Updated March 2023
After spending money on a new bow, you may be left wondering how you are going to store and transport it safely. A proper fitting bow case is important for protecting your sight, rest and other components from being knocked out of alignment. With many bow case options available, the Plano Parallel Limb Bow Case is a great all-around case that is meant to protect your bow in all types of situations and weather conditions, at home and in the field.
Plano Parallel Lim Bow Case Specifications
Length: 44 inches
Width: 19 inches
Height: 7 inches
Weight: 14.5 pounds
Review of Features
Water Resistant – The Plano parallel limb bow case is equipped with a rubber gasket around entire sealing edge of the case. This water-tight seal makes the case adequate for all weather situations including rain and snow. On rainy hunts, I have noticed the case does indeed stay waterproof inside.
Lockable – The parallel limb case has lock holes next to all four latches for a total of four locking points for installing external locks. This is convenient for travel and for safely storing in your home away from children.
Durable – The durability of this case makes it feel like a quality bow case. Made with tough, strong plastic, this case remains both lightweight and sturdy. This case can easily withstand being banged around in a car on a long road trip.
Tie Down Straps – The Plano parallel limb case comes with three Velcro straps to hold your bow tightly in place during transportation. Plano also includes an additional strap that can be used for securing other gear such as a release or rangefinder inside the case.
Customizable Fit – This case is fully adjustable with Plano’s PillarLock system. Both yellow support pillars can be configured in a multitude of arrangements to get a perfect fit for your bow. Installation of the support pillars is easy using the numbered grid system inside the case. I was able to easily configure the pillars to fit my Mathews Vertix perfectly.
Foam Padding – This Plano parallel limb bow case comes with plenty of interior foam padding to protect your bow. With this case, Plano included an extra strip of thick foam padding (similar material to a pool noodle) along the base of the case which provides extra protection for your bow’s cams and sting when carried or stored upright. I would have liked to see a thicker bed of padding used on the bottom of this case, but it does the job just fine.
Quality Latches – This case comes equipped with four latches (2 on top, 2 on the sides). The latches are all very strong and are made with a harder plastic than the case itself. There is no doubt the latches on this case will hold up for many years. It also has a durable handle with a rubber grip that makes the case feel solid when carrying it.
Arrow Holder – Similar to other Plano cases, this case can hold up to six arrows securely inside. I wish Plano would have included additional arrow holders inside the case as there appears to be room to do so.
Accessory Box Holder – This case comes with a small four-compartment accessory box for storing small items. I have a few extra field points, broadheads and vanes in mine. There is even a cut-out in the foam that the accessory box fits into. I have found that once you load up the accessory box, it becomes too heavy to stay in place and falls out of the foam. The included accessory box is great for organizing small items alongside your bow, but I prefer the Plano Archery Accessory Box for larger accessories.
Spacious – This case has plenty of room for other accessories or gear you want to keep in your bow case such as a rangefinder, quiver, extra arrows, release, tools, etc. For longer trips, you could easily pack extra clothes in there if needed. My Mathews Vertix, with a 30” axle-to-axle, fits in this case comfortably with a few inches to spare lengthwise. I can also keep my quiver and 6” stabilizer on my bow when storing in this case.
Conclusion
This case is a definite upgrade from the Plano Protector Bow Case. I have personally owned the Plano parallel limb bow case for close to a year now and it has held up well. While there are other bow cases out there upwards of $300, such as the SKB iSeries Parallel Limb Bow Case, this case from Plano is a great mid-level bow case option. If you are looking for a case with above average durability and protection, the Plano parallel limb bow case is an excellent choice for the price.