Written By Ron Parker
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Compound bows or recurve bows are a substantial investment and you should protect that investment by buying the best bow case that you can afford.
Our team of bow hunters and archery experts have reviewed all the top bow cases and will show you the best hard cases, best soft cases, best for airline travel, best for compound bow, best for recurve bow and more.
After extensive testing, we have found the Pelican 1745 bow case to be the best that we have tested.
Best overall
Pelican 1745
staff favorite
Case Club
Best Soft Case
legend apollo
Best Bow Cases At A Glance
Best Bow Cases: Reviews And Recommendations
Pelican 1745: Best For Air Travel
The Pelican Air 1745 is the Holy Grail of bow cases, with loads of storage, TSA locks and an extremely durable build, but all of that comes at a price and the price is high.
It is made out of super light HPX²™ Polymer which is also incredibly durable and lighter than other top rated hard cases.
The Pelican Air case features stainless steel bearing wheels that glide effortlessly on hard surfaces and make air travel a breeze.
It is completely waterproof and dust-proof thanks to a watertight o-ring gasket. No more worry about travelling with your bow in the bed of your truck.
It also features an automatic purge valve that equalizes pressure to insure that water and dust cannot enter the case.
One of the things that sets this case apart from the others we have tested is the TSA approved Press and Pull™ latches and TSA approved locks, which have been tested in extreme conditions for pressure changes and forceful impact. They perform flawlessly, keeping everything inside secure and then easy to open afterward.
Your arrows will fit perfectly in the foam arrow holders and there is plenty of room and storage for your bow release and all of your additional gear.
The Pelican Air uses a Molle System to safely secure your bow and accessories inside the case.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Pelican Air will be the last case that you will ever buy.
It is that good.
SKB iSeries Double Bow Case: Best Double Bow Case
This SKB double is a great choice for air travel, even if you don't have two bows. It has extra room for more gear, and if you are checking a bag, you get up to 50 pounds.
It has custom foam divider that is ideal for protecting your bows and other gear.
The exterior of the case is ultra high-strength polypropylene copolymer resin and it is gasket sealed to keep out water, dust, and other contaminants.
It also features a pressure equalization valve which guarantees that water and dust cannot penetrate the interior of the case.
I used this case traveling to Ohio for a whitetail rut hunt and I loved how easy it moves through the airport with the integrated wheels.
The TSA-approved locks make travel easy and I am a big fan of the trigger release latches that are also TSA-approved.
It fits bows up to 40", including cams.
The big drawback is weight. This case is heavy, weighing in at 25 lbs. That means you can put up to 25 lbs of gear in it and still remain under the 50 lb limit for checked bags. There is plenty of room in this case. I even put some of my hunting clothes in there for my trip.
My favorite part about the SKB cases is that they are covered by a no questions asked lifetime warranty, even if they are damaged in flight.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The SKB double bow case is ideal for air travel. It moves effortlessly through airports, with the inline skate wheels and its latches and locks are TSA-approved. Our favorite part is the lifetime warranty.
Case Club Waterproof: Staff Favorite
We have guys on our staff that absolutely love this case.
The Case Club is great because its interior is super organized. It has high-quality foam fitting with carved sections that offer more protection than cheaper cases.. These sections keep your bow firmly in place.
Besides the bow, there’s also storage space for accessories and tools. There is integrated foam arrow holders for 12-arrows under the lid.
The outside of the case is hard and has a hydro-absorbent canister that uses silica gel. This means that it’s waterproof, airtight, won’t rust, and won’t fall apart.
There are small wheels attached underneath the case that allow you to move it around easily.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Case Club Waterproof is an amazing choice for the price and comes with airline approval. It is a rugged case with lots of high quality foam insided for added protection.
SKB Cases Hunter XL : Best For Hunting
What I like about the SKB hunter is that it has plenty of room inside. I can easily fit my bow, arrows and additional gear in this case. It is very lightweight, with a total weight of a little over 10 lbs, making it very easy to carry.
The case has a length of 38.75 inches, a width of 14.75 inches, and a depth of 5.13 inches. It can fit a wide diversity of bows, ranging from Mathews Monster to Bowtech Captain.
The high-grade ABS hard plastic construction makes it tough and sturdy. It will protect your bow from bumps, drops, and less-than-ideal weather conditions. However, its external dimensions are large and thick.
To compensate, the manufacturer has added comfortable grip handles for portability. Plus, you can store up to 12 arrows with room for other accessories. The foam offers a snug fit, which means no matter the position the case is in, it won’t misplace the gear.
There are metal, lockable latches attached to the case that provide extra protection so you can secure your contents and prevent theft.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The SKB Hunter XL has a feature-rich profile in an attractive price range. It’s durable, versatile, and secure. Although portability and size is a slight concern, there are nice features for the price. And let’s not forget the 5-year warranty!
Flambeau Outdoors Safe Shot: Best Budget
The Flambeau Outdoors Safe Shot has a hard shell exterior made from high-strength plastic. Its rugged construction offers great protection for your bow equipment.
It also features an internal lid and base column supports that provide crush resistance, so your bow will remain undamaged even if the case is impacted by sudden force.
The case features a foam bed in which you can snugly store the bow and bow sight. There are tie-down straps to secure the bow safely in its place.
However, look out for the velcro straps inside that expose the metal screw heads. If you’re not careful, the screw heads might scratch or damage the bow.
This case measures 47.5" x 19.25" inside and 48.75" x 20.5" externally – plenty of space for most compound bows. The dedicated arrow storage rack stores up to a dozen arrows.
The arrow rubber racking system offers easy access, tightly gripping the arrow shaft for maximum protection..
Also, the case has four lockable latches to keep your equipment safe, all with a convenient carrying handle for archery on the go.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
All in all, the Flambeau Outdoors Safe Shot is a hard case that provides more than adequate protection. It has great features in terms of security and portability.
Plano Protector Bow Case: Best Value
If you’re looking for a simple case that stores your bow and not much else, then this Plano Protector Compact is the ideal choice for you!
It has a rigid exterior with dimensions of 43.25 x 19 x 6.75 inches, so this case is best for storing and transporting smaller-sized bows. Make sure to measure your gear accurately before purchasing this case.
We highly recommend this case for beginner compound bows for youth and women. The ergonomically-built and appropriately-sized case ensures young archers can learn to take care of their equipment properly.
The hard shell keeps the bow safe from damage and any adverse weather conditions. No water or sudden force will hurt your valuable bow equipment when it's in this case, which also comes with a high-density foam interior for extra padding.
Its design firmly holds parallel limb bows with tie-down straps to secure the bow in its place. You’ll also find integrated arrow storage under the lid.
You can store a fully loaded bow quiver (in-line and offset).
This case doesn’t have lots of tie-down storage for other tools and other accessories. If you want to pack more items, they’ll rattle around in the case.
Overall, the patented PillarLock system ensures extra protection and security for your archery gear. Plus, the case has airline approval, which means you can take it with you while traveling.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Plano Protector Compact is a good investment. It’s a hard case that will keep your bow protected and safe, but its functionality remains limited beyond that.
VISTA Traveler Takedown Case: Best Takedown Recurve Case
Are you looking for the best affordable takedown recurve case? If so, then this VISTA Traveler Takedown Case is an excellent choice!
This product is a hard recurve bow case made from weather-resistant materials. The case keeps all dirt, debris, heat, and water away from the contents inside.
The case has large dimensions that can fit a bow of up to 62 inches long, but you’ll need to separate the limbs and riser before storage.
RELATED: SAS Courage Takedown Recurve Bow Review
There are molded structures in the high-density foam that offer a snug fit. Once stored, your archery gear won’t move an inch from its place.
Plus, you’ll also find integrated arrow storage. You can conveniently store around 18 long arrows in this case.
Luckily, there are additional compartments for gear storage. You can store small items, such as an armguard, string, bow stringer and more. There’s even a built-in broadhead wrench.
RELATED: SAS Spirit Recurve Bow Review
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The VISTA traveler is an excellent choice for takedown recurve bows. It is one of the few traditional hard cases available. You can take it to regular practice sessions, and it is approved for air travel.
RELATED: Best Recurve Bow For Beginners
Legend Apollo: Best Soft Case
The Legend Apollo is a soft case that will keep your bow in outstanding condition during travel.
It has a dual-colored exterior and is available in various color options, including orange, gray, red, and blue. You can customize the case according to your own personal tastes.
The case also comes in two different internal length sizes, 40 and 44 inches, so you can choose the right one for your bow type.
Furthermore, the case features a water-resistant nylon shell on the outside that keeps the bow protected from rain or water spillage. On the inside, there’s a thick foam padding that has shock-absorbent qualities.
The case has a lightweight design with a padded shoulder strap and neoprene handle. These features enhance portability and comfort during transportation.
Its portability makes it perfect for taking it on hunting trips or to the range to practice shooting archery targets.
Lastly, the Legend Apollo has unrivaled storage. Its spacious interiors allow for any additional bow tuning tools or hunting gear you could want. The case also comes with external and internal pockets that allow you to store additional equipment, like a bow release, broadheads or broadhead tool.
These pockets have heavy-duty zippers for protection and hook-loop closures for easy access. You will also find convenient accessory straps for keeping everything snug.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
In a nutshell, the Legend Apollo works great for traveling. It offers excellent storage and protective features. It also includes a 30-day 100% money-back guarantee.
Bow Case Comparison Table
Model | Interior Size L X W x H | Airline Approved | PRICE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Pelican 1745 | 44"x16.8"x7.9" | YES | |
| Best Double SKB iSeries | 45"x19.45"x4 | YES | |
| Staff Favorite Case Club Waterproof Case | 44.5"x14.3"x8.34 | YES | |
| Best For Hunting SKB Hunter XL | 38.75"x14.75"x5.13 | YES | |
| Best Budget Flambeau Safe Shot | 48.75"x20.5"x5 | NO | |
 | Best For The Money Plano Protector | 43"x19"x6.7" | YES | |
 | Best Soft Case Legend Professional | 44"x16"x6" | YES | |
| Best Recurve Vista Traveler | 37"x10.75"x5.5" | YES |
Why Do You Need a Bow Case?
The two most common ways to damage your bow are dry firing and dropping it. While a case won't help if you dry fire your bow, they will certainly provide protection if you drop it.
Bow cases are not just any old accessory for your bow. They are a critical tool to help your bow avoid damage, and having a case makes it a lot easier to hold all your equipment.
All cases come with a handle that make them easy to transport, so you can take your bow on the go.
Besides storage, the case offers necessary protection. Most cases use advanced padding technology that keeps your bow safe from any critical damage.
Bow cases are also useful in airline transportation, because the majority of them are certified for airplane travel. Many cases have wheels so that you can roll them through airports.This is great if you frequently go on vacations or hunting trips with your bow.
Types of Bow Cases
There are three fundamental types of bow cases. Each one has a design built to fit specific types of bows. Choose one according to the gear you own.
Compound Bow Cases
Compound bows feature a levering system made from pulleys, cables and cams. They use this system to store energy, which makes the arrow shoot with more power and speed.
These bows are compact and heavy-duty, and usually are shaped like the letter D, or they will have parallel limbs.
Recurve Bow Cases
People sometimes confuse recurve bows with long bows. While they do look alike, the limbs of a recurve bow curve away from the archer, hence the name.
Longbows and some recurve bows are made from wood and need protection from the elements.
Since you have to unstring recurve bows, the bow cases have a compact design that lets you store the limbs separately.
Click here for a guide on how to choose a recurve bow.
RELATED: DeerSeeker Recurve Bow Review
Crossbow Cases
The crossbow case is noticeably different from standard bow cases. It kind of looks like a small hammerhead shark, and it’s used very differently from a regular bow. Crossbow cases often feature arrow storage space and accessory pockets as well.
It’s really nice to be able to store all your equipment in one place!
As crossbows become more mainstream and legal to hunt with in most states, hunters are having a difficult time choosing a crossbow vs compound bow.
Features to Consider in a Bow Case
There is a wide range of bow cases available on the market. The vast amount of options can make choosing one pretty complicated.
We’ve made it simple by compiling the essential factors to consider when purchasing a case or giving one as a gift.
Soft vs Hard
Bow cases are categorized as either hard or soft cases. Each type comes with its specific pros and cons.
Hard cases have a rigid exterior that offers unbeatable protection to the bow inside. It doesn’t matter if it’s awful weather or a large fall — a hard case will survive any damage and keep the bow and accessories, like a fragile drop away arrow rest, safe and finely tuned. However, they are bulky and heavier, unlike their counterparts.
You cannot carry them on your shoulder easily. Plus, they occupy extra space. Comparatively, soft cases have a flexible, soft outside.
Because it’s softer, it’s usually lighter and makes it much easier to carry your bow. However, because there’s no hard outer shell to protect the bow, a soft case offers a lot less protection than a hard case.
Overall, we recommend choosing a hard case, because protection is the most important factor when it comes to choosing a case for your bow. If you travel by air a lot, look for a hard case that comes with wheels so that it’s not too difficult to carry through airports.
RELATED: Keshes Takedown Recurve Bow Review
Dimensions
It’s important that you make sure that the external and internal dimensions of the case match your bow. Cases, just like bows, come in many different sizes. Be diligent with your measurements!
We recommend leaving a few inches on each side to make sure that the bow fits.
Quality
The quality of the case determines how long it will last. On average, high-quality cases will last a lifetime. However, there are some cases that we’ve found can only last for five years or so.
Opt for a case that uses premium, weather-resistant materials. These types of cases tend to last the longest and also do the best job of protecting your bow against the elements.
Portability
Your bow case should be compact and lightweight. This makes carrying it easy and hassle-free.
Look for sturdy shoulder straps, carry handles, or even wheels to enhance portability. It’s better if the case also features additional tie-downs to secure your bow inside.
Storage Space
Generally, a bow case will feature adequate space for the correct type of bow and a few arrows. Getting a better case that comes with a lot of extra storage can make your life so much easier.
Some cases have room for a dozen arrows or adjustable compartments to store all types of accessories such as arrows, bow release, bow sight and more.
RELATED: Best Hunting Headlamps
Security
Most bow cases today have a bunch of security features that keep the bow secured. Features like lockable latches ensure that your bow and accessories do not get stolen. This is especially useful if you take your case on airplanes
Best Brands
Pelican
Pelican makes some of the best bow cases on the market today. They also make gun cases, camera cases, travel suitcases, vehicle cargo cases and more.
Flambeau Outdoors
Flambeau Outdoors is a world-famous outdoor goods manufacturing company. It produces equipment for hunting, fishing, and tactical activities.
Plano Molding
Established in 1952, Plano Molding has introduced several innovative and premium-quality outdoor tools to the market. It has a lot of hunting and fishing products.
SKB Cases
SKB cases has been producing bow cases since 1977. They make some very high quality cases and rated very highly in our hard cases above.
FAQs
What is a TSA approved bow case?
A TSA approved bow case is a hard case that has a lock that can be opened by the TSA so that They can inspect the contents. The TSA has a special key that can open these locks.
Where Do Archers Keep Their Bows?
Traditionally, archers keep bows in a bow case and store them in a climate controlled environment. Keeping them in a garage or attic is not recommended as the fluctuations in temperature can stretch the bowstring and damage the limbs.
Can You Carry a Bow on Your Back?
Yes, you can carry a bow on your back using a bow sling. You can always improvise the fit of a bow sling by using a towel, which will also help keep your back and bow protected.
Conclusion
Everyone from an experienced archer to a beginner bow hunter should be equipped with a high-quality bow case. Bow cases helps store, carry, and protect your valuable bow and its accessories. This guide has given you plenty of great options to choose from for a compound bow or recurve.
Overall, our team of experts most highly recommends the Pelican 1745 Air. It has a ton of storage, is very durable, and is secure.
