Fred Asbell wrote "if you like something, buy a second one because it will probably stop being made". Well I hope the Turner family continues to make their quality leather products. Their service is amazing to boot. I've had a kangaroo crossover now for several years and there's nothing wrong with it, but Fred's advice was continuing to whisper in my ear. I also wanted a buffalo arm guard, so, right after the new year I made the call. I get a custom sized glove (large finger stall, x-large body and xx-large wrist strap). They have all my information on file and after a couple of weeks my order arrived. It's a great time to get new gear and American Leather's is a great source. I know many Tradgang members also sing their praises and I just want to give them another shout out.
You did good Ray; I agree 100% although I don't always follow GFred's advise. Great products from American Leathers and super people to deal with.
Shick
My search for a good shooting glove ended when I tried my first American Leathers glove. I have several now, and will never be without one.
That's exactly why I have 3 of the same glove from them. Should last me quite some time.
I picked up a deer skin one at ETAR after owning several Elk skin models and really like the soft deer skin. Great quality products that LAST! I went through so many gloves before trying them.
I just put in an order on an armguard myself. Thanks for the reminder! Following the same logic, I bought 2 extra kangaroo crossover gloves a while back and they should last the rest of my life. Best shooting glove available, in my opinion.
Just as a side note I really love the kangaroo crossover glove because it's slick and thinner than regular Big Shot gloves. My bows are essentially low fifties and under in draw weight so the thinner glove gives me enough protection and more feel. If I was still shooting 55+ bows regularly I would probably have a Big Shot glove.
Quote from: Ray Lyon on January 27, 2026, 07:02:44 PMJust as a side note I really love the kangaroo crossover glove because it's slick and thinner than regular Big Shot gloves. My bows are essentially low fifties and under in draw weight so the thinner glove gives me enough protection and more feel. If I was still shooting 55+ bows regularly I would probably have a Big Shot glove.
Ray, did you get the leather or plastic inserts in your kangaroo crossover glove? I'm currently shooting the Big Shot, but have been thinking about getting a thinner glove for my lower weight bows.
Plastic inserts for me
Thanks Ray!
Quote from: Ray Lyon on January 27, 2026, 08:32:23 PMPlastic inserts for me
Have you tried both insert materials on the crossover Ray? Having never shot the kangaroo crossover, I'm not sure which inserts to order. I'm wondering which one will give better string feel.
Quote from: Maclean on January 28, 2026, 09:46:07 AMQuote from: Ray Lyon on January 27, 2026, 08:32:23 PMPlastic inserts for me
Have you tried both insert materials on the crossover Ray? Having never shot the kangaroo crossover, I'm not sure which inserts to order. I'm wondering which one will give better string feel.
I have not tried both materials. I will say the plastic will 'soften' up after use a little bit. I figured since that's what Howard Hill used (baleen vs plastic now, but same idea)he knew what he was doing. My first Hill glove back in 1977 was stiff leather with plastic inserts. I also liked the webbing on the outside of the big shot glove they make. Ultimately for me it's about adequate protection. Lighter bows don't require the thickness for me. My hunch is the plastic ones won't take a crease as quickly but ultimately release is more about form/mechanics than material.
Thanks again Ray.
My favorite glove is the Kangaroo crossover, I have 2, one with inserts, one without. The one with is for my 55# bows. The other for my 40#-45# bows. That glove was my first crossover that is more than 10 years old. I finally needed new fingers so I had the inserts left out. Mine are custom fit as well, fingers say medium but my hand says large so I had a longer strap put on. Cost me $20 to have the glove refurbished, I think that is more than fair considering it looks brand new. I also have an elk leather glove made by the original owner. I had it refurbished as well. Only the straps are a different color but that glove is going on 20 years I think.
I just ordered a Kangaroo Crossover with buffalo inserts after talking with Lori. This will be my first Crossover after years with my Elk Big Shots. Can't wait to shoot the new glove.
Thom,
I hope you love it.
The Turner's are great to work with.
They truly are Ray. They're doing a wonderful job of keeping John's legacy alive. John was one of the founders of our state traditional bowhunting club, Idaho Traditional Bowhunters.
I'm probably due for a new American Leather glove. It's the only brand of glove I've used for years now.
Made so well I didn't even realize there was some kind of insert in my kangaroo glove til I looked now.
I shoot 45#, 50#, and 55# bows. If I had to choose, I guess I'd get a kangaroo again, but nothing wrong with the standard crossover either.
I think the Crossover was the only one I bought new. I picked up the other two as barely used. Is it worth rebuilding them or just buy a new one? I got my moneys worth out of all of em for sure.