First Thoughts on the BIGshot Pro Hunter 18 Broadhead Target
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade in the field, I’ve seen my fair share of archery targets. But when BIGshot announced the BIGshot Pro Hunter 18 Broadhead Target, my interest was piqued. This target promised versatility, durability, and a unique training experience, a claim I was eager to test myself.
I needed a target that could reliably handle both field points and broadheads without tearing apart after a few sessions. My current target, a layered foam block, was showing its age, with arrows becoming increasingly difficult to remove and accuracy suffering from its inconsistent density. The promise of the BIGshot Pro Hunter 18 Broadhead Target‘s “Elasto-Flex foam” and specialized target faces seemed like the perfect solution.
Upon unboxing, the BIGshot Pro Hunter 18 Broadhead Target immediately impressed me with its unique tapered design. The build quality felt solid, and the target had a reassuring heft, suggesting it could withstand some serious punishment. Compared to my old block target and even some of the bag-style targets I’ve used, the BIGshot felt more purpose-built and thoughtfully designed for serious archers.
My initial excitement was definitely justified; the BIGshot Pro Hunter 18 Broadhead Target looked and felt like a premium target. This made me hopeful that it would deliver on its promise of superior performance and longevity.
Real-World Testing: Putting BIGshot Pro Hunter 18 Broadhead Target to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the BIGshot Pro Hunter 18 Broadhead Target to my local archery range for its initial trial. The range offers a variety of distances and shooting angles, which provided a good environment to assess the target’s performance. I shot both field points and broadheads from my compound bow at distances ranging from 20 to 50 yards.
The target performed admirably in the sunny conditions. Arrow removal was surprisingly easy, even with broadheads, and the Elasto-Flex foam seemed to heal quickly after each shot. I did notice that on a few of my further shots with broadheads, the arrow would stick just a little bit harder in the target than with the field points.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months of consistent use, the BIGshot Pro Hunter 18 Broadhead Target has held up remarkably well. I shoot with it roughly 3-4 times a week, and the target face still looks almost new, testament to the Elasto-Flex foam’s resilience. There’s been no noticeable degradation in arrow penetration or removal ease.
The target has endured a couple of unexpected rain showers while at the range, and I’m pleased to report that it didn’t seem to affect its performance. The foam didn’t retain water, and arrow removal remained consistent. Compared to my old target, which would become mushy and difficult to shoot after getting wet, the BIGshot Pro Hunter 18 Broadhead Target is a clear winner in terms of durability.
Breaking Down the Features of BIGshot Pro Hunter 18 Broadhead Target
Specifications
- The BIGshot Pro Hunter 18 Broadhead Target is designed for both field points and broadheads. This versatility eliminates the need for separate targets, saving space and money.
- It utilizes BIGshot‘s proprietary Elasto-Flex foam. This is a key feature that ensures easy arrow removal and long-lasting durability.
- The target features five specific target faces designed for different shooting phases. This includes warm-up, competition, and more powerful crossbow practice.
- The unique tapered design conserves space for travel and storage. This also positions the target face perpendicular to the shooting plane for better target acquisition.
- The BIGshot Pro Hunter 18 Broadhead Target retails for $144.99. This price reflects the quality of materials and construction.
Performance & Functionality
The BIGshot Pro Hunter 18 Broadhead Target performs exceptionally well for its intended purpose. It consistently stops arrows with minimal penetration, making arrow retrieval easy and safe. The various target faces provide excellent versatility for different practice scenarios.
The target’s strengths lie in its durability, ease of use, and versatility. A minor area for improvement would be a slightly larger surface area for broader grouping practice. Overall, it meets and even exceeds expectations for a mid-range broadhead target.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with high-density Elasto-Flex foam encased in a durable outer layer. The tapered design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, providing a stable base. The weight is manageable, making it easy to transport to and from the range.
The BIGshot Pro Hunter 18 Broadhead Target is incredibly user-friendly, with no assembly or special setup required. The different target faces are clearly marked, making it easy to switch between practice modes. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the BIGshot Pro Hunter 18 Broadhead Target is built to last for multiple seasons with proper care. Periodic inspection for wear and tear is recommended. The Elasto-Flex foam is self-healing, minimizing the need for extensive maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The BIGshot Pro Hunter 18 Broadhead Target doesn’t come with many accessories, focusing on the core functionality of the target itself. However, archers can customize their experience by using target pins or markers to track their progress on the various target faces. The target is compatible with any standard arrow puller.
Pros and Cons of BIGshot Pro Hunter 18 Broadhead Target
Pros
- Elasto-Flex foam ensures easy arrow removal and long-lasting durability.
- Five specific target faces cater to different shooting practice needs.
- Tapered design is space-saving and enhances target acquisition.
- Durable construction withstands repeated use with both field points and broadheads.
- Provides excellent value for the price, offering premium performance at a mid-range cost.
Cons
- The surface area could be larger for broader grouping practice.
- The price point might be a barrier for budget-conscious archers.
Who Should Buy BIGshot Pro Hunter 18 Broadhead Target?
The BIGshot Pro Hunter 18 Broadhead Target is perfect for archers of all skill levels who want a durable, versatile, and user-friendly target. It’s especially well-suited for hunters who need to practice with broadheads before the season. This is also a great product for archery coaches who need a diverse target for various training drills.
Beginners on a tight budget may want to consider a less expensive option initially. Someone who only shoots occasionally might be better served with a cheaper foam block.
Conclusion on BIGshot Pro Hunter 18 Broadhead Target
The BIGshot Pro Hunter 18 Broadhead Target is a well-designed and highly functional archery target that delivers on its promises. The Elasto-Flex foam is a game-changer for arrow removal and target longevity. The diverse target faces offer excellent training versatility.
The price of $144.99 is justified by the quality of materials, construction, and overall performance. I would wholeheartedly recommend the BIGshot Pro Hunter 18 Broadhead Target to any archer looking for a reliable and versatile target. This is an investment in your archery skills that will pay off for seasons to come.