When it comes to archery target faces schools generally use skirted target faces made of either glasscloth or glassflex material.  Many people opt for the less expensive glasscloth faces but is that the best choice?

Let's take a closer look at the differences between the two to determine what the real difference is and which target is really best for your program.

This article is going to compare the premium target faces that can be purchased at www.morleyathletic.com.  Target faces sold elsewhere may be manufactured to a different standard.

The models sold at www.morleyathletic.com have been in use at schools throughout the country for decades and make good test subjects.

Glass cloth Target Faces

We will start with the less expensive glasscloth target faces.  Here is a breakdown of the features and prices.

Features:

•  Available in 36" or 48" standard sizes
• Skirted target faces for ease of use (no target pins required as the target face wraps around the edge of round targets)
• Durable woven material for longer use
• Fade and waterproof ink for longer lasting bulls eye rings

Pricing:   

Advantages:

1.      Color fast ink lasts longer than traditional target ink

2.      Woven material stands up to arrows and weather much better than paper targets

Glassflex Target Faces

Now lets take a look at the more expensive glassflex target faces.  Here is a breakdown of the features and prices.

Features:

·         Available in 36" or 48" standard sizes

·         Skirted archery target faces for ease of use (no target pins required as the target face wraps around the edge of round targets)

·         Made of a durable woven material that includes a durable man made fiber

·         Fade and waterproof ink for longer lasting bulls eye rings

Pricing:

·         36" size around $20.00

·         48" size around $25.00

Advantages:

1.      Color fast ink lasts longer than traditional target ink

2.      Woven material features a man made fiber that spreads apart when an arrow passes through the target face.  This flex action is where the target gets its name.

Conclusion

The price difference in percentage does look to be a little steep.  Glassflex targets are around 15% to 25% more expensive than glasscloth.  If we look at those figures in dollars rather than percentage the difference isn't that huge.

Let's say you buy twelve 48" archery target faces.  Glasscloth would cost $264.00.  Glassflex rings up as $300.00.  A difference of only $36.  That $36 dollars is buying a target that will last much longer though.

Physical education classes give target faces a real workout.  Glassflex targets have the ability to let arrows pass through them without causing significant damage to their flexible woven material.  They will last longer in PE classes and will most likely  turn out to be the most economical choice in the long run.