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Best Bow Cases Reviewed & Rated for Quality and Value
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
There was no favoritism for hard or soft made cases on the list, as we opted instead to focus on their individual pros and cons. Getting into a head to head with the two wouldn’t make sense, as it is a very tricky subject for many people. Hard case users love the extra protection and how they don’t have to worry about the abuse their case takes. This is great for airline travel or storage for long periods of time where outside elements might be an issue. Soft case users love the extra space, and of course, the lower cost compared to a hard case.
Soft case users will usually have multiple cases, giving preference to a specific bow set for competitions, hobbies, hunting, and other tasks. In some situations, they can purchase 3 of their favorite soft cases for the price of one case. The downside with this comes with protection, which is going to be less than a hard case. In this situation, we gave great preference to soft cases that were the toughest in their category. Although they won’t reach the level of a hard case, they still manage to provide enough protection to where you don’t regret the purchase. It’s a compromise that is worth making if you want a little more flexibility with your accessories.
Size
Bow kits are universal for left or right-handed bows, with the deciding factor being the size supported. Unusual sizes that aren’t commonly used might need special cases, but this is rare. We looked at regular-sized competition bows and even factored in how well they would hold up when pushed to the limit with extras.
That means looking at how easily they can be modified and if the manufacturer offers customized versions of the originals. Although a good bulk of buyers won’t even look this deep into the product, it serves as a very important feature for users that want to maximize the longevity of their product long after the warranty has expired. And for big name brands that offer superior customization, the styling options compared with the add-ons are second to none. Bow kits have a lot of options beyond their original sets, and it’s something that shouldn’t be ignored by the customers.
Capacity
Space is important for users that need to carry a lot of ammo, so a good model will make the most of the room it provides. We took those off of the list that wasted a lot of interior space since that could have gone to much better uses. Wasted space equals wasted money, and the last thing you want to do is leave money on the table when there is a better option. A large part of the appeal with those on this list also comes from how they meet the guidelines of most airlines.
Traveling with your equipment can get tricky with all of the tight security measures being enforced by the major airlines. The big help with having one capable of getting through a checkpoint is that you won’t have to get your equipment confiscated. Besides the potential loss of hundreds of dollars, there is also the frustration of delays in getting it checked out. So even if it seems minor, there is a really good reason why the bow cases on this list meet those restrictive guidelines.
Durability
Durability is something else we looked at, and this is something that was focused directly on with soft cases. Back in the day when soft cases first came out, they would have the same type of fabric as everyday camping equipment like a tent. This has obviously been improved over the years, and without sacrificing the flexibility of the case. This was a tough thing to grade since hard cases have to be judged on not just their present durability, but long-term usefulness. There are plenty of tough soft cases that fall apart after months of abuse, while the good soft cases will continue to hold up. Just take a look at our list for comparison and you’ll see a major difference between other lists.
This list manages to group soft cases with their hard counterparts and not separate them too much from one another. This proves that soft cases have a place in the industry and are still in high demand worldwide. As long as the warranty is still in place, it doesn’t matter what case you end up with. The difference is the options from this list will go far past the warranty period when abused.
Compatibility
Having the highest compatibility with accessories made a difference in how the list was ordered. This includes arrow add-ons, bow modifications, and quivers. The more space that was available, the better. And that space had to be in a place that made sense with the setup. Some of the cases that were left off had extra space available, but in an area that put those accessories at risk. There were also cases that had bad padding on the inside that limited certain bows and arrows by length, which turned out to be a bad design decision by the manufacturer.
Incompatibility was avoided a lot on the list, leaving some well-known choices completely off of the top ten even though they met criteria in several other spots. In really bad scenarios the compatibility issues leaked over to modification problems for users that wanted to modify their equipment. This led to buyers having to completely gut and redo the inside in order to meet specs for their current equipment. It was an extra step that shouldn’t take place and is the prime reason why this list is so restrictive.
BEST BOW CASES REVIEWED & RATED FOR QUALITY AND VALUE
1. Plano Protector 1110-00
The top-dog on the list is a compact hard case from Plano. It’s rich with features and has a no-nonsense styling that puts you in charge of the organization.
Great Interior Protection
Inside the hardshell case is high-density foam to protect your equipment from bumps and bruises. Everything will stay in place no matter how wild the ride is to the destination.
Extra Storage
Under the lid, you will find ample space to store some extra bow accessories. A great place to keep an arm guard or even your release.
Cost and Value
As one of the lowest priced on the list, the cost to value ratio is off the charts. This was an easy #1 pick for anyone that needs a jack of all trades option at a fair price.
2. SKB 2SKB-4117
Another hard case to make the list comes from SKB Corp., with a sleek and professional look to topple the other competitors. Made for high-end bows, users that spend a lot of money on accessories should consider this a must-have option.
Best Looking Hard Case
The ABS shell looks like a business suitcase, providing just as much protection as it does flair. And the inside of the case looks incredible, just like the outside.
Sturdy Locks
The locks are designed to be sure the lid remains closed. The fact that they are also metal gives this one a slight edge over some of the others on the list.
Cost and Value
This is the most expensive on the list, but the high price is justified by the materials. There are more than enough reasons to buy this case if you have a collection of expensive bows.
3. Allen Gear 6034
Once again Allen Company is making their move on the list, this time with a more robust model. There are some really one of a kind features in this model that should really be cloned by other companies.
Great Universal Fit
If your bow isn’t over 35 inches axle to axle, then it should fit just fine. Compatibility is very high with this so that users don’t have to keep switching out their equipment.
Soft Exterior
Here is the first option we have come to that is not as bulky or heavy. That is due to the soft exterior of the case. A great option for those who are limited on space or looking for a lighter option.
Cost and Value
Like most of the other products on the list, the price is average. This puts it in line to be one of the better buys when you think of the overall cost to value.
4. Vista Traveler 4436
Vista has created an entire range of products for customers serious about their bow training. The Traveler Takedown case is an example of the hardcore dedication the company has to excellence.
Built For Specific Bows
Users of takedown recurve bows can consider this the best choice on the list. It handles this bow with ease along with all the necessary arrows.
Arrows
Most cases have room for arrows but only four or five. This means that you will have to carry a second case or bag around when you want more arrows. Not the scenario here, they left you room for eighteen arrows.
Cost and Value
Even with the intricacies of this case, the price is average. Saying that this is a steal at the current price is an understatement.
5. Lakewood Takedown Recurve
This top-loading case not only keeps your bow safe but also makes it easy to load up the case. No need to lay out the entire case just slide your bow in this case and it’s good to go. This bow also holds a dozen arrows. Also, this case is incredibly sturdy and will stand up to a lot of punishment. It travels easily and locks for travel.
Travel Ready
This case is built for airline travel not only in its looks, but it’s also really just a very nondescript rectangular case and so doesn’t look like a weapon case. It also locks tightly and it’s airline approved. It’s also made of soft material so it won’t scratch or dent during rough flights.
Top Loading Case
We like the way your bow will slide easily into this case and then fit snugly and safely after you close it up and lock it. It’s large enough to hold two bows and twelve arrows and hold them tightly. We also like the way the case zips up around the top with two zippers and locks easily.
Cost and Value
This is an expensive case but nowhere near some of the others on our list but we think you’re getting a lot here for the money. It doesn’t have a hard case but it’s plenty tough enough to keep two bows safe. It also has room for a dozen arrows and it travels well and won’t dent or scratch thanks to the soft covering.
6. Allen Gear Fit X
Around this part is when the list starts to really take shape, with some serious contenders for the top spot. Allen Company’s Fit X is a really solid purchase for bow users, covering a lot of needs in one single package.
Plenty Of Pockets To Use
An amazing ten accessory pockets are built into this bag, so no item of importance has to be left behind. That includes all of your low priority gear which would have otherwise been loaded into another bag.
Two Ways to Carry
Another great soft exterior selection, this one offers more than one way to carry while in transport. Need to have two hands free? No problem, simply clip the shoulder strap in place. The sewn-in hand handles give your shoulder a break.
Cost and Value
Hovering at an average price, getting this bag for such a steal will make a lot of people happy. The extra room pays for itself after the first time you use it.
7. Primos 6864
World-famous Primos Hunting Calls does it again with their take on a modern-day tough bow case. Decades of quality service has helped them craft a great product that delivers the goods when needed.
Lots Of Space
Customers won’t run out of space even if they tend to carry a lot of extras. The bag is built to hold a lot and balanced so that it isn’t a pain to carry.
Durable
Made from thick polyester, this case is built to withstand some wear and tear. Another great attribute to the durability are the zippers. They are designed to easily slide back and forth without binding up.
Cost and Value
The price goes up a little but still settles for a low to average range, which is great news for all buyers. With the tough materials of the bag, it may very well outlast your bow’s lifespan.
8. Lakewood Double Bow
This is another Lakewood product and we just like them so much we wanted to put another on our list. This Lakewood product holds two bows and up to 24 arrows. It loads easily and though it’s a soft-sided case it will stand up to quite a beating.
Side Loading Two Bows
Unzip the case, flip it open and you’ve got plenty of room for two bows, it’s really as easy as that. Plus room for 24 hours. And we like that it all comes in a non-descript package that doesn’t scream WEAPONS! Plus the contoured foam will keep your bows nice and safe.
Two-Sided for Easy Access
There are two sides to this container, the first is going to hold two bows easily and safely and the second opens easily to hold 24 arrows. This makes for easy traveling and easy access and with this case, you’ll be out in the woods in no time.
Cost and Value
This case comes at a great price. One of the lowest on our list and considering there is room for two bows and 24 hours we think it’s definitely worth the price.
9. MTM Ultra BHUC-40-P
Not only should your bow be protected, but the arrows that you fire need the same protection. When there is a lot of ammo, using a separate case for it helps out a ton.
Simple And Effective
There is nothing fancy about this case, and it is simply a rugged carry along with storage for arrows. A lot can be held at once so that you have the most arrows when it’s time to shoot.
Foam Padding
The foam padding on the inside has notches in place. These notches help to make sure that both the bow and the arrows will remain in place.
Cost and Value
There are no surprises here, and the price is low and manageable. Customers should purchase this to get the best of both worlds.
10. SAS Recurve
A nice simple nylon outer case that will keep your bows safe whether they’re in the trunk or in the belly of a plane. It built tough on the outside and soft on the inside so your bow will stay safe and scratch-free no matter how it’s tossed around in the belly of an airplane or the bed of your truck.
Easy Access
This folds open and is filled with contoured foam that’s going to create a soft safe bed for your bow. It also has side pockets and room for an arrow holder that can be purchased separately. It’s also light and travels easily.
Tough Outside Soft Inside
The outer shell is made of tough scratch-resistant nylon and the inner is full of soft contoured foam that’s going to keep your bow safe.
Outer Pockets
Nice addition and one we don’t see often, there are zippers on the outside of this bag and enough room to put a few extras that won’t fit inside the case or that might scratch your bow.
Cost and Value
This is the cheapest we’ve seen yet and while it doesn’t come with an included arrow holder we do think it can hold up to a beating and will keep your bow safe.
Sources
- , Archery 360, Archery Site
- , Outdoor Life, Hunting Site
