I finally broke down and bought a tab to try, I got a Black Widow tab to try. I bought a med. should have bought a large. I can really tell the difference in my release, and it sounds quieter on release than my glove. I have shot Damascus gloves since I started shooting trad. I know it's going to take time to get used to, but I'm not sure if the widow tab is what I want to stick with, just curious about all the different ones out there. I have switched from 3 under to split also. Thanks for any input.
Jason
The Widow tab is my favorite, but Bateman, EFA and several others are also good. You may have try a few to settle on one you really like.
I started with a cheap-o calf hair tab that I liked okay.
Then I switched to a Fred Eichler tab, and I swore I'd never shoot anything else.
Finally, when I bought a Widow bow, I picked up a tab too just to shoot.
Now the Widow tab is my favorite. I love the mud-flaps to protect your fingers, and it's a little thicker which lets me shoot longer without any ill-effects.
Just switched to a tab to help solve an anchor issue. I actually cut my own out of a piece of moose leather. I grip the string at the first knuckle so I left the finger tips stick out a little to feel the corner of my mouth. And without the glove on I can also feel my back knuckle on my cheek. Working well.
Some good cordovan tabs are Safari Tuff, Fred Eichler or cordovan(Bateman) from 3rivers,
http://www.3riversarchery.com/buy/shooting-gear/shooting-tabs/adult-tabs
The quieter probably came from moving to split, make sure to check your tune as you may need to adjust nock point.
The Bateman is top notch! I have been unable to wear mine out. I modified it by removing the spacer and the elastic and making a paracord wrist loop. I also cut off the index finger part as I shoot the Toelke style of split finger where index finger does not engage string, but sits on top of arrow--- very clean release.
Over the decades I have tried many different gloves and tabs, including widows and other top names. I find myself coming back again and again to the plain old Kant-Pinch calf hair tab.
I think the flexibility and string feel of that tab over thicker smooth leather tabs is what I tend to like.
I just switched to tab. I bought a Rod Jenkins tab from BigJim and love it.
I always end up trimming mine, so I find the tabs that I can do this. I do like the Bateman & Widow tabs.
I have a Cordovan split finger tab I got from lost nation archery. I really like it. Reasonably priced as well. I shoot 3 under with it but will shoot split sometimes for long range point on fun
Thanks for the input guys, I'm trying to figure out pros and cons of different tabs. I have been surprised that the thickness of the Widow tab hasn't bothered me. I always shot a Damascus glove for the feel of the string. How are the tabs when hunting? I always wear a jersey glove and cut the 3 fingers out for my glove to fit through. Is there any problems with a tab over a glove?