Gloves and tabs

[sveltri]

Not intended to start a debate over which is better.  For the guys that do use a glove instead of a tab, why do you choose to do so.  I started out using a glove, after about a year I switched to a tab.  I wanted to try a glove so I bought one and it just doesn't seem to let me get anchored like I'd like.  Maybe its just the glove I bought.  It also doesn't seem to be as smooth of a release.  Does a tab just feel uncomfortable to you guys or is there some other benefit you're getting from a glove vs. a tab.

[Diamond Paul]

The tab is best, no doubt, in terms of clean release and overall consistency, and it pays to learn to use one if you want to be competitive and such.  However, they have downsides, such as the fact that they can be lost while hunting, while the glove is on and stays on at all times, and they get in the way when you want to use that hand to pull arrows, etc.  For me, I broke my hand really badly many years ago, and my fingers won't properly relax or straighten out like they would before, so when I use a tab and trim it as it should be trimmed, the string whacks my middle finger because I can't really relax that hand and allow the string to just push it away.  If I leave the tab longer to stop this, the extra flap slaps the hell out of my lip, so it just doesn't work for me.  If I had my hand re-broken and pinned in place properly, I could probably use a tab, but I'm old and don't feel like going through that now.

[shreffler]

For me it's simple: I shoot better with a tab.

I was shooting 3 under with a glove and started having issues with my arrow coming off the shelf. I played around and shot split finger with a tab, and instantly the problem went away.

I also am very picky about feeling the string (the same goes for the trigger on a rifle, etc.) and a glove limits my sensitivity. Even thin damascus gloves are still just too thick for my liking. A tab is just enough to protect my fingers but still give me a feeling of the string.

Alex

[MnFn]

As in most things, it has a lot to do with what you started with. For me it was a glove.  I keep trying to stick to a tab and this year I might have succeeded with a Bateman from RMSG.

But, I still feel a little more in control with a glove on- right up to the release. And there is the rub, I like the release with a tab better.

[Wandering Archer]

I started with a glove and that is what I'm used to. The tab is more consistent, but the glove is more convenient.
Shooting in my backyard with a tab is one thing, but going to a 3D shoot and trying to keep score, dig through my quiver for the arrow I want, deal with my 2 year old, etc. the tab is just an annoying thing that is in the way and restricts the use of my fingers for all the other non shooting things I do with my hands when out shooting.

I have been meaning to give it a fair try, but when I go to grab it, I always grab the glove for its ease and familiarity.

I guess I'm happy with my accuracy up to 20 yards, and when I miss it's usually because I did something that I don't think a tab would have prevented.

[sveltri]

What glove do you guys like the best?  The one I have seems to have really fat seams and bulky fingers.

[LongStick64]

For me I use what gives me the best and most consistent feel at anchor. I shoot 3 Under and find a tab gives me what I want.

[Diamond Paul]

Someone recommended the Bear Paw goatskin glove from Kustom King, and I'm using it now.  Like the old-style Damscus in fit and quality, maybe a tad thicker.  Good glove.

[damascusdave]

I have always used both and by using both their merits come forward...I have no doubt I shoot more consistently with a tab but I shoot plenty well enough for the hunting I do with a glove...I am going moose hunting tomorrow in Northern Alberta and I will have both with me...on the colder days I will use a glove with a polar fleece glove with the fingers cut off to be warmer...on the warmer days I will use a tab...I really like the Bearpaw Speed Glove...oh yeah, and since I shoot both right and left handed a glove will work fine for my dual shelf bows

DDave

[Wandering Archer]

Originally posted by sveltri:
What glove do you guys like the best?  The one I have seems to have really fat seams and bulky fingers.

You know, my glove was given to me, so I have no idea. The only markings on it is the word "damascus" on the velcro wrist strap.
It has like a canvas type material on the finger tips, and I have not been able to find another "damascus" glove with that material on the tips.

I'm really scared to ever replace it, because it fits like a glove, or like a glove should fit, close and tight to my fingers without any bulky seams. All the other gloves I look at online look to be the complete opposite!

Please God, let this glove last FOREVER.    

[Diamond Paul]

That sounds like a glove Kustom King sells, similar to the "Black Glove," but with leather body instead of the synthetic on the black glove.  They have the same material on the tips.

[bulldog18]

I started with a Neet glove. Then went to the American Leathers elk big shot. Then got me a American Leathers big shot crossover in kangaroo. I got a Bateman cordovan tab to try. I prefer the glove, but can shoot the tab just the same. I use both.

[Fletcher]

I waffled back and forth over the years, but finally settled on a tab.  First, as stated by many above, a tab shoots better.  I also dislike having a glove on my hand all the time so that I can't use my fingers.  With a tab, if it is going to be in the way I can just spin it around to the back of my hand.  When hunting, I wear a light wool glove and put the tab right over it.  Works great and my hand is warm.  My current tab of choice is a Bateman Cordovan, but I can shoot just fine with others.

[sveltri]

Thanks for the info guys.