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Anyone fly with a bow?

Discussion in 'Bowhunting Talk' started by Rick James, Jun 5, 2009.

  1. Rick James

    Rick James Grizzled Veteran

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    Just curious, what bow case have you used?

    I have had a really difficult time finding a bow case that is OK for airlines that can accomodate a bow longer than 37", in addition to all of my archery gear.

    SKB seems to have a good case for shorter bows, but they all seem specific for a certain type of bow, not a lot out there that one can feel good about dropping big $$$ knowing it will fit a variety of bows and become a "lifetime" type of purchase no matter what type of bow you plan to put in it.

    I dropped $$$ on a really nice case the other day, because I couldn't find anything else that would fit my bow for the GTG........but I'm curious if guys are using something else that I over looked.

    I'll post up my thoughts on my new Brownell case in a bit when I have more time with it to form a solid opinion. It was awful expensive, but if I never have to buy another and it will work for any bow I choose for the rest of my life, it might just be worth it. I guess I'm just curious if something else out there could have done the same thing and saved me some $$$.

    What case have you used for your bow and accessories when flying? Do you like it?
     
  2. madhunter

    madhunter Weekend Warrior

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    You can fly with just about any case, that is if you don't mind paying extra. I have flown all over the country and I would suggest getting a good case and some of the locks that can be opened at the airport. I have one that allows me to put two bows and some gear inside, but I usually carry on most of my expensive stuff.

    Good thing to do is call the airline.
     
  3. Rick James

    Rick James Grizzled Veteran

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    What specific case and model have you used?
     
  4. madhunter

    madhunter Weekend Warrior

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    Vanguard is the brand, I do not remember the model number, and I do not think they make it anymore. Here is a link to their site.

    http://www.vanguardusa.com/product2.php?sort1=1&sort2=4

    My advice is also to get something with wheels on it so that you can roll it through the airport. It can be a ***** carrying a bowcase through the larger airports. I also would suggest getting a rectangle case, it will allow for more storage in the case and not restrict your bow size. My hunting buddy has a real nice one and when he gets home I will give him a call and PM you with brand and model. Remind me if you don't hear from me by Monday.
     
  5. madhunter

    madhunter Weekend Warrior

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    This is something like I will be getting next time. Expensive but they guarantee it and think of it as insurance. If you have ever watched the airline workers doing their job you'd be glad you had one of these.

    http://nativeoutdoors.stores.yahoo.net/skb4417-8b.html
     
  6. Dubbya

    Dubbya Moderator

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    RJ, I've flown several times with my Sport Lock case, not as high quality as an SKB probably but it still carries a warranty and I've never had any issues. It's a double bow case and Will and I will both have our bows in it at the GTG. If you're flying SW they don't charge you extra for an additional piece of luggage.

    This is the one that I have. SportLock Cases
     
  7. madhunter

    madhunter Weekend Warrior

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    this is something to check before you buy a ticket.
     
  8. madhunter

    madhunter Weekend Warrior

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    Very good points. I also do this when I go out to Washington to hunt. I just send some gear to my brothers house and he's got it in the truck when he picks me up at the airport. I have heard of guides letting guys send their stuff too.

    But I have flown as much as three or four times a year. So a good case was an investment.
     
  9. rybo

    rybo Grizzled Veteran

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    I have an SKB double bow case. Besides 2 bows I fit a LOT of other gear in it. This was bought before the time of extra baggage charges.
    Last year I went to Idaho with just my bowcase, one other suit case & a carryon backpack.
     
  10. TEmbry

    TEmbry Grizzled Veteran

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    http://www.skbcases.com/sports/product/archery/archery.html

    I don't know what it sells for, but I own and use the first case listed on that link. It is HEAVY even when empty (30ish lbs), but that thing is a TANK. And like Rybo said, you can store a LOT of other gear in it.

    I practically stole mine from an archery shop out in CA trying to clear out inventory over on AT, so I am not sure how much they actually list for.

    I took mine to SD and it held up with flying colors, and it has a $1500 warranty on contents inside, if your bow is damaged, they cover up to $1500..now THAT is a warranty.

    Has TSA locks too.

    I'll be taking it to AK, AZ, and possibly internationally within the next few years as well.:cool:
     
  11. Matt/TN

    Matt/TN Die Hard Bowhunter

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    My boss, when I worked at the archery shop used to have a Boyt rifle case for his. It was heavy but it had nice locks and was built like a tank. I don't know which model he had, but it would fit his Vantage X8 in it.

    http://www.boytharness.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=31_111&osCsid=9304b4d4e49accbd5c58d3bb3ad06c58
     
  12. Iamyourhuckleberry

    Iamyourhuckleberry Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Trev,

    After the POW hunt, my Skb dbl bow case looks like it ran into an iceberg. I'm in the process of sending it back. I'll let you know how the lifetime warranty stuff pans out. I think luggage guys see bow and gun cases then do their every best to destroy them! My aluminum bow case came out of the Christchurch airport in five pieces! The airline did it's best to tape the case back together-I was hot! I always carry my sight in my carry on gear.

    Anyway, I like the skb dbl because of its roominess. Yes, you can take a lot of stuff in with your bow and still keep things under the 50 pound weight limit (70 pounds internationally).
     
  13. TEmbry

    TEmbry Grizzled Veteran

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    I'd be interested in seeing how it turns out...and that is golden about carrying on the sights. Consider it DONE, lol.
     
  14. Hardcorehunter

    Hardcorehunter Weekend Warrior

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    Yea,My $19(I bought 2 on sale at that price 6 years ago) Flambeau Hardcase case has been on 5 airline flights and it is rock solid, locks, and protects my $1000 set up just fine.
     
  15. TEmbry

    TEmbry Grizzled Veteran

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    If its the one I am thinking of, you are trusting your $1000 setup AND your entire hunting trip on 3 velcro straps when the airline flunkies run that case through hell and back.

    No thanks.:busted:

    If the bow isn't wedged solidly between two hunks of foam, if there is ANY room for the bow to budge, you are leaving a lot of chance in the equation.
     
  16. Greg / MO

    Greg / MO Grizzled Veteran

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    Here's a completely different avenue to think about...

    When I took over writing the back-page column for Jim Daugherty, I purchased a collection of his Trail's End colunmns and caught up on some of his past works. I came across one of his columns about flying with bows (Jim's flown EVERYWHERE with his bows, probably more times than any of us can count...)

    After 50-plus years of flying with bows, he wrote that he had come to the conclusion his best bet was to use a soft case. Yep... a soft case.

    He puts his bow in the middle of it, packs all his hunting clothes around the bow, and says its the best thing he's ever found to take being thrown around by the airlines.
     
  17. tfox

    tfox Grizzled Veteran

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    If you decide to keep your sight seperate from the bow,make sure you DO'T FORGET IT.Sounds simple but I rode 10 hours to a national shoot with a guy that would remove his sight and pack it seperate only to find out he left it sitting in his car where we met up.Not a fun feeling to have to replace a $400 setup when you reach your destination.

    Of course,we thought it was quite a bit funnier than he did.:d
     

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