Questions regarding tabs

[9 Shocks]

So I swtiched from a glove to a tab recently after shooting a glove for 7 years.  I have always shot 3 under and have found a tab to be more consistent in grip on the string.  I do have some questions though!  I have tried a safari tuff tab, bateman cordovan tabs, and have a trad geeks tab on the way. 

When sliding the tab onto your middle finger, is there a position in which the tab finger holder deal is optimal on your finger?  Should it be closer to your middle knuckle or your knuckle at the base of your finger by your palm?  I know everyone is different but I am just curious as to positioning.  Also, the safari tuff tab has a bigger base on the tab and the bateman is skinner and smaller profiled.  Is there a reason behind the bigger thicker leather piece on the base where the finger loop is?  Is it there to help positioning it or gripping the tab/string?

Just trying to pick the brains of long time tab shooters.

[McDave]

The Safari Tuff tab is designed to give you an indication if you cup your hand.  I think that's what the extra length is for.  The correct width of a 3 under tab is the width of your three fingers held together, no more, no less.  The retaining loop should be on the finger bone that connects to your hand of your middle finger.  I think it rides more or less in the middle of that bone, but I have shot it so often that I don't really try to position it.  The important thing is that when it is the correct size, you should be able to see 1/4-1/2" of fingers sticking out in front of the tab when you are wearing the tab with your fingers extended.  When you position the bowstring against the raised ridge in the tab, you should be able to curl your fingers in a deep hook, and get a consistent string grip every time you shoot the bow.

With a simple tab of a piece of leather, you can trim it yourself to fit.  But with a fancier tab like the Safari Tuff or Bateman, it is important to buy one that fits correctly.

[arrow30]

im no tab expert, but I wear mine up against the back of my knuckle.

[OkKeith]

I started shooting the Safari Tuff three under tab early last year (Thank You trad_bowhunter1965, I still owe you some turkey feathers!) and shoot well with it. I tighten down the finger loop with the slide lock so it stops above (finger tip side) of my middle knuckle. When I put the tab on the string with the edge of the thick leather piece against it I get a little push-pull action going on that locks it on my hand solid. If I slide it all the way down my finger I am inconsistent with the string grip. Just what works for me.

I was shooting a "thinner" tab (not material thin, but less bulky at the back) before the Safari Tuff and used the created string groove to index the string on the tab. Again, inconsistent string grip. The ST tab prevents this when I jam the edge of the material against the string, it locks on my hand as it pulls the finger loop tight and a cleaner/quieter release is the result... for me.

It took some fiddling to get comfortable with it but its all muscle memory now and I don't think about it any more.

Good Luck... Have Fun!
OkKeith