10 Best Bow Cases of 2021
Photo: forums.bowhunting.com
A bow case isn't an ordinary accessory, it's a very necessary one because it provides protection for your bow and its other accessories.
Getting a bow case is no doubt very important, but the question remains which type? There are so many offers on the market that it's not easy to make a choice.
With this bow cases review though, you'll get all the information you need to choose the exact case for your bow.
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10 Best Bow Cases – Review
- 1. Case Club 40-Inch – Best Overall Bow Case
- 2. Plano Protector 111000 – Best Budget Compound Bow Case
- 3. SKB 3i-3614-PL – Injection-molded Compound Bow Case
- 4. Plano Spire 113200 – Heavy-duty Crossbow Case
- 5. SKB 4117 – Hunter Series Bow Case
- 6. Plano Molding 108115 – PillarLock Compound Bow Case
- 7. SAS 4350111025 – Take-down Recurve Bow Case
- 8. Plano Molding 10-10630 – Compact Compound Bow Case
- 9. SAS 12061 – Take-Down Recurve bow Hard Case
- 10. Primos 6864 – Soft Hunting Bow Case
- How to Buy the Best Bow Cases
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
10 Best Bow Cases – Review
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PRODUCT |
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1. Case Club 40-Inch (Best Overall) |
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2. Plano Protector 111000 (Best Budget) |
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3. SKB 3i-3614-PL (Injection-molded Compound Design) |
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4. Plano Spire 113200 (Heavy-duty Design) |
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5. SKB 4117 (Hunter Series Case) |
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6. Plano Molding 108115 (PillarLock Compound Design) |
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7. SAS 4350111025 (Take-down Recurve Design) |
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8. Plano Molding 10-10630 (Compact Compound Design) |
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9. SAS 12061 (Take-Down Recurve Hard Case) |
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10. Primos 6864 (Soft Hunting Bow Case) |
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PRODUCT |
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1. Case Club 40-Inch (Best Overall) |
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2. Plano Protector 111000 (Best Budget) |
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3. SKB 3i-3614-PL (Injection-molded Compound Design) |
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4. Plano Spire 113200 (Heavy-duty Design) |
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5. SKB 4117 (Hunter Series Case) |
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6. Plano Molding 108115 (PillarLock Compound Design) |
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7. SAS 4350111025 (Take-down Recurve Design) |
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8. Plano Molding 10-10630 (Compact Compound Design) |
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9. SAS 12061 (Take-Down Recurve Hard Case) |
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10. Primos 6864 (Soft Hunting Bow Case) |
1. Case Club 40-Inch – Best Overall Bow Case
Photo: Case Club
- Size: 40 inches long
- Bow Type: Compound bows
- Case Type: Hard case
Case Club's compound bow case is designed to offer you heavy-duty protection for your compound bows up to 40 inches long. Designed to fit parallel limb bows, you'll find that any compound bow will fit beautifully inside it.
In addition to that, you get slots for safely storing up to 12 arrows, plus a waterproof accessory box to keep smaller items safe.
It's a heavy-duty case, which is also waterproof and airtight, so you can rest assured that your equipment is safe at the airport and in other rough situations while traveling.
This case can easily be secured with a padlock and it's also airline approved for easy check-ins. Furthermore, an included convoluted foam cushion prevents the bow from dangling around in transit, thereby preventing scratches and any possible damage.
Although it's a relatively costly case, Case Club makes no compromise here, from injection-molding the case to providing a secure and comfortable rest for the bow inside. Plus, there are secure slots for up to 12 arrows. This case is for the archer or bow-hunter who wants a very secure case to protect his investments.
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2. Plano Protector 111000 – Best Budget Compound Bow Case
Photo: Plano
- Size: 43 x 19 x 6.8 inches
- Bow Type: Compound
- Case Type: Hard case
The Plano Protector series from Plano molding is a compact case which provides good protection for your compound bow, and is additionally a great budget bow case.
In addition to its attractive price, it features a distinctive curve which aligns with the shape of most compound bows . This case is 6.8 inches high, 43 inches long, and 19 inches wide.
Plano molding adds a layer of high-density foam on the inside to offer a cushioned protection for the bow, while the lid includes the arrow storage system.
One interesting fact about this Plano Protector case is its patented pillar-lock system. What it does, is to create a very strong and crush-proof cover for the bow by joining pillars from the lower and upper sides of the case.
You also get adjustable tie-down straps in this best budget bow case, plus a limited lifetime warranty from Plano Molding.
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3. SKB 3i-3614-PL – Injection-molded Compound Bow Case
Photo: SKB
- Size: 35 x 14 x 5 inches
- Bow Type: Compound
- Case Type: Hard case
You can't go wrong with this case if price isn't an issue for you. It's made to military specifications and SKB is also proud of it.
In fact, SKB is so sure about its high quality that it offers an unconditional lifetime warranty on it. That is, warranty for life, with no questions asked.
In addition to that, you also get a $1,500 Content Coverage Guarantee. That's the level of SKB's confidence in this 35 x 14 x 5 inches measuring case.
This bow case is watertight, dust-proof, and features a trigger-release latch system. EPS foam lines the interior to provide safety for your bows, while the lid provides storage space for up to 12 arrows.
For cons, you'll have to measure your bow first because this case's dimensions mean it won't fit all bow sizes.
It weighs 18 pounds, however, features two Velcro straps to tie down the bow, and it's generally a great buy.
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4. Plano Spire 113200 – Heavy-duty Crossbow Case
Photo: Plano
- Size: 41 x 27 x 12 inches
- Bow Type: Crossbow
- Case Type: Hard Case
Designed for modern compound crossbows, this crossbow case provides enough room for most crossbow models.
Being spacious allows this case to offer enough room for most accessories, including your quiver and scope. In addition, it features a balanced carry handle, which makes it easier to transport.
Lashing straps make it easy to secure a range of crossbows , including those with a mounted scope. This case weighs 10 lbs, measures 41 x 27 x 12 inches and includes foam padding to offer extra protection for your equipment.
It doesn't offer any specific storage for crossbow bolts though, but you'll definitely find space.
If you need a heavy-duty bow case with storage capacity for your crossbow and all its accessories, then check out this one.
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5. SKB 4117 – Hunter Series Bow Case
Photo: SKB
- Size: 39 x 15 x 6 inches
- Bow Type: Compound
- Case Type: Hard case
SKB designed this one for hunters who need a comfortable and reliable case for their compound bows and at a good price. The 4117 is a great case and will fit a lot of compound bow designs and shapes.
The interior is lined with plush EPS inserts to provide a scratch-free rest for your bow and the lid closes and locks tightly enough to prevent moisture and dust from getting in.
Its dimensions are 39 x 15 x 6 inches, it weighs 11 lbs, and comes with a 5-year warranty from SKB Corp, which covers the case against defects in materials and craftsmanship.
You get a generous storage space for up to 12 arrows, plus a comfortable carrying handle to make transporting it easier.
Its major disadvantage is that it looks rather dated and boring on the outside. It compensates for it, however, with a nicely designed and carved out interior.
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6. Plano Molding 108115 – PillarLock Compound Bow Case
Photo: Plano
- Size: 48 x 20 x 7.5 inches
- Bow Type: Compound
- Case Type: Hard case
Few companies can offer a lifetime warranty on their products, and Plano Molding does. This shows you their commitment to high quality and durable bow cases.
The Plano Molding 108115 is specifically designed to withstand extreme conditions. From mishandling at airports to other situations that might put the contents of the case at risk.
Plano Molding's Pillar-Lock system is a patented technology to guarantee the case against any crushes that might damage the bow or accessories inside.
No doubt, this is a very rugged bow case, and it's offered at a great price too. It's weatherproof, keeping away water and dust, plus its Plano latches offer a high level of security for your equipment.
It's also approved for airline travel, features secure straps for holding the bow in place, and measures 48 x 20 x 7.5 inches.
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7. SAS 4350111025 – Take-down Recurve Bow Case
Photo: SAS
- Size: 27 x 11 x 2.5 inches
- Bow Type: Take-down recurve
- Case Type: Soft case
Here's a top-rated bow case for owners of take-down recurve bows. The beauty of the recurve bow is the ability to dismantle it after use or for transport, and this case captures that beauty with its small dimensions of 27 x 11 x 2.5 inches.
You get one zipped pocket and another open one in the front, plus two extra pockets inside. This provides you with plenty of room for accessories.
One drawback here is that it offers no special provisions for arrow storage. It also lacks the protection that hard cases offer.
Still, its compact size, extra pockets, and attractive price combine to make it a very valuable case for take-down recurve bow owners, making it easy to travel with his bow in style.
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8. Plano Molding 10-10630 – Compact Compound Bow Case
Photo: Plano
- Size: 45 x 21 x 9 inches
- Bow Type: Compound
- Case Type: Hard case
This Plano case is designed to house your compound bow, fully loaded quiver, and extra arrows. It's a large case that measures 45 x 21 x 9 inches and it offers enough space for large compound bows.
A high-density foam interior provides cushioning for the bow and prevents scratches. You can hold up to 12 arrows in the lid, including a fully loaded quiver with arrows.
There are padlock tabs for improved security or for traveling through airports and holding straps are available to tie down the bow and prevent it from dangling.
This case does not come with the bracket required for mounting a quiver on the lid, so you need to buy it extra. It also looks cheap. Asides from these disadvantages, however, it's a great case for large bows.
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9. SAS 12061 – Take-Down Recurve bow Hard Case
Photo: SAS
- Size: 37 inches
- Bow Type: Take-down recurve
- Case Type: Hard case
Here's another case from Southland Archery Supply designed especially for take-down recurve bows. Unlike the earlier case though, this one is a hard case, making it better suited for traveling.
This travel approved SAS case features an interior with a pre-cut foam to perfectly fit the riser and limbs of take-down recurve bows. While some bows will fit easily, others might need a little extra cutting of the foam.
You also get foam pads which can either hold 18 regular arrows or up to 24 ultra-thin ones. In addition to that, you get four large compartments designed to hold your accessories.
It's weather resistant, includes snap latches with double padlocks, has a built-in wrench for broadheads, and can accommodate recurve bows up to 62 inches long.
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10. Primos 6864 – Soft Hunting Bow Case
Photo: Primos Hunting
- Size: 40.5 x 10 x 3.5 inches
- Bow Type: Compound
- Case Type: Soft case
At a 40.5-inch length, this case can accommodate a range of bows. Simply open the case and tuck in your bow and you are good to go.
For your stabilizer or quiver, there is a large front pocket, which is zippered as well, making it one of the best soft bow cases with extra storage space. Make sure to measure your bow first though, and if it's less than 40 inches long, then it fits.
You must understand, however, that it's a soft case. So you won't be getting the high level of safety that hard cases offer.
The material is a 600-Denier polyester fabric, which has additionally been coated to make it weather resistant. This case is stylish and looks nice, and Primos designed it to withstand the toughest of conditions.
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How to Buy the Best Bow Cases
Bow cases are available in different makes and sizes, so you'll need to focus on their most important features and on your needs as well, to find the right case for your bow. Following are some of these major considerations.
1. Bow Case Size
The size of the case matters because it's something that you'll be comfortable carrying around. Depending on the type of bow you own, the case can be anything from small and ordinary looking, to a very long case designed for a longbow.
This decision on size also depends on whether you're willing to always take down your recurve bow or crossbow before loading it into the case.
2. Type & Shape of Bow
As you've seen from above, the type of bow that you have also matters. There are 4 major types of bows and they each have their unique characteristics and shapes.
Crossbow cases can look funny because you don't dismantle the crossbow before storage. Compound bow cases on the other hand, mostly look normal.
3. Type of Bow Case
A bow case has to protect a bow and provide a convenient means of transporting it. This question of bow safety has led to 3 types of bow cases based on their build material. They are as follows.
Hard Bow Case:
A hard bow case is any case designed entirely from a hard or rigid material. Hard bow cases offer more protection to the bow inside because of their rigidity and their weatherproof nature. They are the safest type of cases for travel.
On the other side, they are more expensive, bulkier to carry and offer limited storage space when compared to the other types of bow cases. A perfect example is the
SKB 3i-3614-PL
injection molded case.
Soft Bow Case:
A soft case is usually made from a fabric like nylon, polyester or any other suitable material. This has its advantages, as well as disadvantages when compared to hard bow cases.
Soft cases are cheaper and can contain more items since they're not rigid. On the other hand, they don't last as long as hard cases and they offer less safety for the bow and accessories inside.
Hybrid Bow Case: A hybrid bow case combines the best of both worlds. They are soft cases which have some rigid foam built into them at specific locations to strengthen the case.
4. Durability
Making a choice based on the bow case's durability depends on your way of life and on how careful or careless you are with your gear.
If you are the type that likes things rough, then a hard case is definitely the best solution for you. But if you are careful and like to take things easy, then a soft case could work for you.
5. Extra Gear Space
You'll hardly need only your bow wherever you're going. This means you should check all of your gear and make sure the case provides enough space for everything.
6. Travel Readiness
Will you be traveling with the bow case or not? If yes, then what you need is a hard bow case to protect your investment from the rigors of travel.
If you're flying, then get a case which has “TSA approved” locks to make things easier for yourself, since many TSA officials will definitely want to inspect a bow case. This lock allows them to inspect your case without having to call you to open it for inspection.
Frequently Asked Qu
estions
Q: How can I Protect the Bow Case?
A: Different types of cases offer different levels of safety for your bow, but you'll still need to make sure that nothing too heavy is resting on the case because even the best hard bow case can cave in at a given weight.
Q: Are any Bows or arrows included in case?
A: No, bow cases come alone without arrows or bows. If you want a complete package though, then what you need is a bow and arrow package, which also comes with a case.
Q: How is mixed color defined for a bow case?
A: This refers to your bow case having more than one material color. The colors will usually include camouflage.
Q: What is the difference between a modded case and a custom case?
A: A modded case is an ordinary case that was first bought and then changed as you wish, while a custom case is one that gets built from scratch using the desired specifications.
Q: Can I clean my bow case?
A: Of course you can, and as often as you wish.
Q: What if the case gets damaged?
A: If the error comes from the manufacturer and the case is still under warranty, then you can have it replaced or fixed for free by the manufacturer.
Conclusion
Coming to the end of this best bow cases review, it's now your turn to make a choice. As each of us has a bow preference, so too, are the bow cases different.
You can go for the Case Club 40-Inch if you just want the best overall bow case. It's heavy-duty, waterproof, airtight, and airline approved.
If you've got a crossbow, however, then the Plano Spire 113200 should do the job. It's a tough case with a plush interior to beautifully safeguard your prized crossbow.
For budget shoppers, the
Plano Protector 111000
offers you a great case at a great price, pillarLock technology, and a lifetime warranty.
