Wanted:Sound Trad-Ganger Advice

[BWallace10327]

I'd like some ideas for finger protection.  Here is my situation; I love my American Leather Big Shot, I have not found a situation where it is not ideal, with a bow that is heavy enough.  After graduating from college, as a full-time, non-traditional student,    and again working full-time    I have found that the mid-50's weight bows I have come to shoot easily, are just too much for me at the end of the day to shoot with my best accuracy 75 times.  

I shoot a ton of arrows in the winter practicing and competing in indoor leagues and other various shoots.  In years past, I put up with dry cracked fingers, but my Big Shot has prevented any such damage thus far.  The problem lies with the bow weight I need to shoot, around 45#@29 and string control/feel vs protection dilemma. I like tabs just as well as gloves and enjoyed my Alaskan Bowhunter Supply cordovan tab for 8 years before it wore out.  I'd buy another one of those, but they sold out and only make expensive arrows and ugly, in my opinion, bows.  

So, in short, I am shooting lighter weight bows than I have in the past and the finger protection that I have found to be the best is just too thick, thereby harming accuracy with lighter poundage. Tradgang; I ask that you suggest a tab or glove that has good longevity, is easily available and provides great protection while still allowing for excellent string feel with a light bow.  If you've made it to the end, I thank you.  I guess I just miss writing.

[Biathlonman]

Eichler cordovan tab is exceptional.  I know at least three rivers has them and I think Big Jim did at one time.

[Longtoke]

I like the 3 finger glove big jim sells, havent tried many but so far its my favorite.

[4dogs]

Brent, if your glove is the regular leather model I would suggest you try their kangaroo version. It is thinner and very tough....what size do you wear?

[Orion]

I like the Bateman cordovan tabs.  Well made, reasonably priced.

[mec lineman]

Dura glove by 3 rivers,little thicker than a Damascus glove but still great string feel on lighter bows

[soap creek]

Big Jim sells a 3 finger kangaroo glove that is thin but very durable. I have a couple. No real break in period. You feel the string. I like mine.

[Ken Sorg]

I second the duraglove.

[McDave]

True, you need to wear an appropriate glove or tab for a given bow weight, not too heavy or light.  For bow weights 45# or less, the dura glove works fine.  If you like a tab, I recommend the Safari Tuff cordovan tab by Rod Jenkins.  Click on his ad in the Shooters Form section.  I believe many people use too large of a tab, because they want the same coverage as a glove, which is a mistake that can result in abrasions on the face.  In recent discussions, Arne Moe has pointed out that the optimal tab will not extend sideways beyond the three fingers that it covers, and should be 1/4" short of covering the fingertips when curled around the string.  Applying his advice has made a big difference in my enjoyment of the tab.

[M60gunner]

I had the same issue with heavy glove, lighter weight bow. But I got the American Leathers Kangaroo leather crossover glove. Going on two years now I I have used it for bows 45-60#. I also have an issue with my trigger finger which because I shoot split finger it sets up agianst the nock. Pain was so bad I was tempted to use a release or go three under.

[MnFn]

I agree with you.  The Alaskan  Bowhunter Supply was my favorite tab as well.  I still have one but unable to find anymore.  I think it is thicker than  the Bateman tab but dont know about the other tabs.  The  Black Widow tab is a little thicker maybe, but feels good to me.

But have to say I am back to my American Leather glove. I  keep trying to like a tab, and can shoot ok with it but feel more confident with my glove.

[MnFn]

[BWallace10327]

These are all great responses, each contained an excellent suggestion.  I was unaware that American Leathers was making a thinner glove.  I wear a large sized big shot, and that is about perfect for me.  After reading some durability-centered reviews, I may order the Kangaroo Krossover (large).  Thanks again for the input.

[Deno]

BearPaw Deer skin glove works great for me. Never used a tab I felt comfortable with.

Deno

[Steelhead]

I used gloves alot in the past.Including American Leathers.Excellant product.When I shot heavy bows I used gloves with more protection and inserts or the nylon overlays.When I went down in weight I shot leather gloves with cordovan overlays.Thier nice and give a good feel for the string.

I have shot a lot of tabs since I switched to them.Thiers a lot of nice ones.My favorite overall is the Cavalier Elite Tab.I prefer a deep hook.My deep hook works well with a tab

When switching from glove to a tab it takes awhile to adjust to the tab and then it feels totally natural.An archer needs to stick with it till it feels natural.The same goes when switching from a tab to a glove.

[tom cunningham]

Rod has mentioned that going through 3 rivers might be the quickest way to get one of his tabs....I like them a lot.  Tom.

[Tedd]

Same problem here. Can't stand thick gloves and thin gloves make sore fingers. I'm assuming you are using carbon arrows. One of the contributing factors is that nocks are tight and strings are thin these days. Two ways to improve that...1 - get an adapter and change to Boning Classic nocks and use a bigger serving thread. 2 - double serve the area below your nocking point.
You can use your favorite thin glove shoot with comfort. I'm thinking about experimenting with some shrink tube underneath the second serving for some cushion effect.
BTW... tried a tab recently, can't stop it from slapping me in the face, too slippery, sent arrows off into the wild blue. I should try another but am reluctant after that experience.
Tedd

[riverrat 2]

DURA-GLOVE by 3Rivers X3. Tedd I had the same problem with tabs slapping me in the face as well. Good to hear I am not alone in that occurrence! rat'

[DanielB89]

I would vote for a neet cordovan tab.  I don't like how some have the elastic strap that holds it on your finger.  I much prefer something that doesn't stretch.  

I think the largest factor is the cordovan leather.  I dont' know that, but I would suspect that's what i like the most about mine!

One little helpful hint is to find a design you like and then just cut your own out of it.  That's what I have done.  But none of my leather compares to the cordovan.

[Longbowwally]

Bateman cordovan.