Glove/Tab Advice

[A811]

Okay I have a problem I guess you'd say:
I cannot shoot accurately/comfortable with a tab or glove! So for the last year or more I have been shooting with bare fingers! My fingers never cramp or hurt and I can shoot all day! But for Christmas I'm gettin a #53 bow so I'll be jumping in poundage about #11. I'll also be going from a recurve to a longbow, because of these change would you recommend trying a tab/glove again? I shoot 3 under btw

[mt-dew10]

First and foremost, I'm not an expert but rather a 11 month long shooter of a longbow.  Here is my opinion, for what its worth.

You may get away with a dozen or more shots, but eventually the skin on your fingers will give.  I shoot both a #52 and #55 longbows, and yes I did try both with bare fingers.  

I kinda have the same problem as you do.  For the world of me, I cannot shoot with a glove and may never.  I tried quite a few tabs, from the most expensive target style to the most simplest.  The ones that did not work I quickly got rid of.

Anyway, about two months ago I got to talking to an older friend that shoots at our club(this guys has been shooting for probably more than 30 years plus)... he suggested I buy some scrap pieces of leather from a local leather shop and construct my own to fit my hand.  I basically did exactly this, I went out and bought $5 worth of scrap leather(which was a good amount) that is pretty thin.  I stenciled the outline of one of the tabs I'm currently using and cut it out.  I played with it by trimming excess here and there until I got a smooth release.  The instructions on the Commercial Tabs don't say you should trim them, but for the longest time I was having the string hit the excess of the tab and causing me to miss left.  I decided to try trimming it and it seems to work.  Keep in mind that one still needs to execute a 'proper release' (in theory using back tension) or any tab will not work properly.  It just helps to have one that is 'tuned' to fit your hand.  

For five bucks, I got enough leather to make additional tabs for myself and my children, who also enjoy shooting as much as I do. What is also very nice is the leather I purchased is much thinner than the conventional tab I was using previously.  I enjoy the 'feel of the string' while still getting sufficient protection for my fingers.

Anyhow, try this if you would like.  It may or may not work for you.  

The only draw back I have experienced personally is when it is cold, I had to wear my tab under a mit until it came time for some action (I did not get to shoot yet this year by the way, but did get to draw on two animals). A glove is probably way more convenient in this regard, but like I said I can never shoot well with one.

[moebow]

A811,  When you say you can't shoot accurately/comfortable with either a tab or glove, my first question is how much have you tried?  In general, when you change form or equipment you need to give it about 20 FULL practice sessions before accepting or discarding it!  Typically many try something for a few shots one day and categorically say that "it does/doesn't work for me."

Glove or tab really makes no difference (personal preference) but you have to give them a fair try.  With either, you will get a smoother and more consistent release than from bare fingers.  Your fingers will give and are soft causing more release problems than smooth leather.  FWIW

[Wapiti Bowman]

All of the above: i.e., no matter whether you make it yourself,or buy it commercially, you have to trim a tab to fit your fingers; Also, as moebow said, it takes far more than a 'few' shooting sessions for a tab or glove, or any other new piece of equipment, to start to feel comfortable and natural to use.

As for choice of glove or tab, I've used them both, and have settled on a tab for the following reasons: As moebow said, shooting with bare fingers will not give you the consistent, smooth release obtainable with a glove or tab. However, with one exception, the gloves I've used, have, over time, conformed to the shape of my fingers, meaning that a deep groove formed at the joint of my fingers. While I could still get a better release with the glove than with bare fingers, the release was not as 'seamless' as that achievable with a tab, due to that groove. Granted, there are some gloves out there with reinforced finger areas that don't allow the groove to form; and I've tried them. The problem I had with those very hard, stiff fingered gloves, was that they changed the position of my hand on my face, because I could not get my fingers all the way to the very end of the glove. So, while the tips of the glove were anchored at the same spot on my face, my fingers were not. So, I would recommend a tab over a glove, but either will definitely give a smoother release than bare fingers.

Oh, BTW, I've never seen a FITA shooter using anything but a tab!  

[A811]

I wasnt neccissarily asking between a glove or tab but thanks for the input on that subject, i prefer the tab myself.

Looks like I need to go trim my tab up some and get after it for awhile! Thanks alot you guys, I have a tendacy to shoot left I guess I just need to get more practice with one

[dtarbell]

I saw in a video where Roger Rothhar triple served his bow string above and below the nock and shot bare fingers not me tho.

[Wapiti Bowman]

I have a tendacy to shoot left

I've "been there n done that" too!  A couple of things to try: 1)Make sure you aren't tensing your bow hand upon execution. 2) Try applying mor...... Oops, I see you use 3 fingers under. Forget #2.   :rolleyes:

But, Have Fun!  

[Larry m]

A811
I shoot 3 under and prefer tabs. More then several I have made to fit my fingers and comfort zone after a break in period. They all feel stiff at first. Most all that have been  purchased over the counter I have made adjustments on. A word of caution in that do not cut them to short as the string will tear at the end of your finger tips.
Wapiti is right....
The idea is to have FUN....

[damascusdave]

I just finished making a very nice right handed two finger under tab from a left handed Cavalier Elite tab. I will trim it a bit at a time until I have the release that I want.

With relatively fat fingers (size 12 ring) and a 30 inch draw I have an issue with finger pinch shooting with 3 fingers. As soon as I switch to two fingers under no more pinch, plus I sure seem to get a more consistent release. I shoot a very deep hook.

DDave

[zetabow]

After 10 or so years of shooting I'm pretty sure you will have some problems with your fingers if you continue shooting bare finger, is it really worth the risk?????

Some great advice here from experienced shooters, take it.

[A811]

Plan on getting some leather and make my own tabs for 3 under..thanks for the advice guys im just gonna continue practicing with my tab

[A811]

Made my own tabs tonight..working pretty good! Shot awhile with one today and got to hitting pretty good after a little bit.

[Ralphie]

I saw someone using soft finger cushions which went directly on the string and allowed a cushioned grip on the string. I wish I could remember the name for you. Maybe someelse knows the name of the string grip cushions ?

[moebow]

Ralphie,  They're called "no gloves."  At least that is one brand name that I know.  They are great for things like bow fishing, where wet is the name of the game.  They're also great for real beginners, just one less "moving part" to be learned in the beginning.  Most experienced shooters don't use them that I know of as they add weight to the string in the worst possible place on the string.

[TSP]

Mt-dew10 has the right idea...making your own makes alot of sense, especially for newcomers.  Unless you are into serious competition, good home-made tabs can be crafted from almost any smooth scrap leather and will work fine for general shooting/hunting, no need to break the bank on $20-$40 fancy versions.  And you can make lots of spares.  Lose one?  No big deal, there's always a back-up.

Try some different patterns and leather thicknesses to see what you prefer, and have fun with it.  Aside from saving money and being able to customize them to your specific needs, self-made gear can bring a special satisfaction to your shooting.