Archery | Tab or Glove?

Finger protection is a must. We take a hands-on approach to answer an old question: shooting glove or finger tab?

Berlin Deerskin Glove donated by 3Rivers Archery:

Tabs featured:
W&W 360
W&W EZR

Bow:
OMP Adventure 2.0

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[sahhull]

The tab is also great for protecting the fingers while carrying heavy shopping bags

[djinn]

Just getting into archery at 43, you are answering so many questions I have, cheers sensei

[iratevagabond]

I jacked up the tendon in my index finger after thinking I could switch from a 100# longbow (shooting 3 finger), straight to a 100# Turkish composite recurve made in Istanbul (shooting thumb draw). I thought I tore it, and when I went to the doctor, they diagnosed me with flexor digitorum profundus ("jersey finger"). I was devastated, as I I'm not only an amateur archer, but I also shoot 3 gun and trap. I struggled for almost two months retraining to be left handed. Then one day when I was rewiring some outlets, I shocked the shit out of myself and saw my finger bend.

Seeing that, I questioned the docor's diagnosis, as if the tendon was gone, my finger wouldn't be able to bend, even if it was shocked. I ordered a tens unit off Amazon and began doing shock therapy on my finger while trying to dry fire my pistol.

After about three months, I was able to use it again reliably. I'm about six months out from that, and my finger is almost back to full strength.

[ekeclout]

I'm really glad that I found this video. I actually already bought my bow and I've gone and shot it a few times already. I was worried because at the end of my sessions my fingers would be purple and look really scary. I'm glad that this video single handedly saved me from losing 3 incredibly important fingers in my dominant hand. Thank you very much!

[vickychiarella]

I shoot a modern recurve at #50/32'' and I have both a tab and a glove. In my case my tab was very expensive and is way thicker than my glove (which was not cheap) - I prefer the tab if I'm standing shooting at targets on the range, however, on the 3D course I prefer my glove - if I'm shooting for over an hour I also wrap zinc oxide tape around my three string fingers before I put my glove on which I find helps massively - and I can shoot all day without getting sore fingers!!

[RockMedved]

Thanks for highlighting the importance of protection, I was sure it was ok to shoot with bare fingers, because I thought your body would respond to pressure by growing more "meat" on your fingers, kinda like when you're learning to play guitar.

[Yensil]

You mentioned it briefly, but the extra thickness of a glove is beneficial for hunters who may have to hold the bow at full draw for an extended period of time while waiting for an animal to turn and present a clear target.

[locktockshockrock]

When I was shooting competitively I did a competition that was two full fitas each day two days in a row. By the second day the skin over my calluses had peeled back and I was actually able to pull out the calluses. This was with a double layer cartel tab and only a 26 pound bow at the time. Do not underestimate how important finger protection is.

[Nanorisk]

I tried both, and decided to use tab for competition recurve like everybody else. Maybe one day I will use the glove again when I start fiddling with long bows etc.

[sergeantcrow]

Thank you very much for this video... My conclusion is to get both tabs and glove....

[battletoads]

Glove is love, glove is life. Glove is best girl.

[Fender]

I switched to tab a while ago for a few reasons.

1. I get a more consistent and even release.
2. I can wear warm gloves and still use my tab. So I can wear a pair of fleece gloves while hunting and still use the tab versus having to only wear the archery glove or wear it over my other glove.
3. I string walk on my heavier bow so I need the tab to count my gaps.

[sweetrelief]

Beginner here. Had to use a tab after going up in weight… HATED it. Lost all accuracy and feel for the string. Ended up taking it off as I decided I’d rather endure the pain and be competitive than not.

[ThirdLawPair]

In a single session of learning to find my anchor point with a 26# draw, my middle finger went completely numb. It was easy for me to draw and didn't feel uncomfortable, so I didn't think it would be a problem to practice my draw cycle with my bare fingers. I still have no feeling in the tip of my middle finger.

[yaoi]

I love the amount of awesome videos you've put up recently! You're spoiling us :p

[michaelsanders]

So glad you made this. I’m new to archery and I saw a video telling me to use bare fingers. It’s been very painful shooting any more than 50 arrows.

[zook]

Hi Nu, me again, question why do new archers shoot with bear fingers why can't they use their own.lol.

[shadowgiest]

I just got started in archery. I like these videos. I have a Mongolian horse bow (Thanks to him I know thats not really how to describe it but I dont know what to call it other than that.) Very informational plus I can tell he really is passionate about archery.

[BobLewen]

Nu, After many years of using a glove without problems, I recently started using a finger tab, and find it easier and even has increased my accuracy. I’m curious and would appreciate knowing which tab (product ID/name/model #) you use and why, on a regular basis, and carry in your quiver?? Your videos make up the most informative, and comprehensive series for new and intermediate archers available. And I feel certain that more seasoned archers have benefitted from your tips and explanations. Thank you for your efforts!

[georgeASD]

A funny thing, l´ve spent the last 3 years trying to refine my technique with finger tab on olympic recurve without much sucess, the string moves slighly every time because of no firm spot under my somewhat meaty face. About two weeks ago, l said "ahh screw it" and used my glove, the one l use for barebow, with two fingers over, one under (for distance compensation), resting my index finger always on the corner of my mouth . Surprisigly l gruped like never before at 60m, almost all 12 arrows within yellow. I guess there is no writen book about what works best, is more about personal preference.