Mathews Bow Case: Choosing a Hard or Soft Case for Your Mathews

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Mathews makes bows in a range of axle-to-axle lengths and limb designs, and a case that fits one model can be too long or too narrow for another. That is why cases are often sold as compatible with named Mathews models. This page is independent of Mathews and of any case maker. It explains how to choose, so you can check any listing yourself.

Check the numbers yourself. Case dimensions and bow compatibility change between model years and between retailers’ listings. Treat the figures here as a guide, then confirm interior size and the fitment list on the manufacturer’s page before you buy.

1. Find your bow’s axle-to-axle length in the manual or on the maker’s page, then measure it yourself.
2. Check the fitment list. Cases sold as compatible name specific models.
3. Compare the interior dimensions to your bow with everything you leave attached.
4. Look at the case’s accessory space. Some have lid pockets for a release, a rest and a quiver.
5. Decide hard or soft based on how you will travel.

Owner reports show that fit can be borderline. One reviewer, for instance, noted that a shorter 29.5 inch bow needed some foam cut in one hard case, while another reported that a small case fit a 31 inch axle-to-axle bow. These are individual reports, not guarantees. The lesson is to measure your own bow and allow some extra room, rather than trusting a model name.

A hard case suits travel, especially flights, because it protects from impact and crushing. A soft case is lighter and often enough for a drive to the range. If you want a lighter option for short trips, read the soft bow cases guide. For long hauls, see hard bow cases, and the compound bow cases page for sizing by bow type.

A stabilizer sticks out and takes the most room. Many archers remove it for travel, and also take off a quiver and any delicate accessories. Check your bow’s manual before you remove or adjust anything, and do not change the draw weight or loosen limb bolts just to fit a case. If the bow only fits with a part removed, make a note so you can put it back correctly.

Hard bow cases are heavy. One shaped Mathews-compatible case is listed at about 18 pounds empty, so the bow and gear on top may push you toward an airline’s weight limit. Check the empty weight of any case you consider, then add the bow and what goes in the lid.

• Check that the bow is seated firmly in the foam and cannot shift.
• Make sure the string and cables cannot be pinched by the lid.
• Keep arrows and broadheads in their own protected compartment.
• Lock the case if you will check it as luggage.

Axle-to-axle length is the standard way bows are described, but it does not tell you the bow’s full length in a case. The cams, the stabilizer and the limbs extend beyond the axles. Our compound bow cases guide explains why axle-to-axle is not the right number and how to measure properly. Use the measured overall length and width, not just the number on the bow’s spec sheet.

Cases for Mathews ARC bows are sold as a separate fitment. One listing for an Elevation case shows a fit for 30 to 34 inch axle-to-axle ARC bows, and another for an October Mountain case shows an interior of about 39.5 by 4 by 17 inches. If you own an ARC, do not assume a standard Mathews case will fit. Check the fitment list for the ARC specifically.

A soft case is lighter and often enough for short trips. One discontinued October Mountain soft case made for the Mathews Lift was listed with an interior of about 39.5 by 17 by 3.5 inches. Soft cases offer less protection from crushing, so they suit drives to the range better than flights. See the soft bow cases guide for what to look for.

• What is the interior length, width and depth, not the exterior size?
• Is the fit stated for my exact model, and with a stabilizer attached?
• What does the case weigh empty?
• Can I return it if my bow does not fit?

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