So you have finally invested in a good compound bow, Now you can’t just leave it lying here and there. You have to maintain your equipment and save it from damage, especially from unwanted guests.
A high-quality and complex tool like a compound bow has to be stored in safe spots so it is out of the reach of children and also protected from environmental factors. If you want to store the bow at home, these safe spots can be hanging it on a wall, storing it on a shelf and storing it in a cabinet.
If you plan to travel with the compound bow, you can store it in a case, depending on your preference if it is a hard case or soft case. These cases can also be used to store the bow at home.
How To Store A Compound Bow Without A Case
There are three methods to store a compound bow at home without a case.
1. Hang Your Compound Bow on the wall
One of the popular and space-efficient methods for storing your compound bow is by hanging it on the wall. This method is practical and visually appealing, turning your compound bow into a piece of functional wall art. Here’s how to do it and why it’s a great choice:
How to Hang Your Compound Bow on the Wall
1. Select a Secure Location: Choose a wall in your home or archery room that is sturdy enough to support the weight of your bow. Ensure that the wall is free of moisture and away from direct sunlight.
2. Use Bow Hangers: Look for specialized bow hangers or hooks designed for this purpose. These hangers often come with padded surfaces to protect your bow’s finish. You can also use nails and then cover them with tape to place your bow in it.
3. Properly Position the Hangers: Install the hangers at a height that is out of kid’s reach. Please don’t hang it with the support of the bowstring. It can not only be dangerous but constant stress on the string can ruin it and stretch it. The only part touching the hangers should be the limbs (if hanged horizontally) or the cams (i hanged vertically).
4. Hang Your Bow: Gently place your compound bow on the hangers, ensuring it rests securely. Check that the bowstring isn’t touching any other surfaces or objects.
Advantages of Hanging Your Compound Bow
Space Efficiency: Wall hanging saves valuable floor or storage space, making it an excellent choice for smaller spaces like apartments or archery rooms.
Easy Access: When you hang your bow on the wall, it’s readily accessible. This is ideal for archers who like to practice regularly and want to grab their bow quickly.
2. Place Your Compound Bow in a Rack
Another excellent way to store your compound bow is by using a compound bow rack. This method not only keeps your bow organized but also adds a touch of professionalism to your archery setup. Here’s how to do it and why it’s a practical choice:
How to Place Your Compound Bow in a Rack
1. Choose a Quality Rack: Invest in a sturdy, well-designed compound bow rack. These racks typically have specialized cradles or holders designed to secure your bow. Buy a specific rack for your bow that fits it well and securely.
2. Position Your Bow: Gently place your compound bow in the rack, making sure it fits securely in the designated cradles. Ensure that the bowstring is not under tension when stored.
3. Check Bow Placement: Ensure that the bow is level and not leaning excessively in any direction. This helps prevent unnecessary stress on the limbs and other components.
Advantages of Using a Compound Bow Rack
Protection from Damage: Racks cradle your bow, keeping it off the ground and away from potential harm, such as dust, moisture, or accidental knocks.
Organization of Accessories: Some racks come with additional storage space for arrows, quivers, and other archery accessories, keeping everything neatly in one place.
Professional Look: Using a bow rack can give your archery setup a professional and polished appearance, which is great if you host guests or clients.
3. Store Your Compound Bow in a Bow Cabinet
If you prefer a concealed and protected storage solution for your compound bow, using a bow cabinet can be an excellent choice. Bow cabinets provide security, organization, and a controlled environment for your archery equipment. Here’s how to do it and why it’s a practical option.
How to Store Your Compound Bow in a Bow Cabinet
1. Select a Suitable Cabinet: Choose a bow cabinet designed for archery equipment storage. These cabinets often have dedicated compartments and features to accommodate bows, arrows, and accessories.
2. Prepare Your Bow: Before placing your compound bow inside the cabinet, make sure it’s clean and dry. Ensure that the bowstring is not under tension.
3. Position the Bow: Gently place your compound bow inside the designated compartment or holders within the cabinet. Ensure that it fits securely and is well-supported.
4. Secure the Cabinet: If the cabinet has locking mechanisms, use them to secure your bow and other archery gear.
Advantages of Using a Bow Cabinet:
Security: Bow cabinets provide a high level of security for your compound bow, protecting it from theft and unauthorized handling.
Protection from Environmental Factors: Bow cabinets create a controlled environment, shielding your bow from dust, moisture, and temperature fluctuations that can adversely affect its performance.
Accessory Storage: Some cabinets include additional storage space for accessories like broadheads, releases, and maintenance tools.
How To Store A Compound Bow In A Case
Another way to store a compound bow is in a case. There are two types of cases, soft bow case and hard bow case. The advantage of a case over other methods is that they can be used for safe bow transportation.
1. Hard Bow Case
A hard bow case is a specialized, durable container designed to protect your compound bow during storage and transportation. Using a hard bow case offers several advantages, ensuring that your valuable archery equipment remains safe and secure. Here’s how to use one and why it’s a practical choice:
What Is a Hard Bow Case
A hard bow case is a rigid, often waterproof container made of tough materials like plastic or composite materials. It is custom-designed to house your compound bow and accessories safely. These cases typically include foam padding or custom-fit foam inserts to cushion and secure your bow, preventing damage during transit or storage.
How to Store Your Compound Bow in a Hard Bow Case
Prepare Your Bow: Before placing your compound bow in the hard case, ensure it is clean and dry. Make sure the bowstring is not under tension.
Arrange Accessories: If your hard case includes compartments or slots for accessories like arrows, broadheads, and stabilizers, arrange these items securely within the case.
Position the Bow: Gently place your compound bow inside the case, ensuring that it fits snugly and securely within the foam padding or custom inserts. Close the case and secure the latches or locks.
Check for a Proper Fit: Confirm that the bow and accessories do not move or shift within the case. This prevents any potential damage during transit or storage.
Advantages of Using a Hard Bow Case
Exceptional Protection: Hard bow cases offer superior protection against impact, moisture, and other environmental factors. They are designed to withstand rough handling during travel.
Security: Most hard bow cases come with locking mechanisms, ensuring that your equipment remains secure and protected from theft or tampering.
Durability: These cases are built to last, and they can endure the rigors of travel, whether you’re going to the archery range or on a hunting expedition.
Air Travel Compatibility: Many hard cases are designed to meet airline regulations for checked baggage, making them ideal for archers who need to transport their equipment by air.
Long-Term Storage: Hard cases are excellent for long-term storage, keeping your compound bow in pristine condition between seasons.
Using a hard bow case is a practical choice, especially when you need to transport your compound bow or store it for extended periods.
2. Soft Bow Case
A soft bow case is a lightweight, flexible bag designed to provide protection and portability for your compound bow. It’s a good option for archers who need to transport their equipment to the range or store it safely in great frequency. Here’s how to use a soft bow case and why it’s a practical choice:
What Is a Soft Bow Case
A soft bow case is a bag typically made of durable fabric or nylon material. It features padding and compartments designed to accommodate your compound bow and accessories. Soft bow cases are more flexible and easier to carry.
How to Store Your Compound Bow in a Soft Bow Case
Prepare Your Bow: Clean the bow before placing it in a case. Make sure the bowstring is not under tension.
Arrange Accessories: If your soft bow case includes pockets or compartments for accessories like arrows, broadheads, and releases, arrange these items securely within the case.
Position the Bow: Gently place your compound bow inside the soft case, ensuring that it fits comfortably within the padding. Close the case and secure the zippers or fasteners.
Check for a Proper Fit: Confirm that the bow and accessories are well-secured inside the case and do not shift during transportation or storage.
Advantages of Using a Soft Bow Case
Portability: Soft bow cases are lightweight and easy to carry, often featuring shoulder straps or handles for convenient transport to the archery range or hunting site.
Versatility: They are designed to accommodate compound bows of various sizes and styles, making them suitable for a wide range of archery equipment.
Protection: Soft cases provide essential protection against dust, scratches, and minor impacts during transportation and storage.
Storage Convenience: These cases can be folded or compressed when not in use, saving storage space compared to bulkier hard cases.
Affordability: Soft bow cases are typically more budget-friendly than hard cases, making them a cost-effective choice for many archers.
Easy Access: The quick access provided by zippers or fasteners allows you to retrieve your bow and accessories rapidly when needed.
Low Maintenance: Soft cases are easy to clean and maintain, ensuring that they stay in good condition for years of use.
While soft bow cases may not offer the same level of protection against extreme impacts as hard cases, they are a practical choice for archers who prioritize portability and convenience.
Why Do You Need to Store a Compound Bow?
Storing your compound bow properly is crucial for preserving its performance, protecting your investment, and ensuring safety. Whether you choose to hang it on the wall, use a rack, or employ a bow case, the right storage method shields your bow from damage caused by moisture, dust, and accidents.
Additionally, proper storage helps prevent string fatigue, enhances accessibility for regular practice, and ultimately extends the bow’s lifespan, allowing you to enjoy many seasons of archery pursuits with confidence and reliability.
Best Way to Store a Compound Bow
The best way to store a compound bow largely depends on your specific situation and needs. For archers with limited space or those looking to showcase their bow as a piece of art, hanging it on the wall is a fantastic choice. It’s efficient, visually appealing, and keeps the bow readily accessible for practice.
On the other hand, if security and protection are paramount, especially during long transportation, a hard bow case is unbeatable. If you just want to go for a trail or session, then a soft bow case might be ideal.
The best method varies, but aligning your storage choice with your unique circumstances will ensure your compound bow remains safe and in top condition.
Should You Store a Compound Bow Unstrung?
Storing a compound bow unstrung is generally not recommended. Leaving the bow unstrung for extended periods can lead to several issues. First, it can cause the limbs to take on a permanent set or deform.
Second, frequent stringing and unstringing can increase wear on the bow’s components, potentially leading to premature damage. Also, it is very hard to strung and unstrung the compound bow again and again.
Therefore, it’s best to store a compound bow with the string attached, ensuring that it remains in a stable, ready-to-shoot condition and reduces the risk of damage or deterioration over time.
How Long Will a Stored Compound Bow String Last?
The longevity of a stored compound bow string can vary based on several factors, but with proper care and maintenance, it should last between one to three years. However, this estimate assumes that the bow is stored in optimal conditions – dry, at room temperature, and away from direct sunlight.
Regular waxing and inspection of the string can also help extend its lifespan. Factors such as humidity, extreme temperature fluctuations, and exposure to UV light can accelerate string wear and reduce its lifespan.
Clean Your Bow Before Storing It
Cleaning your bow before storing it is a crucial step in bow maintenance that often gets overlooked. It’s a simple yet essential practice that can significantly extend the life and performance of your compound bow.
After a day of shooting, your bow can accumulate dirt and debris, which, if left untreated, can lead to wear and corrosion over time. Cleaning the bow involves wiping down the limbs, riser, and accessories with a clean, dry cloth to remove any surface grime.
FAQs
Where should you store a compound bow?
Store your compound bow in by hanging it on the wall, storing it in a shelf or cabinet. If you want to transport the bow, store it in a case.
Can you store a compound bow vertically?
Yes, you can store a compound bow vertically by using hangers and the cams are kept in contact with the hanger.
How long can you keep a compound bow?
With proper maintenance and storage, a compound bow can last for 1 – 3 years, providing reliable performance.
Can you store a bow with the string on?
It’s generally recommended to store a compound bow with the string on to maintain its shape and performance, but regular checks are essential to ensure the string’s integrity.
Conclusion
Always care for your compound bow and store it properly in a bow shelf or a case, depending on your preferred setup. Invest in some good hangers, shelves, or cases that fit your bow properly. Always clean your bow before storing it and wax the bowstring for its longevity. Make sure to investigate the bow after long storing or travel.