Three-under tab... did a search, still have questions

[OkKeith]

Somewhere along the way over the 40 years I have been shooting bows... I migrated from split finger to three-under. I can't even remember when I did. I have always used a glove. I have lots of gloves. Multiples of some and several different ones. I like them all and they all seem to be quality.

I have gloves I wear when its hot with tight fingers, gloves I wear over gloves for when its cold. I have one glove I soaked in water and shoved twelve-gauge shells in to enlarge the fingers to go over wool gloves.

With all this investment in lots of shooting gloves... I have decided to try a tab. I'm looking at Mr. Jenkins' tabs on his Safari Tuff website (I have a couple of his take-down bow cases... good stuff!).

Here are the questions I couldn't find answers to with a TradGang search:

1. All the posts I found stressed the importance of fit. The Signature tabs come in small, medium, large and measurements are given. Where/how do I measure my hand to figure out what size I need?

2. If I have otherwise adequate form and release with my glove, do I need to do anything else different?

I figure now is a good time to try this with fall seasons... well, this fall.

Thanks in advance for all the help.

OkKeith

[McDave]

I wear a size medium Dura Glove and also a size medium Safari Tuff 3 under tab.  My hand is a tight fit in the Dura Glove until I have shot it for a while and it has stretched to fit.

If you're not used to a tab, the correct size may look too small to you at first.  With your fingers extended, a good 1/4-1/2" of fingertip should be exposed over the top of the tab.  This tab is designed for a deep hook, where you start with the ridge on the tab pressed against the bowstring, which should make the string fit exactly in the first joint of your fingers.  If you release correctly, by relaxing your fingers, there should be no bowstring-finger contact.  If you try to open your fingers instead, you might notice a sting.  Consider it a learning experience.

This is the best tab I have ever used.  Other similar tabs are not only too long but also too wide, which interfere with a clean release.  The width of the tab should not extend beyond the width of your three fingers held together.

[Yooper-traveler]

What McDave said.

If it helps, I wear a large batting glove when I shoot. I use a medium Safari Tuff tab.

My 15 year old son also uses a medium tab.

[Alexander Traditional]

I've read you measure a tab by width. Measure across your first three fingers. Look up Death Adder tabs he shows a chart. They are good tabs also.

[ghoster808]

I wear a medium glove, so went with medium tabs. After reading how Arne Moe is on sizing I ordered a small Safari Tuff tab and am very glad I did. Check out what Arne has to say about proper fit.

[katman]

As mentioned tab is sized by width, sometimes you need to trim the length to get it correct. I used a large glove and shoot a medium tab.

Another plug for the death adder tab, wears extremely well and a clean release. Never needed to trim it for length. Rod's tab looks very nice but have not shot one, he makes quality gear. If your set on Rod's tab contact him for recommendation.

[Bamboozle]

Don't overlook making your own tabs. It's very easy. When I shot with a tab, I made my own from thick buffalo leather. They were better than any I bought because I could trim them to fit me just right. I just happen to like using a glove better.

[wingnut]

Dude, call Rod and ask.  He won't bite and he has a bunch of free information.  His number is on his website.

BTW I have 6 of his tabs.  Don't ask!

Mike

[drewsbow]

I love the Rod Jenkins tabs and have many of them , I have an average size hand and use a med tab.

[Possum Head]

As Katman said I bought a medium Bateman and trimmed with scissors.

[OkKeith]

Thanks Guys-

I appreciate all the information and advice. I will look at the Death Adder Tabs.

Seems like I had to tinker with my bow tuning and arrow spine when I switched to three under. Anything I need to be aware of going from a glove to a tab?

OkKeith

[sandlapper]

I have large hands and wear x-large gloves, but measured the width and ordered a medium tab. Fits great.

E.W. Bateman Tabs-- take a look at their website

[katman]

Shooting a tab and a thin stall glove like the Damascus I saw no difference. With a larger/thicker stall glove like the American Leathers crossover it did change my impact point as my finger tips are further from my face.

[Roadkill]

I stitched some nylon strapping on a thin tab, trimmed them and burned the end of the nylon. Slick and comfortable

[OkKeith]

Thanks again for all the help Guys...

I'm still researching.

OkKeith

[Roadkill]

Sent an email with a picture of my tabs

[trad_bowhunter1965]

I am a Black widow tab fan if you PM me your address I will send you my Safari tuff three under tab I think it is a large.

[OkKeith]

PM sent... Thanks!
OkKeith

[Jack Hoyt 75]

E W Batman ETAB is great.  Call if not shown on website.  Also anything Rod sells is top notch.  Most guys I see use tabs that are to big.  Unless you are a real big guy you want a medium most likely.  If average or small hand go for a small.