I have shot with a glove for years, recently started playing around with tabs. Not very familiar with tabs, know just enough to know that I want to commit to a good one.
Been using the black widow tab. It seems pretty good, but I would like to get one that is maybe a touch thinner. Also thinking I would like a metal/plastic one with replaceable leather.
Was going to get the cavalier lite, but I thought I heard you cannot easily replace leather.
Any ideas for me?
I don't know how thick a BW tab is because I've never shot one, but I use a Bateman cordovan tab. For me, they're not too thick and not to thin.
I've shot mostly gloves also,but tried a Fred Eichler cordovan tab. It is very thin a slick.
I shoot the Saunders Pak-Tab. It can be very thin or thicker, depending on how you assemble it. It also requires no breaking in and is waterproof. Oh yeah, it is very slick too.
Bisch
Check out Scott Teschner in the sponser classifieds. He makes some good ones.
EW Bateman, Caviler and Sanders all are durable and eill give you a clean release if you do your part. I use the caviler they last for years. They are a piece of aluminum that fits in your palm with the tab material attached. you can buy just the tqb material if yours gets worn.
Chuck
Hey Chuck- Have you ever noticed your top or bottom lip sting after the shot when using a Caviler? I have one and like it but I always get slapped or something? I haven't figured out if it's the string when released or if it's something with the tab.
Snakebit40 - I had the same problem. I just rounded and smoothed the corners of the tab at the index finger and use a deep hook. No more issues.
I have also always shot a glove,been playing around with eichler tab havent committed to it yet.But it is thin and very slick.
Bateman
x4 on the bateman cordavan. they have one with and without a suede liner. you'd probably want the one without.
Another vote for Bateman cordovan.
X2 for Scott's tabs - a sponsor:
http://wyomingwildlifeartistry.com/WyomingWildlifeArtistry/Finger_Tabs.html
It is fairly thin (1 ply), well made and easy to move out of the way with the O-ring. Seem to be shooting better with it than the 2 ply cordovan batemen I had (which I do like), but could be in my head.
Not personally a big fan of the widow calfhair - a lot of material (I cut out the finger spacer) and the calf hair ripped on one of the fingers.
QuoteOriginally posted by Old Chief:
Snakebit40 - I had the same problem. I just rounded and smoothed the corners of the tab at the index finger and use a deep hook. No more issues.
Thank you! I'll give that a try tonight :thumbsup:
I would say Bateman cordovan, but the last one I bought, from 3 rivers, was much thinner than any I had bought prior to that. If the next one I buy, straight from Bateman, is as thin as the one from 3 rivers, I might be looking for a different tab also.
Bateman here too. I modify mine to be like the old ring tab, with an o-ring like what Scott does Very user friendly. The ones Scott makes look great and I was going to order a couple from him but the Bateman has the finger spacer ( which is removable) I am used to the finger spacer and just didn't want to change anything. I also have noticed a difference in the thickness of the leather. Have thought about giving the Saunders PAC tab a try they look really nice.But, I believe if I were just starting out with a tab I would have to get one of Scotts.
If you call Bateman he will make you one as thick as you want.He made me two with .060 thick face.
QuoteOriginally posted by Night Wing:
I don't know how thick a BW tab is because I've never shot one, but I use a Bateman cordovan tab. For me, they're not too thick and not to thin.
So do I.
and they last and last and last and last and last and last.
No need to worry about replacing the leather.
I like my black widow 3 under tab
I like the Saunders Pak-Tab as well. It comes with four different layers you can add or delete to fit your preferences. Very durable and very slick surface.
At EFA we have been developing our version of what a tab should be. We make them with a palm pad, thin leather backing, and with an O-ring. We have been selling them for a couple of years but have not promoted them. Right now we only offer them in a large size. We make them using cordovan or calfhair, and either split fingers or 3 under. The cordovan will last a very long time wheras the calfhair is very slick but will wear out after just a few weeks of shooting.
(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n64/2fletch/P1010012-2.jpg)
(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n64/2fletch/P1010008-4.jpg)
I'm using one of Scott's right now and like it.
Tried a Cavalier. Great tab. I just couldn't get used to the big chunk of aluminum in my hand. Fine for shooting but a pain when pulling arrows, reaching for something in your pocket, etc.
Bateman Cordovan with a spacer. I get mine from 3rivers, you can ask them for a thick or thin ones.Great service. Have had the same one for about 3years, and still perfect, probably looze it before it wears out :thumbsup:
Bateman 3 under tab.
QuoteOriginally posted by FerretWYO:
Check out Scott Teschner in the sponser classifieds. He makes some good ones.
X3!
Saunders Mono Tab Single
Super-Slick for a Super-Smooth Release. Its durable and not affected by moisture
$2.95 but you have to order enough to make the order over $20.00
I have used them for bowhunting and bowfishing for 20 years. Water doesn't effect them. You never wear one out, I just lose them because if you drop them in leaves they blend right in.
I'm a Cavilier fan as well. I round the top corner of the leather as was described above. I put a thin piece of thin neoprene over the metal part to keep from banging metal on riser woods.
I have been shooting Bateman tabs for years now, and I recently got a couple of new tabs from Scott Teaschner. The Bateman tabs are great, but Scott's are every bit as good in their quality and performance, and he builds them with a snap closure loop for fitting different sizes of O-rings. And if you prefer to use a different attachment for your finger, a cord or leather loop (perhaps with an adjustable length) can replace the O-ring. The tabs Scott made for me (at my request) have liners, like the Bateman tabs I am used to shooting. I have an arm guard, a knife sheath and some leather treatment products from Scott also, and everything he supplies is absolutely top-notch.
I wanted to add that I have never used the EFA tabs, but I have several of Don's bow quivers. Don is also a guy who provides top-quality products, so I expect the same from his tabs.
Allan
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: For Scott's tabs
I have been shooting Fred Eichler's tab for about a year now and it is a great tab.
I asked This same question a while back .. Plowed through a few and landed on a Angel Tab that was one suggested .. It was the catsmeow for me , need to order a spare
Well I've been wanting to try something different so I just ordered a EFA 3 under cordovan.
I just got an eichler tab and liked it enough i ordered a second. I have a large black widow split finger if someone wants to try it. I didn't care for it.
I'm liking the Fred Eichler tab pretty good. Been using it little over a yr. now.
QuoteOriginally posted by Biathlonman:
I have a large black widow split finger if someone wants to try it. I didn't care for it.
I'd love to try it, B-man. Split finger RIGHT hand, I assume?
My cousin, ArkyBob, just got one but I haven't had a chance to try it out yet. He loves it.
Tabs and gloves are all a matter of individual preference. Its unlikely you'll end up where you started as you search for that elusive "just right" solution.
I didn't start with a Bateman tab when I bought my first tab but that's where I ended up and judging by the reponses here a lot of other people did as well.
So just playing the percentages I'd tell you to buy a Bateman Cordovan tab with a spacer and go from there.
I've shot Bateman, Cavalier, Black Widow and a few others. I liked the Bateman the best.
But I went over to gloves and have been using a American Leathers Buffalo Big Shot since last year and don't see myself going back to a tab.
Been using Bateman cordovan with finger spreader for years. Great tab at a good price. Usually purchase mine from vendors at 3-d shoots, but Mike at the "Nocking Point" is hard to beat for fast service. I always keep one extra tab in my possibles bag. Never wear them out, but have been known to lose one every now and then.
Alot of nice tabs out thier.Its a personell choice on what someone will like the best.
I have come to prefer the Cavalier Elite cordovan.It has a alot of features I have come to appreciate.
Looks like A&H archery is offering a few nice tabs on thier website as well that have not been mentioned yet.
Bateman are hard to beat.
I have been using the BW split finger leather for quite awhile now; I have really liked it but I am always willing to try something different in hopes it will improve my release. May have to try the Bateman or Scott's.
Currently I'm a glove man...but I have experience with several tab makes...
I don't normally...in public that is... endorse Bisch :) LOL!!! ...but I agree in regards to the Saunders!!!
I also think that the Cavs are nice too!!
It's a personal thing....so even though I may not care at this time for some of the other tabs....they may fit "YOU" and that is all that really matters :) !! To each his own! Good Shooting to all!!
Saunders works wet or dry, hot or cold and lasts a long time.
Wow, talk about good customer service. I ordered a EFA 3 under cordovan tab on the 6th and it got here today. The pony express must be flogging those horses! It is an outstanding tab, well made and I'm taking to it very quickly. Guess I need another for a backup as I seem to loose things more these days.
I just received a new EFA tab. Excellent quality and the leather is super slick. Trimmed it a little and it was great from the first shot.
Haven't read through all the responses but I've been a long time fan of the Neets calf hair with felt finger spacer for a long time. They are hard to find but when I do I stock up on them. Cabelas usually sells them and everytime I'm there I delete their stock in my size.
LC -
I 'second' the Neets calf hair tab, I've used 'em forever... Tried everything else that's come along & been mentioned here, but keep going back to the Neets. They're very simple and comfortable to me. I to stock up on 'em when I find 'em - especially being a lefty.
Always surprised they don't pop up more in these conversations, but maybe that's cause their not as readily available?
Good conversation...
A vote here for the Bateman...
I'll throw another one out there for the bateman cordovan. I love it.
B
I really like the Sanders Fab Tab. Plastic with attachable additional layers if you like them. I like mine bare. Tough and slick. I usually lose them. They never wear out.(dog did eat one once though!)
The Kant-Pinch hair tab is my choice. Get a smooth release.