Anyone transporting their Centaur in a pvc tube? With as much reflex as there is in the limbs, it fits pretty snug in 4" and uncomfortably snug in 3".

I really don't want to go to 6" if I don't have to.  I had a Kanati for a while that would fit in 4" about the same as the this Centaur. I never took it on a trip though so it never took a ride in the pvc until I sold and shipped it. I didn't like that the limbs were slightly flexed the whole time. I guess it's no different than leaving a bow strung, but I wanted some opinions. Better safe than sorry.  

Any thoughts?

I know what you're saying about the kanatis. As that's how I ship them too. The thought on my end. (And just a thought) when it goes in the tube. The limbs are going to be flexing in the proper direction. The thing I would worry about is that in the summer time. If there's flex or pressure on the limbs. And there's high temps that you can't control. That could be a bad thing.  Just a thought.

For a short transit I honestly wouldn't worry about it.  PVC is a decent  insulator so heat shouldn't be a terrible worry.  Def stick with 4" or greater.

PS- also consider a rifle case.

put some heat to the tube and a long board and flatten it a little.

Now, that's a good idea.
How to get the whole tube heated and warm at once. Would a good heat gun work OK?

I dunno about a heat gun but a few beers around the fire might work. Only problem is gettin the endcaps to match up

a heat gun works fine, you just have to work in sections while keeping the rest warm.  I did it with a 2x6 on top with a bunch of other heavy dunnage on top.  I set a couple header cut offs on the sides so the load didn't fall off.  then I stuck the heat gun in the end of the 4" pipe,  once it starts to sag go to the other end and do the same.  you might have to apply direct heat to both sides in the middle.  I used a piece of 2x cut to the profile of the tube and screwed it in.

Just don't burn the stuff!  Gives off hydrogen chloride gas.  Bad news bears!

Can you leave the ends, about 3 inches, untorched?  You can flex it in and leave an extra lenght  on each end stuffed with rags or foam.
I think heating the tube is a great plan

thinking now I bet you could plug one end with something not effected by heat and it should stay round for a screw on or hose clamp cap.
I have been thinking of flattening one then ripping it down the ridges.  then putting some hinges on one side and a latch on the other.  then wrapping the bow in plasti wrap and filling each side with spray foam for a custom fit.

4" drainage pipe worked well for the 62" Chimera I shipped.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Advanced-Drainage-Systems-4-in-x-10-ft-Triplewall-Pipe-Solid-4550010/100135310

Forgot to say I found caps for it too... not sure if they were meant for it but hey were in the same area as the piping. The drainage pipe was sturdy enough for me not to worry about crushing and really light compared to PVC.