Shooting a 43-lb recurve and moving from a glove to a tab. Couple of questions:
1.) what makes one tab design better than another; and,
2.) who makes a really good tab for hunting?
Thanks,
JDG
Some guys will chime in with some good ones, but this is unfortunately one of those "try different ones until you find the right one for you" kinda thing.
I can't shoot a leather tab, only calf hair. Leather just doesn't shoot well at all for me. Fortunately they're cheaper than bows to buy and try :rolleyes:
To add on to that, I like a tab with a finger spacer on the back side (if shooting split). Preferably a rubber one. You can pretty much trim any tab to size if it's too big. Having the option to add/remove layers is also nice, but aside from that designs don't vary a whole lot.
In my experience price does not equal better. I shoot a $9 calf hair tab from 3 Rivers and it shoots perfect, and I use it for 3D and hunting. Find what works best for you, buy a few extras, and use it every time you shoot whether it's 3D or hunting.
Check out Bateman Cordovan tabs.
I have a Eichler Cordovan and just received a Safari Tuff (with the hard spacer) from 3-Rivers. What I like so far about the ST is the heavy leather part on the base of my fingers - pretty much makes my form work. That hard plastic spacer is going to take a little getting used to though.
Still learning - hence the questions. As always, thanks for your patience.
QuoteOriginally posted by ISP 5353:
Check out Bateman Cordovan tabs.
Yes..do that.
I prefer the cordovan with finger spacer and the leather loop.
I can't stand the elastic band around my finger..lol
With the leather loop you can flip the tab around with a flick of the wrist to get it out of the way...and another flip to get it back in position.
to each their own and all...but I really like this one.
I have been shooting with tabs since the 1980's, and I tend to agree with shreffler when he says price does not always mean better. There is nothing special about one tab over any other tab, except for the way it feels to the individual shooter. I generally shoot a calf hair style, because that is mostly what I find for sale at a reasonable price. Fortunately, tabs are cheap enough that you can try a variety of them until that special one is found.
QuoteOriginally posted by Sam McMichael:
I have been shooting with tabs since the 1980's, and I tend to agree with shreffler when he says price does not always mean better. There is nothing special about one tab over any other tab, except for the way it feels to the individual shooter. I generally shoot a calf hair style, because that is mostly what I find for sale at a reasonable price. Fortunately, tabs are cheap enough that you can try a variety of them until that special one is found.
This is my plan. That's why I ask "what" makes a good tab, good.
Bateman has many styles to choose from,and their quality is very hard to beat. I disagree about price, I've gone through many cheap tabs but after many years still shooting my Bateman with really no sign of wear
I like a simple Saunders Fab Tab(plastic) with no spacer or removable layers. Lasts until you lose it! Easily trimmed and can spin around and be out of the way until needed.
I switched from shooting split to 3-under and had trouble with my Bateman tab tearing up my cheek, lips or nose. I didn't have this problem with a glove. Then I trimmed the tab back to just the minimum length that would cover the crease in my finger joint. Problems disappeared. The Cordovan is super slick and I get a great release. If you try a tab, don't give up on it if you are getting slapped. Just trim it back.
X2 on the Saunders Pak-Tab.
Sam
Toelke tab. Dan sells a kit that you can add layers. The top layer is sheep skin . I've shot gloves a long time but after shooting dans tab. I'm sticking with it. If you can find a land rich tab grab one its sheep skin also. They where nice !
I shot for a while with a glove and 2 years ago went to a tab. I shoot 3 under and cut my tab from a piece of scrap from Hobby Lobby. It's about 1/6" thick and very comfortable. The Idea of calf hair sounds good does anyone know a source for it that tabs could be cut from?
My favorite is has a calf hair face with a soft finger spacer made by Neet. They are getting hard to find. I think 3 Rivers haS them. They very durable and run about $8. I don' like the ones with the hard plastic spacer.
If you just want to try one start with one of your own from some scrap leather. Shooting 43#, you might get away with a single layer. I've made my own since the 80's...tippit
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv7456%3Dot%3E2395%3D%3C78%3D763%3DXROQDF%3E2%3B3623993%3A23%3Bot1lsi)
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv96%3A5%3Dot%3E2395%3D%3C78%3D763%3DXROQDF%3E2%3B3623784%3C23%3Bot1lsi)
Best tab currently available is Fivics cordovan tab with spacer and leather palm plate for about $27. Its palm plate is very similar to the old Wilson Tab when they made cordovan tabs. The tab has two layers of leather and is super comfortable. I could not find my old cordovan Wilson Tab a few years ago so the Fivics tab became its replacement. Fivics also makes more expensive tabs with aluminum palm plates but I would I have not tried them as I like a leather palm plate better.
I use an old Bear powder patch and keep the tab powdered with baby powder and it is really slick and feels good in my hand. Provides the opportunity for some super smooth releases.
QuoteI prefer the cordovan with finger spacer and the leather loop.
Where did you get the leather loop? I can't stand that elastic stuff.
I use the cordovan bateman with the elastic strap and finger spacer. It's tough as nails. Takes a few shots to break her in though.
What makes a tab good for me does not necessarily make it good for you...the bottom line is how confidently you shoot with it...I shoot 2 fingers under, 2 finger split and 3 finger split with tabs depending on which bow I am shooting and whether I am hunting or target shooting...as you may guess I have quite a collection of tabs and they all have their place
DDave
QuoteOriginally posted by Gatorkountry:
QuoteI prefer the cordovan with finger spacer and the leather loop.
Where did you get the leather loop? I can't stand that elastic stuff. [/b]
I can't stand the elastic either.
I really like the EW bateman cordovan with finger spacer and leather loop..#2TCD
Lasts for years
http://www.ewbateman.com/FingerTabs.htm
Cordovan leather is best. It lasts and wears great. I have Bateman tabs, an Eichler tab and a Rod Jenkins (Safari Tough) tab. All are great!
Zradix...I have the same one from Bateman also. I was thinking you meant you had one of Bateman's tabs, like the #TABC, but had Mr. Bateman send you one with a leather strap and metal clasp instead. I wonder if he could do that? I see a lot of the Olympic archers tabs have the leather strap with metal clasp, holds the tab firmer to the hand with less drag on the arrow.
The first thing I look for is Cordovan, then fit and feel after that. For me, calf hair wears to quickly.
Two years ago I began using black widow tabs, with a lot of trimming to fit, and I'm happy with it.
Gator...can't hurt to ask..
I'm with Firstlight.
I shoot 3 fingers under. I want a palm plate to help place the tag and for comfort. But I don't use a 3 fingers under tag.
It must be cordovan for smoothness and durability. I've been using the same Cavalier Elite (cordovan) for at least 3 years and I shoot a lot (until two months ago, nearly ever day).
My next choice and a bit less expensive is, I think it is a Jenkins with leather palm plate.
The only problems with the Cavalier are:
1. Replacement cordovan can be difficult to obtain.
2. The metal palm plate could scratch a bow if not careful but I haven't scratched one yet.
I have a drawer full of other tabs, often two of each, that I didn't like as much as the Cavalier.
I have a cordovan home made under what looks like a black widow. 3under with a nip out where it touches the arrow so it is always the same place at the start of he draw. I also have a leather model that I drew on the location of the string, again for pre draw consistency.....then as I draw it goes to heck.
I really like my Bateman cordovan tab with the finger spacer. They last forever.
I've tried many tabs and my search ended with the bateman cordovan tab. I bought a new one for when my old one gives out. That's been a few years ago and the new one still hasn't been shot because the old one still looks "just broke in". http://www.3riversarchery.com/Cordovan+Leather+Shooting+Tab_i5088X_baseitem.html