my experience with shooting tabs

[slow reflection]

I have been shooting a glove for the past four years (my traditional archery career). Although I like the glove I would like to be able to shoot a tab because of the following reasons. 1) Significantly cheaper 2) Fingers wont sweat in summer 3)can wear a glove in the fall. I have tried many different tabs including: black widow super tab, Baetman 2TCD, safari tuff, bearpaw calf hair, several no name knock offs and even tried making my own. With all of these tabs I have the same result. I shoot split finger with my middle finger in the corner of my mouth. When I release the string the loose end of the tab that is cureled around the string wips around and snaps the corner of my face/mouth. After a day of shooting I looked like I was sucker punched. I can help eliminate this effect by shortening the Tab but then the end of my fingers get eaton up. Has anyone else experienced this? Did you just give up and just shoot a glove or is there anouther solution I am missing?

[forestdweller]

I had the same problem when I shot with a tab. It would slap me in the lip really bad and would actually cause it to bleed.

I stopped shooting a tab and now shoot a glove. I'd suggest looking into a glove that is made out of a light material like suede.

I also get a cleaner release with a glove and like the feel of it much better as well. Gives much better protection than a tab as well.

[moebow]

The tab, when curled around the string should be about a quarter to 3/8th inch SHORT of the tips of your fingers.  IF that is causing your "fingers to get eaten up" then you have a release problem.

The tab is to spread/reduce the pressure of the string on your fingers at full draw and not to "cushion" or protect your fingers as you release.

Sounds like you are just opening your fingers to release and letting the string scrape off them.  Try to just relax the fingers and let the string push them out of the way.  No friction, no pain.  As always, in archery (and many other endeavors) if it hurts it is probably not the best way to execute.

Arne

[mahantango]

Listen to Arne.