Difference with a tab?
#1

Since I started shooting trad. I have been shooting with a glove. I just bought bows for my boys and started them offwith gloves as well.My youngest was complaining, that after several shots, his fingers were hurting. I bought him a tab to try to see if he liked it better. He did, and his shooting improved from the first shot on. I decided to give it a try and I'll be darned if my groups didn't shrink dramatically as well.Is this normal? Is there really that much difference between the two? I like the idea of the glove as far as hunting goes, but if the tab improves my accuracy that much, I will figure out a way to make it work in the woods.
I know this topic has probably been beat to death in this forum so please forgive me. I just wanted to share what happened and hear what you guys had to say.
I know this topic has probably been beat to death in this forum so please forgive me. I just wanted to share what happened and hear what you guys had to say.
#2

Is the Difference normal? Yes. It just depends on the shooter. I am a devoted glove shooter. But, I am also very fussy about the glove I'll use. I have shot cordovan tabs and found that a fewthings happen. 1) you will probably feel the string a little better,2) with a tab you will also feel your anchor better, and 3) with a tab the shooters fingers (IMO) tend to line up better on the draw increasing the chances for a smoother release. Lastly, most gloves have a tendency to form a crease in the finger joint, which tends to compromise the smooth release. In the end though.. it is really all about individual form, style and preferences. Glad it's working for you guys!
#3

I have used both. Lat year I used a tab exclusively. But I shoot a lot and I was getting very sore joints on my fingers. Moved back to a cordovan glove with insert (bateman), and my fingers feel a whole lot better. Some people really like to feel the string, personally, I don't know what benefit that gives. I have a Howard Hill glove (again cordovan with inserts) ordered from Craig right now. We'll have to see how that one works.
#4

Thanks for the input guys. I guess I may have to try a higher quality glove at some point, I own a Damascus right now. For this season though I am going to stick with the tab. My main concern is accuracy for the upcoming bow season. I want to stop "piddling" with stuff and just concentrate on becoming the best I can be with my bow.
#5
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Mississippi USA
Posts: 15,296

As was already said, one may work better than the other for some folks. The quality of the glove or tab, and how well it fits you, will also make a difference. When I shot a compound, I used a tab, but I've been using a glove for years now. I can't feel my anchor as well with a tab, and it just feels weird after all this time with a glove. My favorite is the Super Glove from Alaska Bowhunting Supply. I won't buy one through the mail--I try them on at different shoots to be sure it fits like I want it (super tight when new, so when it's broken in it's just right).
Chad
Chad
#7
Dominant Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: land of the Lilliputians, In the state of insanity
Posts: 26,274

I shot with a tab all my life, until recently. I took a break from my trads for a few years. I have gotten back in the trad bows, and went from split fingers, to three under. So I had to go with a glove. I shot a little better with a glove and three under than with a tab and split fingers. Like others have said, Its all in what feels best to the shooter.
#8

Well, after shooting both all week, I am sure the glove is better for me. I don't know if it was something in my head that maybe caused me to focus more with the tab, but after the "new" wore off I was shooting no better with it than with the glove. In fact, I am more consistent with the glove. I can't say I am sorry that I tried it, only that I think I got excited a little too soon. I think now I am going to experiment with different brands of gloves.
#10

I agree with the tab for increased accuracy. I started shooting a very thin, calf skin glove many years ago and eventually tried a split finger tab. Ienjoy the feel of the string in myfingers and the string comes offa tabcleaner and with less side kick than a heavy glove. Ishoot the Neet Superleather tab for hunting and their hair tab for competition. I make one modification though by cutting out the pad and widen the slot between the top and bottomfingers. The superleather needs a substantialbreak-inperiod where the hair tab is ready to go after a few shots.