EVA Foam vs Straw Targets: Which Should You Buy?

Choosing between EVA foam and straw archery targets affects your practice quality, arrow lifespan, and long-term equipment costs. Both materials have served archers for generations, each with distinct characteristics that suit different shooting situations. This comprehensive comparison helps you select the best target for your needs.

Understanding EVA Foam Archery Targets

How EVA Foam Targets Work

EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam targets use dense closed-cell foam to stop arrows through friction. When an arrow enters the target, the foam compresses around the shaft, gripping it firmly while allowing relatively easy removal. Quality EVA targets exhibit self-healing properties, with entry holes partially closing after arrow removal to extend usable life.

The consistent density of manufactured foam provides predictable arrow penetration across the entire target face. This uniformity means your arrows stop at similar depths regardless of where they strike.

EVA Foam Target Advantages

• Exceptional durability: Quality foam targets last through thousands of shots with proper rotation and care
• Arrow protection: Gentle stopping action minimizes shaft wear and point damage compared to harder materials
• Weather resistance: Closed-cell foam handles rain, humidity, and temperature changes better than organic materials
• Consistent performance: Uniform density provides predictable arrow stopping across the target face
• Easy arrow removal: Arrows pull out smoothly without excessive force or twisting
• Low maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond occasional rotation and dry storage

EVA Foam Target Disadvantages

• Higher initial cost: Quality foam targets cost more upfront than straw alternatives
• Weight: Dense foam adds significant weight, especially in larger target sizes
• Heat sensitivity: Extreme heat can temporarily soften foam and reduce stopping power

Understanding Straw Archery Targets

How Straw Targets Work

Straw targets compress layers of natural straw, hay, or grass fibers into dense round or square shapes. Arrows push between the compressed fibers, which grip the shaft through friction and fiber entanglement. This traditional target style has served archers for centuries.

Straw Target Advantages

• Lower purchase price: Significantly cheaper than foam for equivalent target sizes
• Natural materials: Biodegradable and environmentally friendly at end of life
• Traditional authenticity: Preferred by traditional archers seeking historical accuracy
• Effective stopping power: Properly compressed straw stops arrows effectively at all common draw weights
• Availability: Can be made from locally sourced materials in agricultural areas

Straw Target Disadvantages

• Weather vulnerability: Rain and humidity cause rot, mold, and rapid deterioration
• Inconsistent wear: Develops soft spots faster than foam, creating uneven stopping power
• Difficult arrow removal: Arrows often stick firmly, requiring more force to extract
• Pest attraction: Can attract insects, mice, and other pests if stored improperly
• Shorter lifespan: Requires replacement significantly more often than foam alternatives
• Storage requirements: Must be kept completely dry between shooting sessions

Cost Comparison: Long-Term Value

Straw targets win on initial purchase price but need replacement far sooner. A quality EVA foam target costing twice as much may last 3-5 times longer with proper care. Over several years of regular practice, foam typically proves more economical despite higher upfront investment.

Factor in arrow replacement costs as well. Foam targets treat arrows more gently, reducing shaft damage and point wear. This savings accumulates significantly for archers shooting premium carbon arrows.

Best Uses for Each Target Type

Choose EVA foam targets when:

• Practicing outdoors in variable weather conditions
• Shooting expensive carbon or aluminum arrows worth protecting
• You prefer minimal maintenance and maximum convenience
• Long-term value matters more than initial purchase price
• Setting up a permanent backyard or club range

Choose straw targets when:

• Budget is the primary deciding factor
• Shooting in a covered or climate-controlled indoor space
• Using traditional equipment and seeking authentic experience
• Targets can be stored completely dry between all shooting sessions
• You have access to cheap straw for DIY replacement

Maintenance Tips for Maximum Lifespan

EVA foam care: Rotate the target face regularly to distribute wear evenly. Store indoors or under cover when possible. Avoid leaving in direct sunlight during hot summer months when foam may soften.

Straw care: Keep absolutely dry at all times. Store in a shed or garage between uses. Replace immediately when arrow removal becomes difficult or arrows begin passing through easily.

The Verdict: Which Target Should You Buy?

For most backyard archers, EVA foam targets offer the superior combination of durability, convenience, and long-term value. The higher upfront cost pays dividends through extended lifespan and better arrow protection.

Straw targets remain excellent choices for budget-conscious beginners, climate-controlled indoor ranges, or traditional archers who prioritize authentic historical experience over modern convenience.

Ready to upgrade your target? Our EVA Foam Target Backing provides professional-grade stopping power for home ranges.

Ready to practice? Check out our paper targets in the shop.