Mathews LIFT: Bow Case Recommendations

[robby denning]

I did a search and surpised to not see anything...

I need to get a hard case for my LIFT 29.5:

-Airline approved
-lockable
-hold at least dozen arrows
-and not bigger than needed (just for a single bow)

I can get a 15% writer's discount from Mathew's website (they advertise with us): https://mathewsinc.com/products/skb-custom-mathews-bow-case?_pos=1&_sid=c57399125&_ss=r

But is that just a "logo'd" SKB case that I could get a Sportsmans/Cabela's without the logo. Happy to support Mathews but they say shipping is terrible on it. I can drive 3 miles to those stores.

Also, are there other options? Google shows an "i-series" case and @EuroOptic has them:

https://www.eurooptic.com/skb-iseries-mathews-shaped-black-bow-case-3i-4318-mpl

What do you guys know?

@Brock A did you buy a case?

 

[sndmn11]

I wouldn't go back to a flat case; we've had these for a handful of years without issue.

Double 46" Bow Case

Lakewood Bow Cases offer convenient top-loading, drop-in design. Rectangular shape allows for lots of gear storage. Zippers come together to accommodate a lock D-rings for tie down or additional locking points. Lighter than most double bow cases. Made in the USA. Lifetime Warranty.

lakewoodproducts.com

 

[atmat]

I wouldn't go back to a flat case; we've had these for a handful of years without issue.

Double 46" Bow Case

Lakewood Bow Cases offer convenient top-loading, drop-in design. Rectangular shape allows for lots of gear storage. Zippers come together to accommodate a lock D-rings for tie down or additional locking points. Lighter than most double bow cases. Made in the USA. Lifetime Warranty.

lakewoodproducts.com

I second this. Picked one up on recommendation and it’s awesome.

 

[MountainHunter_1609]

I have a Pelican Vault V700 for my V3X 29, I love it, waterproof, lockable and holds all my arrows, stabs, limb legs, and release with some room for a bit more if you leverage the lid. You used to be able to get the SKB arrow holder foam and mount it to the lid, but you can also DIY something to for it.

 

[ethan.s.miles]

Have this case for my 31" bow. Love it

https://www.scheels.com/p/01942817363/?store=&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=22740401995&cq_con=186971440212&cq_term=&cq_med=pla&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_pos=&cq_plt=gp&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22740401995&gclid=CjwKCAjwjtTNBhB0EiwAuswYhozv6IOfUaD0LmQQ4yZ8VXYLfLuK5UtJqElis0YHuudLXKGA4LZQFRoC7gIQAvD_BwE

 

[Billy Goat]

I'd look at an SKB 3614.


I think the 29.5's will fit in them, and they generally fall under the 62" for standard checked airline luggage under 50#.

Might be tight with the quiver, but I think it would all fit.

 

[Eastonsgrandpa]

I wouldn't go back to a flat case; we've had these for a handful of years without issue.

Double 46" Bow Case

Lakewood Bow Cases offer convenient top-loading, drop-in design. Rectangular shape allows for lots of gear storage. Zippers come together to accommodate a lock D-rings for tie down or additional locking points. Lighter than most double bow cases. Made in the USA. Lifetime Warranty.

lakewoodproducts.com

I have this as well, but definitely wouldn’t recommend it for airline travel.

 

[sndmn11]

I have this as well, but definitely wouldn’t recommend it for airline travel.

I should read better! I skimmed over the airplane part.

 

[Wheels]

Pelican Vault V730 fits my Lift 33.

 

[tdoublev]

I do believe the Mathews are simply marked up SKBs from what I’ve seen, maybe different color options. At the end of the day, these hard cases are all more or less the same - Pelican, SKB, Apache. They just have different dimensions. The SKB 3614 is probably your answer as Billy Goat said. I have a SKB 4217 and although it’s marketed as ‘double bow’, I don’t know how you ever could fit two in there without them smacking against each other (in the context of flying). That said, I do really appreciate the extra space for packing in other items like an arrow caddy and clothing. If you don’t plan to pack anything but the bow and arrows, I’d take the 3614. If you think you’d pack anything else, think about the 4217. They are pretty heavy but even with mine fully loaded (bow, arrows, clothing, bow repair stuff) I’ve never had weight issues for checked baggage.

Depending on the arrow caddy you use, it can be hard to get them to fit into the SKB with the bow, so the built in slots in the foam do shine in that regard.

 

[Eastonsgrandpa]

I should read better! I skimmed over the airplane part.

It is a great case. Love having the wheels

 

[EuroOptic]

https://www.eurooptic.com/skb-iseries-medium-tan-bow-case-3i-4214-pl-t
This is the one I use I think. Been a couple years since I bought it, Matthew’s VXR 28
Shoot me a message when you decide on one, I’ll take care of ya

 

[robby denning]

wow guys, thanks.

Glad I posted up. Got some more to think about!

I'll lyk what I do.

 

[EuroOptic]

I do believe the Mathews are simply marked up SKBs from what I’ve seen, maybe different color options. At the end of the day, these hard cases are all more or less the same - Pelican, SKB, Apache. They just have different dimensions. The SKB 3614 is probably your answer as Billy Goat said. I have a SKB 4217 and although it’s marketed as ‘double bow’, I don’t know how you ever could fit two in there without them smacking against each other (in the context of flying). That said, I do really appreciate the extra space for packing in other items like an arrow caddy and clothing. If you don’t plan to pack anything but the bow and arrows, I’d take the 3614. If you think you’d pack anything else, think about the 4217. They are pretty heavy but even with mine fully loaded (bow, arrows, clothing, bow repair stuff) I’ve never had weight issues for checked baggage.

Depending on the arrow caddy you use, it can be hard to get them to fit into the SKB with the bow, so the built in slots in the foam do shine in that regard.

2nd this
I typically run just my arrows and bow in the case, my broadheads are new in packaging or in a separate case in my check luggage with a release, I typically carry a back up release in my carry on

From what I’ve seen personally the Matthew’s cases are just branded SKB’s. Full agreement there.

 

[robby denning]

I'd look at an SKB 3614.


I think the 29.5's will fit in them, and they generally fall under the 62" for standard checked airline luggage under 50#.

Might be tight with the quiver, but I think it would all fit.

BG!

this is what Mathews has, but they don't list the original model number for the rebrand. Look like a SKB 3614 to you?

SKB Custom Mathews Bow Case

The Mathews Custom SKB Bow Case features an injection molded Mil-Standard waterproof design, molded of ultra high-strength polypropylene copolymer resin. A gasket-sealed, water and dust tight, submersible design (MIL-STD 810G) provides resistance to corrosion and impact damage. Featuring a...

mathewsinc.com

https://www.eurooptic.com/skb-iseries-medium-tan-bow-case-3i-4214-pl-t
This is the one I use I think. Been a couple years since I bought it, Matthew’s VXR 28
Shoot me a message when you decide on one, I’ll take care of ya

View attachment 1037890
View attachment 1037891

Jake my man! thanks for chiming in. what about this one? I like compact but am I giving up too much here?

 

[Billy Goat]

Look like a SKB 3614 to you?

Looks like a 4217 to me, big enough for a 33, and has some custom foam. And adds upto 73" listed outside dimensions.

Lift 29.5 is 35 1/2 cam to cam, you will need to cut foam out I believe to fit into the 3614, but most of the others surpass the standard checked luggage fee and you will be subject to a hefty fee if the ticket counter feels like it. The actual listed dimensions from SKB on the 3614 give it 36 1/2 × 14 1/2 inside.


I generally pack my bow case with as much as possible, would scale it to around 47# to have some wiggle room on the 50# limit. Not too worried about the foam in it. Clothes make up for it.

 

[robby denning]

Looks like a 4217 to me, big enough for a 33, and has some custom foam. And adds upto 73" listed outside dimensions.

Lift 29.5 is 35 1/2 cam to cam, you will need to cut foam out I believe to fit into the 3614, but most of the others surpass the standard checked luggage fee and you will be subject to a hefty fee if the ticket counter feels like it. The actual listed dimensions from SKB on the 3614 give it 36 1/2 × 14 1/2 inside.


I generally pack my bow case with as much as possible, would scale it to around 47# to have some wiggle room on the 50# limit. Not too worried about the foam in it. Clothes make up for it.

Ok BG,

but here: "..... And adds upto 73" listed outside dimensions." Typo? 37"?

 

[Billy Goat]

Looks like a 4217 to me, big enough for a 33, and has some custom foam. And adds upto 73" listed outside dimensions.

Lift 29.5 is 35 1/2 cam to cam, you will need to cut foam out I believe to fit into the 3614, but most of the others surpass the standard checked luggage fee and you will be subject to a hefty fee if the ticket counter feels like it. The actual listed dimensions from SKB on the 3614 give it 36 1/2 × 14 1/2 inside.


I generally pack my bow case with as much as possible, would scale it to around 47# to have some wiggle room on the 50# limit. Not too worried about the foam in it. Clothes make up for it.

Ill add I have several Pelican, and Plano cases/boxes too. Don't have anything against them but the models Im not as familiar with. And I think Plano latches/handles stick out more adding to the overall dimensions more than necessary. I like them, but the overall size can be a little more bother for things like airlines. Back of the truck, perfectly fine.

 

[5MilesBack]

Ill add I have several Pelican, and Plano cases/boxes too. Don't have anything against them but the models Im not as familiar with.

Does the SKB have a much higher quality of plastic to them over the Plano? I tried a Plano and it was junk. I wouldn't have trusted my bow in it in the back of the truck.

 

[Billy Goat]

Ok BG,

but here: "..... And adds upto 73" listed outside dimensions." Typo? 37"?

No, for airline travel the number is 62" I believe. They add up L,W,& H to a total, 62" and 50# is when it's oversized for checked bags and they hit you with an oversized fee. Sporting equipment is supposed to be exempt, but its kinda upto discretion. Flying to Vegas, most don't get hit with the fee, flying back they do. If you are under the size limit, not much they can say.

Just something to consider for a hunting bow. Not much you can do about target bows.