeded expectations. It is significantly more durable and maintains its integrity longer.
Breaking Down the Features of Saunders TS36 Face 80cm
Specifications
- Target Face Size: 80cm (approximately 31.5 inches). This provides a substantial target area suitable for various distances and skill levels.
- Construction: Skirted target face with a “toughened face”. The skirt helps secure the target, while the toughened face increases durability.
- Color Scheme: Four-color bullseye design. This offers clear visual references for aiming and scoring.
- Compatibility: Designed to fit 30″ or 36″ target matts. This ensures versatility with standard target systems.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the target’s lifespan and usability. The size is adequate for beginners and experienced archers alike. The skirted and toughened design are critical for resisting wear and tear.
Performance & Functionality
The Saunders TS36 Face 80cm performs its primary function – stopping arrows and providing a clear aiming point – exceptionally well. Accuracy is maintained even after prolonged use, as the target face retains its shape and definition. The target is reliable under normal shooting conditions.
A minor weakness is that with repeated shots in the same spot, penetration does increase over time. This is unavoidable, but rotating the target face occasionally helps to distribute wear. Overall, the target meets and mostly exceeds expectations, offering good performance for its price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is adequate. The materials are what you would expect for a replaceable target face, not luxurious but durable. The weight is negligible.
It is user-friendly. The Saunders TS36 Face 80cm requires no special tools or skills to install. There is no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The target is built to last longer than cheaper alternatives. With proper care (rotating the face, avoiding extreme conditions), it should provide months of use. Maintenance is simple: just keep it clean and dry.
Repairs are not really an option. Once it’s too damaged, it’s meant to be replaced, which is a design feature, not a flaw.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Saunders TS36 Face 80cm itself doesn’t come with accessories, but it can be used with various target stands and butts. There are no “customization options” in the traditional sense. You could draw your own scoring zones or add additional markings.
The target face is compatible with most standard target butts designed for replaceable faces. This makes it easy to integrate into existing archery setups.
Pros and Cons of Saunders TS36 Face 80cm
Pros
- Increased Target Life: The “toughened face” really extends the lifespan compared to cheaper targets.
- Clear Visuals: The four-color bullseye is easy to see and provides distinct aiming points.
- Easy to Install: Simple skirted design makes it quick and straightforward to attach to a target butt.
- Durable: Holds up well to repeated shots, even with higher poundage bows.
- Cost-Effective: Provides a good balance between performance and price.
Cons
- Penetration Increases Over Time: Like all targets, repeated shots in the same area will eventually lead to easier arrow penetration.
- No Included Mounting Hardware: You need to have a target butt already.
Who Should Buy Saunders TS36 Face 80cm?
The Saunders TS36 Face 80cm is perfect for recreational archers, archery clubs, and anyone who wants a durable and reliable target face for consistent practice. It’s also a good choice for beginners who want a target that will last longer than cheaper paper options.
This product might not be ideal for competitive archers who require specific, regulation-sized targets for tournaments. People looking for a complete target system (stand and face) should skip this product.
A must-have accessory is a good quality target butt sized for 80cm target faces. A target stand is also necessary.
Conclusion on Saunders TS36 Face 80cm
The Saunders TS36 Face 80cm is a solid, reliable, and cost-effective choice for anyone looking for a durable target face. Its “toughened face” construction provides increased target life. The clear visuals make it easy to aim and score.
At a price of $24.99, the value proposition is definitely justified. It saves money in the long run compared to constantly replacing cheaper targets.
I would absolutely recommend the Saunders TS36 Face 80cm to anyone looking for a dependable target face for their archery practice. Upgrade your target setup today and experience the difference a quality target face can make!