Finger Tab vs Glove: Which Archery Protection is Right for You?

As an archer, I’ve seen firsthand how the right finger protection can make or break your shooting accuracy.

Whether you’re a competitive target archer, a traditional bowman, or a weekend warrior, choosing between a finger tab and a shooting glove is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your performance and comfort.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each option, helping you make an informed choice that could elevate your archery game to new heights.

Understanding the Basics: Finger Tabs vs Shooting Gloves

Before we explore the nitty-gritty details, let’s establish a clear understanding of what finger tabs and shooting gloves are and how they differ.

Finger Tabs

Finger tabs are typically made of leather or synthetic materials and cover only the fingertips used to draw the bowstring. They often feature:

A shelf or ledge to help position fingers consistently on the string
A spacer between the index and middle fingers to prevent pinching
Various layers of material for customized thickness and feel

Shooting Gloves

Shooting gloves, on the other hand, cover the entire finger and sometimes the whole hand. They’re usually crafted from leather or fabric and provide more overall protection.

Key features often include:

Full finger coverage
Reinforced fingertips
Adjustable wrist straps for a secure fit

Both finger tabs and shooting gloves serve the primary purpose of protecting your fingers from the friction and pressure of the bowstring. However, their design differences lead to distinct advantages and disadvantages that can significantly affect your shooting experience.

The Case for Finger Tabs

Precision and Control

One of the main reasons many archers, especially those in competitive target archery, prefer finger tabs is the level of control they offer. The thin, flat surface allows for a cleaner release of the string, potentially improving accuracy.

I remember when I first switched to a well-fitted tab after years of using a glove. The difference in my release consistency was astounding.

It felt like I had suddenly gained a new level of connection with my bow.

John Demmer III, a world champion barebow archer, once told me, “The consistency in my release improved dramatically when I switched to a well-fitted tab. It’s like night and day.” His experience mirrors that of many top-level archers who swear by their tabs for achieving peak performance.

Customization

Tabs are highly customizable, which is a significant advantage for archers who like to fine-tune their equipment.

You can adjust the shape, thickness, and materials to suit your specific needs. Some archers even create their own tabs to match their exact preferences.

Adding or removing layers, changing the shape of the face, or even altering the angle of the shelf can all contribute to finding that perfect release.

Sensitivity

The thinner material of tabs allows for better feel of the string, which can be crucial for techniques like string walking in barebow archery. This enhanced sensitivity can help you develop a more intuitive understanding of your shot process.

When I first started exploring string walking, the ability to feel subtle changes in string tension through my tab was invaluable. It allowed me to make micro-adjustments that would have been much more difficult with a thicker glove.

The Appeal of Shooting Gloves

Ease of Use

For beginners or those who prefer a more natural feel, shooting gloves can be an excellent choice. They’re generally easier to use right out of the box and need less adjustment than tabs.

When I’m introducing new archers to the sport, I often start them with gloves. The familiar feeling of slipping on a glove tends to be less intimidating than the more technical appearance of a tab.

This can help newcomers focus on the fundamentals of form and technique without the added complexity of tab adjustment.

Weather Resistance

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast or bowhunter, gloves offer better protection in harsh weather conditions. They’re often more durable for rugged outdoor use and can provide warmth in cold conditions.

I recall a particularly chilly hunting trip where my fingers would have been numb within minutes using a tab.

My trusty shooting glove, however, kept my fingers warm and nimble enough to make a clean shot when the opportunity arose.

Full Finger Protection

Gloves protect the entire finger, which can be useful for archers shooting heavy draw weights or those prone to blisters. This full coverage can be especially important for archers who shoot frequently or for extended periods.

During intensive training sessions or long competitions, the added protection of a glove can make a significant difference in comfort and endurance.

I’ve seen archers power through grueling all-day events thanks to the buffer their gloves provided against string wear.

Making the Choice: Factors to Consider

Your Archery Style

Olympic recurve and competitive target archers often lean towards tabs for their precision. The clean release and customization options align well with the demands of these disciplines.

Traditional archers and bowhunters frequently prefer gloves for their simplicity and durability. The rugged nature of hunting and the variable conditions encountered in the field make gloves a practical choice.

Bow Type and Draw Weight

Higher draw weights might benefit from the added protection of a glove, while lighter draws allow for the sensitivity of a tab. Consider your equipment and how it interacts with your chosen finger protection.

I’ve found that for my 50-pound recurve, a tab provides the perfect balance of protection and feel. However, when I’m shooting my 70-pound compound bow, the extra cushioning of a glove is much appreciated.

Climate and Shooting Environment

If you’re often shooting in cold or wet conditions, a glove might be more practical. The full coverage can help maintain dexterity in challenging weather.

For indoor or fair-weather shooting, the precision of a tab often takes precedence. The controlled environment allows you to focus on the nuances of your release without worrying about the elements.

Personal Comfort and Feel

Ultimately, what feels right to you is crucial. Some archers find tabs uncomfortable at first but grow to prefer them with practice.

Others never quite adjust to the feel of a tab and stick with gloves throughout their archery journey.

I encourage all archers to experiment with both options. Your personal preference may surprise you, and it’s worth taking the time to find what works best for your unique shooting style.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Breaking In Your Gear

Both tabs and gloves need a break-in period. For tabs, this process can be accelerated by working the leather with your hands or using leather conditioner.

Gloves typically conform to your hand more quickly with regular use.

I remember the frustration of trying to shoot with a brand-new, stiff leather tab. It felt awkward and unresponsive.

But after a few days of consistent use and some intentional manipulation, it became like a second skin, molding perfectly to my hand and shooting style.

Maintaining Consistency

Regardless of your choice, consistency is key. Stick with your chosen protection and practice regularly to develop muscle memory.

Switching back and forth between tabs and gloves can disrupt your shooting form and affect your accuracy.

Dealing with Sweaty Hands

If you struggle with sweaty hands, look for moisture-wicking materials in gloves or consider using talcum powder with your tab. This can help maintain a secure grip and consistent release, even in high-pressure situations.

I’ve found that a light dusting of talcum powder on my tab face can make a world of difference during long summer shooting sessions. It helps prevent the leather from becoming slick and maintains a crisp release.

Advanced Techniques and Considerations

String Walking with Tabs

For barebow archers using the string walking technique, a tab with a clearly marked face can be invaluable. You can create reference points for different distances, improving your accuracy across various ranges.

This level of customization has allowed me to fine-tune my string walking technique to a degree that would be impossible with a glove.

Customizing Your Tab

Many top archers customize their tabs extensively. This might include adding layers for thickness, cutting unique shapes, or even 3D printing components for a perfect fit.

I once met an archer who had created a custom 3D-printed spacer for his tab that perfectly matched the contours of his hand.

This level of personalization allowed him to achieve a consistency in his anchor point that gave him a significant competitive edge.

Hybrid Solutions

Some manufacturers now offer “glove tabs” that combine elements of both designs. These can be a great option if you’re struggling to choose between the two traditional options.

I’ve experimented with a few hybrid designs and found them to be an interesting middle ground. They can offer the precision of a tab with some of the familiarity and protection of a glove, making them worth considering if you’re having trouble deciding.

Exercises to Find Your Perfect Fit

The Blind Test

Try shooting with both a tab and a glove while blindfolded. Pay attention to how each feels and affects your release. This exercise can help you focus on the tactile sensations without visual distractions.

The Consistency Challenge

Shoot 30 arrows with a tab and 30 with a glove. Compare your groupings to see which provides better consistency.

Be sure to conduct this test over many sessions to account for daily variations in your shooting.

The Weather Test

If possible, try both options in various weather conditions to see which performs better in your typical shooting environment.

This can be particularly important for outdoor archers who face a range of conditions throughout the year.

Key Takeaways

Finger tabs offer precision and customization, ideal for target archery.
Shooting gloves provide full finger protection and are often preferred by traditional archers and bowhunters.
Your choice should be based on your archery style, bow type, shooting environment, and personal comfort.
Both options need a break-in period and consistent practice to maximize their benefits.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different options or even hybrid designs to find what works best for you.