A bow case to protect your recurve bow should be high on your list of archery gear must-haves, as let’s face it, recurve bows are valuable, both in cost, and the sentimental value that grows over time. A bow case for your recurve will help keep your bow safe. Plus, for many states it is a law to have your bow in a case when it is in the car.

With so many different cases out there what makes the best bow case for your recurve? You can spend more on your case than you did on your bow, but does that make it ‘more safe’ than the next case? Answer is… Maybe? Every case is going to have its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at a few styles and models of recurve bow cases here.

Hard Recurve Bow Cases

From airline approved travel bow cases to molded plastic, a hard bow case definitely has it on protection. Short of driving your car over them, they can take all sorts of punishment. Our 3Rivers travel bow cases offer the best on impact resistance. The Cordura ® outer shell adds plenty of style (definitely with our deluxe models that have leather end caps), and they fit many different size recurve bows, from one-piece to takedown recurves. So what’s the negative? Well, all of our travel models are more than $100 a piece, which for many archers, is almost as much as they spent on their bow.

On a molded plastic case, like the Traveler takedown bow case (shown above), there is a foam cut interior providing lots of cushioning for storing your bow. The outer shell will chip if dropped on hard surfaces, but it’s solid protection when transporting your bow in the back of a pick-up truck. . A couple of drawbacks are that it’s not recommended for airline travel, and you have to disassemble your bow to put it away. But if you have a 3-piece takedown recurve, like the Samick Sage recurve, it is a solid option.

Soft Recurve Bow Cases

If you’re looking to keep your bow safe, but don’t need a ‘safe’ to do it, then a soft bow case is up your alley. You can choose from the most basic bow sock like our 3Rivers stretch bow sock (perfect for a backseat trip), up to bow and arrows cases like our 3Rivers Strung Recurve/Longbow case. There are tons of different options when it comes to soft shell bow cases, such as strung vs. unstrung, or one-piece vs. takedown. There are also options as far as the different materials used. Our 3Rivers line of cases uses durable Cordura® for an outer tough shell to shield against most nicks and scrapes, with a soft fleece lining to add a little cushion for added safety.

Some bow cases will have added value with pockets or space for arrows. These can be a great addition, as having all your archery gear in one spot can be a lifesaver, keeping you from ripping up floor panels in the truck looking for a spare shooting tab.

So what IS the Best Recurve Bow Case?

One of the best things about archery is how personalized it can be. Which makes this a hard question to answer. If you don’t plan on doing a lot of traveling in tight conditions, then a soft bow case may be the perfect fit for you, plus it saves money for future archery gear. Then again, having the peace of mind that a hard recurve bow case offers definitely warrants the cost when you have to shell out more money to replace a broken bow limb because you closed a car door on the tip. All comes down to what fits your style, and your budget.

By: Johnathan Karch