15 Best Bow Cases Of 2023 [Hard & Soft]

Bow cases are an essential part of any hunter’s gear list as it provides much-needed protection for your most valuable tool. Sorting through the Best Bow Cases on the market can be a difficult task with so many great options out there. However, we’ve taken the time to personally review several of these cases, and provide the best option for you.

Before you go out and purchase a bow case it’s important to evaluate a few things – the benefits and drawbacks, what sets it apart from the competition, and the key categories to evaluate when it comes to these products. We’re going to discuss all of this information below in an easy-to-find, singe location so you don’t have to search the entire internet for answers.

Take the time to read each section thoroughly and review the detailed information we’ve provided. Making a decision like this, if done correctly, can leave you with a bow case that’s going to provide years of protection. From there on, you’ll know your bow is ready to go the moment it’s time to hunt!

Top 4 Bow Cases

The comparison box below summarizes the top 4 bow cases (in no particular order) available today by our standards. We’ve taken the time to do hands-on testing for each of these, with one of the bow cases being personally used for the past 10 years!

1. Pelican 1745 Bow Case Review

The Pelican 1745 bow case is the Best Overall Bow Case because Pelican jam-packed this piece of hunting gear with everything a serious bowhunter could ask for. Not only does it keep your compound bow safe and secure with the same case designs our Military and Police utilize, but it holds all your gear neatly separated to prevent mishaps – check the information below!

Furthermore, Pelican showcases a similar sentiment by being one of the few bow case manufacturers to back their products with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. And yes, if you’re worried about the “limited” part, I understand. But if you read the details of this coverage, it is far better than many other options out there today.

Pros	Cons
Reliable Brand	Price
Organized Storage	Bulky Weight & Size
Unbeatable Protection
Airline Approved

What Sets The Pelican 1745 Bow Case Apart From Its Competitors:

Summarizing what sets the Pelican 1745 Bow Case apart from comparable cases would take an immense amount of time. So to quickly summarize, everything is just… better! From the propriety polymer to the organized storage (that even holds your business cards), and even the silent rolling wheels, who else is making a case like this? The answer – nobody…

Specifications:

• Interior Dimensions: 44.01″L x 16.77″W x 7.94″H
• Exterior Dimensions: 46.69″L x 19.36″W x 8.73″H
• Weight: 23 lbs.

Key Features:

• Waterproof, Crushproof, Dustproof
• Super-light Proprietary HPX²™ Polymer (Up to 40% lighter)
• Automatic Pressure Equalization Valve
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

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2. Plano Protector Series Compact Bow Case Review

The Protector Series Compact bow case is by far the most popular bow case on this list. If you haven’t heard the name and just looked at the picture, you’ll probably recognize it as the case you see at many of your local archery shops.

It was chosen as the Most Affordable Bow Case Option because the price is comparable to (and at times cheaper than) soft cases, but without the lack of protection. This case, as mentioned earlier, has lasted me over 10 years at this point! From my experience, it hasn’t let me down yet. Of course, it doesn’t come with a sleek design or many additional features, but it does what it’s supposed to do – get your bow from point A to point B safely.

Pros	Cons
Price	Limited Foam Protection
Lightweight	Thin Shell
Fits Most Bows	No Additional Storage Space
Airline Approved	No Additional Features

What Sets The Plano Protector Series Compact Bow Case Apart From Its Competitors:

To be honest, the Plano Protector Series bow case isn’t really going to beat the competition from a technology/design perspective. The main thing that separates itself from everyone else is the PRICE – and the fact that this case with last for quite some time even though its very cheap.

Specifications:

• Interior Dimensions: 43″L x 19″W x 6.7″H
• Exterior Dimensions: N/A
• Weight: 10 lbs.

Key Features:

• Patented PillarLock System
• High Density Foam
• Arrow Storage
• Holds Parallel Limb Bow

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3. SKB iSeries 3614 Parallel Limb Bow Case Review

SKB really stepped up their game with the iSeries 3614 model, and it’s easy to see why. For anyone that’s done dealing with cheaper, less durable models and wants to finally move onto the last hard bow case they may ever buy, we recommend the 3614 by SKB.

This particular case is backed by military-grade standards, creating a design that is resistant to corrosion and impact damage. Furthermore, it’s water and dust tight, and can even be submerged without any damage to your bow. But don’t forget about the interior which features separate quiver, arrow, and accessory box compartments. What more can you ask for?

Pros	Cons
Warranty	Price
Storage Design	Accessories Sold Separately
Lightweight Construction
Airline Approved

What Sets The SKB iSeries 3614 Parallel Limb Bow Case Apart From Its Competitors:

The SKB 3614 is similar to the Pelican 1745 case in the sense that they’re both built by companies that know the importance of high standards. From this, SKB showcase their confidence by backing this particular case with a Lifetime Warranty and $1,500 in coverage. These two features are almost unheardof in the hunting community and one that should be recognized.

Specifications:

• Interior Dimensions: 35″L x 14″W x 4″H
• Exterior Dimensions: 40″L x 17.5″W x 7″H
• Weight: 17 lbs.

Key Features:

• Built To Military Standards
• Lifetime Warranty
• Resistant To UV, Solvents, Corrosion, Fungus 
• $1,500 Coverage

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4. Case Club Parallel Limb Bow Case Review

The Case Club parallel is not one of the most popular bow cases on this list, but nonetheless it comes very highly rated from hundreds of hunters. This particular case is a great mid-to-high level option for anyone that wants to try something new. Case Club stands by their cases by engineering crushproof designs that will last for years to come.

Pros	Cons
Durability	Brand Reliability
Crushproof	Price
Prevents Rust	Limited Storage Space
Airline Approved	Small Width For Large Sights

What Sets The Case Club Parallel Limb Bow Case Apart From Its Competitors:

This case’s most unique feature is the Hydro Absorbent Silica Gel Canister that helps prevent rust from eating your bow. Now, most people store their bow inside, but we’ve all left our case in a cold, damp location while traveling, and as a result, we’ve paid the price. This addition will help prevent such issues, keeping your bow at its highest performance level.

Specifications:

• Interior Dimensions: 44.50″L x 14.29″W x 6.22″H 
• Exterior Dimensions: 46.60″L x 16.72″W x 6.83″H
• Weight: 23 lbs.

Key Features:

• Stationary Foam Arrow Holders
• Pressure Release Purge Valve
• Heavy Duty Wheels
• Hydro Absorbent Silica Gel Canister (Helps to prevent rust)
• Waterproof Accessory Box
• Lifetime Warranty

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Some More of the Best Bow Cases

If you’re looking for some additional top bow case options, we’ve taken the time to point out a few more top picks. The selections below provide a little more variety when it comes to features and price points. We hope you enjoy!

Image	Product	Features	Price
A Top Protective Case	Plano All Weather Series Bow Case Brand: Plano Interior Size (LxWxH): 47" x 16" x 7" Price: Around $130	9.7	Best Price on AmazonBest Price on Walmart
A Great Hard Shell Bow Case	SKB 4119 Hard Exterior Bow Case Brand: SKB Interior Size (LxWxH): 39" x 18" x 8" Price: Around $390	9.5	Best Price on AmazonBest Price on Walmart
A Great Soft Bow Case	Legend Crusader Soft Bow Case Brand: Legend Interior Size (LxWxH): 37" x 3" x 19" Price: Around $140	9.1	Best Price on AmazonBest Price on Walmart
	SKB 4117 Bow Case Brand: SKB Interior Size (LxWxH): 39" x 15" x 5" Price: Around $170	8.8	Best Price on AmazonBest Price on Walmart
	Flambeau Safe Shot Bow Case Brand: Plano Interior Size (LxWxH): 49" x 21" x 7" Price: Around $75	8.6	Best Price on AmazonBest Price on Walmart
	Jaegvida Archery Bow Case Brand: Jaegvida Interior Size (LxWxH): 36'' x 16'' Price: Around $40	8.2	Best Price on Amazon
	Plano Bow Guard AW Bow Case Brand: Plano Interior Size (LxWxH): 47" x 16" x 7" Price: Around $150	8	Best Price on AmazonBest Price on Bass Pro
	Legend Apollo Compound Bow Case Brand: Legend Interior Size (LxWxH): ‎40" x 19" x 2" Price: Around $140	7.7	Best Price on AmazonBest Price on Walmart
	Plano Mil-Spec Fieldlocker Bow Case Brand: Plano Interior Size (LxWxH): 44" x 16" x 6" Price: Around $400	7.4	Best Price on Amazon
	Plano Parallel Limb Bow Case Brand: Plano Interior Size (LxWxH): 41" x 17"  x 7" Price: Around $100	7.2	Best Price on AmazonBest Price on Walmart

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Best Cabela’s Bow Case

For those in search of a private label brand, we’ve added a top choice from Cabela’s! Take a look at the information below and click if you’re interested in purchasing today.

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Key Decision Making Factors When Buying A Bow Case

Size

The first thing any bowhunter needs to do before purchasing a bow case is measure your bow! Yes, this sounds obvious but many people forget to do this. Furthermore, make sure you measure both the length, width, and height with all your accessories (minus the quiver). Certain rests and sights add several inches to a bow’s measurements so it’s important to take this into account.

One addition thing – make sure you measure cases’s exterior dimensions as well and compare that to where you’re going to store the case, or how you’re going to travel with it. For example, many people assume a bow case will easy fit behind in the back seat floor area of their truck without realizing some of these cases are quite bulky.

Price

The great thing about archery bow cases today is the fact that you can get a somewhat high quality case at a reasonable price. There are so many advanced bow cases out there right now, that the cheaper options were actually considered “very good” several years ago. If you’re relatively new to archery, and trying to manage to a budget, we’d recommend a lower level case as it will do everything you need while not breaking the bank.

On the other side of things, we know there are highly-experience archers out there that routinely travel with their bow and rely on a good case to prevent anything from breaking or getting damaged. For those in this category, a bow case like a Plano or SKB might be the best fit for you. It’s not only going to protect your gear, but it’s going to keep everything neatly organized and ready to go.

• Lower Level – Most Affordable: Price Range of $30-$100
• Middle Level – Standard Quality/Features: Price Range of $120-$200
• Highest Level – Top Performance: Price Range of $250+

Related Article: Have you ever considered Storing Your Bow Without A Case to save a little money?

Material

Bow case material is going to come down to two areas – the outer shell and the inside foam. Most bow manufacturers are going to use some type of injection molded construction with various plastic-type materials, more specifically polymer. Of course, keep in mind polymer is different than plastic, and polypropylene is an example of a plastic polymer.

According to Machine Designs, they say…

Polypropylene copolymer is a bit softer but has better impact strength. It’s tougher and more durable than propylene homopolymer. It tends to have better stress crack resistance and lower temperature toughness than homopolymer at the expense of a small reduction in other properties.

Machine Designs

Here’s a better summary of the shell material we discussed above:

• Pelican: Pelican Proprietary HPX²™ Polymer
• SKB: Polypropylene Copolymer Resin
• Case Club: Polypropylene Copolymer
• Plano: Polymer

Now, when it comes to foam, a lot of companies use a proprietary type of foam, or just a “high-density” generic foam. There’s not a lot of information out there on what is better, so we recommend going to a local store to get a in-person feel. Of course, either one will securely protect your bow. It’s all about personal preference here.

Security

When it comes to the best bow case security, a lot of cases out there are going to come with some sort of lock hasp feature on the outside of the case. Many of your cheaper, lower-level cases will feature a single, plastic hasp, while those more expensive options like SKB or Plano offer multiple (padlock) stainless steel lock hasps for added security.

One side note – some bow case manufacturers feature a combination lock that’s built into the case. While this is biased advice, we’d recommend to stay away from such options. Taking in personal experience and scanning numerous reviews, these locks are just not reliable. Not only are they prone to breakage, they can also prevent your case from shutting – making it somewhat worthless at that point.

Additionally, it’s important to note that many soft cases do not feature any type of security feature.

Keep In Mind: Before purchasing a bow case and traveling via plane, make sure your case has TSA approved locking latches.

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Best Bow Case FAQs

How Much Should I Spend On A Bow Case?

To make it simple, we’ll reference the bow case category list mentioned in the previous section with some additional recommendations:

• Lower Level – Most Affordable: Price Range of $30-$100
  • Recommended for anyone new to archery, a child/teenager, or someone that wants to stay on a budget.
• Middle Level – Standard Quality/Features: Price Range of $120-$200
  • Recommended for anyone that’s an experienced archer that travels somewhat routinely, and is trying to balance price and performance.
• Highest Level – Top Performance: Price Range of $250+
  • Recommended for serious archers (especially competition archers) and anyone that travels extensively on a plane with a bow, and has money to spend.

Do I Need A Soft Or Hard Bow Case?

As you can see by the list above, specifically the top 4, we highly recommend a hard bow case if you’re going to purchase one. Obviously, you’re here to find something to protect your bow, and soft cases are just an unreliable solution when it comes to this area. All it take is a slight bump to your sight or rest, and there goes your accuracy. I would only suggest a soft case for those that cannot carry a heavy load, or if you’re transporting your bow for short times/distances.

Best Bow Case Review Video