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Bowcase... Hard or Soft??

Discussion in 'Equipment Reviews' started by DVFD236, May 21, 2012.

  1. DVFD236

    DVFD236 Weekend Warrior

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    Looking to get a case to haul the bow around just for some added protection. I have heard both sides of the fence on this issue. Understanding that the hard case provides more protection, they are extremely heavy and bulky. Softcases on the other hand do not provide the protection but are smaller, lighter, ect. I dont plan on flying anytime soon with my bow either so an airline friendly case is not necessary. What are yalls thoughts and experiences?
     
  2. Justin

    Justin Administrator

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    I own both types of case, and I can say 99% of the time I'm using the soft case. For the most part by how either rides in the backseat of my truck, or sits in my garage. There's really no need to mess with the bulky hard case unless I'm going on an extended trip somewhere that it's going to be bouncing around in the bed of a truck, or on an airplane.

    During the hunting season I can leave my quiver on my bow in the soft case, which is awesome.

    This is the case I have.

    [​IMG]
     
  3. Heckler

    Heckler Grizzled Veteran

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    Both... Lakewood Bowfile - Soft shell exterior with a hard skelton. I just leave the case in my vehicle throughtout the season. Grab my bow open the top flap and and drop it in. Quiver and all... I can also throw it in the back of a pickup without worry in the event I am a passenger instead of a driver. I also have kids... I don't worry about them stepping , kicking it... My youngest one actually uses it as a step to get into his seat.

    It's also is TSA certiefied.

    http://www.lakewoodproducts.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=57

    I also have a case similar to Justin's I use during off season for trips to the range... etc...
     
  4. Afflicted

    Afflicted Grizzled Veteran

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    What he said.
     
  5. DVFD236

    DVFD236 Weekend Warrior

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    Awesome! Thanks for the info!
     
  6. Shoobee

    Shoobee Weekend Warrior

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    Mine also looks something like this just without the logo on it.

    If you plan to fly, then a hard case is a necessity.

    If not, then a soft case is much nicer, fits more easily into your vehicle, and is very light.
     
  7. Dogfish

    Dogfish Grizzled Veteran

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    For my 2 bow's i dont shoot anymore i keep in cheap flambeu hard cases. For my new bow that i shoot on a regular basis i have a scentlok soft case (40$) with a quiver pocket on the side and on the other side 3 zipper pockets. the case it self has some really nice padding, so you would really have to treat it rough to dmg your bow.
     
  8. haws

    haws Weekend Warrior

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  9. jfergus7

    jfergus7 Legendary Woodsman

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    I use the Lakewood Products bowfile with arrow and accessory boxes and love it. I will say that it is heavy but that doesnt bother me. It is super durable and i really like that i can store all my gear and leave my quiver on.

    Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2
     
  10. srtiek

    srtiek Weekend Warrior

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    got both, a SKB hard case and a soft case from gamehide for general use
     
  11. iowahunter123

    iowahunter123 Weekend Warrior

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    Got both. I almost always use the hard case. it isnt that much more bulky and mine isnt very heavy. I guess if I had a nice soft case maybe I would use it more but mine is older and I just dont think that it protects my bow well enough if for some reason it takes an unexpected hit. A bow is a big investment I want to keep it as safe as possable. Even if that means a exta pound or two.
     
  12. Rabbit 57

    Rabbit 57 Weekend Warrior

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    If you can afford both, I'd get both. Especially if you plan or might fly one day. Mostly the bow case is to protect it from others. One thing for sure, a hard case will not allow for your sight to be knocked around in almost any circumstances.
    I own a Vanguard.
    vanSaberlock-83Z.jpg
     
  13. davidmil

    davidmil Grizzled Veteran

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    When I travel I use the hard of course. Even if the travel is just a long drive of several hours. Around home, going to hunt, etc... my case is the back seat or the front seat with the top cam resting on the floorboard. It rides just fine. Hard cases aren't cheap... at least the good ones aren't. Mine cost over 200 10 years ago.
     
  14. Camper1

    Camper1 Weekend Warrior

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    used both, get a cheap soft case for throwing the bow in the car for travel to the range or property, and get a hard case for serious travel, they both serve well just in different respects
     
    Last edited: Jun 12, 2012
  15. dbryson36

    dbryson36 Newb

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    I prefer the hard case over a soft case. The hard case offers better protection for my Hoyt.
     
  16. OctaneRudi

    OctaneRudi Weekend Warrior

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    i have hard case, cause unless im going out west and need my bow on an airplane, it stays in my house hung up or in my car or out in the woods.
     
  17. Treehopper

    Treehopper Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Soft cases are so much easier to handle.
     
  18. Winston Smith

    Winston Smith Newb

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    I bought a soft case, took one look at it and sent it back(I don't see what putting your bow in a bag really does over just leaving it exposed). I got a Plano hard case, about $50 on amazon, it carries my bow w/quiver on and arrows stowed, 10 additional arrows, and I put my release and arrow puller under the padding. It fits in the front seat of my Focus hatchback no problem, and the weight is negligle. My advice? Grab one of these, and a backpack with bow compartment for walking out to the stand/soft storage, etc. You can do both for $150 no problem.
     
  19. xsc9621

    xsc9621 Newb

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    i have a soft vista banjo bow case. it is really good and my nan evan sowed a shoulder strap on it so i can carrie it around with ease. i can see the pros and cons of both types but if u are a bit short on money then the soft is probably a good option. also i just adore my bow and take very good care of it so know one gets within 10 feet of it. hope this helps
     
  20. G-Man

    G-Man Weekend Warrior

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    Hard vs. Soft

    I would say that SKB XL is a very lightweight hard shell case. They are also coming out with a hybrid case in the next month or so. It is a cross between a hard and soft case. I will be reviewing this and will give updates when I get it. If you are looking for protection I would go with a hard or hybrid. Running to your local archery shop or 3D shoot then go soft.

    Archery can sound so inappropriate! LOL
    GarysBowhunting.com
     

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