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Soft-Sided Crossbow Cases
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These are typically used to store and minimally protect a crossbow from dirt, dust, and some moisture. They come in all shapes sizes, colors and styles. Many of the top brands offer soft-sided cases for their crossbows, and there is a wide variety of aftermarket cases available. A soft case would be appropriate for off-season storage, and transport of your crossbow to the field or range.
They typically have some additional storage compartments on board for arrows, quivers, and some gear pockets. They may or may not have some padding for protection. When selecting a soft-sided case, you need to pay attention to the shape and style of your crossbow, noting the style of limbs (recurve or forward/reverse draw) and the specific dimensions of length/width/height (with scope) to select the right case. The upper limit to the use of a soft-sided case would be where there is minimal expose the the elements and very limited impact potential. The best comparison would be to use it like you would use a soft sided rifle case, not expecting it to protect from a bumpy ride in the back of a UTV out to your treestand.
Pros
Some protection from weather elements and impacts
Inexpensive
Wide variety of colors, styles, and shapes
Lightweight and Easy to carry, many models have backpack straps
Cons
Minimal Impact protection, and no crush protection
Not Lockable per TSA flight requirements
Generic sizing – most cases not specific to each crossbow model
My Picks for the Best Soft Crossbow Cases: Below is a list of the best soft crossbow cases on the market, organized by brand.
Semi-Rigid Hard Crossbow Cases: These cases are typically custom made for a particular brand and model of crossbow. They are designed to protect to varying degrees from dirt, dust, impact and moisture. Many of the top crossbow brands offer semi-rigid cases for their crossbows, and there is a modest variety of aftermarket cases available. A semi-rigid case would be appropriate for off-season storage, and transport of your crossbow to the field or range, plus they are made to protect from moderate to heavy impact, although there is a wide variation in protective capabilities by model.
Ravin’s hard cases 182 and 186 models have foam inserts cut to fit many of their popular crossbows, and is lockable per TSA requirements. It provides excellent weather protections but minimal crush protection
They may have some additional storage compartments on board for arrows, quivers, and some gear compartments. They may or may not have some padding for impact protection. When selecting a semi-rigid case, you will likely need to be very specific to the make and model of your crossbow to select the right case. Different case designs will offer more or less impact protection, and only a few are appropriate for the rigors of air travel.
TenPoint Stag case is a semi-hard case that provides good weather protection but almost no impact protection.
Pros
Lightweight and Easy to carry
Varying protection from weather elements and impacts
Inexpensive
Wide variety of colors, styles, and shapes
Some models have secure storage with Locks per TSA flight requirements.
Cons
Minimal Impact protection,
No crush protection
Most models not Lockable per TSA flight requirements
Best Semi-Rigid Crossbow Cases:
Ten Point Crossbows (Vapor RS470, Vengent S440, Viper S400, Havoc RS440, Nitro XRT, Nitro X, Siege RS410, Stealth NXT, Shadow NXT, Turbo M1, Titan M1, Turbo S1, Titan De-Cock, NXT400, XR-410, M-370, Nitro 505, Flatline 460, Stealth 450, and Viper 430) – Stag Hard Case: Buy on Amazon or Buy at Sportsmans Warehouse Ravin Crossbows (R9/R15/R10/R10X/R5X/ R20/R500) – Ravin Hard Case R182: Buy on Optics Planet or Buy on Amazon Ravin Crossbows (R26/R26X/R29/R29X) – Ravin Hard Case R186: Buy on Optics Planet or Buy on Amazon
Hard Crossbow Cases: When it comes to protecting your investment in high-end gear like todays better crossbows that can sport a top of the line optic like a Burris Oracle X or a Garmin XeroX1 range finding sight, a reliable and rugged crossbow case is an absolute necessity. Enter the made-in-the-USA – SKB i-Series Crossbow Case, a rugged and meticulously engineered solution designed to safeguard your crossbow from the rigors of travel, storage, and the elements. I feel this is the most impressive crossbow case available, and will outline the features, design, and overall performance of the SKB i-Series Crossbow Cases to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your crossbow.
The construction of all of the i-Series crossbow cases and the outside dimensions of many are virtually the same. Individual SKU’s result from the custom cut foam liners that are made for each model of crossbow. SKB also makes 2 general purpose cases that you can customize the foam inserts yourself.
SKB Cases have foam inserts cut specially for your crossbow, and have extra room for special sights, like this Burris Oracle X
The rest of this review will focus on one model crafted for the TenPoint Flatline 460 with a Burris Oracle X scope mounted on it. This combination presented some unique challenges due to the height of the scope, as none of the case options from TenPoint would accommodate this combination. All of the SKB cases shown will accommodate both Burris Oracle X or Garmin XeroX1 scopes on the crossbows.
Pros
Incredible durable, virtually unbreakable and resistant to solvents and harmful elements
complete impact/crush protection
Easy to transport with rolling, in-line skate wheels and carry handles on all sides
Foam inserts are made to form to the specific crossbow, plus have extra compartments for other associated gear
Secure storage with Locks per TSA flight requirements
Lifetime warranty with $1500 Content Coverage Insurance
Cons
Heavy at 33 pounds
Expensive
Best Crossbow Cases: Below is my list for the best hard crossbow cases specific to the brand of the crossbow you either already own or are planning to purchase.
TenPoint Crossbows – Hard Cases Ravin Crossbows – Hard Cases Mission Crossbows – Hard Cases Excalibur Crossbows – Hard Cases General Purpose Hard Case – customizable by user with cubed foam (included) My Overall Pick for Best Crossbow Cases: THE SKB i-Series Crossbow Cases Design and Build Quality
One of the standout features of the SKB 3i-3019 Case is its robust construction. Crafted from ultra-durable injection-molded polypropylene, this case offers exceptional strength and impact resistance, ensuring that your crossbow remains well-protected even in the most demanding environments. The exterior of the case features a rugged, industrial-grade design with reinforced corners and hinges, further enhancing its durability and longevity.
SKB Cases have foam inserts cut specially for your crossbow, and have extra room for special sights, like this Burris Oracle X
Measuring 30 inches in length, 19 inches in width, and 8 inches in depth, the SKB 3i-3019 FLT Case is specifically tailored to accommodate the TenPoint Flatline 460 Crossbow using custom cut foam to match the crossbows unique profile, while providing a snug and secure fit. The interior lining has some customizable foam inserts and pockets, allowing you to tailor the padding to the precise dimensions of your crossbow, a generous amount of additional gear, and accessories like a quiver, tools, optics, and extra arrows. This customizable foam not only provides a perfect fit but also ensures that your gear remains firmly in place during transit, minimizing the risk of damage caused by shifting or impact.
Features and Functionality
In addition to its rugged construction and customizable foam interior, the SKB 3i-3019 Case boasts a range of features designed to enhance its functionality and usability. The case is equipped with a secure locking system, featuring trigger-release latches that provide quick and easy access to your crossbow while preventing unauthorized tampering or theft. The latches are intuitively designed, allowing for smooth operation even when wearing gloves or in adverse weather conditions.
SKB cases have well designed handles on all sides
Handles have cushioned grips for comfortable lifting and handling. They are located on 3 sides of the case. A large, flip-up handle opposite the wheels makes the case easy to transport by rolling on the enclosed, in-line skate wheels.
SKB Cases have stainless steel padlock cutouts, shown with TSA approved locks
For added convenience, the SKB 3i-3019 Case features integrated padlock loops to accommodate TSA-approved locks, allowing you to further secure your gear for enhanced peace of mind during air travel or storage. The case also features a built-in pressure equalization valve, which helps to regulate internal air pressure and prevent the buildup of vacuum or excess moisture, ensuring that your crossbow remains safe and dry even in extreme environments.
When it comes to protecting your valuable gear, durability is paramount, and the SKB 3i-3019 Case delivers in spades. Whether you’re transporting your crossbow to and from the range, heading out on a hunting expedition, or simply storing it between seasons, this case provides unmatched protection against impacts, moisture, dust, and other environmental hazards. The lid has an airtight and watertight sealed gasket to keep out water, dust and other elements, and the case is submersible per MIL Specifications.
The injection-molded polypropylene construction is not only incredibly rugged but also lightweight, making it easy to transport your crossbow and accessories without unnecessary bulk or weight. The material is corrosion resistant, fungus resistant and does not react to UV exposure. The reinforced hinges and latches are built to withstand repeated use, ensuring that the case remains securely closed and your gear stays safe and secure at all times. Wheels are replaceable if damaged. Empty weight of the case is 33 pounds.
Warranty and Content Coverage SKB Cases carry an unlimited lifetime warranty and provide $1500 in content coverage insurance, which is an added bonus for using this case.
“Home Hack” Crossbow Case
“Home Hack” Crossbow Case using a Plano Sportsmans Trunk
For those of you who desire the benefits of a semi-rigid case that is not specifically designed to fit your crossbow, but will provide some measure of protection more than a soft case, you might consider using the Plano Hinged Sportsman’s Trunk. This is a large, plastic storage/transport trunk measuring 34.75X16X13.5 inches interior dimensions, most often used to transport outdoor gear. It has a dedicated piano-type hinge and 4 locking latches, side handles, rolling wheels, with locking holes to use a padlock. Is is fairly rigid to provide some measure of impact protection, and crush protection. There is no foam padding so you will have to make or install your own padding, or pack it with hunting clothes to use this as an effective crossbow case. The dimensions of the case allows you to place most of the compound-limbed crossbows in it, but almost none of the recurve limbed crossbows will fit in the trunk.
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