I would say....not a whole lot. The thing is, its easier to make steady and alot of folks don't want or have access to hay bales.

 

Didn't know if the target swing kind of absorbs some of the energy and made the bag last longer or if I was just an engineer that over thinks things lol

 

Your not over thinking anything-----------that is exactly how they are to be used------very reason bag targets come with grommets in the upper side of the target so it can be hung and swing.

 

It will keep the target more stable. At least I think it does.

 

i have shot them both ways. hanging them will absorb energy and have less penetration. the down side is that if they are hung from the top only they swing after each shot. i have been shooting a delta speedbag on the ground for a while and it is holding up awesome. the cover is showing some wear, no shots are coming close to a pass thru

 

It is alot better to hang it. It does last longer and it won't pass through as soon!!! I like to shoot mine 20 or so time and then tun it around and shoot some more. Hanging them is alot better!!!

 

I hung mine but I strung a rubber bungy cord behind it near the bottom. That way it will still give some but the swinging will stop pretty quick.

 

They definately last longer when you hang them. Here is what mine looks like. I built this stand for about $35...

 

I hang mine. in the past i just tied a short piece of rope to the bottom but i like the idea of the bungy cord... should have thought about that one myself...

 

This is what I made to hang mine. It cost a little more but its not going anywhere. I still need to put a cover on it.

http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1447926

 

 

I hang mine too. I put small diameter rods behind mine ro stop the swing and small enough that I don't have to worry about damaging arrows.

 

View attachment 1037216

 

If you are leaving them out all the time in the weather we found it better to support the bottom as over time the corners would rip. We found no difference in the life when supported.

 

How does the movement affect the arrow shafts? Do they last as long, or is it more common to see cracks in the carbon?

 

The movement takes up the shock of the arrow, less penetration, easier removal of the arrow and you target will last a ton longer.