The Morrell Polypropylene Target Face NASP/IBO Whitetail Made a Bold First Impression
The world of archery is a constant pursuit of precision and improvement, and having the right target is absolutely critical. That’s why I was intrigued by the Morrell Polypropylene Target Face NASP/IBO Whitetail. This seemingly simple target face promised to be a durable and weatherproof solution for archers of all levels, particularly those involved in NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program) and IBO (International Bowhunting Organization) style shooting.
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’m always looking for gear that can withstand rigorous use and provide consistent performance. My existing target face was falling apart after only a season and I needed a solution that could be left outside without concern. I had considered getting a replacement foam block, but the ongoing cost and disposal challenges had me looking for alternatives. When I found the Morrell Polypropylene Target Face NASP/IBO Whitetail I was hopeful it would provide a long-lasting, inexpensive option.
The target face arrived rolled up, which was expected. Upon unrolling it, the first thing I noticed was the feel of the polypropylene – it’s definitely a more rigid material than the layered cardboard I’m used to. The grommets in the corners looked sturdy enough for hanging. Compared to a full 3D target or even a layered foam block, it’s incredibly lightweight and easy to store. Compared to a similar paper target face, the Morrell offering seems much more durable and weatherproof.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. This wasn’t a high-end, feature-rich product, but it promised to be a functional and durable solution for target practice. I was eager to see how it would perform in real-world conditions. I was hoping to find it better than a simple paper target, or cardboard cutout, which disintegrate after only a few uses.
Real-World Testing: Putting Morrell Polypropylene Target Face NASP/IBO Whitetail to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Morrell Polypropylene Target Face NASP/IBO Whitetail came at my local archery range. I hung it from an existing target frame using some paracord through the corner grommets. The day was overcast with a slight drizzle, perfect for testing its weatherproof claims.
I started shooting from 20 yards with my compound bow. The arrows passed cleanly through the target face, leaving easily visible holes. Removing the arrows was a little tougher than with a foam target, requiring a bit more effort to pull them free, however, the face stood up well. There was no tearing or significant deformation around the impact points. The target remained unaffected by the light rain.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Morrell Polypropylene Target Face NASP/IBO Whitetail has held up remarkably well. It has now been left in the sun and rain without any noticeable issues. The polypropylene material shows no signs of fading, cracking, or becoming brittle.
While the arrow holes do accumulate over time, they don’t seem to significantly compromise the target face’s integrity. Cleaning is simple. I just wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Compared to replacing paper targets every session, the Morrell face is proving to be a time-saving and cost-effective solution. I’d used paper faces for years, and the Morrell Polypropylene Target Face is proving far superior.
Breaking Down the Features of Morrell Polypropylene Target Face NASP/IBO Whitetail
Specifications
The Morrell Polypropylene Target Face NASP/IBO Whitetail is designed with simplicity and durability in mind. Its key specifications include:
- Material: 100% weatherproof polypropylene. This ensures the target face can withstand the elements without degrading.
- Grommets: Four corner grommets for easy hanging. These provide secure attachment points and prevent tearing.
- Design: NASP/IBO approved whitetail deer target. This design is suitable for practice and competition in NASP and IBO events.
- Durability: Long-lasting, capable of taking thousands of shots. The polypropylene material is designed to withstand repeated impacts.
These specifications are crucial for archers who need a reliable and consistent target face for practice and competition. The weatherproof material eliminates concerns about rain or sun damage. The reinforced grommets provide secure attachment, and the NASP/IBO design ensures compliance with specific archery standards.
Performance & Functionality
The Morrell Polypropylene Target Face NASP/IBO Whitetail performs its primary function admirably: providing a clear and durable target for archery practice. Accuracy is dependent on the archer, but the target face offers a consistent point of aim. Its simple design works perfectly for its intended purpose.
A minor weakness is the arrow removal. Depending on your bow’s draw weight and arrow type, pulling arrows can require a bit more force. This is a small trade-off for the target’s overall durability. Ultimately, it meets my expectations for a low cost, long-lasting target option.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Morrell Polypropylene Target Face NASP/IBO Whitetail is straightforward. The polypropylene material is lightweight and easy to handle. The grommets are well-placed and appear securely fastened.
The only ergonomic consideration is the effort required to remove arrows. This can be mitigated by using arrow lubricant or a dedicated arrow puller. This is a bare-bones target face, but it does the job.
Durability & Maintenance
Durability is where the Morrell Polypropylene Target Face NASP/IBO Whitetail truly shines. The polypropylene material is resistant to tearing, fading, and water damage. With proper care, it should last for multiple seasons of regular use.
Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep it clean. The inherent simplicity of the design means there are no parts to repair or replace.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Morrell Polypropylene Target Face NASP/IBO Whitetail is primarily a standalone target face and doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, it’s easily customizable in terms of how it’s mounted. Archers can use rope, bungee cords, or even zip ties to attach it to a target frame.
It is also universally compatible in that any kind of archery target can be used behind it. This way, if you would like an easier target for arrow removal, you can place it behind the face, and still get the benefit of the Morrell Polypropylene Target Face.
Pros and Cons of Morrell Polypropylene Target Face NASP/IBO Whitetail
Pros
- Exceptional durability: The polypropylene material withstands thousands of shots and resists wear and tear.
- Weatherproof design: Completely unaffected by rain, sun, or other environmental factors.
- Cost-effective: An affordable alternative to replacing paper targets or foam blocks.
- Lightweight and portable: Easy to transport and store.
- Simple and easy to use: Requires no setup or maintenance beyond hanging it up.
Cons
- Requires a target backing for best results. An additional foam or layered target is needed behind the face to stop arrows.
- Arrow removal can be difficult. Some archers may find it challenging to pull arrows from the dense polypropylene.
Who Should Buy Morrell Polypropylene Target Face NASP/IBO Whitetail?
The Morrell Polypropylene Target Face NASP/IBO Whitetail is perfect for:
- Archery Clubs and ranges that need long-lasting target faces for their facilities.
- NASP and IBO participants looking for a durable and compliant target for practice.
- Casual archers who want a low-maintenance and cost-effective target solution.
This product isn’t ideal for archers seeking a soft target with easy arrow removal. Those shooters may prefer traditional foam block targets or layered targets, but will be paying more and replacing more frequently.
A must-have accessory is a reliable target backing. A foam block, layered target, or even a tightly packed hay bale will work. Additionally, arrow lubricant or a dedicated arrow puller can make arrow removal easier.
Conclusion on Morrell Polypropylene Target Face NASP/IBO Whitetail
The Morrell Polypropylene Target Face NASP/IBO Whitetail is a no-frills, highly functional target face that delivers on its promise of durability and weather resistance. Its simple design and affordable price make it an excellent choice for archers seeking a long-lasting and cost-effective target solution. While arrow removal can be a bit challenging, the overall benefits far outweigh this minor inconvenience.
At $10.99, the price is absolutely justified. This target face will undoubtedly save money in the long run compared to constantly replacing paper targets or less durable alternatives.
I would definitely recommend the Morrell Polypropylene Target Face NASP/IBO Whitetail to any archer looking for a reliable and affordable target face. If you are tired of replacing paper targets or dealing with weather-damaged targets, this is the product for you. Invest in the Morrell Polypropylene Target Face NASP/IBO Whitetail and enjoy countless hours of accurate and hassle-free archery practice.