End Grain Targets V Planks? Here are three advantages to using end grain for axe throwing.
Using End grain targets can transform an axe throwing venue and customer experiences, which is why more and more venues are opting for end grain targets
So what are the advantages and disadvantages of using end grain target systems over more traditional targets? Let’s talk it through.
When axe throwing first hit the UK traditional targets in most venues looked like 5 planks of 120 x 20cm with painted targets. End grain is used in many venues across the USA and has migrated, much like the sport, over to the UK over the last year in 2021 and into 2022. More and more venues in the UK are starting to implement end grain target systems over traditional wood planks. Let’s take a look into the features, pros and cons of end grain to better understand why so many venues are making the switch.
What Is An End Grain Target?
End grain target systems are most comparable to dart boards. Several blocks of wood are wedged together in an outer frame, with the end of the wood grain forming the face of the target. This creates a surface with thousands of tiny gaps in between the grain of the wood, and when you throw an axe at it, it forces those gaps open to accept the axe. Much like a dart board accepts a dart.
End Grain For Axe Throwing – Advantage Number One
1. Better Customer Experiences
The first and most important advantage to the end grain target system is how much it improves axe throwing experiences. All those gaps in the end grain wood are thousands of opportunities to land an axe. This means that if your throw or your technique are not perfect you are more likely to land an axe successfully. An axe can be angled to the right or left, or even sideways and the target will simply allow the blade to sink into it, as long as it lands blade first.
Not every customer is a natural at axe throwing, for some it takes more coaching and feedback to start landing axes. But with end grain targets, your success rate is higher, customers gain more confidence and improve faster. This means customers can move onto more complicated techniques faster, making more out of their session and leave having had the best and most successful experience.
End Grain For Axe Throwing – Advantage Number Two
2. Safer Axe Throwing Lanes
An undeniable advantage of end grain target systems is the enhanced safety that they bring to the axe throwing lane. Axed Global venues have experienced significantly reduced bounce back as a result of end grain targets for two main reasons.
Firstly, as we previously mentioned, customers have higher success rates with lower skill levels on end grain systems. More successes mean less failures and therefore fewer rogue axes bouncing back as a result of dud throws.
Secondly, due to the compacted nature of end grain the structure itself absorbs more of the impact from a flying axe than planks do, meaning even a rogue throw ends dead on the floor underneath the target, instead of rebounding back to the throwing line.
Because of this, instructors are able to leave lanes for longer periods of time and spend more time letting groups explore axe throwing techniques, making the instructors more efficient in the venue. This is a residual benefit to having safer targets on the lanes.
End Grain For Axe Throwing – Advantage Number Three
3. Better for the environment
This one is a biggy for forward thinking companies who are keen to make sure their business is sustainable. It’s no secret that axe throwing venues use a lot of wood, so it’s important that as an industry we think about our impact on the environment and how we contribute towards stopping climate change alongside other companies in the UK.
A huge benefit of end grain targets within the axe throwing industry is how sustainable they are. Plank targets would be replaced every 3-5 games meaning popular venues could work their way through 100’s per month. With the correct maintenance procedures end grain targets can last anywhere from 6 months up to 1 year and the wood can be moved and reused around the target.
Axed Global venues take this a step further. As we project our games onto the target through our Interactive Smart Lanes©, we don’t need to paint a target on the surface of the wood. This gives us more freedom to reuse blocks, as any block can be swapped out for another.
Any disadvantages to end grain targets?
There are a few things a venue needs to consider before investing in end grain targets. The first is the setup cost, as an end grain target can cost anywhere between £200-£400 per target depending on the price of wood when you buy (approx. prices quoted Q1 2022). However, once you have outlaid the initial cost upkeep is cheap and infrequent.
Secondly, maintenance of an end grain target is key to making it long lasting and in best condition for customers. Make sure you set aside time for a little target TLC every week or month to ensure your target is in top condition.
Keep your eyes peeled for our 2022 expansion where you will see more venues opening around the UK so you can experience axe throwing venues with end grain targets and Interactive Smart Lanes© in a city near you.
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