Foam in Hard Cases

[tdoublev]

Does anyone out there use a double bow hard case and if so, what do you guys do with the foam insert? I have an SKB double bow case but only transport 1 bow and fill the remaining space with other gear/clothes. I've had quite a bit of struggle getting that case closed with everything and think I've had it so tight that it's actually thrown off my tune. At this point I haven't cut the foam insert to the shape of my bow, and I'm wondering if that's what other people are doing? It's a lot firmer than the foam that you see in a rifle case where those are commonly cut to the shape of the firearm. I don't think I'm overly stuffing the other layer with my stuff - in other words I don't see how you wouldn't have the same issue if you actually packed two bows. Guessing it's user error but wanted to hear from others.

 

[Billy Goat]

I have pulled the divider and just packed clothes and whatnot around my bow.

 

[tdoublev]

May have to go that route. I’ve also been a little concerned with how thin the foam is on the bottom and lid of the case. It’ll prevent chips and scratches but I’m not so confident it’ll absorb blunt impacts. In hindsight that may not be that impactful if I can get things less crammed in there.

 

[sickles107]

I was overly concerned about my setup getting tweaked in transport on a trip to Alaska this past August.. pre trip was dialed and confident sending broadheads into a 10in circle at 100, and wanted to maintain that confidence when I landed. Went full retard on cutting the three layers of foam to fully suspend the bow.

In hindsight, may have gone with a smaller case and packed things tighter/separately. On multiple occasions I cringed as I watched gate agents and plane loaders literally toss this case around like they were mad at it, because it's big, bulky and awkward.

 

[tdoublev]

Interesting. That looks like the same case but mine only came with one thick/stiff piece of foam. Definitely doesn’t fill the interior. Is that the difference between a ‘bow’ marketed case and a ‘rifle’ marketed case?

Edit: your case is for sure different. Mine is molded on one end

 

[Billy Goat]

I really don't worry about it much. Wrap your bow in something, like your sleeping bag. Then pack your bowcase slam full. The tighter stuff is packed in there, the less things will move with impact.

I'm not saying they aren't susceptible, but bows are pretty resilient anymore outside of damage to your rest, sight, or peep. Doing a few things, and the right equipment makes a lot of that a non issue as well.


My biggest concern would be arrow shafts that have memory from being packed. Some shafts will have a memory for a while. GT typically don't. I think Axis can be one of the worst.
What I mean is, if your shafts aren't in a tube to protect them, and they have pressure on them, they bend, and some will stay bent for a good while.

 

[tdoublev]

It actually was my rest that got messed up last flight. I had the rest facing up and pushing outward against the lid of the case. You could tell exactly where it was from the outside because of hard it was pressed against the lid. I do use an arrow case more so for my fletchings but, again with that insert in there it is next to impossible to for. Appreciate your input. Sounds like this insert is nothing but trouble