Pelican Air 1745 Bow Case Review

Let’s Talk About Pelican Air 1745 Bow Case

The Pelican Air 1745 Bow Case from Pelican promises rugged protection in a lightweight package, a claim that immediately piqued my interest as a seasoned outdoorsman. I’ve hauled countless bows across varied terrain, and a reliable, easily transportable case is paramount. This case boasts a modular storage system, TSA-approved locks, and the iconic Pelican durability.

My old bow case, a bulky hard plastic behemoth, had become a liability. It was heavy, cumbersome, and frankly, overkill for most of my trips to the range and the occasional hunting excursion. I needed something lighter and more manageable without sacrificing protection, and the Pelican Air 1745 Bow Case seemed to fit the bill.

Unboxing the Pelican Air 1745 Bow Case, I was immediately struck by its lightness. The construction felt solid, despite the reduced weight, and the latches operated smoothly. The interior, with its modular foam inserts and MOLLE compatibility, hinted at a customizable experience.

I considered the SKB iSeries Bow Case and the Plano Parallel Limb Hard Bow Case, both popular options. However, the Pelican Air 1745 Bow Case won out due to its reputation for unparalleled durability and the significantly lighter weight promised by the “Air” designation.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The case looked promising, but the real test would be how it performed in the field and how well those modular components actually worked. The price point of $499.95 sets a high bar, and I expected premium performance.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Pelican Air 1745 Bow Case to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test involved a weekend archery competition held at an outdoor range about a two-hour drive away. I packed my Mathews Triax, arrows, quiver, release, and various accessories into the Pelican Air 1745 Bow Case. The range was dusty, and a light drizzle started during the afternoon session.

The case performed admirably in transit, the wheels making it easy to navigate the parking lot and uneven terrain. The Pelican Air 1745 Bow Case kept my equipment dry and dust-free despite the conditions. The modular foam, however, proved to be a bit of a challenge, requiring some adjustments to prevent the bow from shifting during transport.

After the first use, I noticed that the bungee cords, while secure, were indeed a bit fiddly to work with, as mentioned in some user reviews. It took a few tries to get everything properly secured.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Pelican Air 1745 Bow Case has proven to be a generally reliable companion. I’ve used it for local range trips and a week-long hunting trip in the mountains.

The exterior shows minimal signs of wear, with only a few minor scuffs despite being tossed in and out of trucks and subjected to rough handling. The latches still function perfectly, and the wheels roll smoothly. The modular interior, however, remains a point of contention, and I’ll touch on that later.

Cleaning the case is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth removes dust and dirt. Compared to my old case, the Pelican Air 1745 Bow Case is significantly easier to transport and store. It doesn’t outperform in every aspect, particularly in the internal organization, but the reduced weight and enhanced portability are significant advantages.

Breaking Down the Features of Pelican Air 1745 Bow Case

Specifications

The Pelican Air 1745 Bow Case boasts several key specifications:

• Exterior Dimensions: 46.7″ x 19.4″ x 8.7″. This provides ample space for most modern compound bows.
• Interior Dimensions: 44.0″ x 16.8″ x 7.9″. This accommodates larger bows and accessories with ease.
• Weight: While the exact weight fluctuates based on the internal configurations, the “Air” construction guarantees it is significantly lighter than conventional hard cases, reducing travel burden.
• Material: Constructed from Pelican’s lightweight HPX resin, known for its impact resistance and durability. The case is crushproof, dustproof, and watertight.
• Latches: Equipped with six heavy-duty, push-button latches, including two TSA-approved combo locks for secure travel.
• Padlock Hasps: Features four stainless steel padlock hasps for added security.
• Storage: Modular storage with MOLLE channels on the lid and base. This facilitates customizable organization.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the case’s ability to protect your valuable equipment. The dimensions ensure compatibility, the lightweight design enhances portability, and the robust construction provides peace of mind. The TSA-approved locks are especially valuable for air travel.

Performance & Functionality

The Pelican Air 1745 Bow Case excels at protecting the bow during transport. The crushproof and watertight design offers exceptional protection against the elements and rough handling.

The main weakness lies in the internal modular storage system. The MOLLE webbing and bungee cords, while versatile, can be cumbersome and don’t always provide the most secure fit. A more rigid or form-fitting internal structure would be a significant improvement. It’s “ok” but could be better.

The Pelican Air 1745 Bow Case largely meets expectations in terms of protection and portability but falls short in internal organization compared to cases with more structured interiors.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is top-notch, as expected from Pelican. The HPX resin feels robust and durable, and the latches are well-engineered. The wheels and retractable handle make transportation a breeze.

The design is generally user-friendly, although the MOLLE-based internal organization has a slight learning curve. It takes some experimentation to find the optimal configuration for your gear.

Durability & Maintenance

The Pelican Air 1745 Bow Case is built to last. The materials and construction suggest it will withstand years of use and abuse.

Maintenance is minimal. The smooth exterior is easy to wipe down, and the internal components are removable for cleaning.

Accessories and Customization Options

The case comes with modular foam inserts, bungee cords, and MOLLE webbing for customization.

The MOLLE system allows for the attachment of various pouches and accessories from other brands, providing further customization options. The deep lid design provides ample storage for smaller accessories.

Pros and Cons of Pelican Air 1745 Bow Case

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Who Should Buy Pelican Air 1745 Bow Case?

The Pelican Air 1745 Bow Case is perfect for serious archers, hunters, and competitive shooters who prioritize protection and portability. It’s ideal for those who travel frequently with their bows and need a reliable, secure case.

This product might be overkill for casual archers who primarily shoot at local ranges and don’t require the extreme protection and portability offered by the Pelican Air 1745 Bow Case.

Must-have accessories include custom-cut foam inserts to create a more secure and organized interior and additional MOLLE-compatible pouches for specialized gear.

Conclusion on Pelican Air 1745 Bow Case

The Pelican Air 1745 Bow Case is a solid choice for those seeking top-tier protection and lightweight portability. While the internal organization could be improved, the case’s durability, security features, and overall build quality make it a worthwhile investment for serious archers.

The price is definitely justified if you value the peace of mind that comes with knowing your expensive bow is well-protected during travel and storage.

I would recommend the Pelican Air 1745 Bow Case to anyone who needs a reliable, durable, and lightweight bow case for travel or frequent transport. It delivers on its promise of rugged protection, even if the internal organization requires some tweaking. Invest in the Pelican Air 1745 Bow Case and travel with confidence knowing your bow is safe and secure!