Do you own a bow you’re happy with? If so, it’s time to move on to the next step on your archery journey: getting the right bow case.
Not that long ago, this decision was fairly easy to make. You had a limited number of brands making cases and the differences between them were often minor. These days, however, you have hundreds of cases to choose from.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed with your options? This short guide will help you navigate the key factors before buying a bow case!
Reasons to Buy a Bow Case
As useful as bow cases are, some hunters find they can live without them. So, let’s make a “case” for why you’d want a bow case in the first place.
Protection
First things first: without a case, your bow could suffer all sorts of damage. This includes bumped sights, bent stabilizers, shifted rests, and so on. Exposing the bow to dust and water can also increase the chance of rust.
Of course, the quality of the case plays a big role here. A cheap plastic case bouncing around in the back of your truck is unlikely to last long. Think about what you’re protecting your bow from before choosing a case.
If you’re flying, ensure your case is rated for air travel. This is important because manufacturers use different materials for airline-grade cases. This also explains the difference in cost, which can be substantial.
Storage
Having a case also gives you a reliable source of storage for your bow and gear. Many experienced hunters enjoy having a ready-to-go case without worrying about where the quiver is or if the bow needs tuning.
This brings us to the key question: what do you want the case to hold? The more archery equipment you have, the more extra space and pockets you’ll need. This includes finger tabs, release aids, field points, and more.
Transport
When you’re carrying a bow around, you’ll want to know it fits into the case neatly. The thing is, not all bows fit all cases. Many compound bows, for instance, are too wide or too long for certain cases.
For best results, your case should always have some wiggle room. If you have to force a bow inside a case, you’ll apply pressure on the bowstring. Your case should also have space for your arrows and broadheads.
Types of Bow Cases
Bow cases come in two groups: hard and soft cases. Here are the pros and cons of each type and how this can influence your buying decision.
Hard Bow Cases
As the name implies, a hard bow case has a hard, rigid outer shell. Brands use different plastics or polymers to fill their molds, but the end goal is always to offer a high level of outside protection.
If you don’t need the very top level of protection, a hard case may not be the ideal choice for you. These cases tend to be on the bulky side, and the added weight can make them tougher to carry around.
Soft Bow Cases
A soft bow case can consist of many cloth-type materials. The lightweight construction and minimal design make them popular with many hunters. Soft cases are also more affordable and easier to find than hard cases.
The main downside of soft cases is that they don’t offer as much protection from outside impact. These cases are also impossible to lock, so their security features are lacking compared to their hard counterparts.
Best Bow Cases on the Market
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to find the best bow case for your needs! Here are some of the most popular models on the market today.
RGD Compound Bow Case
The RGD compound case is a snug fit for most modern parallel limb bows. The case consists of 500D PVC and features a water-resistant zippered enclosure. Its shell is durable, rugged, and waterproof.
For a soft case, the RGD Compound provides excellent protection. It comes with removable foam padding, heavy-duty carry straps, and rear tie-down straps. You also get a lifetime warranty against defects!
Legacy Leather Deluxe Traditional Case
The main thing that separates this case from its competitors is its striking bowed shape. With a length of 62 inches, it can carry strung longbows and recurve bows. Unstrung bows of that size wouldn’t fit in.
On the outside of the case, you’ll find a 34-inch pocket that can carry a lot of starting archery gear. Inside, the case is lined with plenty of padded felt material, which is enough to protect a recurve bow.
Pelican 1745 Air Case
If you need to take your case on a plane, this Pelican model is a solid choice. It’s a big, hard plastic case that can take a beating. Two TSA-approved locks make it easier for TSA agents to open the case.
The case contains movable foam pads that allow you to protect specific bow parts. The lid has slotted pads that can hold an arrow tube and a dozen arrows. You also get two zippered bags for smaller gear.
Sitka Nomad Bow Case
If you’re on a long, multi-day hunt, you’ll need to bring a lot of gear. At some point, a small carry-on bag won’t be enough to fit everything in. With its 8,600 cubic inches of space, the Sitka Nomad can be the right solution.
The Nomad doesn’t have a lot of pockets or compartments. It’s simply a large space you can fill with up to 50 pounds of gear. The rigid frame and wheels provide enough protection for your bow as well.
Buy the Right Bow Case for You!
As you can see, you should always do your research before deciding to buy bow cases online. Modern cases come in so many styles and models that it can take some time to find the ideal one for you.
Are you looking for a durable, waterproof bow case? At Specialty Gear, we offer high-quality outdoor gear that’s ideal for any adventure! Check out our complete gear collection right now!