@@tdistel yeah if your trying keep relatively cheap just try matching spine to poundage i guess and I've found carbon arrows are so strong. I first used fiberglass and they where so bad if l hit the frame around the target or miss my target at home and hit the wooden backing the shafts would split. Haven't had a carbon shaft split yet. I'm shooting traditional bare bow what do you shoot.
@@djinn201 nice. I'm shooting a Southwest Spyder 64" 45lb draw. I have a regional park with a full archery range so, it's been fun getting out and practicing. I wish I could show you but, on my first day, I jammed an entire head into the shaft of a carbon arrow. Split it in all directions hitting the metal frame of the hay bails. Im keeping it for posterity lol. As for arrows, I was originally using 31" 400 spine arrows but, after shifting to 30" 500 spine, I've noticed a much quieter release in both sound and, vibration in my shots.
@@djinn201 oh, and one other thing, if you ever need a replacement string, I've only used it once so far but, I'd recommend Krammer Ammons (YT channel). He makes strings and, I just tried his out and, it made my bow even quieter that it was before. I was pretty shocked to be honest. Put roughly 160 shots through it so far. Really liking it!
@@tdistel I'm using same bow same poundage, 32 inch 600 spine arrows do you have any cat whisker silences on your string I put them on my standard string and it really made it quieter and reduced a lot of vibration
I'm really glad that I found this video. I actually already bought my bow and I've gone and shot it a few times already. I was worried because at the end of my sessions my fingers would be purple and look really scary. I'm glad that this video single handedly saved me from losing 3 incredibly important fingers in my dominant hand. Thank you very much!
I jacked up the tendon in my index finger after thinking I could switch from a 100# longbow (shooting 3 finger), straight to a 100# Turkish composite recurve made in Istanbul (shooting thumb draw). I thought I tore it, and when I went to the doctor, they diagnosed me with flexor digitorum profundus ("jersey finger"). I was devastated, as I I'm not only an amateur archer, but I also shoot 3 gun and trap. I struggled for almost two months retraining to be left handed. Then one day when I was rewiring some outlets, I shocked the shit out of myself and saw my finger bend. Seeing that, I questioned the docor's diagnosis, as if the tendon was gone, my finger wouldn't be able to bend, even if it was shocked. I ordered a tens unit off Amazon and began doing shock therapy on my finger while trying to dry fire my pistol. After about three months, I was able to use it again reliably. I'm about six months out from that, and my finger is almost back to full strength.
I shoot a modern recurve at #50/32'' and I have both a tab and a glove. In my case my tab was very expensive and is way thicker than my glove (which was not cheap) - I prefer the tab if I'm standing shooting at targets on the range, however, on the 3D course I prefer my glove - if I'm shooting for over an hour I also wrap zinc oxide tape around my three string fingers before I put my glove on which I find helps massively - and I can shoot all day without getting sore fingers!!
Tape! Brilliant! I have a cheap-ish glove and a fancy Venom tab. I like the tab, but I do notice that I feel it in my fingers after shooting for an hour. I just bought an Olympic recurve- just waiting for it to come in. I'm psyched. I'm using the shop rental Olympic recurve (the only one they have). I've been shooting it for 2 months and they even restrung it for me. I finally have the sight set for me as I'm the only one who uses it, lol. Just in time to re-do everything with my new bow + sight.
You mentioned it briefly, but the extra thickness of a glove is beneficial for hunters who may have to hold the bow at full draw for an extended period of time while waiting for an animal to turn and present a clear target.
Thanks for highlighting the importance of protection, I was sure it was ok to shoot with bare fingers, because I thought your body would respond to pressure by growing more "meat" on your fingers, kinda like when you're learning to play guitar.
You can grow hard skin when playing bass guitar - been there done that, but the strings don't whip along your finger tips at high speed and take that precious hard skin off again... The archers in Bhutan do the thumb technique without rings, but they shoot every single day for hours and only then they can have a thick layer of skin on the inside of their thumbs.
The Ghost of the Flying Dutchman I swear Ive seen you commenting on completely unrelated random videos Ive seen around TH-cam. Im a musician myself, so maybe thats where I know your username from. Can youtube really be THAT small?
When I was shooting competitively I did a competition that was two full fitas each day two days in a row. By the second day the skin over my calluses had peeled back and I was actually able to pull out the calluses. This was with a double layer cartel tab and only a 26 pound bow at the time. Do not underestimate how important finger protection is.
While I've never shot with gloves, they never felt terribly comfortable while trying them on in stores. Which is kind of funny, because initially I didn't think I'd like using a tab.
Nu, After many years of using a glove without problems, I recently started using a finger tab, and find it easier and even has increased my accuracy. I’m curious and would appreciate knowing which tab (product ID/name/model #) you use and why, on a regular basis, and carry in your quiver?? Your videos make up the most informative, and comprehensive series for new and intermediate archers available. And I feel certain that more seasoned archers have benefitted from your tips and explanations. Thank you for your efforts!
Beginner here. Had to use a tab after going up in weight… HATED it. Lost all accuracy and feel for the string. Ended up taking it off as I decided I’d rather endure the pain and be competitive than not.
I switched to tab a while ago for a few reasons. 1. I get a more consistent and even release. 2. I can wear warm gloves and still use my tab. So I can wear a pair of fleece gloves while hunting and still use the tab versus having to only wear the archery glove or wear it over my other glove. 3. I string walk on my heavier bow so I need the tab to count my gaps.
I tried both, and decided to use tab for competition recurve like everybody else. Maybe one day I will use the glove again when I start fiddling with long bows etc.
The Grey ghost a lot of new archers don’t know that a glove or finger guard is a option when they buy a bow kit that Disney come with a glove or they just don’t know the risk
In a single session of learning to find my anchor point with a 26# draw, my middle finger went completely numb. It was easy for me to draw and didn't feel uncomfortable, so I didn't think it would be a problem to practice my draw cycle with my bare fingers. I still have no feeling in the tip of my middle finger.
I used to have a compound as a kid so I knew how much it would hurt after a while. Recently went with a Recurve to get back into it. I shot for 2 hours the day it came and even with a glove ( very cheap, came with the bow) my fingers were sore. Let me say this first. He is a wonderful man and husband and wasn't trying to hurt me or put me down in any way but when he wanted to shoot he told me that I just needed to toughen up ( in a nice but snarky way) He declined to wear the glove saying that I was being overly cautious and that a little pain now would make it not hurt later.... So long story short his fingers were killing him and about 30 minutes later he asked for the glove lol. The next day his fingers were sooo sore and had numbness and pain. I think it was a 40 pound draw weight. Lol
A funny thing, l´ve spent the last 3 years trying to refine my technique with finger tab on olympic recurve without much sucess, the string moves slighly every time because of no firm spot under my somewhat meaty face. About two weeks ago, l said "ahh screw it" and used my glove, the one l use for barebow, with two fingers over, one under (for distance compensation), resting my index finger always on the corner of my mouth . Surprisigly l gruped like never before at 60m, almost all 12 arrows within yellow. I guess there is no writen book about what works best, is more about personal preference.
In trying to learn how to string walk so I bought a tab that had markings on it. I think it was a yost. One of the plastic ones. I love it so much better than the tab I had been using that had a wedge between the fingers.
i use a glove when im moving around whilst shooting, like when im hunting, because it makes it easier to do other things while wearing it. when im target shooting, i will use a tab.
yea ithe place where im at the coaches all say 40+ will destroy your fingers. MUST have protection. its for LONG RUN protection. shooting a bow 100+ times well think about that.. thats rough lol i got finger tabs with a spacer lol. i figure with the two its pretty much more about what youre comfortable with. gloves felt weird when im shooting.. tabs do too but well with just the THIN tab works great i like to feel the string and my bow itself but i dont like calluses lol. i can still FEEL it without actually hurting myself. a glove or something thick well just feels like theres too much annoyance going on i cant actually feel what im doing i dont want to figure out how to shoot with a glove lol i need something to allow me to shoot the way i want to. i like to feel my bow. great vid thanks
A tab can be made with calf hair which is slippery and can smooth your release. Unlike gloves, a tab can be fitted over a regular glove to keep your fingers and hand warm while hunting in cold weather.
I just got started in archery. I like these videos. I have a Mongolian horse bow (Thanks to him I know thats not really how to describe it but I dont know what to call it other than that.) Very informational plus I can tell he really is passionate about archery.
Good video, and you mentioned correctly that the choice is subjective. I've use gloves for years, shooting in the 40/50# range split finger and just recently went to a Cavalier tab. I seem to have a better feel when shooting, with better finger protection less discomfort and after I started shooting with it seemed to be shooting better right away. I once missed a deer shot trying to put my glove back on at the end of the day, learned my lesson.
How much should the flap overlap the string, I'm just learning and I'm holding the string on the flap but it's at the very tips of my 3 fingers, the string is about 5mm from the edge of the flap.
I just turned 30 and picked up archery. Don't know how much I shot in first practice session, but it must've been a very light bow, like 15 lbs draw. Ordered my own bow and it has 30 lbs. That's about just as much as I can hold steady for a few seconds. What I wasn't prepared for is the finger/joint pain from shooting. Had to put on a working glove for my second solo session and immediately after ordered both a tab and a thick glove.^^ Already thought I'm just getting old and years of gaming made my joints shitty. Glad to hear this is normal and when thinking about it, having 30 lbs=13kg pulling on the tip of your fingers is a lot, considering I can barely do fist grip biceps curls with 10kg! Thanks for the video!
I want to begin practicing archery but in order for me to do it I need some protection to catch stray arrows I've seen nets wood sand bags and foam on the Internet which would be best?
I think that the glove sounds better to use and I will be shooting for a longer period of time at first and it sounds like it is the best idea for users like myself. Thanks so much for this information and I will try to remember what you have said.
I'm new to archery, really like it as a discipline and sport. I just bought a samick sage yesterday, with all the necessary items. I got the most expensive glove the store offers so I hope its a quality item but was wondering what size you used because i have small hands and they look small compared to yours, I bought a small glove just to be safe. And also is the string that comes with the sage any good, it'll be a while before i have any free money to invest in a quality string
Why does the material and thickness change the way the arrow flies? I have a nice glove with thick padding and a slick surface, but I can't use it because the arrows corkscrew like crazy. With my cheap thin leather glove, the arrows fly straight. ??
If you don't put the rubber things on the string how do you mark the middle of the string? a knot? Why would I use a three fingered archery glove over a regular leather glove?
1. Knots are probably the most common way, but you can also get small, usually brass nocking points that you can crimp onto the string to indicate where you should nock the arrow. 2. This is going to be a personal, "your mileage may vary" thing, but because thick, protective materials can be restrictive or uncomfortable in certain contexts, a person may opt for the three-fingered glove in order to minimize such. For example, if one is shooting in a hot environment, the three-fingered glove will, to many, be more comfortable then a normal glove because it's much more open, allowing more airflow and greater evaporation of sweat.
You can put your tab right up against the arrow and the you count stitches to find out where you need to hold the string for that range. Put your thumb as the appropriate stitch and slide the tab down until the top oof the tab is at that height. That will give you a consistent reference guide when stringwalking. In my case 50m is the first stitching, 40m is the fourth from the top, 30m is the seventh from the top and so on. Of course the measurements differ for each individual, bow and arrow setup. You could do that with a glove I guess, but it would not be quite as accurate. But I've never used a glove myself.
***** Most tabs designed for stringwalking are layers of leather sewn together. Do a image search for "archery tab three under" on google and you will plenty of examples of such tabs
In my experience of introducing over 200 people to archery, not one person has been happy starting with a tab. (Zero). Everyone has selected the glove or bare fingers. Like you say in the video, as archers begin to use higher draw weights, Olympic recurve archers switch to a tab, partly for speed but also to incorporate a finger spacer and maybe a jaw anchor plate. Competitive barebow archers usually stick with a tab designed for shooting 3-fingers under the nock, and then use the stitching for accurate finger placement during string walking. And...its worth remembering that camp programs may want to use gloves because there is no left- or right-handed 3-fingered gloves. Whereas if the program is using a tab, you need to have some left-hand tabs in stock.
An additional benefit to gloves is that if you're shooting in really cold temperatures you can wear full hand insulated gloves and keep your hands warm
Maybe it's my low amount of experience with different protection methods but personally I have found that the average low price tab ($15 - $30 CAD) feels like they provide a better thicker protection that a glove priced around the same. I was recently looking for a glove do to the convenience but I found that (well a nice fitting one apparently didn't exist for me but more on point) they were thinner and more harsh on my fingers than a simple tab. Also btw I shoot traditional instinctive with a 46 pound (well 40-41 pound at my draw length) horse bow.
Always shot split with a glove. Mostly targets. Recently got a tab to try out, if it ever warms up a bit haha Update...tried the tab and shot terribly. Think I'll stay with a glove.
NUSensei, I have to disagree with gloves giving more protection than a tab. A couple of gloves I've used were actually thinner (or at least felt like it) than a cheap $5 tab I got, even though the gloves were double-layered. Also some gloves can get a groove in them easier than a tab, which makes for a more difficult release. Lastly, the aforementioned $5 tab I have, I reinforced by adding some layers of scrap leather. It's a super cheap addition to get more protection for a tab, but something that's not quite as easy to do for a glove that isn't thick enough.
One thing I notice with gloves is the fingers of the glove sometimes twist on my hand. Is that just me having a crummy release Or is this just a feature of gloves that only cover the ends of the fingers they are more prone to this?
Interesting. Do you still need protection if you shoot with thumb release (as it's thicker and more resilient) ? I feel like all the youtubers who shoot trad. mongolian bows including Armin Hirmer shoot without protection or see thumb rings as release aids or beginner's tools only. I never used protection so far even when shooting mediterranean, but i'm very casual and don't shoot often.
Same concept applies: you can get away without protection for light draw weights. With heavier draw weights, it's far more punishing on the thumb. Generally, thumbshooters will prefer to use thumb rings with bows over 40#. Rings also help with a cleaner release. Like Armin, when I demonstrate with lighter bows, I might skip the thumb ring, but when I'm shooting seriously I will definitely use one.
i was doing archery 3 years ago about 2 months. I started to archery this week i done before with right hand but in this class i have a leftie bow for myself. Problem is i get blisters and my middle finger still soo hurt that even i cant curl it ? i get my lesson from this video i need a finger guard thanks Sensei
Should I be feeling any soreness in fingers at all after a session of prolonged shooting (3-5 hours) Is this a sign I need a better tab? I use just a cheap Decut Anchor tab.
Cheap isn't so much the issue as thickness. I used a cheaper/thinner tab than yours, and my finger went numb after three days of multi-hour shooting. I just dropped $60 on a thicker AAE tab, I can only hope it helps. (Finger is still numb, but improving, a week later).
This is essential, I was starting out shooting an hour a night no protection and it messed up my fingers something awful. Haven't shot bare fingers since lol!
I new someone who started shooting lighter weight bows bare-fingered, until he built up calluses on his fingertips. Then he went hunting with a 70 lb bow. The second time he shot it, the string caught behind the calluses and ripped them right off!
Love your channel can you please tell me what that little black hook is called at min 3.45. Looks like it helps with keeping the arrow in place. Thank you.
@@NUSensei Mine just has a piece leather resting on the bottom of the arrow rest. But that one in your video looks more secure/sits a little above the arrow rest..I just found out its a type of arrow rest with an adhesive. Thanks!
I shoot a longbow and use a glove. I also have large hands (palm a basketball). Sometimes I feel like the string hangs on the edge of the glove on the release. Any suggestions?
Shooting 35lbs, so not a very high draw weight. Ever since I used a glove, I feel less in control of my release. May just be me though. I might get both, and just see
Gloves tend to bunch up in front of the string on release, so your perception is correct. Tabs allow the string to slide free on release, with no material curving around the end of your fingers to get in the way. Barebow introduces a new variable, like Sue mentions below, but performance-minded recurve archers all use tabs because of the mechanics of the release.
Hi, im a beginner to archery and im a finger tab user. I do however want to switch to a glove and the only thing thats stopping me is the rough surface of it. Are there any gloves that do have smooth surfaces or will I have to modify it myself somehow?
Hi NuSensei, my question is not about the tab or glove, but i would love if could clarify where exactly rest the arrow, is it in riser's shelf or have to be on the small thing that we need to add? Thanks
I am shooting a horse bow with no rest. To keep my bow hand protected from the fletchings, I have to wear a glove. I find it is just easier to use a regular pair of leather gloves from the hardware store. With 30#, a light pair of gloves is fine, but I can see needing something more substantial with a higher draw weight. Lucky for me, gloves come in all sorts of thicknesses. Yes, I know this is an old video, but a good video is timeless.
The first time I shot my new longbow(no arrow rest), the fletching carved a nice, straight, DEEP line across the web of my left hand(i'd never shot a bow off the knuckle before). While it was healing, I got a pair of deerskin gloves from a hardware store. I took the left glove, cut off the fingers just below the second joint(and the thumb below the joint), and made a notch at the base of the back of the glove so I could tighten it(using a button made of antler and a loop of braided artificial sinew, both of which I made). It looked really cool, and protected my bow hand VERY nicely. Been using it for several years, now, and it still serves its purpose. I tried using a tab for a while, and found that I didn't much care for it. I use about the same kind of glove that Sensei was using in the video
Maybe I'm weird but I get a better release with a glove vs a tab both being made out of cordovan leather. It's more comfortable and since the glove is thicker you can slide your fingers off the string easier for me at least.
I wish I had watched this video before I started hahaha. I watched before buying my bow some of your video's, but this one not. With the bow was a cheap finger tab, but I thought it was not comfortable, so I didn't wear it... Biggest mistake ever. After an hour or 2, my fingers were hurting so much. Stretching them or holding stuff hurt for days and after that it was still sensitive for several more days. Now I am using the finger tab and I don't have the problem anymore. To anyone who is reading this and just starting with archery. But at least I learned something. The finger tab was in there for a reason 😂
I also had the same issue the first time I used my bow. I just used a regular leather glove thinking it’s the same and after an hour my finger was a little swollen and numb for a few days. Definitely will use a tab next time.
One time I lost feeling in my shooting fingers for over a month! I was scared that I had permanent nerve damage from practicing too much. I use a glove. Never tried the tab.
Hi, i'm 13 and interested in archery and was already bought a compound bow by my grandma. I have pretty small hands and was wondering if a tab or a glove would be better. I feel I would be more comfortable with a glove, but with my small hands (someone who's in like 5th has bigger hands than me) im not sure if there would be one that would fit right. Would it be okay to make my own (with help from my grandfather who knows quite a bit about guns, archery, and crafts) so I know it fits my hand? This is probably a kinda dumb question but I'd rather get opinions (and suggestions if you might have any). I would also like to make my own so I can make one I'm fully comfortable with and so I can have my own touches in style, my main concern with that would just be durability though
Hi all, I am a beginner and trying my best do learn as much as I can. My question with regards to gloves; why a 3 finger glove over just a regular 5 finger glove? Whats the advantage of just the shooting fingers?
A normal 5-finger glove is often too bulky. The extra padding over the entire hand makes it less sensitive, so it's harder to manipulate the arrow and string, and harder to feel what you're doing.
@@NUSensei i work in "Mechanix" gloves almost all day. Fiddling with screws and bolts and such...I'm quite at home in them. Just trying to figure out why i shouldn't shoot with them too. But thanks for the reply. I am a new subscriber and am enjoying going through your content. Much appreciated. :)
Hopefully this doesn’t make me sound too bad... While I have seen others use finger protection and understand its value, I personally do not use it. This is because I am more comfortable with less and prefer the more intimate feel of skin (for archery and other sports). While I have noticed blistering, callouses, or even some instances not mentioned below, I feel that the comfort could affect my ability. Unlike some in the comment section, I am not, nor do I pretend to be, a professional or competitive archer. I don’t say that negatively towards those people, just to note I don’t shoot as often as they would
I'll admit that it can get very uncomfortable, but I actually prefer shooting without a tab/glove. It doesn't bother my fingers as much as it does others I guess. I also have issues with tabs the release on them feels sketchy. I don't mind the gloves but would rather shoot completely bare. Actually 90% of the time I don't have a wrist guard either. Every time I hit my wrist, that pain is reminder to me to be more cautious of my arm and the string. Mind you I'm not usually shooting for 5 + hours straight like some competitive shooters might.
Stop. Your gonna dmg your fingers, it's not about if you have calluses built up, it's to do with blood circulation and stuff, it's gonna f*ck your hand up in the future mate, use a glove
120# used to be common enough for hunting and war. Accuracy was pretty far from consideration over just getting several arrows down range before the advancing line meet your infantry (don’t want to shoot your own). I Nowadays even greater than 85-100# is considered excessive for big game hunting. Some areas require bow hunters to use a minimum of 40-60#, which is good to help increase the chances of an ethical kill. 40-45 ish seems to become the standard for long distance marksmanship. Just enough to reliably reach out an penetrate a target (not flesh and bone) at 70m balanced against increasing speed and reducing wind drag at those long distances. ⚖️ As an archer doesn’t need to reach those longer distances, they can choose a balance point with a lighter bow. This can also do a lot to protect oneself and one’s equipment. I encourage some over range (light bow, long distance) practice for archers who need to learn getting a feel for windage.
I am using a D-loop with my second caliper for my 50#+ bow. My second caliper has just messed up. My fingers still hurt with the glove. QUESTION> Would I get better protection with an tab?
The method of drawing is likely to have been different, more like a pinch draw than using the fingers or thumb, so there would be no pressure on the nerves. As we advance to the historical eras, we come across more evidence of finger protection (gloves, rings). You can shoot without protection, but everyone will come across the point where their pain tolerance prevents them from shooting well, and not everyone will pinch a nerve with their specific placement. But some will.
Can you recommend a finger tap that is not made from animal leather? Is there any synthetic or other material tab that provides good performance and protection?
The tab is also great for protecting the fingers while carrying heavy shopping bags
LMAO - maybe I buy some for the girlfriend who hates shopping :oDDD
😂😂😂😂😂
😂😂😂
@@georgetempest2469 Your girlfriend must be a guy if she hates shopping. xD
@@ObsidianJayMusic And I was kidding...
Just getting into archery at 43, you are answering so many questions I have, cheers sensei
40 here and, started using a Recurve. Really fun sport though, I've had to go through a few types of arrows to find what works best.
@@tdistel yeah if your trying keep relatively cheap just try matching spine to poundage i guess and I've found carbon arrows are so strong. I first used fiberglass and they where so bad if l hit the frame around the target or miss my target at home and hit the wooden backing the shafts would split. Haven't had a carbon shaft split yet. I'm shooting traditional bare bow what do you shoot.
@@djinn201 nice. I'm shooting a Southwest Spyder 64" 45lb draw. I have a regional park with a full archery range so, it's been fun getting out and practicing. I wish I could show you but, on my first day, I jammed an entire head into the shaft of a carbon arrow. Split it in all directions hitting the metal frame of the hay bails. Im keeping it for posterity lol. As for arrows, I was originally using 31" 400 spine arrows but, after shifting to 30" 500 spine, I've noticed a much quieter release in both sound and, vibration in my shots.
@@djinn201 oh, and one other thing, if you ever need a replacement string, I've only used it once so far but, I'd recommend Krammer Ammons (YT channel). He makes strings and, I just tried his out and, it made my bow even quieter that it was before. I was pretty shocked to be honest. Put roughly 160 shots through it so far. Really liking it!
@@tdistel I'm using same bow same poundage, 32 inch 600 spine arrows do you have any cat whisker silences on your string I put them on my standard string and it really made it quieter and reduced a lot of vibration
I'm really glad that I found this video. I actually already bought my bow and I've gone and shot it a few times already. I was worried because at the end of my sessions my fingers would be purple and look really scary. I'm glad that this video single handedly saved me from losing 3 incredibly important fingers in my dominant hand. Thank you very much!
I jacked up the tendon in my index finger after thinking I could switch from a 100# longbow (shooting 3 finger), straight to a 100# Turkish composite recurve made in Istanbul (shooting thumb draw). I thought I tore it, and when I went to the doctor, they diagnosed me with flexor digitorum profundus ("jersey finger"). I was devastated, as I I'm not only an amateur archer, but I also shoot 3 gun and trap. I struggled for almost two months retraining to be left handed. Then one day when I was rewiring some outlets, I shocked the shit out of myself and saw my finger bend.
Seeing that, I questioned the docor's diagnosis, as if the tendon was gone, my finger wouldn't be able to bend, even if it was shocked. I ordered a tens unit off Amazon and began doing shock therapy on my finger while trying to dry fire my pistol.
After about three months, I was able to use it again reliably. I'm about six months out from that, and my finger is almost back to full strength.
I shoot a modern recurve at #50/32'' and I have both a tab and a glove. In my case my tab was very expensive and is way thicker than my glove (which was not cheap) - I prefer the tab if I'm standing shooting at targets on the range, however, on the 3D course I prefer my glove - if I'm shooting for over an hour I also wrap zinc oxide tape around my three string fingers before I put my glove on which I find helps massively - and I can shoot all day without getting sore fingers!!
You have a 32 inch draw???
Tape! Brilliant! I have a cheap-ish glove and a fancy Venom tab. I like the tab, but I do notice that I feel it in my fingers after shooting for an hour. I just bought an Olympic recurve- just waiting for it to come in. I'm psyched. I'm using the shop rental Olympic recurve (the only one they have). I've been shooting it for 2 months and they even restrung it for me. I finally have the sight set for me as I'm the only one who uses it, lol. Just in time to re-do everything with my new bow + sight.
@@shuumai lol
You mentioned it briefly, but the extra thickness of a glove is beneficial for hunters who may have to hold the bow at full draw for an extended period of time while waiting for an animal to turn and present a clear target.
Thanks for highlighting the importance of protection, I was sure it was ok to shoot with bare fingers, because I thought your body would respond to pressure by growing more "meat" on your fingers, kinda like when you're learning to play guitar.
The difference is that a guitar string doesn't place 40 pounds of force on your fingers.
You can grow hard skin when playing bass guitar - been there done that, but the strings don't whip along your finger tips at high speed and take that precious hard skin off again... The archers in Bhutan do the thumb technique without rings, but they shoot every single day for hours and only then they can have a thick layer of skin on the inside of their thumbs.
Yeah I've learned that playing bass. my fingers never hurt anymore when playing or shooting my bow
The Ghost of the Flying Dutchman I swear Ive seen you commenting on completely unrelated random videos Ive seen around TH-cam. Im a musician myself, so maybe thats where I know your username from. Can youtube really be THAT small?
Not using protection may result in nerve damage
When I was shooting competitively I did a competition that was two full fitas each day two days in a row. By the second day the skin over my calluses had peeled back and I was actually able to pull out the calluses. This was with a double layer cartel tab and only a 26 pound bow at the time. Do not underestimate how important finger protection is.
Glove is love, glove is life. Glove is best girl.
While I've never shot with gloves, they never felt terribly comfortable while trying them on in stores. Which is kind of funny, because initially I didn't think I'd like using a tab.
Nu, After many years of using a glove without problems, I recently started using a finger tab, and find it easier and even has increased my accuracy. I’m curious and would appreciate knowing which tab (product ID/name/model #) you use and why, on a regular basis, and carry in your quiver?? Your videos make up the most informative, and comprehensive series for new and intermediate archers available. And I feel certain that more seasoned archers have benefitted from your tips and explanations. Thank you for your efforts!
Beginner here. Had to use a tab after going up in weight… HATED it. Lost all accuracy and feel for the string. Ended up taking it off as I decided I’d rather endure the pain and be competitive than not.
I switched to tab a while ago for a few reasons.
1. I get a more consistent and even release.
2. I can wear warm gloves and still use my tab. So I can wear a pair of fleece gloves while hunting and still use the tab versus having to only wear the archery glove or wear it over my other glove.
3. I string walk on my heavier bow so I need the tab to count my gaps.
There are winter archery gloves.
Is it alright to use just basic traditional leather gloves for archery?
I tried both, and decided to use tab for competition recurve like everybody else. Maybe one day I will use the glove again when I start fiddling with long bows etc.
Hi Nu, me again, question why do new archers shoot with bear fingers why can't they use their own.lol.
The Grey ghost I know it's three weeks later but I just wanted to tell you that I hate you for that trash meme
Jk
Trey Matthews who are you and why do you hate me. Very strong words.
Because bear fingers are stronger than human fingers so they resist the tension of the bow better
The Grey ghost a lot of new archers don’t know that a glove or finger guard is a option when they buy a bow kit that Disney come with a glove or they just don’t know the risk
Thank you very much for this video... My conclusion is to get both tabs and glove....
So glad you made this. I’m new to archery and I saw a video telling me to use bare fingers. It’s been very painful shooting any more than 50 arrows.
In a single session of learning to find my anchor point with a 26# draw, my middle finger went completely numb. It was easy for me to draw and didn't feel uncomfortable, so I didn't think it would be a problem to practice my draw cycle with my bare fingers. I still have no feeling in the tip of my middle finger.
I used to have a compound as a kid so I knew how much it would hurt after a while. Recently went with a Recurve to get back into it. I shot for 2 hours the day it came and even with a glove ( very cheap, came with the bow) my fingers were sore. Let me say this first. He is a wonderful man and husband and wasn't trying to hurt me or put me down in any way but when he wanted to shoot he told me that I just needed to toughen up ( in a nice but snarky way)
He declined to wear the glove saying that I was being overly cautious and that a little pain now would make it not hurt later.... So long story short his fingers were killing him and about 30 minutes later he asked for the glove lol.
The next day his fingers were sooo sore and had numbness and pain.
I think it was a 40 pound draw weight. Lol
A funny thing, l´ve spent the last 3 years trying to refine my technique with finger tab on olympic recurve without much sucess, the string moves slighly every time because of no firm spot under my somewhat meaty face. About two weeks ago, l said "ahh screw it" and used my glove, the one l use for barebow, with two fingers over, one under (for distance compensation), resting my index finger always on the corner of my mouth . Surprisigly l gruped like never before at 60m, almost all 12 arrows within yellow. I guess there is no writen book about what works best, is more about personal preference.
In trying to learn how to string walk so I bought a tab that had markings on it. I think it was a yost. One of the plastic ones. I love it so much better than the tab I had been using that had a wedge between the fingers.
i use a glove when im moving around whilst shooting, like when im hunting, because it makes it easier to do other things while wearing it. when im target shooting, i will use a tab.
yea ithe place where im at the coaches all say 40+ will destroy your fingers. MUST have protection. its for LONG RUN protection. shooting a bow 100+ times well think about that.. thats rough lol i got finger tabs with a spacer lol. i figure with the two its pretty much more about what youre comfortable with. gloves felt weird when im shooting.. tabs do too but well with just the THIN tab works great i like to feel the string and my bow itself but i dont like calluses lol. i can still FEEL it without actually hurting myself. a glove or something thick well just feels like theres too much annoyance going on i cant actually feel what im doing i dont want to figure out how to shoot with a glove lol i need something to allow me to shoot the way i want to. i like to feel my bow.
great vid thanks
A tab can be made with calf hair which is slippery and can smooth your release. Unlike gloves, a tab can be fitted over a regular glove to keep your fingers and hand warm while hunting in cold weather.
I just got started in archery. I like these videos. I have a Mongolian horse bow (Thanks to him I know thats not really how to describe it but I dont know what to call it other than that.) Very informational plus I can tell he really is passionate about archery.
Good video, and you mentioned correctly that the choice is subjective. I've use gloves for years, shooting in the 40/50# range split finger and just recently went to a Cavalier tab. I seem to have a better feel when shooting, with better finger protection less discomfort and after I started shooting with it seemed to be shooting better right away. I once missed a deer shot trying to put my glove back on at the end of the day, learned my lesson.
How much should the flap overlap the string, I'm just learning and I'm holding the string on the flap but it's at the very tips of my 3 fingers, the string is about 5mm from the edge of the flap.
I just turned 30 and picked up archery. Don't know how much I shot in first practice session, but it must've been a very light bow, like 15 lbs draw. Ordered my own bow and it has 30 lbs. That's about just as much as I can hold steady for a few seconds. What I wasn't prepared for is the finger/joint pain from shooting. Had to put on a working glove for my second solo session and immediately after ordered both a tab and a thick glove.^^ Already thought I'm just getting old and years of gaming made my joints shitty. Glad to hear this is normal and when thinking about it, having 30 lbs=13kg pulling on the tip of your fingers is a lot, considering I can barely do fist grip biceps curls with 10kg! Thanks for the video!
I love the amount of awesome videos you've put up recently! You're spoiling us :p
I have both a tab and a glove, but since I shoot three under, the tab doesn't really work since its designed for split finger.
When you say, “When you use heavier draw weights.” (5:50) where does that weight begin?
I want to begin practicing archery but in order for me to do it I need some protection to catch stray arrows I've seen nets wood sand bags and foam on the Internet which would be best?
i string a line and hang some cheap ass blankets. they catch most
Could I use my batting gloves from baseball? Just a thought since I've got more pairs than I know what to do with
Such a great video idea and a even better video in result. Good job brother, keep up the good work!
Can we use glove for tournament?
Yes.
Those rubber finger savers also twist the bowstring, and move up and down. I started out using them, and switched to Tab.
I think that the glove sounds better to use and I will be shooting for a longer period of time at first and it sounds like it is the best idea for users like myself. Thanks so much for this information and I will try to remember what you have said.
I'm new to archery, really like it as a discipline and sport. I just bought a samick sage yesterday, with all the necessary items. I got the most expensive glove the store offers so I hope its a quality item but was wondering what size you used because i have small hands and they look small compared to yours, I bought a small glove just to be safe. And also is the string that comes with the sage any good, it'll be a while before i have any free money to invest in a quality string
Why does the material and thickness change the way the arrow flies? I have a nice glove with thick padding and a slick surface, but I can't use it because the arrows corkscrew like crazy. With my cheap thin leather glove, the arrows fly straight. ??
what about trigger releases? with and without wrist band?
Hey mate , thanks so much for you're Informative videos, love it, just getting into archery and find it fascinating. 45 years old 🤪
If you don't put the rubber things on the string how do you mark the middle of the string? a knot?
Why would I use a three fingered archery glove over a regular leather glove?
1. Knots are probably the most common way, but you can also get small, usually brass nocking points that you can crimp onto the string to indicate where you should nock the arrow.
2. This is going to be a personal, "your mileage may vary" thing, but because thick, protective materials can be restrictive or uncomfortable in certain contexts, a person may opt for the three-fingered glove in order to minimize such. For example, if one is shooting in a hot environment, the three-fingered glove will, to many, be more comfortable then a normal glove because it's much more open, allowing more airflow and greater evaporation of sweat.
Not using protection may result in nerve damage
alaskanalain or a child ;)
@@Death2unicorns or a mistake
i dont know why
but i always thought that arhcery and coarse,rough,almost leather-like fingers and archery were one and the same
Can I use regular leather gloves or will they not provide enough protection?
That Infinity Gauntlet vs. Iron Man Blasters at the beginning of the video got me weak.😂 Thank you for the thorough explanation.
One other thing: a tab is more useful in the barebow disciplines compared to a glove, as you can use it as a reference guide when stringwalking.
Q.?
You can put your tab right up against the arrow and the you count stitches to find out where you need to hold the string for that range. Put your thumb as the appropriate stitch and slide the tab down until the top oof the tab is at that height. That will give you a consistent reference guide when stringwalking.
In my case 50m is the first stitching, 40m is the fourth from the top, 30m is the seventh from the top and so on. Of course the measurements differ for each individual, bow and arrow setup.
You could do that with a glove I guess, but it would not be quite as accurate. But I've never used a glove myself.
***** Most tabs designed for stringwalking are layers of leather sewn together. Do a image search for "archery tab three under" on google and you will plenty of examples of such tabs
In my experience of introducing over 200 people to archery, not one person has been happy starting with a tab. (Zero). Everyone has selected the glove or bare fingers. Like you say in the video, as archers begin to use higher draw weights, Olympic recurve archers switch to a tab, partly for speed but also to incorporate a finger spacer and maybe a jaw anchor plate. Competitive barebow archers usually stick with a tab designed for shooting 3-fingers under the nock, and then use the stitching for accurate finger placement during string walking. And...its worth remembering that camp programs may want to use gloves because there is no left- or right-handed 3-fingered gloves. Whereas if the program is using a tab, you need to have some left-hand tabs in stock.
An additional benefit to gloves is that if you're shooting in really cold temperatures you can wear full hand insulated gloves and keep your hands warm
Maybe it's my low amount of experience with different protection methods but personally I have found that the average low price tab ($15 - $30 CAD) feels like they provide a better thicker protection that a glove priced around the same. I was recently looking for a glove do to the convenience but I found that (well a nice fitting one apparently didn't exist for me but more on point) they were thinner and more harsh on my fingers than a simple tab.
Also btw I shoot traditional instinctive with a 46 pound (well 40-41 pound at my draw length) horse bow.
Always shot split with a glove. Mostly targets. Recently got a tab to try out, if it ever warms up a bit haha
Update...tried the tab and shot terribly. Think I'll stay with a glove.
I'm the same mate. I just can't get my head around using the tab.
Due to an allergy to leather I actually use a finger tab over a cycling glove.
I have only once shot without finger protection. Shot two hours, my fingers hurt a week after, I've used finger protection ever since
NUSensei, I have to disagree with gloves giving more protection than a tab. A couple of gloves I've used were actually thinner (or at least felt like it) than a cheap $5 tab I got, even though the gloves were double-layered. Also some gloves can get a groove in them easier than a tab, which makes for a more difficult release.
Lastly, the aforementioned $5 tab I have, I reinforced by adding some layers of scrap leather. It's a super cheap addition to get more protection for a tab, but something that's not quite as easy to do for a glove that isn't thick enough.
there are really thin gloves and really thick gloves. i had to switch mine cos they were way too thin. 😜
One thing I notice with gloves is the fingers of the glove sometimes twist on my hand. Is that just me having a crummy release Or is this just a feature of gloves that only cover the ends of the fingers they are more prone to this?
Interesting. Do you still need protection if you shoot with thumb release (as it's thicker and more resilient) ? I feel like all the youtubers who shoot trad. mongolian bows including Armin Hirmer shoot without protection or see thumb rings as release aids or beginner's tools only. I never used protection so far even when shooting mediterranean, but i'm very casual and don't shoot often.
Same concept applies: you can get away without protection for light draw weights. With heavier draw weights, it's far more punishing on the thumb. Generally, thumbshooters will prefer to use thumb rings with bows over 40#. Rings also help with a cleaner release. Like Armin, when I demonstrate with lighter bows, I might skip the thumb ring, but when I'm shooting seriously I will definitely use one.
@@NUSensei Thanks mate, very helpful. Good videos!
i was doing archery 3 years ago about 2 months. I started to archery this week i done before with right hand but in this class i have a leftie bow for myself. Problem is i get blisters and my middle finger still soo hurt that even i cant curl it ? i get my lesson from this video i need a finger guard thanks Sensei
Should I be feeling any soreness in fingers at all after a session of prolonged shooting (3-5 hours) Is this a sign I need a better tab? I use just a cheap Decut Anchor tab.
The soreness shouldn't feel significant.
Cheap isn't so much the issue as thickness. I used a cheaper/thinner tab than yours, and my finger went numb after three days of multi-hour shooting. I just dropped $60 on a thicker AAE tab, I can only hope it helps. (Finger is still numb, but improving, a week later).
This is essential, I was starting out shooting an hour a night no protection and it messed up my fingers something awful. Haven't shot bare fingers since lol!
I new someone who started shooting lighter weight bows bare-fingered, until he built up calluses on his fingertips. Then he went hunting with a 70 lb bow. The second time he
shot it, the string caught behind the calluses and ripped them right off!
i dont know how many times ive watched this video.....but i ALWAYS bust out laughing when you say ".......theyre disgusting"
I just bought finger guards for the bowstring but i can't find any handgear that isn't made of leather
Can i use a leather winter glove
I tried the finger savers, but that hurts too. My fingers are numb
Hahaha " alot of new Archers don't think they need gloves " lol me right now with my swollen blistered fingers
i have both and alternate depending on how i feel .
Love your channel can you please tell me what that little black hook is called at min 3.45. Looks like it helps with keeping the arrow in place. Thank you.
There's no hook. That's just the arrow rest.
@@NUSensei Mine just has a piece leather resting on the bottom of the arrow rest. But that one in your video looks more secure/sits a little above the arrow rest..I just found out its a type of arrow rest with an adhesive. Thanks!
I shoot a longbow and use a glove. I also have large hands (palm a basketball). Sometimes I feel like the string hangs on the edge of the glove on the release. Any suggestions?
who would buy a tab, put it on, then move it out of the way and shoot with their bare fingers?
That's what i was thinking, that's pretty stupid.
Is it strange to use a tab on barebow archery? I'm considering it
Shooting 35lbs, so not a very high draw weight. Ever since I used a glove, I feel less in control of my release. May just be me though. I might get both, and just see
Most high-performing barebow archers in the USA use a tab because we use the stitching for accurate string-walking placement.
Gloves tend to bunch up in front of the string on release, so your perception is correct. Tabs allow the string to slide free on release, with no material curving around the end of your fingers to get in the way. Barebow introduces a new variable, like Sue mentions below, but performance-minded recurve archers all use tabs because of the mechanics of the release.
Hi, im a beginner to archery and im a finger tab user. I do however want to switch to a glove and the only thing thats stopping me is the rough surface of it. Are there any gloves that do have smooth surfaces or will I have to modify it myself somehow?
What do you think about string pulls, the leather tabs On the string to pull it back? Would work well for hunting?
Hi NuSensei, my question is not about the tab or glove, but i would love if could clarify where exactly rest the arrow, is it in riser's shelf or have to be on the small thing that we need to add? Thanks
It can be either, but if you are shooting with plastic vanes, you cannot shoot off the shelf.
Using a glove kept me in the 10 ring and food on the table for 61 years of archery🎯
I am shooting a horse bow with no rest. To keep my bow hand protected from the fletchings, I have to wear a glove. I find it is just easier to use a regular pair of leather gloves from the hardware store. With 30#, a light pair of gloves is fine, but I can see needing something more substantial with a higher draw weight. Lucky for me, gloves come in all sorts of thicknesses.
Yes, I know this is an old video, but a good video is timeless.
The first time I shot my new longbow(no arrow rest), the fletching carved a nice, straight, DEEP line across the web of my left hand(i'd never shot a bow off the knuckle before). While
it was healing, I got a pair of deerskin gloves from a hardware store. I took the left glove, cut off the fingers just below the second joint(and the thumb below the joint), and made a
notch at the base of the back of the glove so I could tighten it(using a button made of antler and a loop of braided artificial sinew, both of which I made). It looked really cool, and protected my bow hand VERY nicely. Been using it for several years, now, and it still serves its purpose. I tried using a tab for a while, and found that I didn't much care for it. I use about the same kind of glove that Sensei was using in the video
You may consider a siper rest.
Maybe I'm weird but I get a better release with a glove vs a tab both being made out of cordovan leather. It's more comfortable and since the glove is thicker you can slide your fingers off the string easier for me at least.
the tab looks like it's flapping around when you let go and hits the bow string,
the dumb archery manager at the shooting range i go, insists we use bare hands to 'toughen us up'. glad i watched ur video!
I wish I had watched this video before I started hahaha. I watched before buying my bow some of your video's, but this one not. With the bow was a cheap finger tab, but I thought it was not comfortable, so I didn't wear it... Biggest mistake ever. After an hour or 2, my fingers were hurting so much. Stretching them or holding stuff hurt for days and after that it was still sensitive for several more days. Now I am using the finger tab and I don't have the problem anymore. To anyone who is reading this and just starting with archery. But at least I learned something. The finger tab was in there for a reason 😂
I also had the same issue the first time I used my bow. I just used a regular leather glove thinking it’s the same and after an hour my finger was a little swollen and numb for a few days. Definitely will use a tab next time.
One time I lost feeling in my shooting fingers for over a month! I was scared that I had permanent nerve damage from practicing too much. I use a glove. Never tried the tab.
How many bows you have
Hi, i'm 13 and interested in archery and was already bought a compound bow by my grandma. I have pretty small hands and was wondering if a tab or a glove would be better. I feel I would be more comfortable with a glove, but with my small hands (someone who's in like 5th has bigger hands than me) im not sure if there would be one that would fit right. Would it be okay to make my own (with help from my grandfather who knows quite a bit about guns, archery, and crafts) so I know it fits my hand? This is probably a kinda dumb question but I'd rather get opinions (and suggestions if you might have any). I would also like to make my own so I can make one I'm fully comfortable with and so I can have my own touches in style, my main concern with that would just be durability though
Compounds are pretty much meant to be used with a release aid
Hi all, I am a beginner and trying my best do learn as much as I can. My question with regards to gloves; why a 3 finger glove over just a regular 5 finger glove? Whats the advantage of just the shooting fingers?
A normal 5-finger glove is often too bulky. The extra padding over the entire hand makes it less sensitive, so it's harder to manipulate the arrow and string, and harder to feel what you're doing.
@@NUSensei i work in "Mechanix" gloves almost all day. Fiddling with screws and bolts and such...I'm quite at home in them. Just trying to figure out why i shouldn't shoot with them too. But thanks for the reply. I am a new subscriber and am enjoying going through your content. Much appreciated. :)
I prefer gloves since its easier on the hands and they tend to be easier to put on
Hopefully this doesn’t make me sound too bad...
While I have seen others use finger protection and understand its value, I personally do not use it. This is because I am more comfortable with less and prefer the more intimate feel of skin (for archery and other sports).
While I have noticed blistering, callouses, or even some instances not mentioned below, I feel that the comfort could affect my ability.
Unlike some in the comment section, I am not, nor do I pretend to be, a professional or competitive archer. I don’t say that negatively towards those people, just to note I don’t shoot as often as they would
I'll admit that it can get very uncomfortable, but I actually prefer shooting without a tab/glove. It doesn't bother my fingers as much as it does others I guess. I also have issues with tabs the release on them feels sketchy. I don't mind the gloves but would rather shoot completely bare. Actually 90% of the time I don't have a wrist guard either. Every time I hit my wrist, that pain is reminder to me to be more cautious of my arm and the string. Mind you I'm not usually shooting for 5 + hours straight like some competitive shooters might.
Stop. Your gonna dmg your fingers, it's not about if you have calluses built up, it's to do with blood circulation and stuff, it's gonna f*ck your hand up in the future mate, use a glove
God you're cool
very helpful and right on.
I prefer a release for my recurves.
Double up and use the tab over the glove
24 lbs is considered a light bow?
Yes.
120# used to be common enough for hunting and war. Accuracy was pretty far from consideration over just getting several arrows down range before the advancing line meet your infantry (don’t want to shoot your own).
I
Nowadays even greater than 85-100# is considered excessive for big game hunting. Some areas require bow hunters to use a minimum of 40-60#, which is good to help increase the chances of an ethical kill.
40-45 ish seems to become the standard for long distance marksmanship. Just enough to reliably reach out an penetrate a target (not flesh and bone) at 70m balanced against increasing speed and reducing wind drag at those long distances. ⚖️
As an archer doesn’t need to reach those longer distances, they can choose a balance point with a lighter bow. This can also do a lot to protect oneself and one’s equipment. I encourage some over range (light bow, long distance) practice for archers who need to learn getting a feel for windage.
Gloves seem so much better and looks so cool but the olympians I watched used a tab, so I went with tab hehe
Hey, do you know of vegan implements for archers?I've been looking for high-quality vegan tabs, but it has proven quite difficult
where can I get the glove you are showing?
What about... the thumb ring?
What about using a release?
What is the name of the glove that is used in this video?
can you do the talcum powder trick with gloves?
I am using a D-loop with my second caliper for my 50#+ bow. My second caliper has just messed up. My fingers still hurt with the glove.
QUESTION> Would I get better protection with an tab?
I use athletic tape over glove fingers around knuckles - works great
Do you need any kind of protection when using a compound release aid?
No.
Since your fingers never touch the string using one of those devices, it would seem to be unnecessary
If it brings such severe long term injuries, how did the people during the stone ages do archery?
The method of drawing is likely to have been different, more like a pinch draw than using the fingers or thumb, so there would be no pressure on the nerves. As we advance to the historical eras, we come across more evidence of finger protection (gloves, rings). You can shoot without protection, but everyone will come across the point where their pain tolerance prevents them from shooting well, and not everyone will pinch a nerve with their specific placement. But some will.
@@NUSensei Okay, thank you very much for answering.
I have a 50lb horse bow with a thumb ring, I like the thumb ring because it completely protects my pinkeys 😉
Can you recommend a finger tap that is not made from animal leather? Is there any synthetic or other material tab that provides good performance and protection?