The information below summarizes the most popular questions being asked by hunters when trying to purchase a bow case. If there’s any question missed, add them to the comments section below. I hope you enjoy this blog answering today’s top bow case FAQs.
1. Is A Bow Case Necessary?
Bow cases aren’t necessary for every hunter out there.
For those that do not travel far, and can safely hang up their bow on a rack or stand without being disturbed, you can easily get away with not purchasing a bow case.
However, most hunters out there have to travel, whether it be a short or long distance, to get to their final hunting destination. Also, a solid portion of bowhunters need a good option to store their bow when not in use, so it remains untouched and out of the way. As a result, a more common answer is probably – a large percentage of hunters do need a bow case to ensure their bow is protected
Furthermore, anyone traveling via airplane with a bow must understand that it’s a requirement to have a bow case.
2. Are SKB Bow Cases TSA Approved?
Not all SKB bow cases are TSA approved.
While many of SKB’s mid-to-top level bow cases are TSA approved, the brand as a whole does not mark every single one of their available bow cases with this feature. However, SKB does a great job helping consumers find out which ones are and which ones aren’t TSA approved – it’s available on each model’s standard features list.
In case you’re in the market for a new SKB bow case and want to purchase one that is TSA approved, I’d recommend you check out our blog listing the Top SKB Bow Cases available right now! I run down each bow cases’ pros and cons, as well as which bow case might be the right fit for you.
3. Can You Transport A Bow Without A Case?
No, you cannot transport a bow without a case in the United States.
As mentioned before, we have a great blog explaining what you need to know before traveling with a bow via airplane. While most hunters already know this answer, it’s important to realize that for those new to the sport, this might be an unanswered question for them. As stated in the blog, we encourage each hunter to call the respective airline they are traveling with to ensure these rules are up-to-date.
Added Resource: Here’s TSA’s most updated “What can I bring?” list for those hunters looking to travel?
4. How Much Does A Bow Case Cost?
A bow case (both soft and hard) cost can range from $30 to $250+, with the most expensive being around $500.
To steal from our other blog noting the 15 best bow cases available on the market right now, here’s a quick summary explaining the different bow case classes:
- 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+
5. Should I Choose A Soft Case Or Hard Case?
Hard bow cases are best for those that travel a lot and require the highest level of protection, while soft bow cases are great for someone trying to save money that doesn’t need a lot of features.
This particular question is asked countless times in the archery world – especially for those that are looking to add a new product to their list of hunting gear. For a great articles summarizing the pros and cons of both cases, I suggest you heading over to Outdoor Life to gather some more information. Here’s a quick summary of their thoughts:
Soft Cases:
Best for… Short-term transport on close-to-home hunts.
Outdoor LIfe
Hard Cases:
Best for… Serious protection for long hauls—think airline travel and road trips.
Outdoor Life
6. Can I Take A Bow Case On A Plane?
Yes, you can take a bow on a plane; however, the bow case has to be TSA approved.
To state the obvious, no you cannot take a bow case in the actual plane – they must be stored with the other bags for safety reasons… obviously. Be sure to scroll up to check out the latest TSA resources available for all hunters that will travel this upcoming season.
7. Where Do Archers Keep Their Bows?
Archers keep their bows in a variety of places, and some will surprise you. I did a small survey on a few FB archery groups to try to find out the most popular places hunters kept/stored their bows. Take a look at the list below!
Top Places Hunters Keep Their Bows
- Bow Case
- Wall Mount
- Hanging Rack
- Standing Rack
- Inside Traditional Metal Gun Cases
- On the couch / bed (Not Recommended)