June, July, August and September are months when the archery practice hits the peak for most whitetail hunters.  I guess I fall into that normal range also, as practice elevates with each passing month till opening season.  Now don't get me wrong, I love archery and practice honing my skills year round every chance I get.  This time however is when the dreams of several months of thinking of trophy whitetail fill my head.  So the field points come off, my bow is re-inspected, retuned and I am in need of a new broadhead target.

It is not uncommon for me to shoot several different practice sessions daily during this time, so I need a target that can take the full abuse of broadheads.  In the past I have had the pleasure of shooting but then had to face the tedious clean up of debris left behind from layered or pressed foam targets.  This year is quite different as I have found a broadhead target that will take abuse and be ready for the next volley. 

The Compound King from American Whitetail, Inc. is rightfully named because it is the King of broadhead targets.

This 20” target depth is multilayered and is comprised of different weights, density and layers of foam, five to be exact.   The first two layers are comprised of a low density that average 4” each in thickness.  These are followed by two more layers of a medium density that also average 4” each.  The final 4” layer is comprised of tight, high density foam.  To complete the target it is entirely wrapped on all four sides by a tightly bound black plastic.

First off the greatest characteristic about the dense foam is it is self healing.  As you pull broadheads out, whether they are mechanical or fixed, the density of the foam seals so that all you see is the small slits from the blades and a very fine indentation from the arrow itself.  Standing back from the 20 yard range it seems as though the target sustained no damage.  The only visible damage is the missing or marred paint from where the arrow pierced one of the five painted bullseye rings.

So how does the target work?  Twofold really, by obstructing the arrow as well as compressing against it.  Upon impact the first layers of foam begins the job of gripping the arrow and absorbing energy as it penetrates.  As the arrow passes the first two layers and reaches the medium density foam the action of energy absorption increases due to the tighter concentration of foam.   

If the arrow is lucky enough to make it through that level the high density will completely rob the remaining energy stopping the arrow.  I was shooting 410 grain, 28.75” ACC arrows, close to 300 fps from distances of 20 yards.  

My testing consisted of several volleys of fixed and mechanical heads from a variety of well known manufacturers.  Not one of my broadhead tipped arrows were able to pierce the backside of the target.  Pretty amazing considering the assortment of fine quality manufacturers out there offering designs ranging from cut on impact to piercing style heads.

You are probably thinking that for arrow retrieval I needed a gorilla.  Not so, in fact, a small amount of muscle energy was needed to get the arrow started but after the initial pull the arrows came out surprisingly easy.  

The days are gone when you needed both hands and one foot to retrieve your arrow from a quality target that didn't fall to pieces.  

I also do not have to worry about losing inserts to high density foam targets.  I will never forget the time I shot a quality broadhead into a high density foam target.  I actually had to lay the target on its side and pull with all my might only to come up with an arrow without a broadhead or insert.  That was the first and last time I shot one of my favorite broadheads into that target.  In fact I got rid of that target and as far as I know the broadhead is still in it.  

Stuffed targets and layered targets are a thing of the past also.  No more tugging in order to get the arrow released from the padded stuffing or having to unscrew broadheads to pull them back through the target. 

In conclusion I would like to add that the target is compact measuring 20” in depth by 16” square.  It is lightweight also which makes it even easier to carry with you for that quick tune up round before heading out in the field. 

Design 4.5 of 5
The target really shines in this department.  Who would have thought that this type of performance could come from such a compact, mobile design?

Durability 4.5 of 5
The self healing foam holds up great and should last you the entire season and then some.

Value 5 of 5
Compared to other manufacturers, American Whitetail offers more in this target for roughly half the price at suggested retail of around 35 bucks.

So if you are in need of a broadhead target that should keep your archery skills in check all season check out the Compound King.

For information on these and other American Whitetail products contact:

American Whitetail, Inc.
8478 East SR 62 
Ferdinand, Indiana 47132 
888-233-1976 
Web:  www.archerytargets.com
Email:  archer@psci.net