Choosing a Bow Case for Everyday Trips to the Archery Range
Finding the right bow case for your archery equipment is an important decision that should be based on a number of factors including the amount of time you plan to spend transporting your gear, the size and weight of your bow, and the amount of protection your archery gear will need while in transport. You should select a bow case that will protect your expensive archery equipment from damage and keep it organized while you are traveling to and from the shooting range or on hunt.
Understanding Your Transportation Needs
Many archers carry their bows to and from the range. This may involve short journeys over rough roads and in and out of cars. If you also carry other items such as arrows, releases and target markers, then a soft case with plenty of space for accessories could be the best option.
How long do you plan to store your bow in your vehicle? Do you plan to carry a lot of additional archery gear with you? If your bow is only stored in your vehicle for a short time and you are very careful with your gear, then a soft padded case would likely suffice. These types of cases are very light weight and are typically very compact and include places for arrows, releases, and other gear such as rangefinders, quiver pouches, and stalk bags. However, in situations where your gear may take a lot of abuse in your vehicle (as in being stacked on top of other gear), a sturdier case may be the better option.
When traveling by air the above points are further accentuated. Again airline regulations vary from time to time and even from airline to airline so ensure that you check for the latest regulations prior to your departure. They may ban archery equipment from certain flights or restrict the amount of equipment that you can carry on to the plane with you.
Advantages of Soft Cases for Regular Use
A large number of archers store their equipment in soft bow cases, for the simple reason that they are light and easily stowed. This type of protective cover is perfect for practice sessions and can be easily stowed away in a corner of the car after a shooting session. The case collapses up and can be stowed in a corner of the car, and is perfect for archers who are constantly going to and from the local archery range. In addition to storing the bow safely, the soft case also has ample space for storing arrows, releases and other accessories, to ensure that everything needed for a shooting session is to hand.
Soft bow cases have their limitations. The greatest risk is accidental damage to sensitive archery accessories, such as sights and bow stabilizers, that are stacked on top of other pieces of gear in your vehicle. It is also critical to test the padding found in a soft case for adequate protection and durability. Inexpensive soft cases are usually made with thin, inadequate padding that will wear and fail with little use. Look for sturdy anchor points that will keep your bow securely in place within the case to prevent movement and possible damage.
For archers with a well-organized setup of their accessories, the soft bow case is a good solution. But, those who usually travel with a lot of gear and often pack it in a hurry, could end up damaging some of the parts in the case.
Hard and Hybrid Cases: The Choice for Serious Protection
A hard bow case will provide excellent protection to your equipment when traveling to archery matches or for storage at home. A hybrid bow case is made of a hard exterior with lightweight soft interior to protect your gear. This is a good option for those who need a little extra protection for their bow and other archery equipment when traveling.
Assess the case's internal structure: look for good quality padding, secure retention systems which are adjustable, and adequate compartments for your accessories. Remember an improper size case can either crush your precious gear or allow too much movement to cause potential damage.
While hard cases are obviously more durable, be aware that they are typically larger and you'll need to check out the handles and straps to ensure they can be easily carried.
Assessing Your Gear's Dimensions
To determine what size bow case you need, measure your bow with any accessories in place. A bow set up without attachments is generally easier to stow for soft cases but often wider and longer when fitted with sights, quiver etc. Remember also to check the clearance of any moving parts (such as cams) and take into account the straps of the case when in place, to avoid any undue stress on your bow.
Think carefully about how you are going to store your packed gear in your car. Take the time to measure your bow with accessories fitted and consider the amount of space available within the case for other gear, arrows and so on. Look for cases with high quality retainers that are designed to keep the gear safe and won't risk being damaged themselves. Having separate, fully packed compartments for arrows, etc will also aid in the safety of your gear.
Be aware that seemingly identical bow cases can have very different internal designs and thus may not be as suitable as they appear at first glance. Choose a case on the basis of more than just the brand name and marketing images!
Building a Complete Archery Kit
First, it is worth noting that an effective bow case can help to make your preparation a lot easier. You can store all sorts of tools like Allen wrenches, spare nocks, release aids, scorekeeping sheets and even more in your bow case. However, remember not to over stuff the case as there is a risk of damage, especially to the sensitive parts of your archery gear. Arrows can be stored in suitable sleeves or a separate arrow case to prevent damage. Other sharp tools like knives can be stored in their own separate pouches or even in side pockets to prevent any harm.
Do not overcrowd your case as this can lead to scratching of your gear, excessive noise whilst transporting the case and potential damage of other objects within the case. Keep sharp items secured in separate protective compartments so they cannot damage the bow or other equipment.
Follow the bow manufacturer's storage and transport instructions, and the safety guidelines of your range.
Ensuring Durability and Practicality
An attractive bow case does not necessarily mean a practical one. Check all the elements such as smooth opening zippers, strong stitching, sufficient padding protection and the ability to keep moisture out. Store your bow case and bow dry for extended periods of time.
Make sure the bow case you select will work for you given your travel style. Some go for the soft case first and overload it later with archery accessories. Look for a soft case with sufficient padding and be mindful of the compatibility for additional accessories as they are added or changed.
Ultimately the choice of a bow case will be influenced by the archer's normal journeys with their equipment. While a padded soft case may be suitable for short journeys around town, a hard case may be necessary for regular journeys by car and for club and tournaments. As with all archery equipment, it is worth reviewing from time to time to ensure it still meets your evolving needs.
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