Bowhunters give a lot of thought to the compound bow they shoot, their arrow setup, and the endless accessories available. But have you ever considered what kind of bow case you should be using?
You certainly should! After all, compound bows and accessories aren’t cheap.
Buying quality gear is an investment, and you should choose a compound bow case that will provide protection for your gear. Don’t just toss your new bow in the back seat and let it bounce around aimlessly. Use this guide to learn how to choose the right compound bow case for you.
Soft Bow Cases
A soft bow case is often constructed externally of neoprene or nylon with high density foam in the interior and in the world of archery bow cases is the best choice for bowhunters trying to corral their compound bow, arrows, and some accessories.
The lighter weight of a soft bow case makes it easy to carry from your home to your truck, but it does not provide adequate protection for air travel or other hard use applications.
You should choose a soft case if you are mostly concerned about keeping your gear in one place and not scattered around the backseat of your truck. You will still have more space than some options to store arrows and soft cases often include pockets to store accessories.
Pros
Easily transported & much lighter than other archery bow cases
Often incorporate storage pockets or compartments for keeping telescopic arrow tube or extra gear
Can be had for a reasonable price/less expensive than hard bow case alternatives
Cons
Lower level of protection and water resistance compared to a hard bow case
Unable to use for airline travel/checked luggage
Hard Bow Cases
A hard bow case provides the ultimate protection for your bow and most hard-sided parallel limb bow cases are airline approved while still providing extra storage space for clothing or other accessories inside.
If you intend to travel by plane with your bow, a hard case is a necessity. Even if you don’t intend to travel far to hunt or for target shooting, having a hard case to throw in the back of your truck without worrying about dust, rain, or damage from jostling around is worth it for most bowhunters.
Pros
Hard outer shell offers best protection with heavy duty pull latches
Can lock case for traveling or additional security
Many options are waterproof or water resistant
Extra space in lid can accommodate quiver, release aids, and other accessories
Cons
Heavy
More expensive than soft case alternatives
Features to Consider in a Bow Case
Compound bow cases on the market today come with a variety of case features. Here are a few of the questions bow hunters should ask when purchasing a new parallel limb bow case.
What kind of durability do you need?
Ease of transport (where are you carrying it? – only to the range or will you need a TSA-compliant case for air travel?)
What kind of storage do you need? (quiver/arrows/additional gear.)
What Size Bow Case do I Need?
In addition to these qualities, you should consider the size of your bow before purchasing a case. This is particularly true if ordering a hard case.
Measure the length of your bow from axle-to-axle, the width from your string/D-loop to the end of your sight housing, and also the depth of your limbs.
If you plan to store your bow with the quiver on, be sure to check the case specifications to make sure your bow will fit. Stabilizers are another accessory that can be an issue with storage in a hard case.
Consider each of these questions and examine the specs of cases carefully to make sure you buy the right bow case for you.
What are the Best Bow Cases?
First and foremost, it’s important to choose a high quality bow case (whether opting for either a soft or hard bow case). A hard case for a parallel limb bow that is airline approved can cost upwards of $300-$400.
This may sound like a lot of money if you only want something marginally secure to store your bow inside. But if you just dropped $1,200-$1,500 on a top of the line bow, you need a good quality bow case to keep your bow safe and you’ll probably want something to store other tools and additional equipment as well.
Best Soft Bow Cases
Here is a roundup of the best soft bow cases:
Will fit most bows on the market and a high quality option
High quality with added pockets for accessory storage
Legend Apollo Travel Compound Bow Case
Ample accessory pouches and storage on the exterior to keep your arrows, releases and other equipment safe.
Best Hard Bow Cases
Here is a roundup of the best hard bow cases:
Highly durable hard cases by SKB are popular for a reason. This case maintains a curved profile to save a bit of room but still offers superior protection and excellent features.
Plano All Weather (AW2) Bow Case
Similar to the SKB in profile. Plano produces wildly popular cases and although quality isn’t as high as SKB, you’d be happy with this selection.
Plano Protector Compact Bow Case
The Plano Protector offers the best price for a compact, durable case without breaking the bank.
Alternatives to Bow Cases
One alternative to using a bow case is a bow sling (like this one from Primos) that covers your bow string. You’ll also see some varieties that come with a separate sleeve to slip over your bow sight for extra protection.
Now, this won’t keep your bow protected like even soft cases would, but if you are reluctant to use a compact bow case at all, consider running one of these bow slings to keep your strings covered.
One bonus to the bow sling is you can leave this sling on your bow while in the field (walking to your tree stand before daylight, for instance) and then stow it in your pack when you get ready to hunt.