Recurve Bow Case: Takedown vs One-Piece Sizing and Options

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A compound bow is wide and compact, with cams and cables that need space. A recurve is long and slim, and a takedown breaks into three pieces. Cases are shaped to match. A compound case may be too wide and too short, while a recurve case is long and narrow. Our types of archery bows guide shows how the shapes compare.

Our traditional recurve bow guide explains more about the two styles.

A soft case is lighter and carries easily on foot, and many have padded sleeves for the limbs. A hard case offers much better protection against crushing and impacts, which matters when a bag goes into a plane’s hold. Because a takedown packs small, a hard case is practical for travel. For a one-piece bow, soft cases are more common because hard cases that long are awkward.

See the guides to soft bow cases and hard bow cases for features to check.

1. For a takedown: measure the longest limb and the riser, and the thickness of the packed bundle.
2. For a one-piece bow: measure the full length along the curve, not just the straight-line distance, with the string removed.
3. Add room for the string, a stringer, a tab, an arm guard and arrows, or check that the case has pockets for them.
4. Check the interior size of the case rather than the exterior.

• Unstring the bow before packing and store the string where it will not tangle.
• Pad the limb tips, because a hit on the tip can crack a limb.
• Keep limbs from rubbing on each other.
• Carry arrows in a separate tube or compartment so they cannot bend or break.
• Keep the bow away from heat and moisture, especially a wooden or laminated bow.

US guidance says an assembled bow and arrows are not allowed in carry-on baggage and must be transported as checked luggage, and that a hard-sided case is recommended. A takedown is often the easiest bow to fly with because it packs small and fits in a standard checked case. Check airline size and weight limits and TSA guidance before you go.

Many takedown cases are shaped like a backpack, with a padded compartment for the riser and limbs and pockets for arrows and accessories. They are easy to carry on foot and suit archers who walk to a field course or ride to a range. If you choose one, check that the limb tips are well padded, because they are the most vulnerable part of a takedown.

Wipe the limbs and riser before packing them away, and make sure nothing is damp. Store the case in a cool, dry place. For long storage, leave the bow unstrung and keep it away from direct heat, which can affect glue lines in a laminated bow. Check the limb bolts and the riser pockets for dirt before you put a takedown together again.

• Bow unstrung, with the string stored separately.
• Limbs and riser padded and not touching each other.
• Stringer, tab, arm guard and spare string packed.
• Arrows in a separate protected tube or pocket.
• Airline size and weight limits checked.

A one-piece wooden or laminated bow needs a long case with padding along its length, especially at the limb tips. A tube-style case or a long padded bag suits them. Avoid leaving a wooden bow in a case in a hot car or in a damp place for long, because heat and moisture affect glue lines and wood. Take the string off, and add a stiff board or foam in the case to stop the limbs flexing in transit.

Arrows travel best in a separate tube or a rigid arrow case. Loose arrows in a soft bag bend or break easily, and the points can damage the bow. Pack spare nocks and a spare string too. Keep the tube where it will not press on the limbs, and secure the caps so nothing falls out when you open the bag.

1. Remove the string and wrap it loosely.
2. Separate the riser and limbs on a takedown.
3. Pad the limb tips and the riser’s limb pockets.
4. Place the heaviest piece at the bottom and the limbs on top.
5. Add the arrow tube and small items in their own pockets.
6. Close the case and give it a gentle shake to check nothing moves.

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