The axe throwing craze isn't slowing down, but most sets sold online either bounce off softwood targets or fall apart after one backyard session — there are five that actually hold up. The top pick uses the same 1065 high-carbon steel and competition-spec hickory handle approved by the World Axe Throwing League, and the safest all-in-one set runs under $80 with a steel frame that folds flat.
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Top Pick
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Versatile
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Budget
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Best Value
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Best for Reliability
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| Product | WATL Competition Thrower Throwing Axe | EastPoint Axe Throwing Game Set — 8 Axes, Steel Frame | THRWCLUB Competition Throwing Axe 3-Pack 16.5" | NEDFOSS Champion Throwing Axe 16" (2-Pack) | NedFoss Bear Throwing Axes & Knives Combo Set |
| Steel | High-carbon | 1.5-inch steel frame | 1065 high-carbon | 1065 high-carbon | High-carbon full-tang |
| Length | 16 inches | Over 5 ft tall | 16.5 inches | 16 inches | 11.7 inches |
| Head weight | 1.65 lbs | Foam (safe for all ages) | 1.6 lbs | Approx. 1.5 lbs | Full-tang (no separate head) |
| Sheath included | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Buy Now | Check Price → | Check Price → | Check Price → | Check Price → | Check Price → |
Quick Tips
Real steel axes need end-grain softwood targets — cottonwood or pine work best; hardwood like oak will bounce the axe back dangerouslyFor consistent sticking at 12 feet, you want an axe head between 1.5–1.8 lbs — lighter axes rotate too fast and skip off the woodWet or green wood grips better than dry — if your target is bouncing axes, lightly mist the face before each sessionFoam bristle target sets work indoors and outdoors, but place them against a solid wall or fence so the frame doesn't tip on hard throws
WATL Competition Thrower Throwing Axe
Best for serious backyard throwers who want league-spec performance
WATL Competition Thrower Throwing Axe
Best for serious backyard throwers who want league-spec performance
What we like
- Ultra-thin blade profile is engineered specifically for axe throwing — not repurposed from a camping hatchet
- Ships razor-sharp and ready to throw out of the box, no sharpening or prep required
- 1.65 lb head weight hits the ideal range for consistent single-rotation sticking at 12 feet
- Comes with a nylon sheath to protect the edge between sessions and during transport
What we don't
- Single axe only — you'll want to buy a second to avoid constant retrieval walks
- Wooden handle can crack if you miss badly and hit the handle on the target edge repeatedly
- Premium price for one axe when budget alternatives ship in packs of three
If you want to throw the same axe used in sanctioned WATL competitions, this is it — the ultra-thin blade profile and 1.65 lb head weight are engineered to rotate cleanly and stick on impact, not bounce off like a hardware-store hatchet would. This is the right buy if you're setting up a dedicated backyard lane and want to develop real technique — it rewards proper form with consistent sticks.
Skip it if you just need something fun for a party or if you don't have a wood target already set up.
EastPoint Axe Throwing Game Set
Best complete set for backyard parties and mixed-age groups
EastPoint Axe Throwing Game Set – Steel Frame with Bristle Target
Best complete set for backyard parties and mixed-age groups
What we like
- Comes with everything — steel frame, bristle target, and 8 foam axes — no extra purchases needed
- Bristle target self-heals between throws, unlike fabric targets that wear through quickly
- Folds flat for storage and transport, making it easy to bring to a tailgate or camping trip
- Safe for all ages and skill levels — no wood target, no sharpening, no backstop required
What we don't
- Foam axes aren't real steel — this is a backyard game, not skill development for competition throwing
- Target can tip on aggressive throws if not placed against a wall or fence
- Bristle targets eventually wear out with very heavy use and replacements aren't always easy to find
This is the set you bring out when 10 people show up and half of them have never thrown an axe — the foam axes stick cleanly to the bristle target, nobody gets hurt, and the steel frame doesn't tip over or wobble the way plastic-framed competitors do. Buy this if you want a crowd-pleasing backyard game that sets up in minutes and stores flat.
If you want to actually develop throwing skill or compete, you need real steel axes and a wood target instead.
THRWCLUB Competition Throwing Axe 3-Pack 16.5"
Best Value
THRWCLUB Competition Throwing Axe 3-Pack 16.5"
What we like
- Three axes in one pack eliminates retrieval walks and keeps two-player sessions moving
- 1065 high-carbon steel with hickory handle matches competition-spec materials at a lower per-axe cost than WATL singles
- Gravity-lock head design keeps the blade from loosening — no glue or screws that can fail
- Ships sharp and ready; at 2.2 lbs total the balance is right for standard 12-foot throwing distance
What we don't
- Three identical axes means no variety if you want to experiment with different weights or lengths
- Hickory handles can split on hard misses where the handle strikes the target edge
- No included target — you still need to source or build a proper wood board
Three axes at competition spec means you can run a proper backyard rotation without constantly walking to the target — at 1.6 lb heads and 16.5 inches, these hit the same performance window as the WATL pick at a better value per axe when buying for group use. Get this if you're throwing with two or more people regularly and want enough axes to keep things moving.
If you're a solo thrower focused on precision practice, one premium single axe and more throws per session is probably a better use of the same budget.
NEDFOSS Champion Throwing Axe 16" (2-Pack)
NEDFOSS Champion Throwing Axe 16" (2-Pack)
What we like
- Ships sharp out of the box with a bearded-edge blade that buries deep into softwood targets on solid throws
- Superior beech wood handle over cheaper fast-growth alternatives — more durable at impact points where misses hit
- Two axes in the pack gives you a rotation without buying a second unit separately
- Significantly less expensive than WATL or THRWCLUB packs while using the same steel grade
What we don't
- No sheath included — you need to store blades carefully to avoid dulling between sessions
- Two axes is enough for solo practice but tight for a two-player backyard session without retrieval walks
- Quality control is less consistent than WATL at the premium end — inspect the head seating before first use
You get real 1065 high-carbon steel, a bearded-edge blade that actually sticks, and a proper beech wood handle in a two-pack that costs half what the premium brands charge — for a first setup or a gift, that's hard to argue with. This is the pick if you want to try real steel throwing without committing to a premium price, or if you're buying a set as a gift and don't want to spend $80+ on one axe.
Skip it if you're throwing regularly and want guaranteed head retention under heavy use.
NedFoss Bear Throwing Axes & Knives Combo Set
NedFoss Bear Throwing Axes & Knives Combo Set
What we like
- Includes both throwing axes and throwing knives — two games in one kit for backyard variety nights
- High-visibility red TPR handles make retrieval fast in grass or brush without searching
- Full-tang construction on both axes and knives means no head-separation risk on hard impacts
- Nylon sheath included with storage for the full set — easy to transport to a campsite or friend's yard
What we don't
- At 11.7 inches these are shorter than standard competition axes — technique and distance need to adjust accordingly
- TPR rubber handles feel less premium than hickory and don't give the same feedback on release
- Shorter axe length means a different rotation arc than full-size competition axes — not ideal if you want to build transferable skill
If you want to run a backyard throwing night with multiple games and you're not trying to compete in a league, this combo kit delivers more entertainment per dollar than any single-axe purchase — axes and knives out of the same bag, all stored in a compact nylon sheath. Pick this for camping trips, tailgates, or any situation where you want throwing variety at a low price and aren't worried about competition-spec performance.
Move up to full-size axes once you're hooked and want to develop real technique.
What to Look For
Steel vs. foam is the first decision — real throwing axes require a proper wood target and a safe outdoor space with a clear backstop.
Foam-and-bristle sets are the move for parties, mixed-age groups, or anyone without a log target already set up. For steel axes, look for 1065 high-carbon steel with a full-tang or properly wedged head — cheap heads work loose within a dozen throws and become a safety hazard.
Handle material matters too: hickory outperforms beech and rubber for durability and consistent release at standard throwing distances. If you're buying for a group, axe count matters more than people realize.
Two axes means a lot of walking — sets of three or more keep the fun moving without constant rotation.
Who Should Skip This
Skip real steel axes entirely if you don't have a dedicated wood target or an outdoor space with a solid backstop at least 10 feet behind the board. Kids under 14 and mixed-age backyard parties are better served by a foam bristle set — the EastPoint is designed exactly for that scenario.
If you're renting a venue for the night and want axe throwing as an activity, rent the equipment instead of buying it.
What the Community Actually Uses
On r/axethrowing, the consensus is clear: beginners almost always overthrow their first session and end up with an axe stuck in the ground, not the wood. Members consistently recommend practicing the no-spin throw before trying full rotation — it removes one variable and gets you sticking faster.
The subreddit also has a pinned guide on building your own cottonwood target board for under $30 if you want to go the steel-axe route without buying a pre-made target.
Quick Picks — In Case You've Already Decided
EastPoint Axe Throwing Game Set — 8 Axes, Steel Frame
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special target for real steel throwing axes?
Yes. Steel axes require end-grain softwood — cottonwood and pine are the most popular choices. Don't throw into hardwood like oak; the blade will bounce back. The wood should be fresh or lightly misted, never bone dry.
What's the standard throwing distance for backyard axe throwing?
12 feet is the World Axe Throwing League standard for a single-rotation throw. Most beginners start here. If you're doing a no-spin throw, you can step closer to about 8–9 feet.
Are foam axe throwing sets worth buying, or are they just toys?
They're legitimately fun for parties and mixed groups. The EastPoint steel-frame version with bristle target is the one that holds up — flimsy plastic-frame versions wobble and tip on hard throws. For serious axe skill practice, you want real steel.
How many axes do I need for a backyard session with friends?
Three axes minimum keeps the game moving without constant retrieval walks. With two players and two axes, half the session is retrieving, not throwing. Three-packs are the sweet spot for solo practice or two-player competition.
Is axe throwing safe to do in a backyard?
Yes, with the right setup. You need a clear lane with nothing behind or beside the target, a solid backstop (fence, wall, or berm), and no foot traffic crossing the lane while throwing. Foam sets remove most of the safety concerns for casual use.
Buying Guide
You need to decide before you buy: real steel axes or foam-safe backyard sets. Steel axes require a proper wood target — end-grain pine or cottonwood log.
Foam sets work anywhere, need zero setup beyond the frame, and let anyone play. Get steel if you're serious.
Get foam if you want a crowd-pleaser at a party.