8 Aspects to Consider when Choosing a Bow Case

Purpose of a bow case

First, I could title this article on how to buy your first bow case also instead of 8 Aspects to Consider when Choosing a Bow Case.

That being said, even if you think you would look cool walking in the streets with your bow or crossbow, it is not what others might think. But seriously, secrecy and safety are more than appropriate when you want to transport the weapon from one place to another. Furthermore, you only have two hands and to bring everything on a site without a bow case, that could be annoying.

Description of the product

Bow cases are built to store any of the most popular brand bows. They feature specific elements to keep you bow safely when transporting or when storing the bow. Most of them are easy loading designed so nothing moves when you put in or out of the case. Manufacturers offer them in a hard, hybrid or soft shell to answer different needs. Depending on the bow and the purpose of its use, the case will have a specific design to ensure safe transportation.

Moreover, some parts of bows or crossbows are more sensitive to transportation so a good case would give you better chances to keep your equipment in good shape much longer. It can be an expensive sport so taking care appropriately of your gears can’t be bad. 

Types of Bow cases

There are two main groups of archery cases. First, we have the bow cases, which encompass the compound bows, takedown recurves bows, selfbow recurves and longbows.

Now the second group, the crossbow cases which are much bigger than the bow cases. They indeed encompass all styles of crossbows, the recurves, the compounds and the reverse limb crossbows. So what is a crossbow case more specifically?

The obvious shape of the crossbow makes the cases quite recognizable. Like bow cases, they come in hard, hybrid and soft shells. Most of the cases offer space for mounted scopes so you don't have to sight-in your crossbow every time you go out. The weapon itself is bigger when assembled than most of the bows. This means the size of a crossbow case is definitely bigger as shown below.

Plano BowMax Crossbow Case

Knowing now more specifically what differentiates those two big groups, I made a list of what you should consider when you are looking to buy a bow case. 

 

8 Things to consider before buying a bow case or a crossbow case

What are you shooting with?

Maybe obvious to you but answering the question will steer you toward more specific cases and eliminate others. There are many types of cases for crossbows, recurve bows, longbows and compound bows. You need to be specific when you answered the question to choose accordingly. For example, a one-piece recurve won’t fit in a soft or hard takedown recurve case but both could fit in a sleeve or a selfbow case for recurve bows.              

For what purpose will you use the case?

This would be the most important question that you should ask yourself.  In the case that you will only transport your bow from your house to the shooting range, you might want something more basic. By basic, doesn’t mean it would be cheap but with fewer features, so you concentrate your money on other items necessary for your bow.

In the case that you will bring your bow or crossbow off road into wild nature with its weather in the back of your pickup, you might need something more wild proof.  By wild proof, it doesn’t mean it will be very expensive but you will need specific features so your bow can make it without a scratch trough transport and bad weather. You will look for strong and durable features on the bow case description.

Will you also take this case for storage at home? You might want to consider something that will be childproof or pet proof and weatherproof. In other words, something easy to lock for safety and sealed against damages of time and weather.

Should you go hard case, hybrid, soft case or simply a sleeve?

How you answered the previous question should have an impact on which one you should pick. Both types of the case would be good for any purpose but if you intend to use the bow in more rough conditions, hard shells are most likely your choice for their level of protection. They are however heavier than the soft cases, so you may consider these features if you already have a lot to bring with you.

Let’s be clear, soft bow case doesn’t mean cheap bow cases. It often means best for your money. Their main advantage is the numerous pockets all around making it really convenient if you want all your archery gear in one place.

Of course, if the look of your case is something important for you, choose accordingly to your personal preferences. 

Any travels soon?

Probably a question that will eliminate a lot of them. There is few bow case airline proof. Airports are more likely to be rough on your case so choose the level of protection accordingly if you intend to travel often.

Are you a fan of brands?

Manufacturers may propose their own bow case with their brand on it. If that matters to you, I suggest you follow the suggestion that fits your budget and your taste toward that specific brand. Moreover, they are more susceptible to have all the right features for the bow or crossbow that you will buy. If this is less important for you, there is nothing wrong to take a different brand as long as they fit the features of what you bought.

How many items do I want to carry with my case?

If you are like most people, you may like to put everything in the same bag. That would be a really good way to not lose your gears.  Therefore, you will have to look for extra pockets as the main feature or simply larger cases.  If it’s not your case, there are bow cases made only for bows transportation.

Tip: The more items you have the more light you might want your bow case to be. I would consider a soft case or hybrid case for the overall weight.

Is it for me or my child?

Some parents offer their kids a bow or a crossbow. Depending on the size of the kid, you have to choose accordingly the bow case. Best Youth bow cases are necessarily lighter and smaller due to the size of their bows. 

Tip: If you are sure that your own child will develop a passion for archery, I recommend to not go crazy into expensive cases. Keep in mind that it might only be for summer when you offer something to a kid. Been there, done that.

How about shipping and handling?

While you browse on the internet to look at what you should get, you have to understand that this might be an item that you should pick in a pro-shop store or anywhere that gives free shipping for over-sized items. Many of the cases are not foldable which means larger boxes when they are shipped to you. Be ready to pay extra fees when you want this item drop ship to your house. But some huge websites, like Amazon, can usually afford free shipping.

 

In summary

It is easy to be overwhelmed by all the products available on the market. Remember the 8 things to consider when you are looking for an archery bow case. This will make your life easier and you will be able to enjoy more about shooting than having a headache about choosing your bow case.

I hope that you found this post valuable! Feel free to share and comment!

Thank you for reading!