As I've been gradually going up in bow weight, the pad on my middle finger is getting numb, sore and swollen. A heavy bow for me is 45 to 48# but since this problem has started, even shooting bows in the mid 30# range aggravates it.

I tried a Big Shot glove and that seems to have made it worse. The narrow pad on the finger stall seems to have pinched or compressed a nerve or tendons in the first joint of the middle finger. Then I tried the same brand's Cross Over glove. That is better but I'm looking for something with even more finger protection.

Any suggestions?

I don't want to use a tab or thumb ring. I use a deep hook.

RA -

Actually, you're best, if not only answer is a tab. The draw weight probably sin't the problem, the glove itself is and the thicker/heavier the glove, the bigger the problem.

Viper out.

When I shot with glove Big Shot gave me a good protection for bows in the #70. I really don't know any other better glove. If you have this problem you can get a facial cotton pad, cut it in half and insert it in the glove as extra protection.

RA, A tab doesn't stop a deep hook.

"I don't want to use a tab or thumb ring. I use a deep hook."

If your only reason to not shoot a tab is the deep hook, get a tab. The way you are holding the string on the fingers is not dictated by the protective layer (glove or tab).

I had ligaments give out some years back at the base joint of the middle release finger. It still is not 100%, but i can do enough practice to be able to shoot right handed again. Is yours an arthritic condition? When I had a minor issue with a tip segment, a bit of arthritis in the tip joint, I found that a Hill glove worked best for extended shooting. You are not going to do a deep hook with a Hill glove.

"If your only reason to not shoot a tab is the deep hook, get a tab. The way you are holding the string on the fingers is not dictated by the protective layer (glove or tab)."

"RA, A tab doesn't stop a deep hook."

Both correct. Don't know what is making your fingers sore, but a tab is one of the best things for using the deep hook. Maybe lay off and let the finger heal would be a good start.

You can try E.W. Bateman This model has nylon inserts to protect your fingers. I've been using this model glove for 30 years. And they're very durable.

Cat. No. STGC

Cordovan Tip Glove

1 Seam 2 Layers

Suede Lined

Nylon Inserts

Snap Fastener

Renewed archer,

I have gotten sore fingers from too short a bow or like Viper said, too thick of a glove.

Ditto on the no deep hook with the Hill glove, that is why I quit using mine.

Also if your glove is too loose on your fingers.

These are problems that I have run across for me, whether these actually cause sore fingers for everyone, I don't know, but they did for me.

I use an old Bear Paw glove with the finger tips cut off.

Seems to work, been thinking about a tab, I used them when I was young and hated the darn things, maybe things have changed.

Seems to me the tab is what you want for a deep hook, you need to trim the tab to suit your finger length.

Hope you find the problem

Also there is the Howards Hill Deluxe Shooting Glove.

Double thickness tips with nylon inserts to prevent deep grooves and allow a fast, smooth release. Inside leather formed for a smooth fit. Back and wrist straps of Latigo leather. Snap or Velcro wrist fastener upon request.

ARCHER Your very last sentence killed it for me. I have very arthritic hands with lots of pain. I went to a tab for that reason. I make my own and pad them thick enough to ease my fingers. I use a deep hook (in the first joint) I haven't had a blister or sore nail since. It also helps some with the joints but they still get a little stiff.I would show you how or make one for you but the amount of padding is trial and error. In fact I thought I had it twice but after shooting a good bit it wasn't quite right. I have been shooting the third one now for quite some time.My shooting got way better,partly from not having sore fingers but mostly from using a tab.Love the freedom of rotating the tab to the back of my hand for complet use of the hands too. If you are sold on a glove though I can't help. Let me know if you change your mind or can't get it worked out. Pain sure reduces the fun. >>>----> Ken

A few years ago I experienced the similar problem and took a friend's advice. I cut some plastic insert(s) from a soda bottle and fit them inside the finger stalls. It worked for me.

buffalo crossover by American leathers, best I have found, had lot of finger problems in past, lighter weight bows helped also dr

If you should decide to try a tab, Saunders Pak-Tab is great. You can build it up like you want it.

Murray

I have had 2 sore areas In my fingers 1. The soft tissue 2. The actual bone structure of the joints. Black Widow makes the “super glove” and it is the thickest leather protection I have found. I’ve tried a number of various brands including the Bateman, and for me, the Black Widow Glove is the best. I also switched to 3 under and that also cured my sore index finger contact area from sitting on top of the nock. I have tried going to a tab, but I couldn’t get used to it. Now the second pain one can get is from the joint and bone structures. This can’t be fixed so easy. I deal with mine by reducing weight, shorter shooting sessions, and slight variations of my fingers on the string. Good luck!

Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions. Looks like there are some good ideas here. I'll check out some of those gloves but first I might try the piece of plastic soda bottle. Ingenious idea.

To clarify, I don't use a tab b/c I just don't like it. It has nothing to do with whether I use a deep hook or not.

I've also been shooting heavier bows less often, and not shooting for as long whenever I shoot. That does help some. But going without shooting for long enough for the finger to heal is not an option for me. I'm too addicted to shooting. It also relieves chronic back pain so sometimes I feel like I have to shoot.

I hope to see more comments. I'll come back and add more of my own when I find what works.

Thanks,

Shandor

Not a glove at all, but rather "Coban" - a protective wrap for the individual finger. Try it. It works.

E. W. Bateman

The cure for sore fingers is to shoot The Talon Thumb Tab.

Build your own and armor it with stainless steel inserts. See link to German forum but the pictures should tell you what is going on. https://www.free-archers.de/index.php/topic,33148.msg363265.html#msg363265

Today I cut a piece of plastic from the handle of a 1 gallon plastic water bottle... it is formed in a sort of tube shape already. I cut it open lengthwise and then trimmed it to fit inside the finger stall of my Cross Over gloves. That worked pretty well. No pain on shooting. No pain after shooting, except the numbness that was already there. Hopefully if I keep using it, the numbness will go away.

It didn't seem to affect string grip or shooting adversely, either.

I had tried a piece of plastic tube that was thicker, before that. It didn't work at all. Looks like it has to be pretty thin plastic.

I agree with limbwalker but in a little different proceedure. When I had this problem I wrapped my finger or fingers with athletic tape, about three or four wraps and then put on my glove. Had to get a size bigger glove, but it worked. The tape will hold things tight and not let the finger pad spread out, and this protects the nerves. You need to be very proactive on this or you will do more damage and this could take months to heal. Nerves don't heal fast as you well know. JMTC

I bought a bearpaw cordovan deer skin glove and I’m really liking it so far. Nice and thick yet the feel is good.

I know this may go against the grain a bit but have you considered not shooting with a deep hook? Rick Welch shoots off the tips of his fingers and shoots amazing! If your not familiar with him YouTube him? It may be another alternative for you instead of spending a fortune on gloves that may help your problem.

If you wrap the plastic and duct tape it even gives you a little bit better protection and they last a little bit longer and they don't slide around as much. I have also used aluminum from aluminum cans but they take a set pretty quickly. The Howard Hill glove and then the Neet glove with a cordovan overlays are best for me with heavier bows.

I think that you should take a look at a Howard Hill Deluxe shooting glove and agree with Nemophilist on his thoughts about it.

Maybe the issue is now inflammation and nothing will work until that calms down, and you definitely dont want to develop a chronic tendonitis. I'd try Naproxyn sodium for the inflammation and soreness and shooting that pretty lefty Clan Gordon Custom for a while ;-)

Hill gloves for me

You have to give them time,,,to break in and form properly I think alot of people who try them dont break them in properly or give them nuff time

My above post meant to say shooting without a deep hook.

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