Anybody used beaver tail handles? I’m thinking of putting one on a longbow that needs some rework. I’ve heard they don’t hold up real well and I was wondering if they need to be tanned or if you put them on as “rawhide”? Any insight appreciated

Rawhide or tanned. Tanned makes a good armguard too. John

I have put on several Beaver tail grips. As far as holding up, well they will out last most materials used.

The one's that I have used came from Big Jim's. Recently someone posted a thread were the put on a nice brown Beaver tail grip. I inquired on where they found a brown Beaver tail, yep Big Jim's :)

When putting on a Beaver tail grip just remember they don't stretch much. One more thing is when you lace don't pull too tight.

Once in place the Beaver tail looks great and feels great. Like I mentioned, I've never had any problem with them lasting at all.

I get mine from Big Jims also.

Those things are tough as nails, probably the best thing you could put on a bow. I have some that I am using for an arrow rest and back plate and many an arrow has passed without any sign of wear.

Thanks for the info I’ll give it a try when I get to that point. I’m pretty set on using my own tails but good to know they’re available. Any preference towards tanned or rawhide?

I think there the best they resist moisture makes a difference I have used tanned and just dryed and fleshed with good results

I have no clue on the beaver tail grip other that it looks AWESOME! I do have experience with snapper turtle leg skin as a grip! It's awesome as well. Looks great and holds up well but LOTS of work.

I love them and haven't had any durability concerns. I had Big Jim put mine on.

I ordered one from Big Jim and put it on myself. I love it.

Imo it's the nicest looking grip material there is.

Brown beaver tail on my Toelke Super D. Also has beaver rest and strike plate.

I use tanned and dyed beaver tail on many of the bows I build along with using it for rest/strikes. Takes a little bit of working especially if the grip is super contoured.

I love them. No downside at all. Go for it. Big Jim is the master installing them. You can do it yourself just take your tome the material doesn’t stretch and gets better the longer you use it and it fully breaks in.

Those look good. I have an overbuilt(too heavy) bow that I’m gonna reduce and re-tiller that I think I will put on when I finish it. Do you send your bows to big Jim to have them fitted?

Ryan Benoit does a masterful job installing these grips. See his pict above. I have one and highly recommend him. Mike

Pearl Drums glues a narrow strip of thin leather on the inside of each edge before glues them on to prevent tears when sewing. Maybe he will join in with a how to or photos

I had a lot of Beaver tails on my bows over the years but never put on myself. I like how it felt in my hand however I didn't like how it covered the woods I get custom and gloss finishes it kinda defeated the purpose of all the custom woods I usually get.

It sure helps with the heat of the year your hand doesn't slide on the gloss finish without a grip.

I know I have seen Abe sells them at Caribou. I seen them died maroon and that's the 1rst place I seen that color being offered..

Big Jim does all mine for me and does a fine job of it. Durability issues don’t exist as far as I’ve found. But the tail will become worn over time. I use bowstring wax to restore some of the tackiness. It works.

At customer request, I install beaver tails on almost every "BigJim" bow that leaves my shop. I'm talking tanned tails now. I have yet to see a worn out beaver tail.. doubt you could do it. Some get a little dry and some pitch blend or leather conditioner will bring back the softer feel. Others will stay a little softer. Has something to do with the oils in the tanning and every batch is different even though they come from the same tanner. BigJim

Nothing like good beaver. Slick but grippy. Cant wear it out unless you really try try try.

I would rather have a beaver tail grip than a carved sharp grip !

I’m thinking of trying one of these beaver tail grips. I have always used a checkered grip to keep my gloves bow hand from slipping.

Funny thing about Beaver tails is most trappers throw them away. Somebody ought to get some fur buyers to spread the word and you could get some Beaver tails cheap.

I've used beaver tail grips for years without problems. Not only look great, they are very durable. I've always bought my grips from Abe Penner of Cari-bow Archery. They come complete with how to instructions. Try it, you'll like it.

i have a bunch of beaver tales in the freezer, i gonna try to start sellin them to besides all the snakeskins i sale, just aint got around ta skinnin them yet, can someone tell me how to dye them different colers? i seen some nice coleored ones that cari-bow custom bows carries thanx.,.

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