Big Shot, CrossOver or Bateman STGC?

[mikebiz]

So I want to try a glove with my Hill style bows.  Yes I want to look like Howard  :D   And shoot like him too (maybe someday).  I shot with a glove years ago, but it was crappy.  Now I shoot with an E.W. Bateman three under cordovan tab.  Great release.  Very smooth and protects the fingers well.

I have read great things about the American Leathers Big Shot.  Then I found the AL CrossOver with the leather stalls and the nylon inside.  I found it to be a strange concept, but it was highly recommended by some guys around here.  I haven't seen much about the Bateman STGC though.  I think Cordovan makes for a great release.  And to be honest I like the old school look of the Bateman.  

So what are your opinions.  Obviously nobody local carries any of them, so I want to research more before I order.  I know it's going to be a lot of personal preference.  Just looking for the thoughts, pros & cons of each from those of you using them.

[kadbow]

I am a Big Shot fan. They took a little getting used to (couple days) but now I love em.  They hold up great too.  My first one is about 4 yrs old and shows no sign of wearing out anytime soon.

[bucksakemmer]

I have both gloves, the Big Shot is a good glove, but I prefer the Bateman, I ordered direct from them, I have the snap closer but when I reorder if ever I will order the velcro model. If your shooting low poundage you might want to call them direct and see if they would make the glove unlined. I believe its a smoother release with the Baleman, I just think that cordovan is better.

[mikebiz]

kadbow, did you get the elk version or the buffalo?  I hear the buffalo stretches less when it breaks in keeping it tight on the fingers.

bucksakemmer, how did you determine what size glove you needed?  I assume the Bateman folks can walk me through that on the phone.  And why don't you like the snap closure?  I'm not really a fan of velcro, but if it's better I would consider it.

I shoot bows from 40-50 pounds.  Think I should go unlined?  I'll probably never shoot anything in excess of 55#.  Baaaaaad shoulder    :(    

thanks gang.

[mikebiz]

Just checked out the Bateman GTC1 on the Bateman site.  Maybe this would be better with my lighter weight bows.  It has a single layer of Cordovan instead of the double layer on the STGC.  Thoughts?

[bucksakemmer]

I like the single layer, and I like the velcro because I rap my glove around my bow when not in use so its always with the bow. The cordova just gets slicker with use. If you call them they will walk you thru the sizing part.

[paradocs]

I prefer the adjustable stalls on the Bateman G9, but shot with the Bateman Hill style gloves for years.  Great gloves, but eventually grooved.  The G9 is going strong after 3 years with absolutely no grooves.

[bucksakemmer]

didnt mean to use ebonics the word is wrap not rap

[kadbow]

elk version for me, no problems.

[duncan idaho]

The only problem with the Big Shot, with fabric/nylon  tips,is how fast they will develop grooves in the finger tips.

[Nate Steen .]

A clarification on the string grooves on the Bigshot gloves....James Schulz developed the glove, knowing that normal leather gloves without inserts will groove badly, affecting the release.  the idea behind the neoprene inserts in the Bigshot is that although the glove will develope a groove, it has a cushion to help 'spring back' the glove and the grooving isn't hindering a good shot.  Most guys will state that the grooves aren't an issue with accuracy.

I developed the Crossover glove for A.L. because I like a stiffer glove, yet most available stiff insert gloves like Bateman and HH Archery's offerings have a slit leather strap attachment, which is not very tight.  As you shoot, you must usually tap the glove back on your fingers.....the Crossover glove gives you the stiff insert style fingertips with a glove that stays on your fingers alot better.  The nylon inside the fingerstall actually grips your finger as you wear it, and the neoprene back stretches to keep the glove and tips in place.

[waknstak IL]

I am on my second big shot glove. The elk leather is just fine and holds up pretty well. And I can shoot as long as I can pull my bow back without sore fingers.

[mikebiz]

I think I'm pretty much sold on the CrossOver at this point.  Sounds like a new and improved take on the very popular BigShot and with more of the classic feel with the leather stalls.  I just wish it had Cordovan.  I don't think anything is slicker than that.  Maybe we should make a TradGang request for Cord tip CrossOvers.  As long as a Medium will be small enough I think I'm sold.

[Nate Steen .]

Mike,  

if you put some oil or pitchblend on the leather, and then when dry liberally coat the fingerstalls with baby powder once in a while, the bison leather will be very slick, it does remind me of cordovan.  I use baby powder about once a month to keep the stalls slick.

[mikebiz]

Nate,

I shoot lower poundage Hill longbows in the 40-50# range.  Do you think that the CrossOver is too much glove for those weights.  Or is this glove more appropriate for heavy bows that require more protection.  I'm not concerned with that, just with a slick release.  Thanks.