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

 

 

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