Trad Gang

Hey all,

So I decided to try a tab tonight. I normally use a glove. Mine was wet tonight and it was sticking to the string, or vice versa.  

I was getting excellent releases with the tab! Wow this thing is clean. only problem is that it is a left handed tab. I just turned it around.

For you tab shooters, what do you use and recommend? I plan to order one tomorrow after I shoot again in the morning to see if my results are consistent.

Thanks
Jason

Black Widow 3 Under for me.  They make a split tab as well.  Tried the calf hair once and didn't care for the durability. I have five or six of them but can only find three at any given time.  When I hunt I put a tab on my finger, in my shirt pocket, my large pack, and my day pack.  Did I mention I love that tab?

Cavalier split finger for me. Just started shooting a tab last week,I don't think I will use a glove again.

While the calf hair tabs aren't very durable, they give me the best "feel" and release of any tab I've tried. I try to keep 4-5 on hand at any time.

I have used the Saunders Fab tab for years slick, works when wet last and lasts and lasts. Reversible left hand to right hand. Whats not to like?

I've been using the same Bateman Cordovan tab for several years and it's still in fine shape.  I prefer the way it goes on the finger over the regular leather loop on most tabs.  The O'ring loop tab from Scott Teaschner is a close second and the Saunders is very good, too.  I finally bought another Bateman for a spare, but don't know that I'll ever wear out my first one.

Love my Black Widow cordovan split finger tab!  Best tab I have ever used.  I could never go back to a glove.

Kustom king calf hair

I've been using the Rod Jenkins signature tab from Safarituff for about 6 months now.  It's only for 3 under shooters, however.  So far I like it just fine, and I'm not inclined to try anything different.

Bateman Cordovan, tried a couple others, this one is the only one that I care for. I know there are good shooters with gloves, but the vast majority of the best shooters I know use tabs, that's just a personal observation.

Black Widow Cordovan.  I have three..on my finger, spare in my quiver pocket and one in the package in my tackle box.  Love the tab.  I used to shoot a Can't Pinch Calf Hair but the BW is so much better.

Best advice is go try several and see what you like the best.

Eichler tab here.  Been trying like heck to wear one out but no luck yet.

I have tried several but, the Eichler tab is tops in my book.   :thumbsup:

I've found the Bateman cordovan is best for me. Impossible to wear out, and only gets better with age. I like the elastic band that holds tightly against my bare finger or gloved hand, and the soft rubber finger seperator is much more comfortable than the hard plastic ones. The price is right too.

eichler tab!!  I use to have a tab for over 10 years and it was just cut from leather. Was going to have another made when I bought the eichler and probably will never change.

SAUNDERS PAK-TAB!

Broke in out of the package, essentially scent free, impervious to water, and slicker than owl ****!

Bisch

Bateman Cordovan - great tab.  You'll not likely wear one out.

been making my own tabs for decades, too easy and too cheap.   ;)   you can test out a variety of leather types and thickness's, and find out what works best for you.  once i made a few really nice tabs from a shoe tongue (cordovan) but mostly i like using chromed latigo in about 4oz weight, nice 'n' thin, great feel of the string on the fingers, excellent protection during the draw and release.

CHROMED FACE
(http://i.imgur.com/RVCSpUh.jpg)

BACK
(http://i.imgur.com/OAaqA7u.jpg)

I began using a tab two years ago. I don't know why I even tried a glove for the first year back to curves.

I prefer Cavalier Elite. Salty but last a very long time and replacement leather for $6.95.  I also have a couple of Mr. Jenkin's tabs. They are very good also.

Contact Don Ward at Eagles Flight Archery.  He makes an excellant tab as well.

I have two, but ended up going back to a glove.

I still use my 10 year old Bateman cordovan tab. Looks bad but shoots great.

Bateman Cordovan.

Eichler tab.  I have had all the others mentioned all but the Eagle Flight.

I use the Bateman but modify it to the O-Ring style using a peice of leather and O-Ring.

Toelke..spelling could be off here...He is from out west(Mont.?)...made of sheep skin with wool on. Only about $7 ea. Good feel and comfort.

Bateman cordovan for me

Bateman Cordovan here also. I'm going to leave it to someone in my will.
David

I favor the Saunders Fab Tab. I use it with no padding and they last very well.

Eichler Cordovan tab from 3R

X2 Bateman Cordovan...not too thick and not too thin. I just like the way it fits in my hand and how it feels at anchor.

Bateman Cordovan tab with finger separator. Can't wear them out. Around $15.00. Been using these tabs for 12 to 15 years. Bateman's Cordovan glove is also excellent. Bateman products are well made in Houston, TX.   :campfire:

I have used a Damascus glove and calf hair tab a lot in the past. Now I use a cordovan 3 under tab that we make. It has a palm tab, cordovan, and a backing. It makes good use of an O-ring to attach to your finger, an idea that we got from Lenny Rock at Bob Lee about 3 years ago at Denton Hill. We make it in 3 under, with an option of O-ring sizes. Also, we make it in a fixed O-ring size and in a model that allows for the changing of the O-ring to a different size. We offer calf hair also, which gives an excellent release, but wears out much quicker.

We haven't advertised these EFA tabs, but those who have tried them seem to like them a lot. Unfortunately they don't wear out, so repeat business is not an option.

Whenever I try a glove, it feels like my hand is 3-4" off my face...I need my finger to touch my tooth.  About all I can stand is a Merino liner glove in between.  

All the suggestions are good here.  I made my own like Rob for quite a while but I have come to find the extra reference point the Jenkins, Bateman, and Cavalier have for the string to rest on before the draw starts is a dandy feature.

Bateman Cordovan here.

Black Widow 3 under cordovan or EFA 3 under cordovan, both work very well. I have also use the super mitt type tab, didn't work as well for me but I like the way it fit my hand.

Nothing fancy for me - just a piece of cordovan leather with a finger cutout and cut for split finger shooting: like Rob's pictures.

Does black widow make the cordovan tab anymore?  I have always bought the super three under

Just called the folks at black widow. No longer making the cordovan tab due to lack of material availability.

By the way, I shoot the Cavalier 3-fingers under even though it is a split finger design. I don't use the spacer, the thumb piece or the chin rest. Guess I'm paying for a lot of parts I don't need.

What I like best about is the metal frame which rides against my string when I set my draw hand.

I don't understand Black Widow, that's what they told me some time back, but several other vendors don't seem to have an issue with cordavan availability....

Fortunately, Rod Jenkins makes a very nice cordavan 3 under tab..  I like it a lot !

I'm a glove guy, but my favorite tab is a Cavalier with the finger separator ( I shoot split).  I take off the chin shelf.

I use a well broke in Neet tab.   I've never used a glove

I'm using a three under cordovan tab from EFA and like it very much.

Grouse

Just got an Eichler 3 under yesterday. I like the fit, and its got a great release. Hopefully it holds up, kinda pricey for a few square inches of leather.

Black Widow 3-under calf hair.

I've always used a tab..tried glove when a kid and didn't get the feel I wanted.

I'm using an Eichler split finger now and like it..but have some I made I like as well and probably will just stick with homemade after this one.

I made some one time out of inner tube rubber that were the best I've ever used. I can't remember where I got it but think it was airplane tire tubes. It was thick and had that whitish powder on the tube as was as slick as you could get and stayed that way.

Last week I wore out the last glove I'll ever own. I went through my shop and dug up an old piece of leather and in about 2 minutes had a nice shootin 3 under tab. I wont say it shoots any better than all the gloves I've had but just as good.

Anybody  use the "archery mitt"

When I shot a tab my favorite was a Black Widow.

I prefer a calf hair tab of simple design. Usualy alter the finger hole to suit but thats it. I didn't like leather tabs but its probably a personal thing as to what material you decide you like best. Calf hair is slick.
If I really want even less friction, I just swab the tab on my forehead- instantly oiled!

Joshua

Switched last year to a tab and probably won't go back.
Shooting with an Eichler , but am going to try a Bateman Cordovan, to have a spare if nothing else.
I want to try a tab with the spacer so as "to not pinch the nock".
I like the forehead oiling trick, thanks.

Cavalier cordovan split finger.

I go back and forth between the Rod Jenkins and Fred Eichler tabs.  They're both great, but I tend to lean to the Eichler tab for hunting.

I have all kinds of tabs, but have taken to making some of my own.  Easy as can be and they work great.

My favorite tab so far is the EFA tab with the "O" ring.  Without doubt the most comfortable tab ever.  Mine is the one that has the "O" ring that can't be replaced and I would like to have one that is replaceable cause I have lost weight since getting the one I have now.  Try it...you'll LOVE it.

I also have a tab that I haven't seen for a long time.  It too is a great tab.  It's for those that still like to use a glove and like the feel of having a glove on their hand, but prefer the release of a tab.
It basically is a tab that's attached to a glove that allows you to put it on and strap it around your wrist and it stays put.  It's works great and feels good too.  I think they are no longer made.  I'll try and get a pic of it if you all want to see it and post it tomorrow.

Nalajr

Rod Jenkins, I know he dosent make them, but his design. Great tab and a good guy.

Eichler split finger tab.  Shot several other gloves and I like the Eichler best.  Hard to believe it's lasted so long being so thin.  Works great.

I cut mine out of scrap leather I have laying around.

I wish Black Widow would do the cordovan again.  The super leather is to think for me.  I like the calf hair a lot, but they wear out too fast. But, it was my tab of choice before getting the Eichler.  I would love a Black Widow cordovan the same thickness as  the calf hair.

I really like my EFA tabs.  The leather will last forever but the calf hair is a smoother release and a better feel for the string.  I also really like the O ring.  Good luck.

Rick ****** is recently in the tab business.  Just got one and I like it. Always shot a glove.

He offers both split and three under.  I think he may have what the other guys say they can't get. I like the attachment he installed to keep it on your finger. Check out his site.

Eichler for me.

Nala, we do make our 3 fingers under tab with replaceable O-rings now. It is the same tab with cordovan, backing, and palm plate, but has a snap fastener to permit easy changing if you go from bare hands shooting to gloved hands. We just finished up some for a dealer order. They will retail at $15.00 and include two rings of different size.

I shoot Angel tabs and have a Cavilier Elite as a back-up to those 2 Angels! Shawn

Black Widow 3-under for me. A wonderful & simple tab.

Home made from buckskin, looks like Rob's. Sew it onto a lightweight mesh camo glove with the fingers cut off. Works great and hard to lose.

Eichler tab 3 under.

I cut my own, stitch some calf hair over the leather, works like a charm. I got 10 tabs for the price of a one tab if I would of purchased one already made!

Black Widow cordovan split finger tab.  Great tab.

I just wanted to say thank you on the old boot tongue idea.

I cut one out today, hand stiched it and WOW, what a difference over the calf hair thing I was using

Does the eichler tab have a finger seperator?

Saunders Pak=Tab!

Super slick, impervious to moisture, virtually scent free, broke in out of the package!

Bisch

I cut my own out of old boot leather. Works great and free.

QuoteOriginally posted by Bisch:
Saunders Pak=Tab!

Super slick, impervious to moisture, virtually scent free, broke in out of the package!

Bisch

X2

My second year using it and I shoot quite often.

~CB

Cavalier tab with custom Bateman cordovan leather applied for 3under.

Surprised nobody mentioned Scott's (Wyoming Wildlife Artistry) tabs.  That is what I use after trying several.  Just like the simplicity and durability of 1 piece of cordovan leather, and the 3 o-rings that come with it makes for a good fit and very easy to flip out of the way.

I was surprised to see them in the 3Rivers catalog.

QuoteOriginally posted by Biathlonman:
Eichler tab here.  Been trying like heck to wear one out but no luck yet.

Me to.  Have tried a lot of the others and this is the best for me so far.  I would love to try a black widow Cordovan but have never seen one.

Jake, I've used a mitt. Like the feel of it, and the finger loops give a secure fit on the fingers, but don't come off or on as easily as a single finger loop. Took off the wrist string pretty quick, found that awkward. Quality is excellent.

I can't get a decent release with a glove or a tab. OMP Hydro-Shots and RPM Slicks and neked fingers.

Myself I love the black widow split finger super tab! Tried a couple others before but the black widow just "feels right". I shoot better with it compared to others and it is so much more comfortable than the others I've tried. SS

I seem to drop my tab out of my tree more times than not, so I'm shooting bare fingers while hunting. But preferrably use my homemade tab. 15 years old out of a single layer of 5 oz. oil tanned leather. I like to feel the string.

Jason,
Did you ever find a tab you like? If not, if we ever find time to shoot together I have what I think is a good one that you can keep for awhile and experiment with.

I have gone back to a glove and really like the Crossover.

Cavalier Cordovan is my favorite.  I shoot split and use the finger spacer but take off the chin shelf.  The only modification I made was gluing a thin piece of leather on the metal plate so it isn't so darn cold against my cheek.

As with bowstrings and arrows I like making my own tabs.  I've used most of the brands mentioned above but tabs are so simple and fun to make that I'm a little surprised how many folks buy them.

Saunders.

Others have worked pretty good for me, but when the going gets wet, the Saunders really shines.