Numb fingers

[Nantahala Nut]

I picked up a Samick Sage 45# @ 28 to learn the trade. Shot about 60 arrows and my string fingers went numb. Did I pinch a nerve in there somehow. It's taken a couple weeks for the feeling to return.  Any way to avoid this as I am dying to keep shooting?

-Barry

[Caleb the bow breaker]

Are you using a glove or tab when shooting?  Shooting bare fingers?

C

[Nantahala Nut]

Shooting with an old, but barely used glove.  Looks and feels like a cheap one.  Thicker glove maybe?

-Barry

[AZ_Longbow]

Thicker glove. And build up your fingers slower. Shoot a round take a break shoot another round take a break. Thell toughen up it just takes time and you don't want to injure them. I think we all went a bit arrow crazy in the beginning. I still do when I get a new bow.

[bear bowman]

I've gotten numb fingers before but it's never lasted much longer than my shooting session. I hope it's nothing more than what AZ longbow is saying.

If the numb feeling is just in the tips of your release fingers, that will improve with time. This may be a new experience for them and they will toughen up some. For now give them a little shake between shots. There are nerves close to the joint that can be lit up if the string squeezes them. You could try checking where the string contacts the finger. If the numbness is from the base knuckles, it can be from your neck.

[Doug_K]

When I returned to traditional archery  I had the same problem in my middle finger, Shot less, and used a thicker glove (Big shot) till I got the feeling back, about 3 weeks later.

I'd suggest a thicker glove to start, as your fingers toughen up you'll need less and less padding.

[Mr. fingers]

I agree with Doug american leathers big shot. When I started trad from compound I was shooting with the thinner tab I used for my compound had the same issues. I bought a big shot and it was wonderful I eventually went to thinner gloves Neet and Damascus I was liking feeling the string but my fingers have some arthritis. Last season I went back to the big shot. And I love it. I feel I can hold longer at full draw without my brain telling me my fingers are uncomfortable dump the string. I have more control over my shot now.
Good luck

[Bellasm]

I have had the same issue. My middle finger tip is still slightly numb two weeks later. I attribute this to an attempt to grip the string half way between the tip and the first joint. This was the cause. I have since griped at the first joint and it has not further contributed to the numbness and I have shot a lot in that two week interval.

[Elkchaser]

Originally posted by Bellasm:
 I attribute this to an attempt to grip the string half way between the tip and the first joint. This was the cause. I have since griped at the first joint and it has not further contributed to the numbness  

Deep hook. Right down into the first joint!!
Helps lots of release issues.
 

[Flying Dutchman]

Times two!

[59Alaskan]

I also had similar issues when not doing a deep hook.

[M60gunner]

I had a yearly ritual, summer=tab, cool weather=glove. When I switched back to a tab I had some numbness the first time out. It goes away after a few days. Part of my numbness was heavy weight bows and that need to feel the string. Both are gone replaced by permement callous on my finger tips.

[hitman]

I have numb fingers all the time. Also numb hands, shoulders etc. Think it's called arthritis.

[M60gunner]

Hitman, you hit the nail right on the head. Getting old an'it for the weak.

[Smallwood]

I used to get numb fingers too, till I switched to an American Leathers glove or if I shot a thick tab

[Stump73]

A thicker glove or tab is what you need.

[slowbowjoe]

Finding the right string placement for your fingers is huge, "deep hook" a good way to try - you'll need to find just where is best for you. The right spot on each finger differs for each of us, and the wrong spot IS likely to cause numbness. Been there myself.

Also, a little thicker/better glove or tab. Too thick though, and you may have trouble getting the string feel you need for feedback.