Gear Review: Pelican 1745 Air Bow Case

Traveling with hunting gear can be nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to be. You want your gear protected at all costs. When I travel for an archery hunt, I want my gear to arrive just as secure as when I set it on that conveyor belt. Back at SHOT Show 2020, I spoke at length with Shane Robinson of Pelican on their cases, specifically the 1745 Air Bow Case. He went over the details and I knew I wanted to test one out with my gear because I love to hunt, like a good puzzle (you’ll see why later) and I like to test gear out for you all. Almost a year later, I finally bought one for a hunting trip. Here are my thoughts and review of the Pelican 1745 Air Bow Case.

Weighing in at 35 lbs., the Pelican 1745 Air Bow Case is not in the lightweight category, which to me usually signifies that it can withstand a beating. The case has thick walls, six buckles, and reinforced holes for your padlocks. It comes with an array of foam blocks and bungees to lock down your gear. What it lacks is a basic guide on to use these blocks. Even a few combinations to get you started would be a help. Sure, I like to customize and move things around, but there should be some basic info in the box as to what they are and how each should be used for optimum protection.

Lacking directions, I decided to customize right out of the gate and figured it out for myself. The Molle system allows you to place certain blocks to protect your bow and the bungees keep it in place. I will say the bungee and Molle system kept everything secured during my trip. Nothing moved or shifted, which was a major plus!

If you run a back bar, like I started doing this year, you might find it challenging to fit your bow in the case, as it will not allow the bow to lay flat inside the case. I added a tick mark to my bow and the base of the mount, loosened it and rotated it to fit. It didn’t take much, but it’s good to be aware of different challenges you might face.

The case comes with two medium-size bags for items like a release, small tools, extra string, etc. There is also a large, flat pocket on the flap that covers your bow. You can put sight tapes, small tools, even a small stabilizer in there. What the case lacks is a space in which to place and secure your stabilizers. Yes, that is plural. While both stablizers (7″ and 11″) will fit inside this center pocket, they must be diagonal and they hit against the sight housing on my bow. It wasn’t an ideal place to place them, so I had to get resourceful. I wrapped each one in an article of my camo clothing for added security.

The Pelican 1745 Air Bow Case comes with two arrow holders, with Molle straps, that you can secure your arrows in different arrangement inside the case. I opted not to use these as my quiver is detachable and I wanted that secured near the top, and I don’t trust traveling with arrows in an open way as there are no straps to hold the arrows in. I secured my arrow tube with a dozen arrows at the botom of the lid. Cinching them down with the provided straps and Molle system was easy. They remained in place through both plane rides and three airports. Removing them was easier yet and it was nice knowing where everything was located.

The case is solid. Almost too solid and here’s why. I had more trouble with TSA having to inspect the contents of this case than I ever have with any case before. First off, the case does have two built-in TSA approved locks, but I don’t rely on them. I also make sure to put my own padlocks on the case that are not TSA approved. Why would I do that? Gather round and let me tell you why. TSA is then required to either ask for your keys (don’t do that) or have you present, with the keys, so they can open your locks. Sure, the fine print says they can cut your locks off if you aren’t available, but I make sure to let them know at check-in that I will be waiting with my keys. Back to the TSA checks. Not only did they request me to open the case, they took all of the clothing and gear out of the bottom except the bow. At first I was irritated and asked them why they needed to remove everything. Accoring to TSA, the X-ray machine could not scan into the case. The agents said the screen just shows black, so they have to open the case. I have never had that happen to me. Not sure what is in the case material itself, but be prepared to have TSA open it and remove anything they need to.

All-in-all, the case is solid (a tad on the heavy side), protects a longer ATA compound bow well, and is fairly customizable. That being said, it retails for around $399.99. Is it worth $400? If you plan on multiple hunts around country with plenty of air travel, traveling bumpy back roads in a vehicle, or are simply rough on your gear, than this is a good case for you. I emphasize ‘good’ because I think $399.99 is pricey when discussing the value of the case. Honestly, I would pay $275, or less, for a case like this normally. (I did buy this case at a discount for this review.) If there were different options for the interior I may reconsider my opinion. I feel there could be more explanation given to the buyer on how to customize for the best options to safely protect your gear. Also, I don’t think the placement of the middle pocket, on the flap, is a good idea. That is the one that is reinforced, but it sits right above the area for your rest and sight. It would be better if it were moved 8-10″ left or right to maximize the space, or have two pockets – one on either side of where the current one sits. As I said, the case IS solid and keeps things securely in place. It allows you to place some clothing inside, should you so choose. I would give the Pelican 1745 Air Bow Case a 3.5 out of 5 stars for the reasons I stated above. Keep in mind, this is my opinion only. I will continue to use the case more as I am determined to see what other options I can come up with for customization.

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