Does anybody have any suggestions on what hard bow case to get for a one piece recurve (60 in.) that will be ok to fly in a plane?? thanks
Check this thread:
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=090798
I know some guys use one of the hard shell golf bag travel cases. In many instances those golf cases are exempt from oversize luggage fees. You would have to check with your individual airline to find out if it would work in your situation.
UPS has them. They call them a "Box" and they will ship them too.
Seriously, I just went on vacation. I shipped three bows ahead of me using UPS. Worked great!
My brother always ships his bows (up to 5) via UPS in a single box and I ship them back. Think it costs about $25 each way. We have been doing it for years no problems.
I'm pretty leery of the hard golf case idea. I know of a couple guys that do this and have gotten away with it....but....the airline regulations generally say "golf clubs" or "golf equipment" not "golf cases with bows inside". I think if somebody actually checked it you might get hosed on that one.....kind of cheating the system - no problem 'till they hit you with a $200-300 extra bag + oversized bag fees.
I'm dealing with this right now, planning on taking my 66 inch Jack Howard to Montana this fall - I'm going to make a case out of 6 inch Sched 40 PVC with hard endcaps this weekend. I've checked on the USPS website and a package this size/wt should cost around $30-40 to send by Priority Mail. I can pack the bow with plenty of clothes, sox, sweaters etc. and avoid checking a second bag on the airplane - the cost will be equal since it would have cost me that much to check the extra bag.
Sched 40 PVC with the right endcaps will defy anything short of a bulldozer, so I feel safer sending the bow than putting it on the plane.
Ryan
use a hard side golf bag case pack your clothes around it and your good to go airlines hate hunters dont trust em with your gear
i use a hard case rifle travel case then cut the foam to match the bow I can fit 2 bows plus a dozen arrows and some misc small gear in it as well.
When using the PVC tube consider using Inserts/plugs instead of the end caps. UPS and USPS measure the largest diameter and then consider the total length. By using inserts you can add a little length for end padding and not get into oversize charges.
After watching mine fall off a baggage cart and roll across the tarmac, I suggest taping something to the PVC tube so it doesn't roll. For next time, I thought I'd make an arrow case to match and tape them together.
And cross my fingers? Actually, I think shipping the bow ahead is a better idea these days. When I did it, there was no extra charge for baggage. Might as well ship most of everything else too, and not have to deal with carrying it through the airport.
Be careful if you decide to ship a bow case empty for any reason. Dan Quillian was investigated for fraud by one of the shipping companies because he would occasionally ship an empty case to someone for returning a bow. They assumed he was going to claim there was a bow in the case and file for a loss. Guilty until proven innocent!
If your worried about the golf bag idea. Hit a few garage sales and pick up couple of old clubs and throw them in. Then your all set to play bow golf. :readit: and there is nothing they can say.
One piece recurve hard case by Viking Voyager holds TWO up to 62" recurve one piece bows.. Deluxe leather wrapped end caps... I've flown many times with this case NEVER any issues.. Most times the airline people assume I am taking fly fishing poles.. LOL
Mike at the Nocking Point has the best prices and your case will NOT have any companies advertising printed on the side...
What about a fishing rod and reel hard case they have them for tournament rods,that are big enough for a bow.Check out Cabelas.