I made the same target using 1/2" mats (24' squares cut in half) from Harbor Freight. I only use it for testing my broadheads, however, because I found the heat generated from the friction of the target arrow shafts melted the mats to the shafts and made their removal nearly impossible! I thought about "loosening" up the nuts so the mats wouldn't be compressed so tightly, but instead, I made a mammoth target out of discarded floor carpeting I got from a local flooring company when they did a "tear out" to put in new carpet. I cut the carpet in (I think) 14 or 18" widths, 4' long, and stacked them up about 5.5' high! THE CARPET TARGET IS IMPOSSIBLE TO MOVE cuz it's so large, but it's strictly an outdoor target, covered with a tarp when not in use, where I enjoy sharpening my technique at distances up to 100yds. With the foam (broadhead) target, I use a piece of horse stall mat, (3/4") that hangs freely ( can swing if/when hit) from a 2x4 about 8-10" behind the foam target. The reason for this is that as everyone knows, it doesn't take long to "shoot out" the mats, and to prevent total pass throughs, the broadhead arrow hits the stall mat, it gives a bit, and with the friction on the shafts, even when the foam is in poor condition, it stops the arrows w/o pass through. I always get a broadhead pass through, so I just unscrew the broadhead before pulling the shaft out which really helps extend the longevity of the foam layers. And, as you've shown here, it is very easy to loosen the nuts and "shuffle" or just replace those pieces that necessary. I've even taken the shot out pieces, and if their not already in 2 pieces, I cut them, put the shot out ends to the outside and solid ends to the middle and get even more life out of them! Sorry for the excessive explanation......
I built my DYI target in a very similar way about 10 years ago. I went overkill with 5/8" this all-thread and used 2x4s on top and bottom. I agree with you on the mat thickness. I will revert back to the 1/2" thick puzzle mat. I have shot the heck out of the 1" thick mats and it works just fine, but, it seems that the thicker layers break down a little quicker than the 1/2". Great video! Keep them coming.
Great video. Only thing, how hard is it to pull out the arrows? Could you make a short video shooting a few arrows at that 3 yard distance and show yourself pulling them out? Thanks.
I can probably do that. It’s not a hard pull but it’s definitely not a two finger pull either. I’ll see if I can get a “short” out for you soon. Thanks for the support!!
I’d heard of folks using cardboard before but was concerned about the lack of flex or memory it has, so I picked the foam. Glad to hear that you tried it and that it works so well. Sounds cheaper for sure and repair would be just as easy. I may give it a shot for the next one. Thanks!!
I made the same target using 1/2" mats (24' squares cut in half) from Harbor Freight. I only use it for testing my broadheads, however, because I found the heat generated from the friction of the target arrow shafts melted the mats to the shafts and made their removal nearly impossible! I thought about "loosening" up the nuts so the mats wouldn't be compressed so tightly, but instead, I made a mammoth target out of discarded floor carpeting I got from a local flooring company when they did a "tear out" to put in new carpet. I cut the carpet in (I think) 14 or 18" widths, 4' long, and stacked them up about 5.5' high! THE CARPET TARGET IS IMPOSSIBLE TO MOVE cuz it's so large, but it's strictly an outdoor target, covered with a tarp when not in use, where I enjoy sharpening my technique at distances up to 100yds. With the foam (broadhead) target, I use a piece of horse stall mat, (3/4") that hangs freely ( can swing if/when hit) from a 2x4 about 8-10" behind the foam target. The reason for this is that as everyone knows, it doesn't take long to "shoot out" the mats, and to prevent total pass throughs, the broadhead arrow hits the stall mat, it gives a bit, and with the friction on the shafts, even when the foam is in poor condition, it stops the arrows w/o pass through. I always get a broadhead pass through, so I just unscrew the broadhead before pulling the shaft out which really helps extend the longevity of the foam layers. And, as you've shown here, it is very easy to loosen the nuts and "shuffle" or just replace those pieces that necessary. I've even taken the shot out pieces, and if their not already in 2 pieces, I cut them, put the shot out ends to the outside and solid ends to the middle and get even more life out of them! Sorry for the excessive explanation......
I imagine that carpet target is HEAVY! Got call on the horse stall mat for sure. I e seen that or similar before. Solid idea.
I built my DYI target in a very similar way about 10 years ago. I went overkill with 5/8" this all-thread and used 2x4s on top and bottom. I agree with you on the mat thickness. I will revert back to the 1/2" thick puzzle mat. I have shot the heck out of the 1" thick mats and it works just fine, but, it seems that the thicker layers break down a little quicker than the 1/2". Great video! Keep them coming.
Heck yeah, man! The thinner mats seem to have more of a self healing quality to them. Thanks for the support!
Great video. Only thing, how hard is it to pull out the arrows? Could you make a short video shooting a few arrows at that 3 yard distance and show yourself pulling them out? Thanks.
I can probably do that. It’s not a hard pull but it’s definitely not a two finger pull either. I’ll see if I can get a “short” out for you soon. Thanks for the support!!
I did this but with cardboard. A ton of cardboard and the arrow only goes half way in. Layers make a different and how hard you squeeze it all.
I’d heard of folks using cardboard before but was concerned about the lack of flex or memory it has, so I picked the foam. Glad to hear that you tried it and that it works so well. Sounds cheaper for sure and repair would be just as easy. I may give it a shot for the next one. Thanks!!
I made a cardboard target.and my arrow blew through it and had to refletch@stringmusicarchery
How do you like your Carnivore arrows?
Like them a lot. Zero complaints. Built those pretty heavy - they were 525gr with 19%+ FOC.
*promo sm*