The Best Bow Case for Compound and Recurve Bows in 2024

A modern bow is a marvel of science and a work of art. It’s also pretty valuable, so it’s a good idea to keep it safe with a bow case. That’s why we created this guide to help you choose the best bow case whether you have a compound or recurve bow. We have basic summaries of our favorites as well as full reviews and a buyer’s guide so that you can make an informed choice.

The Best Compound Bow Cases: Our Top Picks

Our full in-depth reviews of the best compound bow cases are below, but we suggest that you review the list of top picks first to see if any stand out. That way you can already have one or two in mind that might be right for you.

Flambeau Outdoors 6461SC Safe Shot Bow Case: Our favorite overall because it’s super protective but also includes storage for 12 arrows.

LWANO Compound Bow Case: Due to the tough canvas exterior, it’s our top soft-shell case for compound bows.

Legend Apollo Travel Compound Bow Case: Our recommendation for traveling archers thanks to the extensive storage compartments.

Case Club Waterproof Parallel Limb Compound Bow Precut Case: It’s waterproof and helps prevent rust, so it’s a great option for offseason bow storage.

Gespann Soft Bow Case Padded Archery Bag: New on the market, this case is a basic option that’s easy on your wallet.

Plano Protector Compact Bow Case: We included it because it’s airline-approved. 

The Best Recurve Bow Cases: Our Top Picks

Recurve bows need cases too! First, consider our top picks and why we chose them. If one stands out to you, the in-depth reviews of the best recurve bow cases are below.

Vista Traveler Takedown Case: With thick foam for all your bow components, it’s our top recurve case overall.

SAS Recurve Takedown Bow Case: A solid choice for beginners, it fits popular takedowns like the Samick Sage.

KRATARC Archery Takedown Recurve Soft Bow Case: The MOLLE system makes it fun and practical.

Universe Archery Recurve Bow Bag: For bowhunters, this case allows you to carry your bow to your tree stand ready to go.

SHARROW Archery Traditional Bow Bag: We love the traditional look of this bow bag which matches a lot of handmade recurves and horsebows.

PMZ Archery 31″ Bow Case: If you’re on a budget, consider this basic recurve bow case.

The Best Compound Bow Cases: Our In-Depth Reviews

Compound bows are powerful but delicate pieces of equipment. To keep them safe while storing or transporting them, read through these six reviews of the best compound bow cases and pick the one that’s most appropriate for your purposes.

The Best Compound Bow Case Overall: Flambeau Outdoors 6461SC Safe Shot Bow Case

Our Verdict: The Flambeau Outdoors compound bow case is our top recommendation first and foremost because it has one of the most protective hard shells, but we also love its rack with room for 12 arrows.

Pros:

• Durable plastic hard shell
• Lightweight
• Padded foam interior
• Four lockable clasps
• Rack for 12 arrows
• Broadhead sockets
• Ergonomic handle

Cons:

• No carrying strap
• Arrow rack requires installation
• No accessory compartments

This Flambeau Outdoors bow case is a great choice for anyone whose main goal is protecting their valuable compound bow. The case is made of a high-impact plastic material that is durable but surprisingly lightweight at just over two pounds. 

In addition to the tough outer shell, it features a molded interior with foam padding that holds your bow secure so that it doesn’t jostle around while simultaneously protecting it from bumps and scratches during transportation. The case also has four lockable clasps for added security, which is especially important for those who travel frequently with their bow.

One of our favorite features of this case is the inclusion of extra storage space for 12 arrows locked into a secure rubber racking system. Though it requires installation, this is excellent for range practice.

Similarly, you get wrench sockets that accept both three- and four-blade broadheads. They’re molded directly into the case exterior, which allows safe but convenient removal. This makes the case good for hunting as well.

Finally, this case is easy to carry around. Aside from being lightweight, it has an ergonomic handle that doesn’t wear your arm and hand out as fast as other models.

The Best Soft-Shell Compound Bow Case: LWANO Compound Bow Case

Our Verdict: If you want a lightweight soft-shell case for bowhunting, this LWANO case with its camo design and tough canvas is an excellent choice.

Pros:

• Lightweight, less than 2 lbs
• Backpack straps
• Abrasion-resistant canvas
• Cam pockets
• Quiver and accessory pocket
• Camo option

Cons:

• Minimal impact padding

The first thing we noticed about this case is how impressively lightweight it is coming in under two pounds. This is ideal for bowhunters because you likely have a lot of other gear, and this doesn’t add too much to your load.

On top of that, it’s easy to carry because it has backpack straps. You can choose to load it on your back, or if you already have other kit, you can carry it by the handle.

Of course, even if you’re getting a soft-shell case, you want your bow protected. The LWANO case does this through 600D canvas that resists abrasion, so it keeps your bow safe from scratches and dings in thick brush. Plus, it has padding on the inside to provide a bit of impact resistance including extra pockets for the cams, the most delicate part of your bow.

We also love that it has a quiver for arrows in addition to an accessory pocket for sights, stabilizers or whatever you don’t want to leave permanently attached to the bow while you transport it.

However, our favorite feature might be the camo design option. You can get it in black if you prefer, but the late-season wood camo design helps bowhunters blend in in most environments to improve their chances of success.

The Best Compound Bow Case for Traveling: Legend Apollo Travel Compound Bow Case

Our Verdict: This case is easy to carry, highly protective and covered with pockets for storing arrows and accessories. As a result, we consider it the best compound bow case for transporting your bow while traveling.

Pros:

• Extensive storage space
• Nylon shell
• Internal foam padding
• Water-resistant
• Adjustable shoulder strap and neoprene handle
• Numerous color options

Cons:

• Stands out for hunting purposes
• Bulky 

The Legend Apollo compound bow case is one of the best options if you plan to travel a lot with your bow and also need to transport a lot of accessories in addition to protecting your bow from a range of situations. It has tons of pockets including an arrow tube pocket. You can pack just about all your accessories plus club cards, licenses, even your boarding passes.

It’s one of the safest travel cases as well. It’s kind of a cross between a hard- and soft-shell case in that it has a flexible nylon shell on the outside but cellular foam padding on the inside. Again, this makes it good for travel since it’s a bit easier to get into tight spaces, but it still protects your bow from rough impacts. Oh yeah, and it’s water-resistant to boot.

Plus, you can carry it easily. The adjustable shoulder strap comes with a pad so it doesn’t dig into your muscles like a lot of bags. Alternatively, you can use the dual neoprene handle that closes over the zipper.

Now, we primarily recommend this for long-distance bow transport, by train, plane or automobile. It’s not the best choice for carrying your bow to your tree stand because it’s a bit large and finished with bright colors. Of course, those colors make it look professional and easy to find when you are taking your bow through airports and train stations.  

The Best Compound Bow Case for Storage: Case Club Waterproof Parallel Limb Compound Bow Precut Case

Our Verdict: If you store your compound bow in the offseason, you want a waterproof and protective hard-shell case like this precut model from Case Club.

Pros:

• Moisture-removing silica gel
• IP67 waterproof with gasket seal
• Injection-molded hard shell
• Precut foam interior
• Four lockable latches
• Pressure release valve

Cons:

• Precut design means limited fit
• Awkward transportation

The Case Club compound bow case has one major claim to fame: it prevents rust thanks to a silica gel insert that removes moisture from inside the case. Plus, it’s hard for moisture to get into the case in the first place because it’s IP67 waterproof and has a gasket seal that encloses your bow away from water, dirt and dust.

It doesn’t just protect your bow from water, though. Made of injection-molded plastic around a foam interior, it provides a highly protective shell around your bow. You never know when something is going to fall on your case from the top shelf in the attic, so this is essential for long-term storage.

We do want to point out that this case is “precut” and doesn’t fit all compound bows. Instead, the interior is 40 inches at the longest and 13.4 inches wide, so double check the size of your bow model. You also can’t store it with accessories attached, though there is a handy waterproof accessory box, so you don’t have to worry about finding separate storage for that important gear.

We’ll also say that transporting this case can be a bit awkward. It has handles on both the end and side, but its rectangular hard-shell design inevitably means you’ll be doing some lugging. That’s why we consider this case better for long-term storage, though it also works for shipping. This is especially true since it has four secure latches that you can close with padlocks. 

The Best Compound Bow Case on a Budget: Gespann Soft Bow Case Padded Archery Bag

Our Verdict: A bow case is always a good investment, but if you don’t regularly need it, you might not want to shell out a ton of cash. In that case, we recommend the Gespann Soft Bow Case and its affordable price tag.

Pros:

• 600D polyester
• Internal padding
• Affordable price
• Numerous carrying options
• Arrow and accessory pockets

Cons:

• Strange color design
• Weak zipper

The Gespann soft-shell bow case is a newcomer on the market, but we can already tell it’s going to be an archery favorite. It provides a lot of protection thanks to 600D polyester fabric and internal padding, yet it has an affordable price tag that lets you carry your compound bow as needed without going over budget.

One way it helps you carry your bow is with the numerous straps. It has backpack straps, which can be great for transporting it from your truck to your tree stand. It also has an adjustable but removable shoulder strap and simple handle. 

We were a bit surprised by the “camo” coloring. It’s not really camo at all and looks a bit strange. At the same time, it’s not too big of a deal because it shouldn’t make you stand out to game. 

However, we loved the extra storage. There’s an arrow pocket in addition to smaller pockets for storing important accessories, whether for hunting or target practice.

The Best Compound Bow Case for Airline Travel: Plano Protector Compact Bow Case

Our Verdict: This Plano hard-shell case is airline-approved, so it’s a good choice if you need to fly with your bow to hunting trips or archery events around the country or even the world.

Pros:

• Pillarlock anti-crush shell
• Foam floor
• Airline-approved
• Storage for five arrows
• Four lockable latches
• Molded handle

Cons:

• Foam on only one side
• No storage for accessories
• Awkward transportation

Plano is kind of a big deal when it comes to bow cases, the Plano Protector Compact Bow Case one of their most fantastic models. It has a pillarlock hard shell that’s designed to resist crushing forces. Plus, it has a hard foam floor where you place your bow and use straps to tuck it in. In other words, it’s good for storage and transportation.

With exterior measurements of about 43 inches tall and 19 inches long, it’s a fit for most of the parallel limb bows you’ll find. Even if the bow’s a bit small, the straps keep it stable.

One great feature we love the most important thing in a hard bow case: it’s airline approved. If you’re flying somewhere for a hunt, this may be a great option. Similarly, you can ship it to a friend or new residence with confidence.

It’s not just good for storing the bow, though. You also have storage for five arrows, though we wish there were some compartments for accessories. Nevertheless, you can keep all this safe thanks to the four lockable latches.

Lastly, carrying isn’t the easiest on this model, but it does have a built-in handle. Since it’s part of the molded shell, it’s stable and unlikely to break or malfunction. And it gets the job done of helping you move it from one place to another.

The Best Recurve Bow Cases: Our In-Depth Reviews

Recurve bows are beautiful and powerful, but to keep them that way, you need a case to protect them during storage and travel. These are our six favorites in a range of categories.

The Best Recurve Bow Case Overall: Vista Traveler Takedown Case

Our Verdict: Whether it’s for long-term storage or just taking your recurve bow to the range, we absolutely love the Vista Traveler Takedown Case that totally envelops your bow components in foam while providing storage space for 18 arrows. 

Pros:

• Fits most production recurves
• Rugged design
• Full foam containment
• Storage for 18 arrows
• Accessory compartments
• Stable bow screws

Cons:

• Sight must be removed

If you’ve purchased a Samick Sage (and if you’ve read a couple of our other posts, you know we’re big fans of that recurve), then the Vista Traveler Takedown Case can be a great option because it fits a Samick Sage very, very well. That said, it also works for a wide range of recurve bows.

The case is rugged and has a lot of holding capacity. It can fit 18 arrows, great for target shooting at the range. Plus, there are compartments in the front of the case to store strings, gloves, wax, field points and so on, in addition to separate folds in the foam for your riser and each limb. As a nice little bonus, it has two small holes to hold the large screws that keep your limbs in place.

This isn’t just our favorite recurve bow case. It’s a popular model overall, and chances are you’ve seen it at the range or the club. It’s 37 inches long and 11 inches tall, so it’s a decent size, and it can fit bows up to 62 inches, the vast majority of production recurve bows.

Our only beef with this model is that the sight needs to be removed before you can stash your riser, but that’s true of most hard bow cases that have a foam bottom.

The Best Recurve Bow Case for Beginners: SAS Recurve Takedown Bow Case

Our Verdict: The SAS Recurve Takedown Case is one of the best recurve bow cases for beginners using a starting recurve like the Samick Sage. 

Pros:

• Protective pouches
• Small and compact
• Storage for accessories
• Different color options
• Loops for arrow tube holder

Cons:

• No arrow storage 

First of all, this case has two pouches on the inside of the case: one for your riser and one for both of your limbs, which should fit snugly together, though you may want to wrap each in cloth. It’s much smaller than compound bow cases because after all, a takedown is made to be taken apart, so the dimensions here are 26.5 inches long and 10 inches high. This is conveniently compact and great for transportation.

One thing we really like is the pouch in the front that holds a few accessories, so you can use it for both hunting and target shooting. It’s also manufactured in a bunch of different colors, which is a nice feature that most hard cases don’t include.

Unfortunately, this case doesn’t have any dedicated arrow storage, but it does have loops on the back for an arrow tube holder. This is a good way to protect your arrows anyway, so it’s smart to get one and use it with this case.

The Best Tactical Recurve Bow Case: KRATARC Archery Takedown Recurve Soft Bow Case

Our Verdict: The MOLLE system is an innovative design that allows for the attachment of multiple accessories. To take advantage of this system for archery, consider the KRATARC recurve case. 

Pros:

• Multiple slots for bow components
• Accessory pockets
• Adjustable shoulder strap
• Included tactical patch
• MOLLE system

Cons:

• No arrow storage

In many ways, the KRATARC bow case is similar to many soft-shell recurve cases on the market. It has multiple slots to hold your limbs and riser securely and protect them from damage and scratches. Plus, it has multiple pockets for storing important accessories like stabilizers and sights that you can use for bowhunting or target shooting. It can carry your arrows too, but you have to get an arrow tube separately and attach it with the included straps.

Additionally, we found this to be one of the best recurve cases for carrying. It has an adjustable shoulder strap and instinctual handles that let you hold it effortlessly against your body.

All that said, we chose this recurve case for our list for a different reason: its awesome tactical MOLLE design. For one thing, this just looks cool, and you even get a tactical patch. More than just appearance, though, you can use the MOLLE system to attach accessories, pens, carabiners, whatever you want.

The Best Recurve Bow Case for Hunting: Universe Archery Recurve Bow Bag

Our Verdict: For traditional bowhunters, the Universe Archery Recurve Bow Bag is the ideal way to transport your recurve bow to your hunting location ready to go.

Pros:

• Camo design
• Fits recurve bows without takedown
• Cordura fabric
• Lightweight

Cons:

• No shoulder strap
• Bulky

For some reason, it’s hard to find a recurve bow case that comes in camo. That’s the main reason we chose the Universe bag for our list. For both recurve and longbows, it can keep you hidden while you hike to your tree stand.

Additionally, we like that it’s large enough to carry the full bow. With the biggest size option coming in at 72 inches, it will fit the vast majority of recurve bows and even a lot of longbows, making it a great solution for traditional bowhunters. Even if you have a takedown bow, you don’t want to have to put it together in your tree stand. With this case, you can transport your full bow, strung and ready to hunt.

Aside from mere transportation, the Universe Archery bag protects your valuable recurve bow as well. It’s made with Cordura fabric that resists abrasion on the outside along with soft inner material that doesn’t scratch or nick your bow. 

Best Traditional Recurve Bow Case: SHARROW Archery Traditional Bow Bag

Our Verdict: If you have a traditional recurve or horsebow, this bow bag from Sharrow will match your style while providing storage and protection for your bow and its arrows.

Pros:

• Traditional style
• Easy carrying over the shoulder
• Soft inner material
• Waterproof
• Storage for six arrows

Cons:

• Too small for most production recurves
• Minimal padding 

Before you consider this case further, note that it’s only 60 inches long. That’s going to eliminate a lot of the full production recurves out there, especially those designed for hunting. Instead, this case is better for handmade recurve bows as well as horsebows.

If you fit in that category, there’s hardly a better choice than the Sharrow bow bag. In addition to looking sleek and matching your traditional bow, it’s easy to carry. In fact, it can be hung over your shoulder to carry it on your back.

It keeps your bow safe too. It has a soft inside material that minimizes abrasion against the bow’s finish. More significantly, it’s waterproof so you don’t have to worry about getting caught in inclement weather. It even has storage for up to six arrows despite its small, compact size.

The Best Recurve Bow Case on a Budget: PMZ Archery 31″ Bow Case

Our Verdict: The PMZ Archery bow case is a straightforward model that will allow you to carry your takedown recurve without hassle or draining your bank account.

Pros:

• Budget price
• Tough canvas design
• Reinforced ends
• Lightweight
• Convenient shoulder strap

Cons:

• No extra storage compartments
• Minimal internal padding
• No securing straps

We were excited when PMZ Archery recently came out with this case for takedown recurve bows. You can tell just by looking at it how tough it is. It’s made from canvas and has reinforcement at the ends in case you bump into things. At the same time, it’s super lightweight, so it’s not a hassle to carry around.

Speaking of carrying it, we really like the shoulder strap on this model. It allows you to sling it over your shoulder so that it’s out of the way but not weighing you down. You have the choice of carrying it by the handle as well, though.

Do I Even Need a Bow Case?

There are plenty of folks who don’t have bow cases, and that can be fine. They may have a storage place for their bows or a rack or something like that, and they probably only shoot on their property. For those of us who travel with bows, though, a bow case is all but a necessary investment for a couple of reasons:

Transportation. If you’re going to be relocating your bow in any way, a case is the safest way to do so. The only situation that I can imagine where you wouldn’t need a bow case would be if you owned a lot of land and you have your own range. In this case, you’d only be taking your bow from your shed or garage and walking it to your range.

In most circumstances, though, you’ll need a case of some kind to get your bow from point A to point B. Even if you’re in the suburbs and you want to jump in your car and go to the range, you should still have your bow in a case because a strung bow bouncing around in the back seat is a big liability.

Additionally, if you’re an archer in an urban environment, you definitely want a bow case. Say, for example, you’re visiting a friend in New York City, and you want to go to Gotham Archery in Brooklyn. Would you hop on the F train with just your bow? Not a good idea.

Point is, there are archery ranges popping up in all sorts of urban environments, and if you want to stop renting equipment and eventually buy some gear, getting the best bow case you can find can be important.

Storage. This is just as important as transporting a bow for two reasons: the health of the bow, and the safety of those around you.

• The health of the bow. Recurves and compounds are stored in different ways—recurves are unstrung whereas compounds usually stay strung. Either way, leaving a bow exposed leaves it vulnerable to nicks, scratches, dents and so on. Some folks use a bow stand and leave their bows out, and if that works for them, that’s fantastic. But in most houses, bows are likely to get dinged up when left out. If you want to protect something, you have to guard it. That’s what a case is for.

(One note: Some people leave their takedown recurves strung after use, but that’s a bad idea. When your bow is strung, it’s taut, and there is potential energy being stored in the limbs. That energy is working against the structural integrity of the bow. Bows, particularly recurve bows and even more particularly wooden recurve bows, have a definite life span, and the more rigors you put that bow through, the shorter that life span becomes. Modern compound bows are a bit different, and many can remain strung for quite a while.

• The safety of those around you. A bow in the hands of someone who doesn’t know what he or she is doing is a dangerous thing indeed. If you live in a small apartment or with unruly roommates, small children, a curious spouse, or even pets who roam around your abode, you’re going to want to keep that bow tucked away someplace safe.

People who don’t know how to handle a bow could dry fire it, hurt themselves or others with an exposed arrow, or, worst of all, fire a projectile by mistake and hit someone. A bow in a case stored in a safe, hard-to-reach spot can be a very, very good idea.

There are two other notes about storage we should mention:

• Compound bows and recurve bows are a little different when it comes to storage: a takedown recurve bow should be unstrung after every use whereas compound bows remain strung after use—often because it takes so long to get them strung correctly in the first place.
• If you’re storing a bow for a long time—weeks or months—you want to do so in an area that is not extremely hot or cold nor damp or wet. Bows degrade over time, and you don’t want to return to your bow to find out that it’s diminished in strength or form, or worst case scenario, dangerous to the user.

Should I Choose a Hard Case or a Soft Case?

Soft cases are a great option if you’re staying local. If you’re toting your bow and equipment around town or your property, a soft case will usually do you fine. Although, if you’re the kind of person whose possessions seem to always get dinged up like many of us at Complete Guide to Archery, a hard case can be a good investment. There’s not really such a thing as too much protection.

Hard cases are usually the best option if you’re going to travel with your bow and almost always if you’re going to fly someplace for a hunting trip. You definitely don’t want your bow jostling around in the carry-on bin without a protective shell.

If you’re buying a hard case, make sure it’s rated by the manufacturer for airline travel. You should also call the airline to make sure you can check your bow and arrows in the case you have.

What to Pack in Your Case

Most bow cases have a lot of room for storage, so you can also pack your accessories and other archery gear. We recommend including:

• The riser and the two limbs (either assembled as the bow or taken down, depending on the case and bow)
• Six Carbon Express Predator arrows
• Two spare arrow rests
• Bow string and some wax
• A Selway Limbsaver bow stringer
• An OMP arm guard and glove
• An Allen wrench and a pair of nocking pliers;
• A bow sight

Closing the Lid on Bow Cases

Hopefully if you’re searching for the best bow case, you’ve realized how important it is for the safety and longevity of your bow. We highly recommend choosing one from our reviews to protect your bow and allow for more efficient transportation.