Plano Field Locker Bow Case Review
Modern compound bows are not cheap. Are you tired of your investment flopping around loosely, in a poorly sealed, flimsy, plastic case, barely restrained by an inadequate amount of Velcro? If you want next level, mil-spec protection, then check out the Plano Field Locker Bow Case. In my opinion, this is one of the best bow cases currently made.
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“Dri-Loc”
My biggest complaint about my old bow case: a poor seal. I travel a lot of gravel and dirt roads during the hunting season. It is incredibly disappointing to uncase a relatively new bow, or any bow for that matter, to find it completely “camouflaged” in brown dust. The Field Locker is an excellent choice for any archer looking for extra protection from the elements for their bow this fall and beyond. According to Plano, an accredited test facility certified that the Field Locker meets military specs per MIL-STD-810G in immersion, vibration, dust and transit drop. The Field Locker’s “Dri-Loc” gasket effectively seals out dust and rain, allowing worry free transportation in uncovered pickup beds, trailers, or other situations exposed to the elements. I put this case to the test over the course of the past year, and the inside of the case has remained dry and virtually dust free through heavy rains and countless trips down dry, dusty roads.
Pluck Foam
The Field Locker’s pre-perforated pluck foam provides easy customization, allowing the owner to pluck out a totally secure fit for almost any bow brand and model. I found using the pluck foam to be incredibly easy. With the pluck foam sheet flipped over, I traced out the shape of my bow and stabilizer with a Sharpie. Once I plucked out the shape, I flipped the foam sheet over and re-installed it to hide any remaining Sharpie lines. Properly installed, the pluck foam creates an incredibly secure fit for the bow and any accessories. No more inadequate Velcro, no more rattling, no more jostled sights or arrow rests.
Arrow Storage
The Field Locker includes 6-arrow storage in lid. This is one area where I have been disappointed in the case. I wish the case included 12-arrow storage. I believe Plano missed the mark here, considering this case is geared toward the traveling archer. I don’t feel like 6 arrows is adequate on an out-of-state hunt.
Extra Features
The Field Locker also includes a number of thoughtful, additional features.
- Easy-glide, enclosed ball-bearing, urethane wheels for ease of transportation
- A pressure release valve equalizes pressure caused by altitude or temperature changes
- Over-molded, heavy-duty handles reduce hand fatigue
- Metal-reinforced padlock gates provide additional anti-theft protection
- Made in the U.S.A.
PROS:
- Custom fit to almost any bow manufacturer and model using included pre-perforated pluck foam
- Ultra-rugged design
- Roller Wheels
- Steel reinforced padlock gates
CONS:
- Heavy (23 lbs.)
- Only 6-arrow in Case Storage
Specs:
Exterior Dimensions: 46.38″ x 18″ x 7.25″
Interior Dimensions: 44″ x 15″ x 6.38″
Fit Dimensions: 39.25″ x 12.75″
Weight: 23 lbs.
Color: Black
Wheeled: Yes
Foam Type: Pluck-to-fit
Exterior Seal: Waterproof
Airline Approved: Yes
My chief complaint about the Field Locker bow is the inadequate in-case arrow storage. To address this problem, I picked up Plano’s BowMax compact arrow case. This is a straight forward product, which is designed to protect additional arrows beyond those stored inside a bow case. I have listed the highlights of the BowMax arrow case below.
- Advertised 28-arrow capacity
- Two removable dividers with integrated broadhead tool
- Includes broadhead and accessory boxes, which the Field Locker does not
- Allows arrow storage with broadheads installed
- Made in the U.S.A.
Specs
Length: 36.38”
Height: 3.19”
Weight: 3.34 oz.
Color: Clear
Nice investment. I wish you the best in your plan and that you save your $10,000.
Currently deployed and boy I miss the woods. Good luck and God bless.
V/R
Carlos.