How To Store A Compound Bow (Your 4-Step Guide)

By Andy Ryan

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Updated at
bow and arrow

The ideal way to store your bow is in a fitting, long-lasting bow case. This is true for both residential and vacation storage.

To avoid damage to your compound bow and injury, store it properly. These bows aren’t cheap and require a lot of attention when it comes to storage. Don’t worry. I’ll discuss everything you need to know to store a compound bow the right way:

To Hang or To Store

First, you should consider how long you intend to store your bow. Will it be for a month or the entire season? Another issue you should consider is if you have a suitable spot for storing your bow. These are essential topics to ask while selecting a storage method.

Suppose you want to hang your compound bow; you should hang it on its riser. This does not risk its parts and pieces. To avoid harming it, hang it horizontally by the frame. It would be best if you hung your bow somewhere with the proper climatic conditions — preferably cool, dry, and free of moisture.

The following guideline will help you decide which bow case to use.

Step 1: Selecting the Best Case

Before doing anything else, ensure you have the best bow case possible. You should also make sure that the Case is fit for your specific needs; if you’re constantly on the go, you’ll need a case that is both comfy and durable to carry around with you.

To help you, here’s a list of good compound bow cases:

Allen Gear Fit X Case

 

 

We recommend the Allen Gear Fit X Case. It is the best among soft cases, perfect for your compound bows since it is a straightforward-looking case but compact and durable.

It has ten pockets and a strap to hoist it over your shoulder and is 42 inches long by 18 inches tall so that it will accommodate any bow with an axle-to-axle distance of up to 38 inches.

It has enough room for smaller items like arrows, arm guards, stringers, wax, and more. It also has Velcro straps on the inside to lock your bow in position, which is a great touch—even if your bow is a bit smaller, it won’t move about as you walk around.

Plano Protector Compact Bow Case

 

When discussing a hard case for your compound bows, I highly recommend using the Plano Protector Compact Bow Case.

It’s solid and has enough room inside for bows, arrows, sights, and other items, as well as a rigid foam floor where you may rest your bow and tuck it in with straps. To put it a different way, it’s a fantastic storage unit.

It’s roughly 43 inches tall and 19 inches long on the outside, and it’ll suit most parallel limb bows. Plus, it is airline-approved, so if you’re planning a hunting trip, this could be an excellent case.

Those are just two bow cases that you can choose from, but we have more for you to look for the best one for your bow; check our best bow cases before you decide to buy one.

 

Step 2: Wax Your Bow String before Putting it into the Case

 

 

Before you begin waxing, you must inspect your string for any damage. Ignoring damage and leaving it untouched for a while can be disastrous for you and your bow, so a checkup should be a primary concern. Here’s your choice for the best bow string wax that you can choose.

After thoroughly inspecting your bowstring, it is time for you to wax it. Waxing is vital before storing your string because it keeps it in good condition. Contrary to popular belief, it would be best if you did not use anything other than your hands to apply wax to your bow. Your hands will generate enough heat to drive the string wax into the string without causing it to break.

Over-waxing is also a concern, so remove the previous layer of wax before applying a new layer. You will know when it’s ready if your string feels sticky but leaves no residue.

Finally, allow your bowstring to sit for a few minutes before you put it into the Case.

 

Step 3: Store the Bow in a Safe Place

 

Extreme temperatures can destroy strings and threaten the entire bow. It would be best to keep the bow where the temperature is exactly right and does not reach peak lows or highs.

It would be best to store your bow so it will not be dropped or soaked by mistake. Even if you polish the strings and keep the bow in a robust case, these bows can be fragile. It’s also a great idea to keep it somewhere cool and dry.

Addressing the long-term storage of your bow requires you to consider maintenance. You should remove your bow’s strings; you may do it yourself if you know how to. However, I highly recommend contacting a professional to do it correctly.

After removing the strings, firmly wrap them and ensure they don’t get too moist. Extreme temperature swings can harm strings. Make it a habit to check if rust starts growing into your bowstring.

 

Step 4: How to Properly Hang a Compound Bow

 

 

If a hard case is not an option for you, a compound bow can be kept safe by hanging it correctly. To avoid ruining it, you must hang it horizontally by the frame. You should also hang your bow somewhere with the proper environmental conditions – somewhere cool, dry, and free of moisture.

Many archers hang their compound bows by the strings on the wall to display them. However, even though compound bows can support a lot, this should be avoided because it puts undue stress on the strings.

The ideal technique to hang your compound bow horizontally is to use the central part of the frame and the grip. It’ll do just fine with a set of bicycle hooks or perhaps some screws.

Compound bows frequently include a lot of tiny holes, which are helpful for securely mounting the bow. This avoids putting undue strain on more delicate components, such as the cams or the string, instead of supporting the bow’s weight on its most vital point.

 

A Helpful Tip for You

 

You can also use oil to lubricate the axles of your compound bow. You might assume it’s perfect for storing now, but some effective advice is to shoot it first.

It is best to work the wax and oil into the strings and axles. If you cannot shoot your bow, you can pull back the idler cam several times to let the substance seep in and let the bow absorb it.