What do you guys use and why? As you know i am just starting so please forgive the basic questions
Gloves cause I know that I would drop and loose a tab if I used them.
I like the security of the glove but shoot a lot better with a tab. So I carry two that are broken in when I hunt. I've never lost one.
Mike
I use a glove for no other reason than that is what I started with as a kid and never felt the need to change.
Tab.
Some of the most popular tabs are between $10-20 bucks. Gloves are/can be several times that. (Hey, call me cheap)
You can trim a tab down to fit. It a glove isn't quite right, shell out some more dough.
I'm left handed, so using my right hand for things while the tab is on isn't an issue for me (We lefties are use to doing things wrong-handed.) Besides, I found that a tab gets in the way only a little more than a big thick glove.
I figured the if the olypmic guys use tabs, they must have a tendency to help consistency...and I need all the help I can get.
Glove for me, never really liked tabs but maybe I haven't found the right one :)
Used both but right now use Superglove from 3 Rivers .
Black Widow tab for me.
Like tabs and always carry a spare. They also can be slipped easily out of the way to provide more freedom to use your string hand. Cordovon tabs may last for years and years. Nice for hot weather shooting and can easily be adapted for cold weather. Even Fred Eichler shot his polar bear using a tab.
Have had six different gloves in the past that just didn't work for me. Lucky 7 changed my position about gloves and this one feels natural, comfortable and keeps me on mark. The one disadvantage I foresee will be shooting with a glove in hot weather. Gets hot, wet and sticky. Maybe I just need to learn to deal with it.
Choosing one over the other is still personal preferance. There are great hunters and great archers shooting either option. What I am suggesting is to try both. One option may obviously be better for you. I am quite sure you wish to walk in the shoe that fits best.
Best of luck!
Black Widow tab for me as well.
For me, I started out with a glove and shot with that for a loooooong time, even with my compound. I recently tried a tab in archery class and don't imagine I'll go back to a glove anytime soon. My release is much smoother and seemingly more consistent, YMMV. In fact, right after I went down to the pro shop and picked up one of those Bateman Cordovan tabs. So in the end, my best suggestion is for you to try both if possible. Like Friend said, too many greats using both options.
rluttrell,
I had a similar post over in the Gear review forum... I had similar questions...
Do you shoot anything now?
I have a 3 finger typical glove now, A friend of mine shoots one of those FULL Shots by American leathers he loves it. I am going to pick up a tab and see what i like better...
The main thing which is kinda the obvious, but i would say shoot what ever one your more comfortable with...
Let us know what you choose...
QuoteDo you shoot anything now?
I am just learning and by learning I have had one lesson. I used a tab and found it a little awkward. I was trying to put my fingers in the same position every time and just wondered if it would be easier with a glove.
QuoteI have a 3 finger typical glove now, A friend of mine shoots one of those FULL Shots by American leathers.
Has anyone else used American Leathers?
Black widow glove mostly, except in hot summer, then I use a calf hair tab with the spacer. But mostly I use the BW glove. I had to try what seemed like 1000 gloves before I found the black widow one, then I bought 4 just to make sure I didn't run out any time soon.
Here is a link to the glove I like - http://www.blackwidowbows.com/store/210-PDQ-Glove-P20C13.aspx
I shoot a tab because it gives me a cleaner release than with a glove.
I've always shot a tab for a couple of the same reasons mentioned. Shooting wise, I shoot a little better with tab. But I'm sure if a person made the switch, you could adjust just fine. The main reason I prefer the tab is for the freedom of using the fingers on my right hand. Little things like pulling a diaphragm call out of a pocket while elk hunting and such. Just have to find what you like best. Can't go wrong either way.
There is another thread that gives some insight on the full shot and other gloves....
Here it is...
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=102204
It's mostly about personal preference. Genearlly speaking, you either own a bunch of different gloves and tabs already, or you soon will... hehehe... I think most, if not all, traditional shooters have a box of gloves and tabs somewhere.
In all my years of shooting bows, I have never tried a tab. Lots of folks use them and love them, so I'm probably missing out on something, but old habits die hard. It's the 'old dog, new trick' thing.
Angel tab, I carry 2 but have never lost one while hunting. I can shoot with a glove, but I get a better release the only thing for me is that a glove is quicker when grabbing the string. I actually use a glove when bunny huntin sometimes just for that reason. Shawn
I started with a glove. Now I use a calf hair tab. It's a smooth, slick release. When I started with the tab I noticed my shooting improved.
Always used a glove but will soon give a tab a try. If I shoot better, I'll stick with it.
I get a better release with a tab so that's what I use. Partly due to a crooked & twisted index finger and being able to use a spacer pad between the fingers with a tab. My right index finger is right-helical from an old injurty & arthritus. I shoot split finger and the spacer keeps me from pinching, and with a lot of shooting from getting a blood-blister beside the nail as I did with Damascus gloves. I did pretty well with the tougher finger-stall style.
I keep a spare in a coat or pants pocket and also in my day pack. Never lost one, but years ago left it home so since I always have a spare
Used to shoot a tab in the old days but now shoot a glove. Tried a tab a couple of nights ago but the anchor didn't feel right so I went back to the old reliable glove.
I noticed that they use tabs in the olympics. I use a glove but will be trying a tab.
The olymic bows are genearlly much lower weight too though, and they shoot a different style. Just sayin... I know lots of guys that shoot higher poundage hunting bows with tabs. It's all preference.
Here's my thoughts on the subject from an older thread. Kinda long and opinionated but might help ya out.
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=083028#000000
I shot a glove for 37 years. Tried a tab once in the 80's and hated it. Last year I was having trouble getting good arrow flight with a bamboo/osage bow. Picked up a tab-calf hair- with a spacer. Worked great. I like the gloves because it seems easier to get on the string in a hurry, but I am learning with the tab. I also picked up a scrap of hair-on calf skin at a leather shop and cut 4 back-ups in a short time.
My release is better with the tabs.
Enjoy the process and you'll find what works for you.
I've shot with a glove forever tried the tab just didn't work for me.
I cannot stand a glove--I anchor on a tooth and all I can feel with a glove is a big ol' wad of leather in my mouth with no feel for the string or my anchor at all. I like a tab and since they are so much less expensive than gloves you can buy several to try different ones and always have a couple in your pack if you do drop and lose one--which I have never done.
Tab
I use a non elastic type.
Just a leather loop in back.
Lets me swing it around out of the way when I want to.
I spend quite a bit of time crawling in the final stages and tabs just don't work for me.