I am interested in how long a shooter's finger protection (glove or tab) last them. It would be most interesting for participants to include what their bow poundage is and what tab or glove is being used, and how long these protective items last. Thanks for participating.
I voted 3+yrs. I shoot and old style Saunders Pak-Tab. It is at least 3yrs old and shows no sign of wearing out. I shoot this off of various bows, all within a pound or two of 50#.
Bisch
I've been using the OMP glove for well over a year now. I switch between my 50# and 70# regularly and shoot 3-4 times a week for over an hour but under 2.
Lots of life left and the leather is still slick, Velco still very grabby and in good condition ( had ones which last less than a month.)
I'm going on 5 years with my American Leathers Crossover and I've been shooting 60# .
I voted 3+ because I have been shooting my home made tab for about 4 years now and i love it.
On the other hand I had one of those Neet pinch free finger tabs that lasted about a year.
I shoot 45-55lbs recurve or long bows. most frequent shot are a 55 lb recurve and a 49 lb longbow.
Msturm
My Damascus glove was full of holes after 2 years hooting recurves in the 40-45 pound range. I am now using a big shot Buffalo on bows ranging from 40-75 pounds. The tips are beginning to develop grooves, but the glove is still in really good shape. I can see this glove lasting a long time.
I voted 3 years. Hill Big 5 70#. I use Bearpaw deerskin. Shoot about 4times a week for 1hr+.
Deno
48 to 55 lb recurves and longbows. Primarily use American leather gloves but also practice with tabs.
I expect them both to last a long time yet, for sure years. I usually lose a tab before it's worn out.
I'm obviously not shooting enough... can't remember when I bought my last tab!
:(
tabs are easy to make out of a proper leather weight and with a chromed smooth face. i have very well used tabs that have been doing yeoman duty for over 30 years. pick yer leather well.
Hill style glove with the insert removed. Shoot almost every day with 55# bow. They last for years, I'd guess 4-5 and even then they are still good for a back up.
I triple serve the string and shoot bare finger... so I guess my "tab" will last as long as I do. ;)
R
I have been using my same hand cut tab for over 15 years now. Cut from a 6 ounce weight leather.
I cut over a dozen initially and have not had to use any of them yet...still on the first. I oil it several times a year.
I fluctuate bow weights depending what I am hunting or how cold it is. I droop weight when super cold.
So this tab has taken me from 38 pounds for 3D all the ay up to 76# for the big critters.
Chrome tanned like Rob said.
American Leathers Big Shot Elk. They won't last through the sweat of a summer here in Oklahoma even with neatsfoot oil. Still I shoot better with them than anything else.
I'm going on 4 years with my American Leathers Crossover in Kangaroo and I've been shooting 60# to 64#.
I use Bateman tabs and they last me about 3 years before the stitching falls apart. I shoot every day with a 50 pound bow 1-200 arrows a day.
Wore out calf hair tabs very quickly. Switched to a Alaskan Bowhunting Supply cordovan tipped glove and have shot with it exclusively for 7+ years. No sign of it giving up soon! Of course they dont make this glove anymore so it had better last!!
I use the Saunders FabTab. The slick waterproof surface lasts virtually forever. I replace the felt with leather for more protection. Have had one for over 25 years first used with compound. Currently using it and a back up with 40# and 47# recurves.
I use the Saunders Fab Tab. The slick waterproof surface lasts virtually forever. I replace the felt with leather for more protection. Have used one for over 25 years starting with compound. It and a back up are currently used for 40# and 47# recurves.
Bateman cordovan tab with finger spacer, 3 plus years with bows ranging from 50 to 55 pounds. American leathers elk skin glove about 2 years and counting with bows 45 to 50 pounds. :campfire:
Like Bisch, I use the Saunder's Pak Tab. Mine has been going for over 7 years, and I shoot a 66 lb. bow. I have bought 2 back-ups, just in case.
Neat cordovan tab lasts till I loose em.
O L told me he shot glove until he started shooting targets for $, then switched to a tab. I used to shoot glove but learned to use a tab for improved release.
Been making my own out of 8oz veg tan cowhide,heavily oiled, for years and never wore one out.