Traveling with bow.....which case?????

[LEOPARD]

Hey All,

Living in the UK, I have to travel over-seas to hunt. I shoot a Shafer Silvertip TD recurve, that's 62" long. I don't like the idea of just putting my bow padded and loose into my duffel bag, so I need a case. I also don't like to have more than one bag when travelling, if at all possible. I'm going to South Africa this coming July, so I need a case that I would be able to fit my bow in, that I can get into my duffel bag. It needs to be shorter than 30" long. I'm not looking for anything fancy, just a solid plastic case. Any advice or input would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Nigel

[brettlandon]

My brother-in-law made one out of PVC.  He split it in half, hinged it and used caps on the ends to keep it closed.  Inside he used polystyrene (insulated pink board) to cushion the bow.  He did this with a kid's longbow and used 1 1/2" PVC, but I don't see why it wouldn't work with a TD recurve.  You'd probably need a four or five inch waste pipe as these are thinner walled.  You could wrap your bow parts in plastic wrap and use expanding polyureathane instead of the polystyrene.  Good luck and let us know how it works out.

-Brett

[LEOPARD]

Hi Brett, I've tried that approach. I've made a couple PVC pipe tubes to carry my arrows. The trouble that I have, is that my limbs have such a curve on them, I need a case or pipe that is about 7-8" wide! I haven't found any pipes that the limbs fit into!   :confused:  I'd be really happy to use a pipe, provided I could fit my limbs in! That's the reason that I'm looking for a case. Thanks for your input tho!  

[longstick]

3Rivers has a couple of different cases Ive been looking at, also am checking out a takedown shotgun case. Dicks Sporting goods has a hard case that might work but it doesnt state if its airline approved

[stickandastring]

Pelican cases. Try casesforless.com. I think theres a 30" size. like a long briefcase. Cut to fit padding inside.

I use one for rifle travel, am considering same for takedown bow

[gregg dudley]

I am absolutely sold on the case I have.  It is made by SKB and is designed for two take-down recurves.  It holds two bows, arrow, broadheads, and a whole lot more.  As a matter of fact, I can generally squeeze all of my hunting gear/accessories in there including a take-down rod and reel.  I add another bag for clothes and boots and a carry-on for camera stuff and I am good to go.

[Richie Nell]

Pelican case all the way. Indestructible. Cut to fit nice, snug and very safe....with wheels to boot.

[Leon.R]

Just wondering - what would the airline say if you take the bow (broken Down) without the arrows and string as carry on???

[LEOPARD]

I'm not sure Leon, I've never tried to take my bow on as carry on. It's a bit risky, cause you're in a bit of a mess if they don't let you on with it!    :(

[Steve H.]

I have traveled as far as Mongolia with my td longbow in a flexible chart tube (or K. Kelley case) and placed in the middle of a large rollar duffle.  Many rollar duffles are fairly ridgid due to the pulling handles and moldings.  I think this is way more than enough.  I carry arrows the same way, the tube that is.

[LKH]

Its illegal to take all or part of any weapon in your carry on.  Don't even consider it.  You can't even take something like a wrench that could be used as a weapon.

I took both TD longbow and recurve to Africa. I simply stuck the parts in skivvy shirts, etc. and then taped them together and added more wrap.  

There are some good plastic cases, but I don't think they add much to your protection.

PS if you are going with a buddy, split the parts up so there is never a useful bow in one bag.  Deters theft.

[Leon.R]

Thanks LKH was just wondering.
I have to be honest in all the years of traveling I have not lost anything - touch wood...

[sparrow]

LKH  Split up the parts? If one bag is lost doesn't that mean nobody has a bow?