The October Mountain Mathews Gravity Case Realtree Edge 41 in. Made a Bold First Impression
Bow cases are an essential piece of gear for any serious archer. They protect your investment, simplify transport, and keep your equipment organized. The October Mountain Mathews Gravity Case Realtree Edge 41 in. promises to deliver on these fronts, combining Mathews branding with a functional design and the ever-popular Realtree Edge camouflage pattern.
My old bow case was falling apart. The zipper snagged constantly, and the interior padding had compressed to almost nothing, offering minimal protection. I needed a reliable, well-padded case that could withstand the rigors of travel to and from the range, and occasional hunts. The October Mountain Mathews Gravity Case Realtree Edge 41 in. seemed like a good fit.
Upon unboxing, the case felt substantial and well-made. The 600 denier material felt durable, and the Realtree Edge pattern looked crisp. The heavy-duty zippers gave me confidence, and the internal fleece lining was a welcome surprise. It was definitely an upgrade over my previous, worn-out case.
I was also considering the Plano Parallel Limb Hard Bow Case and the SKB iSeries Bow Case. Ultimately, I chose the October Mountain Mathews Gravity Case Realtree Edge 41 in. because I wanted a soft case, and the messenger-style pocket design appealed to my organizational needs. I was excited to see if it would live up to the Mathews name and reputation.
Real-World Testing: Putting October Mountain Mathews Gravity Case Realtree Edge 41 in. to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the October Mountain Mathews Gravity Case Realtree Edge 41 in. during a weekend trip to my local archery range. The range is outdoors, and that particular weekend brought a mix of sun and light rain. The case proved easy to load and unload, and the bow tie-downs kept my bow securely in place during transport.
The messenger-style storage was a game-changer. I was able to neatly organize my arrows, releases, and other accessories in the various sleeve pockets. The light rain was a minor inconvenience, and the 600 denier material seemed to repel most of the moisture. However, I wouldn’t trust it in a downpour.
Initially, the shoulder strap felt a little stiff, but after adjusting the daisy-chain shoulder strap carry system, it became surprisingly comfortable. One minor surprise was the size of the reinforced arrow tube pocket; it was a tight fit for my larger-diameter target arrows. Otherwise, the first use was a success.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the October Mountain Mathews Gravity Case Realtree Edge 41 in. has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, even with frequent trips to the range and a couple of hunting outings. The zippers still glide smoothly, and the stitching remains intact.
The skid plates on the bottom of the case have been particularly useful, protecting the case from abrasion when I set it down on rough surfaces. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually all it takes to remove dirt and grime. The fleece lining has stayed clean and free of snags.
Compared to my previous experiences with budget bow cases, the October Mountain Mathews Gravity Case Realtree Edge 41 in. is a clear winner. It’s more durable, better organized, and offers significantly more protection for my bow. I haven’t been disappointed.
Breaking Down the Features of October Mountain Mathews Gravity Case Realtree Edge 41 in.
Specifications
The October Mountain Mathews Gravity Case Realtree Edge 41 in. is a full-size compound bow case constructed from 600 denier material. Its dimensions are 41” x 18”, making it suitable for most modern compound bows. The case features a fleece lining, bow tie-downs, and skid plates for added protection and durability.
The messenger-style storage includes five sleeve pockets and a reinforced arrow tube pocket. The daisy-chain adjustable shoulder strap provides a comfortable and customizable carry system. The case is finished with an embroidered Mathews logo on the front. These specifications are important because they ensure that the case is durable, protective, and convenient to use.
Performance & Functionality
The October Mountain Mathews Gravity Case Realtree Edge 41 in. excels at its primary job: protecting and transporting a compound bow. The fleece lining and bow tie-downs prevent the bow from shifting during transport, minimizing the risk of damage. The messenger-style storage keeps accessories organized and readily accessible.
One minor weakness is the size of the arrow tube pocket. While it accommodates standard-diameter arrows, it can be a tight fit for larger target arrows. Overall, the case meets and exceeds my expectations for a soft bow case in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the October Mountain Mathews Gravity Case Realtree Edge 41 in. is excellent. The 600 denier material feels tough and durable, and the heavy-duty zippers operate smoothly. The case is lightweight enough to carry comfortably, even when fully loaded with a bow and accessories.
The daisy-chain adjustable shoulder strap makes it easy to find a comfortable carrying position. The messenger-style pockets are well-placed and provide ample storage. There is no significant learning curve; the case is intuitive and easy to use right out of the box.
Durability & Maintenance
The October Mountain Mathews Gravity Case Realtree Edge 41 in. is built to last. The robust materials and sturdy construction should withstand years of use. Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep the case clean and in good condition.
The skid plates are a nice touch that will help to extend the life of the case. The zippers are also of high quality and should hold up well to repeated use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The October Mountain Mathews Gravity Case Realtree Edge 41 in. does not come with any specific accessories beyond the integrated storage pockets. However, the spacious interior can accommodate various aftermarket accessories, such as arrow tubes, rangefinders, and other archery gear. The case is compatible with most standard arrow tubes. Be sure to use appropriate padding if adding heavy items.
Pros and Cons of October Mountain Mathews Gravity Case Realtree Edge 41 in.
Pros
- The heavy-duty zippers ensure long-lasting reliability and easy access.
- The fleece lining and bow tie-downs provide excellent protection for the bow during transport.
- The messenger-style storage keeps arrows and accessories organized and readily accessible.
- The Realtree Edge camouflage pattern is visually appealing and practical for hunting.
- The daisy-chain adjustable shoulder strap allows for comfortable and customizable carry.
Cons
- The arrow tube pocket could be slightly larger to accommodate larger-diameter target arrows more easily.
- While water-resistant, the 600 denier material is not fully waterproof, so it may not be suitable for use in heavy rain.
Who Should Buy October Mountain Mathews Gravity Case Realtree Edge 41 in.?
The October Mountain Mathews Gravity Case Realtree Edge 41 in. is perfect for hunters and recreational archers who need a reliable and well-organized soft case for their compound bow. It is also a good option for target shooters who want to keep their equipment protected during transport to and from the range. Those seeking a hard case should skip this product.
A must-have accessory is a quality lock to secure the zippers for added security during transport.
Conclusion on October Mountain Mathews Gravity Case Realtree Edge 41 in.
The October Mountain Mathews Gravity Case Realtree Edge 41 in. is a well-designed and durable bow case that offers excellent protection and organization for your archery equipment. The price of $102.99 is justified by the quality of materials and construction, as well as the thoughtful features such as the messenger-style storage and daisy-chain adjustable shoulder strap.
I would definitely recommend this case to anyone looking for a reliable and functional soft bow case. It provides great value for the money and will help to keep your bow safe and organized for years to come. If you’re ready to upgrade your bow case, the October Mountain Mathews Gravity Case Realtree Edge 41 in. is a solid choice.