That power creates a real problem for shooters. Standard field targets get blown through in a handful of shots. Foam shreds. Bolts jam so deep that you need pliers, not fingers, to pull them free.
This guide breaks down which targets actually hold up to Ravin-level speed, plus the specific factors that separate a target built for crossbows from one that just says "crossbow compatible" on the box.
Key Takeaways
- Match your target's FPS rating to your Ravin model, not a generic "high-speed" label
- Foam density and core construction matter more than size for stopping bolts
- Compression cores and self-healing foam absorb repeated Ravin-speed impacts without pass-throughs
- Rotate your shooting zone and choose rebuildable targets with replacement covers for longer target life
Understanding Ravin Crossbow Power and Why Target Choice Matters
Not every Ravin shoots the same speed, and that distinction matters when you're shopping for a target. Here's how the lineup breaks down:
| Ravin Model | Rated Speed | Kinetic Energy (400-grain arrow) |
|---|---|---|
| R10 | 400 FPS | 142 ft-lbs |
| R29X | 450 FPS | 180 ft-lbs |
| R500 | 500 FPS | 222 ft-lbs |
That's an 80 ft-lb spread between the entry-level R10 and the top-end R500. A target rated for one won't necessarily handle the other.
Why Narrow Bolts Hit Harder Than They Look
Ravin's micro-diameter bolts have roughly half the surface area of a standard compound arrow shaft. Less surface area means less friction as the bolt enters foam, letting it punch deeper and faster than a wider arrow of similar weight.
Combine that with 400-plus FPS, and you get a projectile that treats a basic bag target like tissue paper.
Practical Shooting Distance for Practice
That penetration carries over at practice distance, too. Ravin's own literature notes some models hold rifle-comparable groups out to 100 yards, and the Ravin LR claims accuracy up to 135 yards. But nobody practices at 100 yards in the backyard.
Most Ravin owners drill at 20-40 yards instead, putting concentrated, repeated hits in a tight cluster rather than spread-out shots. That's exactly the scenario that wears out foam fastest.
The targets below are built to handle that reality.
Best Targets for Ravin Crossbows
Selection here comes down to four things: confirmed speed rating, durability under repeated crossbow impact, ease of bolt removal, and a track record with actual crossbow shooters — not just a "crossbow approved" sticker.
High Roller Foam Target
Morrell's High Roller Foam line uses solid-poured, self-healing foam rather than stuffed or layered bag construction. That design closes back up after each shot instead of developing a widening hole.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Speed Rating | Rated for crossbows exceeding 500 FPS |
| Best For | High-volume field-point practice |
| Key Feature | Self-healing foam core, 6-sided design with 21 bullseyes |
That multi-sided design also solves a practical problem: instead of hammering one face until it fails, you rotate to a fresh bullseye and buy yourself thousands more shots before replacement.
Larger High Roller Formats
For high-volume shooters, or clubs running multiple archers through practice sessions, a larger-format target built on the same High Roller foam technology adds meaningful value. More shooting surface means:
- Fewer hotspots from concentrated groupings
- Less frequent target rotation during long sessions
- Extended usable life before the core shows wear
If you're shooting daily or hosting group practice, the extra surface area pays for itself quickly.
BOA Compression Targets
This is where Morrell's commercial-grade construction comes in. The BOA Compression line uses a compression-based core with Gridlock Nylon Facing rather than traditional foam stuffing, and it's built specifically to handle sustained high-speed impact.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Speed Rating | 18" model: 465 FPS. 24" and 48" models: 500 FPS. 20" model: no listed speed limit |
| Best For | Dedicated crossbow practice at close-to-mid range |
| Key Feature | Compression core with weather-resistant Gridlock Nylon Facing |
Compression technology matters here because it distributes impact energy differently than loose foam. Rather than the bolt punching a straight channel, the compressed core resists penetration across a wider area, which is a big part of why the 500 FPS rating holds up under repeated Ravin-speed hits.
BIGshot Kinetic 650 "Ravin Edition" (Alternative Option)
Ravin partners directly with BIGshot Archery on a co-branded target rated to 650 FPS and 250 ft-lbs of kinetic energy, giving it significant headroom above even the R500's top speed. Outdoor Life's testing confirms the 650 FPS rating but notes the mesh face can develop a hole if shots aren't spread across the surface.
That's the trade-off worth knowing: you get a purpose-built, Ravin-branded option with serious speed headroom, but it leans on shot rotation for longevity rather than the rebuildable-cover approach you'll find on Morrell's lineup.
How to Choose the Best Target for Your Ravin Crossbow
The most common mistake? Buying based on price or size and skipping the FPS rating entirely. Here's what actually matters.
Speed Rating (FPS Tolerance)
Your target's rated FPS needs to meet or exceed your Ravin model's advertised speed. An R500 shooting 500 FPS needs a target rated at or above that number, not a generic "high speed" claim. Field & Stream's testing specifically flags targets rated to only 335 FPS as unsuitable for crossbow use, well below even the slowest Ravin. Undersized targets show it fast: expect pass-through, torn covers, or crushed foam within just a few shots.
Foam Core Technology and Bolt Removal
Layered or compression-based cores absorb kinetic energy differently than basic stuffed-bag construction. A denser, engineered core:
- Resists straight-line pass-through better than loose stuffing
- Spreads impact force across a wider zone
- Holds up to hundreds of repeated hits without collapsing internally
That same engineered core also determines how easily bolts come out. Self-healing or compression foam lets you pull bolts with two fingers, even after repeated high-speed hits. Bolts stuck deep in dense foam are a hassle to extract and easy to damage in the process.
Compatibility, Size, and Rebuildability
Few targets handle both well at crossbow speeds. Most Morrell bag targets, including the M48 commercial range target, are built and rated for field points only. If you're shooting broadheads regularly, a foam-core target rated for dual use, like the High Roller line, is the better call. Pick based on what you actually shoot most, not what covers every scenario.
Size and rebuildability round out the decision. A larger shooting face spreads out wear and delays the day you need a full replacement. Just as important: look for targets with replaceable covers. Morrell sells replacement covers for models like the Kinetic 1.0 and Supreme 3, which means you refresh the shooting surface instead of buying an entirely new target when the face finally gives out.
Target Setup and Maintenance Tips for Maximum Lifespan
A few habits stretch any crossbow target's usable life significantly:
- Rotate your shooting zone across the target face regularly. Concentrating shots on one spot is the fastest way to blow through even a well-rated core.
- Set proper distance and backstop. Give the target room to absorb energy safely, and use a backstop if you're shooting at short range where pass-through risk is highest.
- Inspect foam wear routinely. Catching a developing weak spot early lets you rotate to a fresh zone before it becomes a hole.
- Replace the cover, not the target, when the shooting face wears out. Morrell's rebuildable Yellow Jacket and High Roller lines sell replacement covers separately, saving real money over a few seasons of regular use.
Conclusion
Picking the right target for your Ravin comes down to matching speed rating and core technology to your bow's actual power, not chasing brand names. Weigh durability, easy bolt removal, and rebuildability against upfront cost. Do that, and you won't replace your target every few months.
Morrell has been building targets in the USA since 1986, with foam and compression technology designed to handle exactly this kind of high-speed impact. If you're ready to stop patching pass-throughs, explore Morrell's crossbow-rated lineup built for decades of use, not just a few hundred shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best target to use for a crossbow?
Foam-core targets rated for high FPS, such as Morrell's High Roller line or BOA Compression targets, work best. They balance strong stopping power with easy, two-finger bolt removal.
How far will a Ravin crossbow shoot accurately?
It depends on the model. The R26/R29 and R500 hold accuracy to 100 yards, while the Ravin LR reaches up to 135 yards, well beyond typical 20-40 yard practice distances.
What FPS rating should a crossbow target have?
Your target should be rated at or above your crossbow's advertised speed. For Ravin models running 400-500 FPS, look for targets rated 465 FPS or higher, ideally with headroom to spare.
Can I use a regular bow target for a crossbow?
Not reliably. Standard compound-bow targets, especially those rated around 335 FPS or lower, wear out fast or allow pass-throughs at crossbow speeds. A crossbow-rated target is strongly recommended.
How often should I replace my crossbow target?
It depends on shot volume and rotation habits. Targets with replaceable covers, like Morrell's Kinetic 1.0 or Supreme 3, let you refresh the shooting face instead of buying a whole new target.
Are foam targets or bag targets better for crossbows?
Foam-core targets generally outperform basic bag targets at crossbow speeds, offering better stopping power and easier bolt removal, especially for field-point practice at higher speeds.
