A while back I talked to John Turner at American Leathers about having my favorite glove repaired.
While we talked he told me of a new glove he was thinking about bringing out. He'd been experimenting with Kangaroo leather and asked if I'd be willing to try it.
I was flattered and agreed to give it a shot so to speak but I had serious doubts that it could be any better than my Buffalo Crossover. I was hooked on that old glove.
I'd run into the same misgivings when I switched from my regular Buffalo Bigshot to the Buffalo Crossover. It's human nature to resist change and I'm more hard headed than most.
The new glove arrived in the same package as my repaired glove. My first impression of the Kangaroo glove was that it was much lighter physically than the Buffalo glove.
Well, I tried it on and it was a perfect fit. The stalls fit almost to the second knuckle of my string fingers which would enable a deep hook.
I was concerned that the tips would be too stiff and my first few shots bore that out. Knowing it might take a few days to break in I accepted the fact and moved forward.
A good coat of Montana Pitch Blend never hurts anything so I massaged small doses of it into the fresh leather.
Within two days of shooting a few dozen shots a day and the glove had become an old friend.
The release was smooth and effortless. The arrows flew from my bow without a waver. I knew John had a winner in this product.
I've retired my old glove to standby status. This new glove with it's light yet tough Kangaroo leather will be my go to glove for many hunts to come. It seems to be not as warm as the Buffalo hide. Probably because it is thinner.
John gave me the go ahead to post this little report today. He had been concerned that his source of leather might not be sufficient. I'm happy to report that he is in possession of a very large supply of Kangaroo hide at this writing.
Check with John for information about pricing.
Here's a couple of pictures.
Old Bigshot with new stalls on the left, Kangaroo glove on the right.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/AmericanLeathersCrossover.JPG)
Old Buffalo Bigshot Crossover on the left. New Buffalo Crossover in the middle and the new kangaroo Crossover on the right.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/AmericanLeathersKangaroo.JPG)
Verry nice wish the Aussie dollar was better
Looks good. Might have to give one a try.
I have always liked the American Leather line of products ( the Bigshot, the Crossover, and his Armguards ).
I did't think you could get any better than the Bigshot, then he came out with the Crossover. Now it looks like I am going to have to try his new Kangaroo Crossover. I will be looking forward to it.
top of the line stuff from a top of the line manufacturer. I love my American Leathers products.
Nice Charlie!
Does that new glove have stiff inserts under the nylon?
I have been shooting with a big shot for years now and it is the best glove out there (IMO) I might have to try one of those new ones though. Curious about the inserts too.
Steve
dang you, Charlie! you're gonna cost me some money, haha! my Crossover glove may very well be the best money I've spent on anything archery related, period. it's that good!
American Leathers ? We have kangaroos in America now !?!? :bigsmyl:
I've always used a tab, but that glove could convert me. Kangaroo is lighter and tougher than most other leathers, so it sounds like a good choice.
I wonder if the inserts could be left out as well. Looks like an email to them is in order.
I have been shooting a kangaroo crossover for about 3-4 years now. I bought mine from an Australian who had them custom made and sold some of the extras that were made. It has worn like iron. The inserts are stiff nylon under the leather. Not very big in size but flexible. You can see them in Charlie's picture. No issues with stretching. Mine is snug every time I wear it. I started with an elk big shot and jumped on this crossover when I saw them listed. Like it so much more than the big shot. Don't think you would be disappointed with this glove.
I mo get me one of those, are they available yet?
Not available yet. John will let us know when.
I wonder if my wife would like an upgrade. When I ordered her first american Leathers glove, she argued that she could just use something cheap and that it was too much to spend on her. When she put it on she said "Well it fits nice, we'll see." She took one shot and then two more, the arrows went right in the kill zone and then she proceeded to say some very hurtful things to me about not accurately describing what I had been using for years. Will these work as well for a 40 pound bow?
Well I know what I'll be getting once they are available!!!! I love my bigshot and I even made the mistake of ordering it a size small!!!! :(
I rank the shooting glove with the same importance that I do the bow. John says they are still in production, but he will notify me as soon as I can put in an order.
It's hard to describe how stiff the inserts are in the stalls. They certainly aren't as stiff as the inserts in the Howard Hill glove, but not nearly as soft as the regular Big Shot.
I can't use the Howard Hill glove at all, but have no problem with the Kangaroo Crossover... or the Bison Crossover for that matter. I can take a good strong hold on the string and release is smooth and positive.
I don't think there would be any problem using this glove with a 40# bow but I don't have one to try it with so I can't say.
As far as a Kangaroo glove without inserts (I don't really think they are nylon or any kind of plastic), you'll have to talk to John about that. He's a great guy to talk to so it couldn't hurt.
All I really know is that I'm darn picky about my equipment and I'll be shooting one of these gloves for as long as I can pull a bow.
QuoteOriginally posted by Charlie Lamb:
All I really know is that I'm darn picky about my equipment and I'll be shooting one of these gloves for as long as I can pull a bow.
X2 here.... :archer:
I have a call in to John about the inserts. Should know more Monday afternoon. I was informed leather is "on the way".
How much are they going to cost?
Since I live in South Carolina and much of my hunting is done in close to 100 degree weather the lighter weight would be a plus.
well, I just figured out what my next archery purchase will be...
I have a couple bigshots and a crossover(think its elk but might be bison)and like the crossover a lot better. May have to have one of those roos next!
Been shooting the Big Shot for over a year now. Was not sure about the glove when I first ordered it. Nylon vs. real leather glove..... :knothead: What are you thinking about, I said to myself. Now, I wouldn't buy another glove. 'Cept now....there maybe a kangaroo in the near future.
Thanks for the tip Charlie. I just called up John and ordered one of the new Kangaroo Crossovers. He says they're about 16 days away from being mailed out. My old Buffalo Crossover will be going to back-up status.
I ordered one as well. I'm a tab shooter, but thought this would be a good way to try something new!
I really like my buffalo crossover so even though it's only a couple of months old it will be a backup to a kangaroo crossover which I chatted with John about yesterday.
Can you get it without the inserts?
QuoteOriginally posted by Roger Norris:
Can you get it without the inserts?
I have been wondering the same thing. I have a crossover, but just don't like the fact that I cannot "feel" the string like I can with a tab.
Thanks Charlie! I sent you a pm. John, please let us all know when the new glove is available to order online.
:thumbsup: Nice report Charlie
QuoteOriginally posted by stujay:
:thumbsup: Nice report Charlie
Yea, thanks Charlie. John owes you a commission! ;)
When I talked to him the other day, he said my order should be out in 15-20 days.
QuoteOriginally posted by Hermon:
QuoteOriginally posted by Roger Norris:
Can you get it without the inserts?
I have been wondering the same thing. I have a crossover, but just don't like the fact that I cannot "feel" the string like I can with a tab. [/b]
I cannot speak for John but I would guess that this is a yes. I actually wanted a "special" adjustment to one of his current gloves too. Called him up and had a "custom" custom :-) glove in my hands in less than three weeks at a fair price!
Great guy. Responsive and easy to talk to.
Yes, John will do custom stuff, so agree with above and just call John. When I talked through my needs with John on the phone based on a used American Leathers glove I bought that didn't quite fit, John said ok, we'll make you a glove with large finger stalls, extra large body and double xl wrist strap. It fits perfect all at the regular price and regular delivery time.
What's the cost for the kangaroo glove!!!!
$69.50 same as Full Shot. John advised me agianst leaving inserts out. He explained that the string will wear a groove into the leather. This could cause a release issue.
John was very pleasant to talk with. He answered my questions and concerns to my satisfaction.
Do any of the American Leather gloves come without inserts? I have looked at the website but it doesn't specifically say.
Give John a call I just ordered one he is really nice and will take the time you need.
Great news! My new Kangaroo Crossover arrived in the mail today to replace my old Buffalo Crossover. I shot with it at lunch time for about 30 minutes and found that it fit my long fingers/hands perfectly. It shot so well that it appears it will not need a break-in period at all. I asked John to make an extra long Crossover for me and he did so without any additional charge. I'm anxious to see if the kangaroo leather stretches and how it wears. Best looking glove I've ever seen too. Thanks for another great product John.
Just got mine in the mail today too. I like it!
This is the first time I've ever honestly tried a glove, and while it feels a lot different than a tab, I think I can get used to it and might end up really liking it.
I've tried a couple of cheap $9 gloves at times in the past, and they were terrible. I knew that if I were ever to give it a serious try, I'd have to try a quality glove. Well, this is a seriously good one!
I got mine in the mail today too. Hope to put it to the test tomorrow. Fits perfectly just like my buffalo crossover. It's definitely lighter and doesn't feel as thick. Will post more after shooting tomorrow night.
Well I couldn't wait to give the new glove a tryout. I have a Buffalo crossover as well so this was a head to head comparison. My first impression is that John has a winner here and this will be my go-to glove. The leather is about 30-40 percent thinner than the buffalo crossover and has a stiffer feel. There's definitely more feel to the string with the kangaroo crossover. As far as release crispness the kangaroo gets the nod. It definitely feels slicker on release. I'd liken it to having my cordovan tab wrapped around my fingers in a comfortable fashion.
I only shot them side by side from my JD Berry northstar that's 45 pounds. My initial thoughts are that if someone is looking for a glove with more feel and a tab like release and less sweaty in warm weather go with the kangaroo. If you want a thicker protection, soft, warm feeling then go with the buffalo crossover.
Thanks for the heads up Charlie. :thumbsup:
I agree with Ray's assessment "more feel to the string" and "definitely feels slicker on release" of the new Kangaroo Crossover. The kangaroo leather appears to be a denser finer grain, lighter & thinner. My string is coming off my fingers as well as a high quality tab. I'm loving it so far.
Anyone know how to contact John? Phone number would be great. It appears their website is down. I really want to order one of the kangaroo gloves if they are still available.
Unfortunately I have large hands and the wrist straps are not long enough for me. I've tried many gloves at the shows.
See my above post may custom fitted glove. John will make to your specs.
Site works now. I do not see a phone number. Yes he will do things like make straps longer. He did for me. I have had mine about 1 1/2 years. It shows no signs of wear and has not stretched. They are expensive compared to the old Damascus gloves. But I would have gone through 3 of them by now.
I have the Kangaroo Krossover glove. I had not had it but 6 months and the leather at the contact sites were wearing and beginning to make little tiny rolls and ridges in the leather, and begun affecting my release.
I seen how long Terry Green has had his bigshot buffalo, and so I purchased it as well. I now have the same 6 months of time on it, and more shooting in that time on the bigshot buff. Though its broken in,Its still like new and is wearing like iron. Id highly recommend skipping the Kangaroo Krossover, and sticking to the big shot. Its better finger protection too.
I'm glad to see this come to the top again. I can't think of a more important accessory than your finger protection. This is simply the best I've ever used. I can see absolutely no wear anywhere and it fits like a...er... glove. ;) I'm thinking about ordering a second for that just in case situation. I'm not sure I'll ever wear it out.
Shadowhuntr... I'm sure John would like to hear from you about your glove. The man constantly strives for perfection.Please give him a call.
Been thinking about ordering a backup crossover myself..
Took a long time to to get the first one broke in, and now that it is, no intention of going back to a damascus.
Appreciate the info on the kangaroo.