The BIGSHOT Pro Heavy Duty is the best all-in-one backyard axe throwing target for those seeking a rugged, permanent setup. Choosing the right target depends on your intended use, mounting style, and whether you prefer portability or durability. While some boards prioritize heavy-duty longevity, others use specific grain patterns to help blades stick.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links – if you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
1. BIGSHOT Pro Heavy Duty Wooden Axe Throwing Target
Best for: Someone who wants a ready-to-use, professional-grade backyard axe target.
This target is built from 2-inch thick lumber, which is designed to handle the aggressive impact of axes, hatchets, and knives. Because it’s built to official sizing, it provides a realistic practice experience for those looking to replicate competitive conditions. It also includes a bottle opener and hanging hardware, so it’s ready for immediate setup once you have a suitable wall or frame.
The 35.5″ x 28.75″ dimensions offer a substantial surface area for consistent play. If you’re practicing for tournaments, this official size ensures your muscle memory translates directly to the lanes. Use this board if you have a permanent mounting location, such as a sturdy fence or a garage wall.
This model isn’t for someone looking for a lightweight or ultra-portable board, as the thick lumber construction adds significant bulk. If you need something that can be moved frequently or stored in a small space, the size and weight of this professional-grade board may be a challenge to manage.
If you find yourself needing to transport your target to different venues, look for a lighter alternative. The weight of the professional-grade lumber is meant for stationary, heavy-duty use rather than frequent travel.
Good if: * You want a target that matches the dimensions listed by the manufacturer. * You need a board that can withstand heavy, aggressive throwing. * You appreciate extra features like a built-in bottle opener.
Skip it if: * You need a highly portable board for travel. * You have a very small, limited space for a target.
2. Professional Poplar End Grain
Best for: Throwers who prioritize blade penetration and want to limit board wear.
The end grain construction is the standout feature here, as the wood fibers face the thrower rather than running along the side. This allows blades to enter between the fibers, which helps with stickability and reduces surface tearing. The large, scored face includes printed rings, making it easy to track your accuracy.
This target isn’t for people who plan to leave their equipment outdoors permanently. Poplar is a natural material and the listing notes that it isn’t designed to withstand rain, snow, or constant ground moisture. You must be prepared to store it indoors or under a cover to prevent the wood from warping or checking.
Good if:
- You find other targets are too hard to stick blades into.
- You want a professional, ready-made scoring layout.
- You prefer a surface that limits splinters and surface damage.
Skip it if:
- You intend to leave the target outside in the elements.
- You don’t have a secure, rated mounting system ready.
3. ACEJET Wooden Target Board
Best for: Someone who switches between stationary and portable setups often.
This board features a versatile design with removable legs, allowing you to use it on the ground or hang it up. It’s constructed from Norway Spruce, which is selected specifically to help knives and small axes stick smoothly. The inclusion of a leather handle makes it much easier to carry between your practice area and storage.
This board isn’t for those who primarily throw heavy, large-headed axes, as it’s designed specifically for knives and small equipment. If your goal is to practice with full-sized competition axes, you may find the target dimensions and construction better suited for lighter tools.
Good if:
- You want the flexibility to use a stand or hang the board.
- You mostly practice with knives or small tomahawks.
- You need something easy to move and store.
Skip it if:
- You only throw large, heavy-duty competition axes.
4. MR Axe Throwing Target
Best for: Users who want a double-sided board to extend the life of their target.
Built from pine, this target offers a sturdy, natural wood face designed for both indoor and outdoor use. The double-sided design allows you to flip the board when one side becomes worn.
This board isn’t for those who expect a target to remain pristine after heavy, long-term use. While pine is durable, all wood targets will eventually show signs of wear from repeated impact. If your primary goal is professional-grade, end-grain performance, look for specialized boards instead.
Good if: * You want a board that offers two sides for longer use. * You need an option for both indoor and outdoor settings. * You prefer a straightforward, natural wood construction.
Skip it if: * You’re looking for specialized end-grain performance. * You require a target engineered to withstand professional-level daily competition.
5. Golden Oak Spruce
Best for casual throwers who want a simple, hanging target for social events, this board provides a straightforward design for parties and practice. It includes a bullseye and five distinct kill shots to facilitate competitive play.
Because it hangs, you can set it up in a backyard or garage where floor space for a tripod or stand is limited. Simply secure it to a sturdy vertical surface to begin. If you’re throwing in a shared space, ensure the area behind the target is clear of obstructions, as the hanging design may swing upon impact.
This target isn’t for those who need heavy, multi-functional equipment. It’s a basic, generic board that lacks the specialized wood treatments or complex mounting hardware found on professional-grade models. If you prioritize durability for daily, high-volume training, look for thicker, treated timber instead.
Choose this model if you want a portable, pre-marked target for occasional fun. It’s ideal for those with a clear, permanent spot to hang a board. However, skip it if you need a standalone unit that functions without a wall or if you require a target capable of withstanding heavy, professional-grade daily use.
6. Wooden Axe Throwing Target
Best for: Users who use light-duty axes, stars, and knives.
This BIGSHOT target is built from cabinet-grade 3/4 plywood. This material choice differs from traditional solid lumber boards, offering a specific surface designed to handle sharp blades and light-duty axes. The manufacturer recommends wetting the wood before use. This technique saturates the fibers, ensuring maximum stickability for your equipment.
If you throw heavy-duty, full-sized axes with great force, this target isn’t for you. Plywood construction behaves differently than solid wood, and this model is explicitly engineered for lighter objects. Using heavy axes on this surface will cause premature splintering and structural failure. Always check your tool weight against the board’s capacity before you begin.
If your primary practice involves knives, stars, or light axes, this plywood design works well. It provides a consistent surface that holds lighter blades reliably. You must be comfortable with the “wet target” maintenance routine to get the best results.
Skip this board if you use heavy, full-sized competition axes. The hardware included allows for quick hanging, but it can’t compensate for using the wrong equipment class.
7. Crosshairs Wooden Foldable
Best for: Someone who needs to pack their target away completely between uses.
The foldable legs on this spruce lumber target make it a space-saver. It’s designed for both axe and knife throwing, providing a stable base when the legs are deployed. This is a practical choice for those who don’t have a dedicated wall or a permanent area to leave a target board standing.
If you live in an apartment or share a garage, the folding mechanism allows you to slide the unit behind a shelf or under a workbench. You should choose this model when your floor space is a premium asset that must be reclaimed daily.
This target isn’t for users who need a large, heavy-duty surface for high-volume, professional training. The foldable nature implies a focus on portability and convenience, which may mean the target surface is smaller than those designed for permanent, heavy-duty placement.
If you find yourself missing the perimeter of the board during practice, you have outgrown this portable design. Professional training requires a fixed, massive surface that absorbs repeated impact without shifting. Stick to permanent installations if you’re throwing for hours every single day.
Good if: * You have very limited storage space. * You want a target that stands up on its own. * You prefer a simple, spruce wood construction.
Skip it if: * You need a massive surface area for competitive training.
8. Morrell Battle Axe Wood Throwing Target
Best for: Throwers who want a large surface area for their practice.
This 28 x 36.25-inch target provides a broad face that helps prevent misses. Because it’s a large-format target, it’s useful for beginners who are still working on their accuracy and need a wider margin for error.
If you’re a novice, use this extra space to focus on your rotation rather than precision. Once your axe consistently hits the wood, you can begin narrowing your focus toward the center. If you’re an experienced thrower, however, this size may feel excessive unless you’re practicing long-distance shots where the larger surface area compensates for increased difficulty.
Don’t expect the listing to provide technical specifications regarding the wood composition or mounting hardware. You must be prepared to assess your own mounting needs once the package arrives. If you require a target made of a specific timber or need pre-drilled holes for a wall mount, look elsewhere. You’ll need to determine the structural integrity of your own backing or stand to support this 2.5-inch thick unit.
Good if: * You’re a beginner who needs a large target area. * You want a dedicated battle axe target.
Skip it if: * You need specific info on materials before purchasing.
9. Tomahawk Targets Tripod
Best for: Someone who wants a complete, ready-to-stand target system.
This target includes a tripod stand, making it a grab-and-go solution for backyard fun. It stands 4 feet tall and features 4 rings for scoring, which helps during parties and casual practice. Because it’s handcrafted in the USA, it appeals to those seeking specific build quality in their gear.
This target isn’t for people who already have a mounting surface or a wall to hang a target on. If you don’t need the tripod, you’re paying for a component you won’t use. Those with existing structures should look for standalone boards to save space.
If you have a flat, stable patch of grass or dirt, the tripod is ideal for quick setup. However, if your throwing area is uneven or cramped, the tripod footprint may become a liability. Use the tripod on level ground to ensure the board remains steady upon impact.
Good if: * You want a complete target and stand in one package. * You need a target that stands 4 feet tall. * You want a scoring system included on the board.
Skip it if: * You already have a wall or post for mounting.
10. Heavy Wooden Target
Best for: Users who want a balanced, double-sided portable board.
This pine board serves as a middle-ground option for both axe and knife throwing. Measuring 23.6 by 23.6 inches with a thickness of 1.77 inches, it weighs 19 pounds. This specific weight provides a balance between sturdiness and portability. The double-sided design allows you to flip the target, which is a standard feature for those who want to extend the life of their pine surface.
This target isn’t for someone who expects it to last forever without signs of wear. Pine is a softer wood. While it possesses good toughness and high strength, it will eventually sustain damage from consistent, heavy axe impacts.
Good if: * You need a balance between weight and durability. * You want a double-sided board for longer use. * You throw both axes and knives.
Skip it if: * You’re looking for a professional-grade, long-term heirloom board. * You require a target that withstands daily, high-intensity competition.
You receive two handles and ten screws with the unit. Use both handles to stabilize the board against a wall or mount it securely to prevent it from tipping during impact.
Where These Overlap
Many of these targets are quite similar, particularly those made from pine or spruce that focus on casual backyard use. The MR Axe Throwing Target, Tomahawk Targets Tripod, and Heavy Wooden Target all offer reliable, general-purpose designs that work well for parties and family games. If you’re a casual thrower, the choice between these often comes down to whether you prefer a hanging target or one that comes with its own stand.
The professional-grade options, such as the Professional Poplar End Grain and ACEJET Wooden Target Board, are in a different category. These use specialized end-grain construction to improve stickability, which is a genuine difference from the side-grain pine or plywood boards. If you find your axes are constantly bouncing off your current target, these are the ones to consider.
When choosing, check the weight against your mounting system. A board like the 26.8-pound Poplar target requires a support capable of holding the full load, whereas lighter plywood or pine options may only require basic hanging hardware. Don’t mistake a carrying strap for a rated mounting point. Always inspect your hardware before each session. If you choose a plywood target, remember that these often require wetting the surface to ensure blades stick properly, a maintenance step unnecessary for end-grain wood.
Still Not Sure?
How often will I really use this target?
If you plan to practice every single day, you should invest in a board with end-grain construction like the Professional Poplar End Grain. End grain is designed to withstand repeated impacts without tearing as easily as side-grain pine. For daily use, a board that lasts longer and maintains its integrity will save you the frustration of constant repairs or replacements. If you only play once or twice a month, a standard pine board like the MR Axe Throwing Target is perfectly sufficient.
What do I already own that this has to work with?
Think about your current mounting situation before buying. If you have a sturdy wall or a large, permanent post in your backyard, you don’t need to pay for a tripod or stand. In that case, the BIGSHOT Pro Heavy Duty is an excellent choice because it’s built for hanging. However, if you have no structure to mount to, the Tomahawk Targets Tripod or the Crosshairs Wooden Foldable will save you from having to build your own stand from scratch.
What am I most likely to regret choosing?
The most common regret is buying a target that’s too small or too flimsy for your specific tools. If you’re throwing large, heavy competition axes, don’t choose the Wooden Axe Throwing Target, as its plywood construction is better suited for light-duty objects. Always match the target’s intended use to your tools. To ensure your setup is safe, follow the CPSC safety guidelines regarding backyard recreational equipment to ensure you have adequate clearance and a secure backstop.
Choosing the right target depends on your goals. For a professional, heavy-duty experience, the BIGSHOT Pro Heavy Duty is a solid choice. If you want a specialized surface that makes sticking your blades easier, the Professional Poplar End Grain is the way to go. Consider your available space and your primary throwing tool, then pick the board that matches your frequency of use.