Glove or tab

[Danny J]

Hello Tradgangers,
Looking for some input here. I shoot split finger with a glove and have recently developed a problem with my bottom finger (ring finger) applying more pressure than my top finger (index). Pretty much causing a twisting on release, bow twang and inconsistant shooting. I tried a two finger release and it helped emensly but shooting is hard with just two fingers. Most of the long time traditional shooters here shoot tabs they made themselves. Note that it is also our better shooters using tabs. I tried this and it sure helped getting a nicer finger release but would really take some getting used to. Even tried 3 under and seemed to get a better release but will save that for another post. My question for you experienced shooters, glove or tab?
Thanks in advance.

[EHK]

I feel your pain, Danny.  I keep trying to go to a tab.  I think they when used properly, they make for a cleaner release.  There's a reason olympic archers use them and not gloves.  That being said, when I use a tab, I feel like it's something on my hand and not an extension of my hand like a glove.  I tend to hold too much tension in my release hand and forearm, so my accuracy is actually better with a glove right now.  I also like the glove for hunting, again since I feel like it's connected, I don't worry about dropping it.  I would like to get to a point where I'm more comfortable with the tab.

[huntnmuleys]

it took me awhile to get used to the tab from the glove, mainly because my anchor point became a bit of a mystery with the tab.  however, the tab is smoother on release for sure.   im glad i made the switch, but there was a frustration factor to be sure...

[Stumpkiller]

I shot glove with a longbow - just seems right - but shoot tab now.  I get my ring finger right in there.  It has almost as much of a callous on the side as my index finger.

[lpcjon2]

If you put some electrical tape around your ring finger and middle finger (around the joint space the ring would be located)and shoot like that for a while you will train the fingers to release together,the ring finger will not hang up and release after the other two.Tape first and then the glove goes on.

[JNewman]

Hello Danny

I also recently went from a glove to a tab, and found it difficult to adjust. I switched because i started shooting a 12 strand string and was developing quite a sore on my middle finger.  Most gloves in stores did not have the protection i wanted.  I tried some store tabs and found them to either not sit in the right place or not cover my fingers enough.  So I made a tab out of just ordinaty leather and traced my fingers.  It took a couple of trys to get the right fit but i did find it.  I was able to get it to cover my fingers, and i cut between my middle and ring finger to allow my fingers to sit on the string how i wanted.   Slightly freeing between the fingers allowed me to feel my anchor better then with a store bought tab.  I found I was floating with my anchor with the store boughts with a solid piece for the middle and rind finger.  The best part was it cost me practically nothing but time and now have a custom fit tab

[cyred4d]

Danny, remind me to bring one of my bateman tabs next time we have league. One of those might do the trick

Kevin

[onewhohasfun]

For hunting it's a glove all the way. A tab may be all right at the range but would not work for me in the feild. I shoot best with 80% of the pressure on my middle finger.

[free2bow]

I use a Big Shot glove even on a 45 lb bow.  I have tried a tab and can't seem to get used to it.  I am more consistent with the glove.  And it is more of a pleasure to use the glove in target sessions where I want both hands to have freedom.

[Danny J]

Thanks guys for the replys. All appreciated.
lpcjon2 That seemded to be a good idea so I did try taping the ring and middle finger together. That worked real good (alteast tonight    ). I had to tape fingers as you described except over the glove. Glove wouldnt go on if I taped fingers first. It was also comfortable shooting that way. It seemed to really help the problem if not solve it. I left the tape on the glove and will keep it that way for awhile to hopefully retrain my ring finger.
Thanks again for a great tip.

[Danny J]

Kevin,
You stand reminded. See you tommorrow night.

[USN_Sam1385]

Started with a glove, switched to a leather cordovan style tab and groups got smaller, then switched to a tab of the same style but with calf hair, and groups got even smaller.

[Night Wing]

Been using a tab for the last 47 years of bowhunting.

[Orion]

Danny J:  Did you by any chance switch to a shorter bow?  That would definitely put more pressure on your ring finger.  Or, might you have over time just let your drawing elbow get a little higher.  A high drawing arm elbow also contributes to more pressure on the ring finger and string torque.  Lowing your elbow just might rid you of the problem regardless of whether you shoot a glove or a tab. I really don't understand how a tab would ease the pain/discomfort if a glove doesn't do it.    

I've been shooting sticks for 50 years, and have been shooting a glove the entire period.  Like EHK, I just feel a like a glove is an extension of my hand. They're also just a little faster to put into action than a tab.  I've tried to shoot tabs, but they've always felt uncomfortable to me.  But hey, do what works best for you.  Good luck.

[bowmac]

Tab for the last 30 years. Smoother release. During release fingers just go limp and thumb comes back to shoulder.

[Coonbait]

I use a tab, but I only shoot 2 fingers. I cut the ring finger part off and eliminate that problem. Try it you'll be surprised how it feels.
Glenn