Getting started in bow hunting requires a minimum selection of gear and accessories. Most archers only think of a bow and arrows as the essential gears, and they would classify everything else as accessories. But, that should not be the case.
You need a bow case for carrying your bow, arrows, and accessories. The best bow case will not only house your bowhunting equipment, but it will protect them from impact, dust, and rain. The carrier also allows you to carry your gear over long distances.
How to Choose the Best Bow Case
There are numerous bow case options on today’s market. What differentiates, one case from the other is the construction, the features, the performance, the durability, and the price. The following buying tips ought to help you find the best bow case among the many.
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The type of bow you are using
Bow cases are designed based on a specific type of bow. So, you cannot buy a recurve or crossbow case for a compound bow. Knowing what you will be using the case for does greatly simplify your search on the market.
There are bow cases, engineered for compound bows, cases designed for longbows, cases intended for traditional recurve bows, and cases intended for takedown recurve bows. As you can see, the options are all-embracing; so, you need to know what to look for.
What kind of accessories will you be carrying?
Apart from the bow and quiver, you need to carry other accessories that will make your hunting trip easy. The types of accessories you pack depend entirely on the type of bow case. And the storage capacity differs from one bow case to another.
A well-designed, soft compound bow case will have multiple exterior pockets for carrying a hunting binocular, a rangefinder, extra clothing, a release aid, a multi-tool, a backpacking water filter, a surgical tape, a spare tab, and even gloves.
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Impact and element protection features
Once you have the right bow case design and maximum storage, the next important consideration is the protection features. You certainly need a case that will offer your bow, arrows, and accessories maximum protection from impact, dust, and rain.
It should have an airtight locking system, which can be composed of latches or zippers. The quiver must be able to hold the arrows firmly. The bow compartment should have tie-down attachment straps for holding the bow firmly onto the high-density foam or lining.
Soft Bow Cases or Hard Bow Cases – Which One Should You Choose?
There are two wide categories of bow cases, regardless of the type of bow they can accommodate, and they are soft and hard bow cases. This classification is based on the material used and construction, especially of the shell.
Soft bow cases will not do so well in rough conditions, such as rocky terrain. On the other hand, the hard bow cases, which are made of hard material such as ABS plastic, will offer the required level of protection.
The main drawback to hard bow cases is limited storage pockets or compartments.
They do not have numerous storage pockets on the exterior. Therefore, apart from a better level of protection, you can choose between the two types of cases based on preference and convenience.
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Reviews of 6 Bow Case Reviews on the Market
Plano Genesis Edition Ultra-Compact – Hard Bow Case
The Genesis Ultra Compact is a well-designed bow case that will suitably store as well as transport all the supported archery equipment. This case features one of the best engineerings when compared to competing bow cases.
It is spacious enough to fit the original Genesis as well as the mini Genesis among other models. It comes with high-density, high-quality foam that is very capable of protecting your bow and accessories from impact and elements.
The case is fitted with two easy-to-operate red latches that ensure the contents do not fall. You have to snap the latches to open, and then pull them back to release the hold. To close, you have to push the latches forward and snap them into position.
The case opens into the bow and the arrows compartments. The bow part is the one with high-density foam, and it is installed with three Velcro straps for holding the bow into position. The arrows section can accommodate at least seven arrows.
The Genesis offers you a simple construction along with an easy setup that will not take you less than five minutes. The compact design makes the bow suitable for storage and long-distance hunting expeditions in the country.
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SKB Hunter Series – Hard Bow Case
Weighing in at eleven pounds, the SKB Hunter is a compact and well-organized bow case that surpasses the performance of most competing designs. This all-black with a white stripe in the middle will keep your bow and arrows safe from damage.
The shell of the case is constructed of rigid ABS material with modish adornment. The ABS shell combines rigidity and strength to withstand impact forces, especially during transport. However, the shell may crack under extreme impact.
Both the bow and arrows storage sections are located on the main compartment of the case with a lid to cover. The lid is installed with plush-lined EPS inserts that improve impact resistance. When opened, the lid is held in place with stretchable bands for convenience.
The main section features water-jet cut polyethylene foam material that ensures your bow and arrows are well-protected. The bow sits on top of the arrow for organization and maximum impact resistance. This case can accommodate more than five arrows.
The four draw-bolt lockable metal latches are superb. They offer a tight as well as secure fit to ensure there is no penetration of moisture, dust, or dirt. Also, the case is fitted with a foldable handle for easy carry and transport.
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Plano Protector Compact – Hard Bow Case
If you have a parallel limb bow in your possession, then the Plano Protector Case is what you need for storage. There is no compromise when using this case; both your bow and arrows will receive the ideal protection from impact, moisture, and dirt.
The case features a lightweight, compact design with a hollow, engraved handle for easy carry. The handle provides a non-slip and comfortable grip. When closed, the case can be placed upright on a flat surface without any problems.
The shell is engineered from heavy-duty, black polypropylene material with high-density foam. The polypropylene material has high impact resistance along with reliable fatigue resistance. The foam makes sure that your bow and arrow are well-secured during impact.
It is installed with a crash-proof PillarLock system that comprises two fitting pairs. Each pair has one matching pillar located on the lid and the main compartment. In addition, four padlock tabs are easy to snap open and improve the security of the case.
Apart from the high-density foam, the bow is firmly held in place with the help of the three Velcro straps positioned in a triangular shape. The lid has an arrow lock system that clutches five bows arranged in opposite directions.
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Hoyt Deluxe Skull – Soft Bow Case
The Hoyt Deluxe is a unique skull bow case that stands out as one of the favorite casing for a compound bow and accessories. The one thing that you will like about this case is the soft rubber construction on the sides that compresses when pressed.
You can store in it your bows and arrows without worrying because the rubber sides will minimize impact forces in case you drop the bag accidentally or it takes a hit. The case will not crash even though it has a soft construction.
The case is all-black with a big Hoyt logo and Camo patches that give it a captivating look. It uses a zipper for locking, which is pretty simple to open. There is also a strapping system incorporated with the handle for easy carry and stability.
The interior top cover of the case is incorporated with three compartments. There is one big compartment, followed by a smaller compartment and a narrow section just at the base of the top cover.
The compound bow section comprises soft, impact-absorbing material that ensures your bow is always secured. This section also has three Velcro attachments for fastening the bow to the soft material for added safety against impact.
Allen Gear Fit X Compound – Soft Bow Case
The Allen Gear Fix X is a very resourceful compound bow case for an archer with lots of accessories to bring along. This is possible thanks to the ten accessory pockets that come with the case. And it is all black with some tinge of gray on several pockets.
This is an ergonomically built compound bow case for the money. The ten accessory pockets on the front side are the most attractive exterior features of the carrier. Five of the pockets use Velcro attachments, while the remaining five use zip closure.
The case is fastened by a heavy-duty zip closure with two sliders for convenience. The pull taps of each slider are fitted with a lanyard for easy pulling when opening or closing. There is a top rubber carry handle for hand carry, and a detachable strap for shoulder carry.
The interior features a maroon soft tricot lining that offers the bow the required protection. In addition, the interior is fitted with tie-down straps for holding the bow in place during transport. There is also an ergonomic arrow section of the lid that holds four arrows.
GamePlan Gear Pass through 2 – Soft Bow Case
If you are in the market for a soft-sided bow case, then the GamePlan is exactly what you need. The green and Camo color and graphics will match your hunting grounds, especially when you have your stand set up in the woods.
You will hardly find another bow case on the market with multiple storage options than what this case has. It has zippered pockets on the outside for accessories, such as bolts and releases aids. There is also a zippered pocket for your hunting binoculars or range finder.
The GamePlan is a fleece-lined case; so, you can store your binoculars and not worry about the glasses being scratched. You can even backpack your hunting jacket on the larger zipper pocket. And you can store additional accessories on the rest of the pockets.
It’s maximum storage for an enthusiast archer who takes gearing up to a whole new level. There is an exterior side pocket that you can use to store your quiver with the arrows in it. The arrow pocket has padded walls for better protection.
The bow compartment features a high-VIS orange lining that ensures your bow is well-protected from impact forces during carrying. The case does also comes with a carry handle, and a padded shoulder strap for convenience.
Conclusion
The GamePlan Bowcase marks the end of our product reviews. The abovementioned products are the best you can find on the market. You will be able to find at least one that does fully meet your needs as far as storage and protection go.
As you have learned from this publication, several considerations define the best bow case. A reliable and durable bow case features more than just good protection. We hope our efforts will help you find what you are looking for on the market.
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