Big Round Ballistic 350 Bag Target Review

The Big Round Ballistic 350 Bag Target Made a Bold First Impression

As someone who’s spent over a decade honing my skills in archery and advising others on the right gear, I’ve seen countless targets come and go. When I first encountered the Big Round Ballistic 350 Bag Target, manufactured with the goal of combining affordability with robust performance, I was intrigued. Could a target at this price point truly withstand the rigors of consistent practice?

I was looking for a reliable target that wouldn’t break the bank while allowing me to practice with my compound bow, rated for speeds up to 330 FPS. My old block target was falling apart, and I needed something durable enough to handle daily use. The Big Round Ballistic 350 Bag Target promised high-end performance at an economical price, and that claim immediately caught my attention.

Unboxing the Big Round Ballistic 350 Bag Target, I was pleasantly surprised by its size. The 24” diameter seemed substantial, and the target felt reasonably sturdy. My first impression was that it was a simple, no-frills target designed for function over aesthetics.

Compared to more expensive layered foam targets like the Morrell Yellow Jacket or the Block GenZ, the Big Round Ballistic 350 Bag Target appeared less sophisticated in its construction. But it’s significantly more affordable than those options. I picked the Big Round Ballistic 350 Bag Target over a cheaper straw bale target due to its promise of greater durability and specifically because of the weather barrier and internal frame.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. I hoped it would live up to its claims of handling bows up to 350 fps without excessive wear. For $29.99, my expectations were tempered, but I was eager to see how it performed in real-world conditions.

Real-World Testing: Putting Big Round Ballistic 350 Bag Target to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Big Round Ballistic 350 Bag Target at my local archery range, which features both covered and open-air shooting lanes. The weather was mild, but there had been rain the previous day, leaving the ground damp. I set the target up at 20 yards, the distance I typically practice at for honing my accuracy.

Right away, I noticed that arrows penetrated easily but were also relatively easy to remove. There were no issues with pass-throughs using field points with my compound bow. I focused on shot placement, aiming for the staggered dots on the target face.

After a few hours of shooting, the target face started to show some wear, but nothing alarming. A pleasant surprise was that the weather barrier seemed effective in keeping the filling dry despite the damp ground. I experienced no issues and found the target intuitive to use right out of the box.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, shooting approximately 50-100 arrows a day, the Big Round Ballistic 350 Bag Target has held up reasonably well. The target face is definitely showing signs of wear, with some fraying around the impact zones.

However, the core of the target remains intact, and there hasn’t been any significant compression or sagging. The internal frame is doing its job of maintaining the target’s shape. I’ve noticed that rotating the target regularly helps to distribute the wear more evenly, prolonging its lifespan.

Cleaning is minimal. I just brush off any loose fibers occasionally. Compared to my previous foam block target, which deteriorated rapidly, the Big Round Ballistic 350 Bag Target is proving to be a more durable and economical option for regular practice. While not perfect, it has exceeded my initial expectations for a budget-friendly target.

Breaking Down the Features of Big Round Ballistic 350 Bag Target

Specifications

The Big Round Ballistic 350 Bag Target is designed to offer a balance of performance and affordability for archers. Its key specifications include:

  • Dimensions: 24 inches. This size provides a decent shooting area for practicing accuracy at various distances.
  • Bow Speed Rating: Up to 350 fps. The target is engineered to handle arrows shot from bows with speeds up to 350 feet per second, making it suitable for a range of compound and recurve bows.
  • Filling: Contains 40% more filling than standard bag targets. This increased filling is intended to enhance durability and stopping power.
  • Target Face: High-definition target face with staggered dots on both front and back. The staggered dots offer multiple aiming points for varied practice sessions.
  • Weather Barrier: Integrated weather barrier. This feature helps to protect the filling from moisture, extending the target’s lifespan.
  • Internal Frame: Features an internal frame. The internal frame helps maintain the target’s shape and structural integrity.
  • Grommets: Equipped with grommets for hanging. The grommets allow the target to be hung for ease of use and varied practice scenarios.

These specifications are crucial for several reasons. The bow speed rating ensures the target can safely stop arrows without pass-through. The increased filling and internal frame contribute to the target’s longevity. The weather barrier is essential for outdoor use, preventing moisture damage. The target face is the aiming point and a good target face design aids accuracy in practice. The grommets offer versatility in how the target is set up and used.

Performance & Functionality

The Big Round Ballistic 350 Bag Target performs its primary function of stopping arrows effectively, provided they are within the specified speed range. It reliably stops arrows from my compound bow at 330 fps, with reasonable arrow removal effort.

One strength is its affordability, making it accessible to archers on a budget. Another is its ease of use; it requires no setup beyond hanging or propping it up. A weakness is the visible wear and tear on the target face after repeated use. Improving the durability of the outer layer would enhance the target’s overall lifespan.

For the price, the Big Round Ballistic 350 Bag Target meets expectations. It’s not a premium target, but it offers a functional and economical solution for archery practice.

Design & Ergonomics

The Big Round Ballistic 350 Bag Target sports a simple and functional design. The materials used appear to be durable enough to withstand regular use, although the outer covering could be more robust. Its weight is manageable, making it relatively easy to move and set up.

The target is designed to be user-friendly, with no complicated features or setup requirements. There’s virtually no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, rotating the target face regularly, and avoiding excessive exposure to harsh weather, the Big Round Ballistic 350 Bag Target should last for a reasonable amount of time. Expect the target face to eventually need replacement or patching depending on usage.

Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving keeping the target clean and dry. Repairing small tears in the outer covering with duct tape can help prolong its life.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Big Round Ballistic 350 Bag Target doesn’t come with any specific accessories, focusing on core functionality. Customization options are limited, although you could theoretically paint or add additional target faces.

The target is designed to be compatible with standard archery field points. It is universally usable with any bow rated for 350 fps or less. The grommets at the top allow for easy hanging with rope, chain, or carabiners.

Pros and Cons of Big Round Ballistic 350 Bag Target

Pros

  • Budget-friendly: Excellent value for the price.
  • Easy to use: No assembly or complex setup required.
  • Effective arrow stopping: Reliably stops arrows up to 350 fps.
  • Portable: Manageable weight for easy transport and setup.
  • Weather-resistant: The weather barrier helps protect against moisture.

Cons

  • Target face wears quickly: Outer layer prone to fraying with heavy use.
  • Limited customization: Few options for personalization or modification.


Who Should Buy Big Round Ballistic 350 Bag Target?

The Big Round Ballistic 350 Bag Target is perfect for:

  • Beginner archers: An affordable and easy-to-use target to start practicing.
  • Casual archers: Those who practice occasionally and need a reliable target without breaking the bank.
  • Youth archery programs: A cost-effective option for equipping a range with multiple targets.
  • Archers on a budget: A functional target that offers decent performance at a low price.

This product might not be ideal for:

  • Competitive archers: Those who require high-end, extremely durable targets for intense practice sessions.
  • Archers using high-poundage bows exceeding 350 fps: The target is not designed to handle higher speeds and heavier draw weights.

A must-have accessory would be a target stand if you prefer not to hang the target. Duct tape can also be handy for patching up the target face as it wears.

Conclusion on Big Round Ballistic 350 Bag Target

The Big Round Ballistic 350 Bag Target offers a compelling value proposition for archers seeking an affordable and functional target. While it may not boast the premium features or extreme durability of higher-end models, it delivers reliable performance within its specified parameters.

At $29.99, the price is definitely justified, especially for beginners or casual users. For anyone starting their archery journey or needing a budget-friendly practice target, I would absolutely recommend the Big Round Ballistic 350 Bag Target.

It’s a no-frills, get-the-job-done kind of product. Don’t expect it to last forever under heavy use, but with proper care, it will provide a solid platform for honing your archery skills without emptying your wallet. Grab one, sling some arrows, and enjoy the satisfying thud of a well-placed shot.


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