Cordovan tabs in the rain?

MAT · February 05, 2013, 01:39:00 PM

I shoot 3 under calf hair tabs up to now but I hear Cordovan is the way to go. Just wondering how they work in the rain, and what you use to condition them, if anything.

I'm talking about the real stuff made from horse hide. I recently found out from a local shoe guy that the term cordovan is also a color of regular cow leather. So are the cheap tabs I see that are listed as cordovan the real stuff? How would you know?

Zradix · February 05, 2013, 01:45:00 PM

I use ew bateman cordovan tabs.

They will dry out from wet then dried conditions.
Takes longer than some other leathers though.

I treat mine with some very thick silicone I have an work..the stuff is thicker than honey.

Rub a little in, let it soak for a few mins, then wipe it off good.

Seems to protect it, keep it supple in cold weather..and makes it slicker than pig's snot.

Bjorn · February 05, 2013, 01:50:00 PM

I hunt in the rain and have had no problems with my cordovan tab can't remember the brand.

tomcfc11 · February 05, 2013, 01:51:00 PM

I use an ew bateman three under tab for everything including bow fishing. I just let the tab dry out. I've never had a problem with doing this.

Car54 · February 05, 2013, 01:55:00 PM

I got mine from E W Bateman also... It's been thru all kinds of weather. No problems here. He will pick out alttle thicker leather if you choose so.

February 05, 2013, 02:48:00 PM

Mine have gone through the wash a few times with no problem (not on purpose!) They have also been in the rain, sweat-soaked, ice encrusted, muddy and everything else. Bateman makes the best ones. If you don't lose them they will last forever, IMHO

ron w · February 05, 2013, 02:54:00 PM

I have had great luck with the cordovan tabs....I just use a bit of Sno-Proof with a hair drier, I have a few that are 8 years old.

cyred4d · February 05, 2013, 03:23:00 PM

I don't put anything on mine. They have been rained on, sweat on and snowed on and are still working fine.

BWD · February 05, 2013, 03:38:00 PM

...and if you shoot split fingers and happen to break off the rubber divider, on your Bateman, a replacement divider is only $2, or was the last time I replaced the one on my five year old tab.

T-Bowhunter · February 05, 2013, 04:03:00 PM

I use Bateman cordovan tabs, i have never had a problem with mine.

February 05, 2013, 04:17:00 PM

I don't use the one with the rubber divider, just the 2-layer split finger. Softens up pretty quickly, feels like you've had it forever. I keep 2 broken in, always.

MAT · February 05, 2013, 08:55:00 PM

Thanks guys. I like the bateman but only want a 1 finger loop so I can spin it around to the back of my hand. Cab you modify one to do this?

Zradix · February 05, 2013, 09:22:00 PM

they make a lot of 1 loop split finger tabs.
1 loop meaning a leather loop..not the elastic

HenrikBP · February 05, 2013, 10:53:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by MAT:
Thanks guys. I like the bateman but only want a 1 finger loop so I can spin it around to the back of my hand. Cab you modify one to do this?

The Bateman tab I have has only on finger loop. Goes on your middle finger and spinning is quite possible - I do it all the time

Zradix · February 05, 2013, 11:01:00 PM

one of many from bateman...

Fishburglar · February 07, 2013, 03:01:00 PM

my father was going to throw a old leather shoe out. i grabbed it and made a tab out of it. i carefully measured where my hands would be and clearance for arrow nock and string nock. Now my tab is 10 times better than a cordovan tab better release better string grip. i love it! took me one hour out of my day, some tobacco, and a nice tea while listening to music.

btw to stay on topic. my cordovan tab has been wet and still served me well. granted i swipe it on my own clothes before i put it on my string to clear watever water i can. id hate to put my new predator recurve bow in the rain!