OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion Review

The OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion Made a Bold First Impression

The OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion isn’t your typical 3D archery target; it’s a cost-effective alternative designed to withstand the rigors of repeated arrow impacts. Manufactured by OnCore Targets, this target promises durability and weather resistance, bridging the gap between paper targets and more elaborate 3D models. Its ease of mounting to a backstop makes it a practical choice for archers of all skill levels.

As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen my share of archery targets, from simple straw bales to intricately designed 3D animals. I needed a reliable target for backyard practice that wouldn’t break the bank, something that could take a beating without falling apart after a few sessions. The OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion piqued my interest because of its promise of being a “cost effective alternative.”

Out of the box, the OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion presents itself as a robust piece of closed-cell foam. It’s not as visually impressive as a full-size 3D mountain lion, but its simplicity is appealing. The target feels solid and denser than I anticipated, giving me confidence in its ability to withstand arrow impacts.

Compared to a traditional block target, the OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion offers a more realistic aiming point and potentially longer lifespan due to the self-healing foam. Against a full 3D target, it sacrifices realism for affordability and ease of setup. I chose the OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion over a simple paper target because I wanted something more durable and weather-resistant for outdoor use.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It isn’t flashy, but it seems purpose-built. I was eager to put the OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion to the test and see if it lived up to its promise of durability and weather resistance.

Real-World Testing: Putting OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion in my backyard range, setting it up against a wooden backstop. I primarily used a compound bow with field points at distances ranging from 20 to 50 yards. The weather was slightly damp, with a light drizzle, which would test the target’s claim of weather resistance.

The target performed well under these conditions. Arrows penetrated easily but were also easy to remove. Even with the light drizzle, the OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion did not seem to absorb any water, maintaining its shape and integrity.

I didn’t need any time to get used to the target. Mounting was straightforward, and the aiming point was clear. The only slight issue was that after the first few shots, the initial penetration points were a bit more noticeable than I expected.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion has held up surprisingly well. While the initial penetration points are visible, the foam does appear to self-heal to some extent, preventing arrows from slipping through too easily. The target has maintained its shape and continues to provide a reliable aiming point.

There are some minor signs of wear and tear, mostly around the high-impact areas where I consistently aim. However, there are no significant tears or breaks in the foam. The closed-cell foam construction has proven to be quite durable, even with repeated arrow impacts.

Maintenance has been minimal. I occasionally wipe down the target to remove any dirt or debris, but that’s about it. The closed-cell foam doesn’t require any special cleaning or treatment, which is a definite plus.

Compared to previous block targets I’ve used, the OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion has outperformed them in terms of weather resistance and ease of arrow removal. It doesn’t offer the same visual appeal as a 3D target, but it more than makes up for it in practicality and durability.

Breaking Down the Features of OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion

Specifications

  • The OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion is constructed from 5/8” self-healing closed-cell foam. This provides durability and allows for easy arrow removal.
  • The target is designed for easy mounting to any safe backstop. This allows for flexible placement in various shooting environments.
  • It is a cost-effective alternative to 3D targets and paper target faces. This offers an economical option for archers seeking reliable practice.
  • The closed cell foam provides excellent weather resistance. This makes it suitable for outdoor use in various conditions.

These specifications are significant because they address key concerns for archers: durability, ease of use, and affordability. The self-healing foam extends the target’s lifespan, while the easy mounting system simplifies setup. Its weather resistance ensures it can be used year-round, and the price point makes it accessible to a wide range of archers.

Performance & Functionality

The OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion performs its primary function – stopping arrows safely and effectively – admirably. Arrows penetrate easily, and the self-healing foam minimizes pass-throughs. It is quite reliable for consistent practice.

The target’s main strength is its simplicity and durability. Its weakness is that it doesn’t offer the realism of a 3D target, which some archers may prefer for practice. The target’s relatively small size may also be a limiting factor for longer-range shooting or practicing with multiple archers.

Overall, it meets expectations for a cost-effective and durable archery target. It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done reliably.

Design & Ergonomics

The OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion features a simple, functional design. The closed-cell foam construction makes it lightweight enough to handle easily, while also providing sufficient density for stopping arrows.

The target is user-friendly and requires no special setup beyond mounting it to a backstop. There’s virtually no learning curve involved.

Durability & Maintenance

The OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion is designed for long-lasting use, thanks to its self-healing closed-cell foam construction. With proper care and occasional rotation of the target face, it should last for a considerable amount of shooting sessions.

Maintenance is incredibly easy. Simply wiping down the target with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep it clean. The closed-cell foam is resistant to mold and mildew, further reducing maintenance requirements.

Accessories and Customization Options

The OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion doesn’t come with any accessories. It’s a standalone target designed to be mounted on a backstop.

There are no specific customization options available for the OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion. However, archers could potentially paint or add markings to the target face to create specific aiming points or scenarios.

Pros and Cons of OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion

Pros

  • Cost-effective alternative to more expensive 3D targets.
  • Durable 5/8” self-healing closed-cell foam construction.
  • Weather-resistant for outdoor use in various conditions.
  • Easy arrow removal reduces wear on arrows and speeds up practice.
  • Simple mounting to any safe backstop.

Cons

  • Lacks the realism of a full 3D target.
  • Relatively small size may limit longer-range shooting for multiple archers.


Who Should Buy OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion?

The OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion is perfect for:

  • Backyard archers looking for a durable and affordable practice target.
  • Archery clubs seeking cost-effective targets for training programs.
  • Beginner archers who need a reliable target to develop their skills.
  • Archers who prioritize practicality and durability over realism.

This product may not be suitable for:

  • Archers who demand the realism of a full 3D target for hunting practice.
  • Archers who require a very large target for long-range shooting.

A must-have accessory would be a sturdy backstop to ensure safe shooting.

Conclusion on OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion

The OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion is a solid choice for archers seeking a durable, cost-effective, and weather-resistant practice target. While it lacks the visual appeal of a full 3D target, its practicality and longevity make it an excellent value.

The price of $26.49 is definitely justified considering its durability and the cost savings compared to replacing paper targets frequently or investing in more expensive 3D models. It’s an investment in your archery practice that will pay off over time.

I would definitely recommend the OnCore Archery Target Mountain Lion to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable archery target. It’s a no-nonsense target that gets the job done, allowing you to focus on honing your skills without worrying about the target falling apart. Get yours today and start shooting!


Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top