For the tab shooters:
 

I have mostly used a traditional style glove with overlays but often switch to a black widow tab for brief periods. When using the tab, I have been able to get a slightly smoother release. However, I am concerned of the longer term effects from using a tab which really doesn't offer much protection especially around the circumference of the fingers (I'd prefer to keep my finger round). Any long term users of tabs (or even damascus glove shooters) ever have any problems?

RE: For the tab shooters:
 

Bob,

All I use is tabs and haven't had any problems. I don't quite understand your worries about your fingers remaining round. All the pressure is on the finger tip pads near the first finger joint on a deep hook. It should be the same shooting a glove.

RE: For the tab shooters:
 

Fl what I was refering to is the flatening of the finger tips. A traditional type glove gives support all the way around the finger and reduces the "flatening" effect. A tab has no support around the finger at all.

RE: For the tab shooters:
 

No issue, my fingers are fine. Basically what you use is up to your personal pref. I started with a glove then my release went to pot, and switched to a tab, been with i since.

RE: For the tab shooters:
 

I don't believe any glove will keep your finger round. I shoot with a damascus glove , I don't believe it's any smoother then a tab. The BW tab I did use was small, and gave no problems with fingers.

RE: For the tab shooters:
 

I think I'm having a hard time explaining what I mean. I'm not really talking about anything during the shot. What I mean is long term effects of not shooting with enough protection on the fingers. Ferguson explains it as developing "paddle fingers". Actually, I have never really witnessed this at all and was wondering if anyone has.

RE: For the tab shooters:
 

Sorry for miss understanding, never heard of such a thing. I guess he shoots a lot more than normal.The price he pays for being in the big time.

RE: For the tab shooters:
 

I shoot a damascus and i like it, but i dont love it. When it is cold my fingures get a little hot, I shoot 1 above an 2 below and my bottom fingure has a good calus on it. All in all the pros out # the cons so I still use it.

RE: For the tab shooters:
 

never heard of permanent anatomic changes causing flattening of the fingers from shooting with a tab. The same amount of pressure is applied to the pad on your finger using a glove. The continuous friction over the fingertips can cause the body to respond by producing thicker skin at the site of pressure known as hypertrophy or in other words a callous. This seems more likely to develope using a tab which provides less protection.

Jim

RE: For the tab shooters:
 

Ferguson shoots fairly heavy draw weights, like 70 pounds, and he uses fastflight strings. The combination of those two can really do a number on your fingers. When I shot heavy bows, I used thick tabs and gloves to protect my piddies. No problem getting a clean release with a thick tab and heavy draw weights because the poundage will literally rip the string off your fingerips. With lighter draw weights, I need to feel the string so I can get enough control to execute a clean release. So I use a thin cordovan tab or a damascus glove.

RE: For the tab shooters:
 

Great explanation Art, so what you're saying is don't worry about that little piddle weight that I'm drawing.[8D]:D

I'm real glad to see you back and in good spirits!

RE: For the tab shooters:
 

Virtually every Olympic archer uses a tab and they shoot literally hundreds of arrows every day in their practice regimens with no problems.

RE: For the tab shooters:
 

New Guy here...first post...I've shot all types of tabs and gloves for the past 42 years started with my first bow when I was eight years old...from the heavy triple stiched Bear Gloves...to the fast plastic tabs...to what I'm shooting now...which is a Neet Palm tab...and shooting fast flight off a 60lb SkyBow recurve...and haven't flattened any fingers... I wouldn't worry about it...find something that will give you the cleanest release for your style of shooting...and enjoy...

RE: For the tab shooters:
 

Thanks Mac, yea, I'm finding that I'm liking my damascus glove about the best. I shoot at 55 pounds, so I'm not worrying about it much. Things make you wonder about varying opinions especially when they are coming from experienced archers like Byron who tell you to get the most protection on the fingers as possible. My Black widow super glove has about the most protection that I have used, but I can get a cleaner release with the bow shooting with other types.