7 Best Compound Bow Cases
Last updated on August 11 by Shawn Lentz
You spent a good chunk of your paycheck on that killer compound bow. You want to keep your investment protected, don’t you? That’s why we’re going to give you the rundown on the seven best compound bow cases currently out on the market.
Whether it is a hard case with a Pillarlock system, fleece lining, or a soft case with a zipper, a good compound bow case should be specific to your intended use and made of durable materials.
There are various sizes, build styles, and arrow and accessory storage capabilities to sift through when determining the best case for your compound bow. Each option has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s get into the seven best bow cases you should consider for your bow.
Compound Bow Cases Comparison
| PRODUCT | OUR RATING | PRICE | BUY ONLINE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plano Mil-Spec Fieldlocker Compound Bow Case | $$ | ||
| Case Club Waterproof Bow Case | $$$ | ||
| Plano Protector Compact Bow Case | $ | check on cabela's | |
| Flambeau Outdoors Safe Shot Bow Case | $ | ||
| SKB Injection-Molded Small Parallel Limb Bow Case | $$ | ||
| SKB Cases Hunter Parallel Limb Bow Case | $$ | check on cabela's | |
| XOP-XTREME Outdoor Products Slayer Soft Bow Case | $$ |
1. Best Overall Compound Bow Case: Plano Mil-Spec Fieldlocker Compound Bow Case
It’s hard to go wrong with Plano, the company known for making quality tackle boxes since the 1950s. Undoubtedly, we all carried one of those tackle boxes as kids. Plano also makes great bow cases. The mold-injected, mil-spec, Fieldlocker bow case is perfect for heavy travel and air transport.
Built and tested to military specification, the Fieldlocker compound bow case uses an extremely durable polypropylene that resists immersion, dust, and impact damage. The heavy-duty Dri-Loc gasket system ensures that dirt, dust, and water have zero chance of getting in.
The interior of this Plano case features high-density, pre-perforated, convoluted foam that enables interior customization for your particular bow. You simply pluck it out until you create a perfect fit for your bow that will keep it secure. This case avoids loosening and coming undone during travel, which can potentially throw off your bow sight.
Another great thing about this bow case is the accessories storage area. There is a dedicated pocket for your quiver, and a separate pocket for your release, stabilizer, and any other archery gear that should stay with your bow.
We only had one complaint about this otherwise awesome bow case. One is the arrow storage area: It only holds six arrows. You can always store extras in an arrow case with your other gear or luggage. But, being able to store up to a dozen in your bow case would be a better option.
Benefits
- Keeps bow exceptionally secure
- Roll when tired of carrying
- Will hold plenty of accessories
2. Best Value Compound Bow Case: Plano Protector Compact Bow Case
The Plano Protector Compact Bow Case is the go-to bow case for most beginners, and you can’t go wrong for the price. With just a bit of assembly to install the arrow holder and velcro security straps, you have a case that will protect your bow for years to come.
This no-frills Plano case features Plano’s trademark Pillar Lock system. The Pillar Lock system are posts molded into the top and bottom of the case. When closed, the posts or “pillars” lock together, making it nearly crush-proof. Whether you are taking your bow to the range or across the country, you can be sure this airline-approved bow case with padlock tabs will arrive in one piece.
The interior combines high-density foam and velcro straps to keep nearly any bow secure and safe from jostling. The Plano Protector only holds six arrows and doesn’t have any dedicated accessory pockets, unfortunately. With a little creativity, you can store your release, quiver, and a dozen arrows in the case along with your bow. For instance, once you strap your bow in securely, you can simply put your release or other smaller accessories behind the foam interior that your bow lays on. You can also store six arrows in the arrow holder and lay your quiver full of arrows along the string-side of your bow.
The Plano Protector is one of Plano’s most popular cases, and the construction or price won’t disappoint.
Benefits
- Big savings
- Easy to carry
- Bow secures quickly
3. Best Premium Compound Bow Case: Case Club Waterproof Bow Case
Case Club made an exceptional hard-case that is TSA approved, waterproof, and built like an absolute tank. If something is going to come for your bow, it will have to go through the Case Club Waterproof Case first. And that is going to be impossible!
If your bow measures up to 40 inches in length and 13 inches in width, it will fit perfectly. The pre-cut high density, partially convoluted foam conforms to your bow, providing an ultra-snug fit for extra security. A pretty cool extra that Case Club included with the accessory pocket is an extra case for your release and archery tackle. Another interior feature we love is the arrow storage area. It holds up to a dozen arrows which is a really great feature.
The case is already waterproof, but this case goes even further to keep moisture out. It comes with a refillable silica gel canister. A pre-cut slot in the layered foam holds the canister.
The Case Club is another high-end case that has in-line wheels on the bottom. You’ll appreciate this feature if you have to haul it over a significant distance. No worries, however—-multiple padlock tabs will keep it locked-up and secure while traveling.
We can’t say enough good things about this premium bow case. Although it could use a little more storage space, it will keep your bow safe.
Bonus feature: The Club Case comes with a recurve bow case option as well. Specifically, takedown recurves with pockets for six limbs, two risers, 13 arrows, a quiver, broadheads, and a ton more storage.
Benefits
- Keeps rust-causing moisture out
- Bow is snug and well-protected
- Keeps your bow accessories separate
4. Best Value Runner-Up Compound Bow Case: Flambeau Outdoors Safe Shot Bow Case
The Flambeau Outdoors Safe Shot case is a close runner-up to the Plano Protector with some cool extra features.
At a mere 2.2 pounds, and with an interior measurement of 47.5 inches long by 19.25 inches wide and 5 inches deep, just about any compound bow will fit in this case. Compared to the Plano, it has some more advanced features like the foam bed. The foam bed prevents damage to the bow, and the velcro straps hold it securely in place during transport.
One of the big pluses on this hard case is the two sets of arrow holders in the lid. Together, they hold a total of twelve arrows. A pillar structure reinforces the case strength making it virtually impossible to crush under normal circumstances. Four padlock tabs keep your case locked up tight and its contents away from curious hands.
A very slick and ingenious feature we like is the two broadhead wrenches built right into the top of the case. One is a three-blade wrench while the other is a four-blade. You just stick your broadhead arrow into the corresponding slot and use it to unscrew the broadhead from the arrow shaft. These wrenches allow you to easily switch between broadheads and field points while you’re practicing. It also gives you better leveraging than a handheld broadhead wrench – perfect for those stubborn broadheads that don’t want to unscrew.
Benefits
- Remove broadheads with built-in wrenches
- Will not compress under impact
- Holds plenty of arrows
5. Best Youth/Women’s Compound Bow Case: SKB Injection-Molded Small Parallel Limb Bow Case
The SKB Injection-Molded Small Parallel Limb bow case is a top of the line, premium bow case. It’s so tough that you could drop it off the top of a building (maybe your local Bass Pro?), and still keep your bow accurate and ready for the hunt.
Some musicians may recognize SKB from the road cases they make for musical equipment for decades now. Well, they also expanded out into the archery and firearm market. Given how delicate processing and amplification equipment can be, SKB knows something about keeping sensitive equipment damage-free.
This bow case fits smaller bows, with axle lengths less than 35 inches, like the Diamond Edge Pro or Mathews Heli-M.
The exterior is a tough, mil-spec, polypropylene material and features reinforced padlock tabs to keep unwanted hands off your archery gear. For even further security, you can retrofit it with locking latches. Armed with in-line, skate-style wheels for when you have to carry over long distances, you can give your arms and back a rest. There are also cushioned carrying handles on three different sides for convenience.
Your bow will stay super secure with the snug, custom fitting, high-density foam, and velcro straps. The arrow holder in the top of the case holds up to a dozen arrows, so you’re good to go if you lose or break a couple.
The only missing feature on this waterproof, high-quality bow case is a pocket for accessories.
Benefits
- Takes hard impacts while traveling
- Holds more arrows than average
- Will hold smaller bows
6. Best Parallel Limb Compound Bow Case: SKB Cases Hunter Parallel Limb Bow Case
SKB designed this lighter-weight, hard-sided bow case for hunters with parallel-limb bows. With the same bomb-proof construction as their other cases, it has a sturdy, ABS exterior, tightly fit to keep out dust and water, as well as locking latches.
The interior measures 39 inches long by 15 inches wide by 6 inches deep. It will fit most modern compound bows that are parallel-limb style (so basically every compound bow these days). The bottom area where the bow sits is cushioned with a fleece lining to keep your bow scratch-free during transport. Also, the arrow storage is on the bottom side of the case, so it sits under your bow. The pre-cut polyfoam holds a dozen arrows and stores your bow with the quiver attached.
One downfall of the Hunter Parallel Limb case is it doesn’t have any pockets for storing your release or other accessories. But like other cases without this feature, the creative archer can find a way to make it work. Another thing to be aware of is that due to the different orientation, it may not work well for a left-handed bow.
Overall, this is a tough, lockable, easy carrying case that will hold over a dozen arrows (12 plus those in the quiver). You get many of the same features you get with the higher-end compound bow cases for significantly less.
Benefits
- Keep quiver on while storing
- Easy to carry
- Water cannot get inside
7. Best Soft Compound Bow Case: XOP-XTREME Outdoor Products Slayer Soft Bow Case
The first thing that you’ll notice about this soft bow case from XOP-XTREME Outdoor Products is that it has a ton of storage. This is a very well-designed soft bow case that will fit bows with an axle-to-axle length of 40 inches or less.
Made of sturdy canvas with heavy-duty zippers, this is the perfect bow case for those not concerned with having a bulky hard case. Perfect for just going on short trips or days at the range where there is no need to stack gear on your case. Just throw it in your car and go.
The adjustable shoulder strap makes it comfortable and easy to carry. The padded interior has moveable riser blocks so you can customize your fit a little better. Mesh organizer pockets on the front, back, and inside are so numerous that you can fit everything from arrows to wax without the need for an extra archery tackle box.
Other than being a soft case, there are no cons to report for this quality bow case. It may be soft, but it’s made with durable materials. If you are looking for a rugged, lightweight soft case, the Slayer from XOP-XTREME is the way to go.
Benefits
- Store tons of accessories
- Customize your own fit
- Will accommodate large bows
Things to Consider
When choosing a case, there are some things to think about that will help steer you towards the right choice. Factors like how many arrows your case will store, whether your bow is right or left-handed, and how you will use it will make the difference between the available choices.
What’s the Arrow Capacity?
Many cases only fit six arrows, which we find somewhat frustrating. When choosing a case, think about how you would like to transport your arrows along with your bow. If you don’t mind only having six in your case and carrying another half-dozen in a separate arrow case, then no problem.
But if you just want to grab and go without extra items, make sure you either:
1. Have enough room in the bow case arrow holder to accommodate a dozen
2. Have enough room to put your quiver full of arrows in the case, along with the six the case holds.
Maybe you’re sighting in your bow at deer camp. You fire an arrow, miss the target, and hit a rock in the ground, destroying your arrow. Or, you could flinch while target shooting and send your arrow off into a thousand acres of wilderness. With 10 to 12 arrows on hand, you’re covered. Whether you’re on a hunting trip, at the indoor archery range, or in the middle of nowhere, you’ve got backup.
Right or Left Handed Bow?
Something that may not be completely obvious is the handedness of your bow. What does that have to do with the case? Some of the cases you’ve seen in this article have a snug and precise fit, with shaped areas for the stabilizer and bow sight. They may only work with a right or left handed bow.
Some cases have arrows that store in the bottom part of the case under the bow. Because of how a right-handed bow sits over the arrow storage area (with the bow sight facing down), it allows for a small space between the bow and arrows. A left-handed bow in the same case would simply sit directly on the arrows, potentially damaging them. If the case fits in the bow with the quiver attached, a left-handed bow will not allow for that. Of course, it all depends on the interior of the case and its shape.
Just make sure you take that into account when choosing. Otherwise, you’ll be sending a case back if because your bow doesn’t fit right.
Primary Use of the Case
Where and how you’re going to be using your bow will help you decide on the kind of case you should get.
If you’ll use your bow primarily for target practice at the archery range or carrying it inside your truck or car, a light hard case or a soft case will be a great choice. For that type of transport, you won’t need something super heavy duty.
However, if you’re traveling cross-country or flying for out-of-state hunts, you’ll want a durable case that can hold up to the rigors of getting slammed around in a truck or plane. Also, a case with weather resistance that has pressure equalization is a good idea.
Compound Bow Case FAQs
What is the best case for air travel?
Many of the hard cases, even the introductory ones, are TSA approved. As long as they are Pillarlock compatible, mil-spec, or otherwise constructed to withstand high impact, they will perform well. Make sure they also have a pressure equalization valve and locking latches or padlock tabs.
What Compound Bow Case Should I Use for an ATV?
While there are no specific cases for ATVs, you can use a smaller hard case like the Plano Protector. A common practice is to affix it to the front rack of your ATV with zip ties or other fasteners. Another option is to attach ATV bow/gun racks to the ATV handlebars.
What’s better, a hard compound bow case or soft case?
It all depends on your use. A hard case is going to be much more effective in keeping your compound bow protected if you’re flying or transporting it long distances. A soft case is an excellent option if you’re heading to the range or aren’t worried about it getting beat up.
