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Under $700

Backyard Archery Setup Under $700 (2025)

Safe, complete backyard range with adjustable compound bow package, durable target, backstop net, and essentials for beginners – total $643.

💰 Actual Cost: $643.44Save $1550 vs PremiumUpdated December 11, 2025

Dreaming of archery in your backyard but stuck on a tight budget? Many think quality archery setups cost thousands, but with $700, you can get a functional, safe system that delivers hours of fun and skill-building without safety compromises.

This guide provides a complete backyard archery setup: an adjustable compound bow package, high-quality target, essential backstop for safety, extra arrows, arm protection, and tools. You'll be shooting accurately at 20-30 yards right away, perfect for honing form and enjoying the sport at home.

Expect beginner-to-intermediate performance – not Olympic-level gear, but reliable for casual use. This budget can't buy premium carbon bows or 3D targets, but it prioritizes safety and usability over flashy extras.

Budget Philosophy

For a $700 backyard archery setup, I allocated ~65% ($430) to the bow package as it's the heart of the system – poor quality here means frustration, inaccuracy, and replacement costs. 20% ($160 total) went to target and backstop for safety and longevity; backyard shooting demands stopping arrows reliably to prevent injuries or lost gear. The remaining 15% covers arrows, protection, and tools where budget options suffice without major trade-offs.

This strategy prioritizes 'must-haves' (bow, safety gear) over 'nice-to-haves' (fancy sights or cases), leaving a $50+ buffer for taxes/shipping. Bow gets the splurge because it's used 100% of the time; saving there risks injury or boredom. Savings come from bundled packages and basic accessories, avoiding overkill on items that wear slowly.

Trade-offs: Slightly fewer features than $1500 setups (e.g., no premium stabilizer), but you get 80% of the experience for 40% of the cost, with clear upgrade paths.

Where to Splurge

  • Bow Package: Adjustable draw weight/length ensures fit for beginners to adults, lasting years. Cheaping out leads to poor form, injuries, or quick upgrades.
  • Target & Backstop: Durable materials stop arrows consistently, preventing ricochets or yard damage. Budget versions shred fast, wasting arrows and risking safety.

Where to Save

  • Extra Arrows: Basic carbon arrows fly straight for practice; no need for premium fletching yet.
  • Accessories (Armguard, Puller): Functional basics protect without premium materials that add little for casual use.

Recommended Products (6)

#1essentialCompound Bow Package

Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Ready-to-Hunt Compound Bow Package

Provides the core bow, sight, rest, quiver, release, stabilizer, peep sight, 5 arrows, and sling for immediate shooting.

$429.99
67% of budget
Bear Archery Cruzer G2 Ready-to-Hunt Compound Bow Package

This ready-to-hunt (RTH) package includes everything needed to start shooting: an adjustable compound bow (12-30" draw, 5-70 lbs draw weight), Trophy Ridge 3-pin sight, Whisker Biscuit rest, Quick Detach quiver, stabilizer, peep sight, nock loop, release aid, sling, and 5 arrows.

Perfect for budget backyard setups as it's beginner-friendly with massive adjustability – no bow press needed. At $430, it's a steal vs $800+ solo bows, offering 75% of premium performance.

Compares favorably to pricier PSE or Mathews; you sacrifice some speed (290 fps vs 330+), but gain value with included accessories worth $150 alone.

Pros

  • +Highly adjustable for all ages/sizes
  • +Includes $150+ in accessories
  • +Quiet and accurate for backyard
  • +Lifetime warranty on bow
  • +Excellent beginner reviews (4.7/5 stars)

Cons

  • -Heavier than recurve (4.5 lbs)
  • -Basic sight needs future tuning
  • -5 arrows only – extras needed for groups
  • -Not ultra-lightweight riser

Upgrade Option: PSE Stinger ATK Package ($599) - faster speeds (312 fps) and lighter weight for better accuracy.

Budget Alternative: Topoint 60" Recurve Set ($80) - loses adjustability and accessories, manual draw harder for beginners.

Check Price on Amazon
#2essentialBag Target

Morrell Super Dura-Core Field Point Bag Target

Main shooting target rated for high-poundage bows, stops field points up to 40 yards.

$109.99
17% of budget
Morrell Super Dura-Core Field Point Bag Target

Heavy-duty bag target (19x19x14 inches, 75 lbs) with internal baffles for easy arrow pulling and 400+ shot rating per side. Handles crossbows up to 400 fps and compounds to 70 lbs.

Fits budget perfectly as a durable backyard staple; withstands weather better than foam cubes. Vs $200+ Rinehart, it lacks 3D shape but excels in value for flat shooting.

Running total: $430 (bow) + $110 = $540. Leaves ample for safety gear.

Pros

  • +Stops broadheads too (with care)
  • +Easy pull even after 300 shots
  • +Weather-resistant cover
  • +High user ratings for longevity
  • +Compact for backyard storage

Cons

  • -Heavy to move alone
  • -No stand included
  • -Fades color over time
  • -Not for extreme broadheads

Upgrade Option: Morrell Supreme Tallboy ($150) - taller for 40+ yard shots, more realistic vitals.

Budget Alternative: Hurricane HBT 18" Bag ($50) - smaller size limits shot placement variety.

Check Price on Amazon
#3essentialBackstop Net

Southland Archery Supply 8x8 ft Backstop Net Kit

Safety net behind target to catch stray arrows, essential for backyard use.

$49.99
8% of budget
Southland Archery Supply 8x8 ft Backstop Net Kit

Heavy-duty nylon net (8x8 ft) with frame and stakes for easy backyard install. Stops arrows up to 70 lbs, includes carrying bag.

Critical for safety on budget – prevents neighbor/damage issues. Cheaper than DIY failures. Vs premium $150 nets, similar stopping power but lighter frame.

Running total: $540 + $50 = $590.

Pros

  • +Quick 15-min setup
  • +UV/fade resistant
  • +Portable and reusable
  • +Catches most pass-throughs
  • +Great value per reviews

Cons

  • -Frame flexes in wind
  • -Not for broadheads
  • -Smaller than pro sizes
  • -Net may tangle over time

Upgrade Option: BCY 10x10 ft Pro Net ($99) - stronger frame, larger coverage.

Budget Alternative: DIY hay bales ($20) - inconsistent stopping, messy.

Check Price on Amazon
#4recommendedArrows

Tiger Archery 28 Inch Carbon Arrow 12 Pack

Extra practice arrows to supplement the 5 included, for group shooting and spares.

$31.99
5% of budget
Tiger Archery 28 Inch Carbon Arrow 12 Pack

12 pre-spined carbon arrows (28", 400 spine) with nocks, inserts, vanes – compatible with compound bows.

Budget-friendly for volume practice; match included arrows perfectly. Vs $60 helium, no weight savings but fly straight to 30 yards.

Running total: $590 + $32 = $622.

Pros

  • +Affordable bulk pack
  • +Consistent spine/grouping
  • +Removable nocks
  • +Good for beginners
  • +4.6 star durability

Cons

  • -Basic vanes (not premium)
  • -Shorter for long draws
  • -No field points included
  • -May dent easier

Upgrade Option: Easton 6.5 Hunter Classic ($65) - better straightness, quieter flight.

Budget Alternative: Generic fiberglass ($20) - poorer accuracy, break faster.

Check Price on Amazon
#5recommendedArm Guard

Neet Products Top Grain Leather Armguard

Protects forearm from string slap, essential for new shooters.

$12.49
2% of budget
Neet Products Top Grain Leather Armguard

3-strap leather armguard (6x8") with adjustable fit for adults/kids.

Reliable budget protection; leather lasts longer than neoprene. No frills vs $30+ but prevents bruises effectively.

Running total: $622 + $12 = $634.

Pros

  • +Secure strap system
  • +Breathable leather
  • +Lightweight
  • +Universal sizing
  • +Proven 40+ year design

Cons

  • -Stiff initially
  • -Not padded
  • -Basic look

Upgrade Option: PSE Ultra-Lite ($25) - neoprene comfort, more padding.

Budget Alternative: Generic neoprene ($6) - slips more, wears faster.

Check Price on Amazon
#6optionalArrow Puller

Pine Ridge Arrow Puller

Tool to easily remove arrows from target, saving wear on hands.

$8.99
1% of budget
Pine Ridge Arrow Puller

Grip-style puller with flexible rubber jaws fits all arrow sizes.

Handy budget add-on; pays for itself in saved time/frustration. Vs integrated target pullers, portable for any setup.

Final total: $634 + $9 = $643 (under budget with buffer).

Pros

  • +Works on all targets
  • +Ergonomic grip
  • +Durable rubber
  • +Pocket-sized

Cons

  • -Not retractable
  • -Slips on wet arrows
  • -Basic design

Upgrade Option: AeroFox Retractable Puller ($20) - auto-retract, 6-pack.

Budget Alternative: Skip - use hands (risks cuts/fatigue).

Check Price on Amazon

Choose a flat, open backyard area at least 30x20 yards, clear of people/pets/property, with 10+ yards behind target for backstop. Install backstop net first: hammer stakes, stretch frame taut (15 mins).

Place target 20-30 yards in front, centered on net. Unbox bow package – it's pre-assembled; adjust draw length/weight via cams/bolts per manual (no tools needed, 20 mins). Add armguard, nock arrow, attach release.

First shots at 10 yards: sight in pins (10 mins). No special tools required beyond included hex wrench. Total setup: 45-60 mins. Tips: Shoot into wind direction, check arrows for damage, start low poundage to build form.

Budget Tips

  • Buy RTH packages to bundle accessories at 30-50% savings.
  • Shop Amazon/Walmart sales or use coupons for 10-20% off.
  • Check local archery clubs/Facebook Marketplace for used bows (test draw first).
  • Prioritize safety (backstop > extras); never skip.
  • Start with 30-40 lb draw weight – power upgrades later.
  • DIY target stand from PVC ($20) if needed.
  • Buy arrows in bulk packs; fletch yourself later to save.
  • Leave $50 buffer – prices fluctuate with shipping.

Common Mistakes

  • Skipping backstop – leads to lost arrows/injuries ($100+ replacement).
  • Buying too-powerful bow (60+ lbs) – causes bad form/pain for beginners.
  • Overbuying accessories vs core gear – wastes 20% budget on unused items.
  • Ignoring yard safety/legal rules – fines or neighbor issues.
  • Not adjusting bow fit – poor accuracy, frustration early on.

Upgrade Roadmap

First upgrade the target/backstop ($100-200): Add a 3D deer or larger bag for realism and longer life – improves skill and fun most. Next, premium arrows/release ($100): Tighter groups, less noise.

Then new bow ($500+): Lighter, faster model like PSE. Wait on sights/stabilizers ($50-100) as basics suffice. Total path: $300 over 1-2 years doubles performance.

Prioritize based on use: families get kid arrows first; accuracy-focused upgrade sights.

Related Topics

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