If you have a compound bow, you won’t be able to remove its string. Make sure the case or mount you get fits the shape of your bow as well as its length. Recurve bows can be left strung or be unstrung before storage. If you have a recurve bow, its ends, or limbs, curve away from you when it’s unstrung, so keep that in mind when choosing a storage method. Takedown recurve bows are always unstrung before they are stored. In addition, you can separate one into multiple pieces, which means you can get a more compact mount or case.
Basic soft cases are available for as little as $10 to $20 USD. One of the main benefits of soft cases is that you can use them to carry your bow as well as store it long-term at home. Although soft cases hold up well outdoors, they aren’t damage-proof. The fabric will eventually start to fray. They don’t last as long as hard cases.
Some basic hard cases cost $25 to $30. Many others cost double or triple that. A hard case comes in handy when you’re short on room. For example, if you live in a small apartment, pack your bow into a full car, or even take it on a plane, the extra support helps a lot.
Some backpacks cost as little as $40 to $50. There are also high-end ones that cost over $100. Backpacks are best for hunters or people who go on cross-country trips. You may not be able to lug around a case, so a backpack is the only way to protect your bow. Backpacks work best for recurve bows, particularly ones that come apart. Some backpacks can hold an assembled bow.
Bow stands are very inexpensive. You can get a basic one for $7 to $12. Bow stands are mainly used to store stringed bows. Standing the bow on the ground could deform it. It can be used for unstrung bows, too. Bow stands are small and cheap. Plus, you can take yours with you when you go out to shoot.
Pegs and racks cost around $14 to $60. Hanging pegs have to be spaced evenly apart so each one supports half of the bow’s weight. Otherwise, they could warp its structure. Wall hangers are only useful at home. You will still have to get a separate carrying case for when you take your bow outdoors.
Be careful when using a very compact case, since you might not have room to store everything you wish to keep with your bow. Some accessories, like sights and silencers, come in a storage tube. If you have accessories in storage tubes, determine if you can include the tubes in your bow’s case. Another option is to carry accessories separately from your bow. Buy separate carriers as needed. For example, get an arrow tube to carry arrows or a tacklebox to carry tools.
A recurve bow is a traditional bow that has a string and no extra parts. One way to tell apart recurve bows is by looking at the ends. They will curve away from you when the bow is unstrung. Compound bows are made of aluminum or carbon and have pulleys that hold the string in place. With this kind of bow, you never have to remove the string unless you’re replacing it. Plenty of modern recurve bows are made of synthetic material. They are stronger than wooden bows, so you don’t really have to remove the string unless you’re storing the bow long-term, like for over a month.
Takedown recurve bows are the only kind meant to be broken down into smaller pieces. If you have one, you can pull it apart for easier storage. You don’t have to take apart your bow if you’re keeping it in a large case or mount. Even if you have a takedown recurve bow, leaving it whole is fine.
You should do this every time you finish using your bow. That way, it is less likely to get damaged in storage. It will also ensure your bow lasts longer. Automotive polish is also great for getting rid of things like mildew that could grow out of hand while your bow is stored. Make sure your bow is completely clean and dry!
Wax prevents the string from fraying or absorbing moisture while it’s in storage. To make your string last, wax it about once every 2 weeks. If it starts to feel rough or dry, give it a fresh coat of wax.
Keep the main parts of the bow together. If you have a takedown bow, the bow’s limbs and string all fit together. Some cases have separate slots for each part. Accessories usually can be stored inside the case. Many of them come with individual storage tubes, or you can buy extra storage tubes if you wish to use them.
No matter what kind of bow you have, you can hang it. They all hang the same way. Hanging is a good option if you use your bow frequently, since you can just pull it off the wall and go. Hanging a bow successfully is all about balancing its weight. Hanging pegs have to be the same distance from the bow’s ends so its shape doesn’t change in storage. Accessories usually have to be stored separately from the bow. You can keep them in individual storage tubes or in a bow case.
For example, keep your bow away from heaters and air conditioners. The temperature change could damage it, even when it’s in a case. Never leave your bow in a hot car. The heat will cause your bow to warp over time.
Water is very bad for wooden bows, but it will also ruin synthetic ones. It causes the bow to warp and could cause mildew to grow on it.
If you’re hanging or mounting your bow, make sure that it is secure on its storage unit. Otherwise, it could be knocked to the floor when you’re passing by. Be careful when carrying your bow in a car, on an airplane, or in another crowded spot. It could easily get crushed. It’s best to keep the bow in a hard case when it will be in tight quarters.
If you have pets, put the bow up for safekeeping as well. If you have a compound bow, take extra care to keep it out of a child’s hands. Since you don’t have to remove the string, it will always be ready for use.
