Let’s Dive into Saunders TS48 Face 122cm
Archery, for me, is more than just a sport; it’s a meditative practice steeped in tradition. The quiet draw, the focused aim, the satisfying thud of the arrow finding its mark – it’s a connection to something primal. But consistently accurate practice demands a reliable target face, and after years of struggling with flimsy, easily-destroyed targets, I decided it was time for an upgrade. That’s when I found the Saunders TS48 Face 122cm.
My archery range was littered with shredded targets. They were victims of countless arrows and harsh weather. This resulted in inconsistent practice and constant replacement costs. I needed a target face that could withstand the rigors of frequent use and varying conditions.
The Saunders TS48 Face 122cm arrived rolled tightly, a promising sign that it was ready to be deployed. Unfurling it revealed a vibrant, classic four-color bullseye design on a visibly robust, skirted face. The material felt significantly more durable than the cheap paper targets I was accustomed to. Initial impressions suggested this Saunders target face was built to last.
I considered cheaper options from generic sporting goods stores, as well as self-healing foam targets. Ultimately, I chose the Saunders TS48 Face 122cm due to Saunders’ reputation for quality archery products and the skirted design which seemed like it would prevent arrows from damaging the target matt itself. The price point also played a role, offering a good balance between cost and expected durability.
I was cautiously optimistic. My past experiences with targets had been disappointing, but the Saunders TS48 Face 122cm exuded a sense of quality that made me hopeful. I was excited to finally have a reliable, long-lasting target face that would enhance my practice sessions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Saunders TS48 Face 122cm to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my backyard archery range. It’s a fairly typical setup with targets placed at varying distances, simulating different hunting scenarios. I tested the Saunders TS48 Face 122cm with a compound bow at 20, 30, and 40 yards.
The weather was slightly damp, which is common in my area. I was concerned about how the target face would hold up with moisture. However, the toughened face of the Saunders TS48 Face 122cm seemed to repel water effectively, preventing the colors from running. I noticed a difference during setup as my old faces immediately got wet and started to tear as I pinned them to the matt.
The target face was easy to attach to my existing 48″ target mat using standard target pins. I appreciated the clear, well-defined bullseye, which made aiming intuitive. After just a few rounds, I was impressed with the target’s stopping power and the minimal damage to the face.
There were no immediate issues, which was a welcome change. I only wondered how it would hold up under more sustained use. It was initially a little difficult to get the pins through the new material but I expect that will improve over time.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Saunders TS48 Face 122cm has proven to be remarkably durable. I’ve put hundreds of arrows into it, and the face still shows minimal signs of wear and tear. The colors remain vibrant, and the bullseye is still clearly defined.
The target face has held up exceptionally well despite exposure to sun, rain, and even a brief hailstorm. A few pin holes have started to enlarge, but nothing significant enough to affect performance. The toughened face seems to be genuinely effective at extending the target’s lifespan.
Maintenance is incredibly simple. I occasionally brush off any debris or dirt, but that’s about it. Unlike my previous paper targets, the Saunders TS48 Face 122cm doesn’t require constant repairs or replacements.
Compared to my previous experiences with flimsy targets, the Saunders TS48 Face 122cm is a game-changer. It provides a consistent, reliable shooting experience. It outperforms anything I’ve used before. The material is so durable I’m considering buying a second to rotate their use.
Breaking Down the Features of Saunders TS48 Face 122cm
Specifications
The Saunders TS48 Face 122cm is specifically designed as a replacement target face for archery practice. It is manufactured by Saunders Archery, a company known for its quality archery equipment. Key specifications include:
- Size: 122 cm (48 inches). This is a standard size that fits most 48″ target mats.
- Design: Four-color bullseye. This classic design provides clear aiming points for archers of all skill levels.
- Material: Toughened face. This proprietary material is designed to withstand repeated arrow impacts. The skirted design helps protect the target mat itself from stray shots.
- Compatibility: Designed to be used with 48″ target mats. Attaches easily with target pins.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the target’s durability, visibility, and ease of use. The large size provides ample target area. The toughened face extends the target’s lifespan, saving time and money.
Performance & Functionality
The Saunders TS48 Face 122cm excels at its primary function: providing a reliable target for archery practice. Arrows stop cleanly and consistently. There is minimal pass-through, even with higher poundage bows.
The target face’s strengths lie in its durability and clear design. Its weakness is the slight difficulty of inserting pins at first. This can be remedied with some pre-softening of the material.
The Saunders TS48 Face 122cm meets and exceeds my expectations. It provides a consistent and enjoyable shooting experience. It’s a significant upgrade over traditional paper targets.
Design & Ergonomics
The Saunders TS48 Face 122cm features a simple but effective design. The four-color bullseye is easy to see, even at longer distances. The toughened face provides a smooth, consistent surface.
The material feels robust and well-made. The target face is lightweight and easy to handle, making setup a breeze. I experienced no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Saunders TS48 Face 122cm is designed to last. The toughened face resists tearing and puncture. This significantly extends its lifespan compared to traditional paper targets.
Maintenance is minimal. Simply brush off any dirt or debris as needed. With proper care, this target face should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Saunders TS48 Face 122cm is a standalone product and doesn’t come with any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with standard 48″ target mats and target pins.
There are no specific customization options available for the target face itself. However, you can customize your overall archery setup with different target mats, stands, and aiming aids. It would be interesting to see Saunders offer different bullseye patterns or scoring zones in the future.
Pros and Cons of Saunders TS48 Face 122cm
Pros
- Significantly more durable than standard paper targets. The toughened face withstands repeated arrow impacts.
- Clear, well-defined four-color bullseye for easy aiming. Improves accuracy and focus during practice.
- Weather-resistant. The toughened face repels moisture. The skirted design protects the mat itself from weather and errant shots.
- Easy to install and maintain. Simply attach to a 48″ target mat with target pins and brush off any debris as needed.
- Cost-effective in the long run. Reduces the frequency of target replacements. Saves money over time.
Cons
- Pins are initially difficult to insert. Material is stiff out of the box.
- Limited customization options. The bullseye pattern is fixed.
Who Should Buy Saunders TS48 Face 122cm?
The Saunders TS48 Face 122cm is perfect for archers of all skill levels who want a durable and reliable target face for frequent practice. This includes recreational archers, hunters preparing for the season, and competitive shooters. Anyone who values consistent and accurate practice will benefit from this product.
Beginner archers using lighter draw weights may find cheaper paper faces to be more cost effective and easier to pin. Someone on a very tight budget might also want to start with a less expensive option.
A durable target stand would be a must-have accessory as well as replacement target pins. A good arrow puller will make arrow removal easier and less stressful on the target.
Conclusion on Saunders TS48 Face 122cm
The Saunders TS48 Face 122cm is a worthwhile investment for any serious archer. Its durability, clear design, and weather resistance make it a superior choice compared to traditional paper targets. It’s durable and the skirted design means fewer arrows end up damaging the matt itself.
The price is justified by the target’s extended lifespan. It saves time and money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Saunders TS48 Face 122cm. If you’re tired of constantly replacing flimsy targets and want a reliable, long-lasting option, this is the target face for you. Upgrade your archery practice today and experience the difference!