I successfully made the switch from a glove to a Bateman tab. It’s something I’ve tried before but not successfully. It worked this time because I started with a 35lb bow. Now that I’m back to 50lbs, my fingers are sore after about 70 shots. So I’m looking for suggestions on how to work through this soreness. 1. Try another tab that offers more protection? 2. Shoot fewer arrows? 3. Alternate a glove day between tab days? 4. Apply tape to the sore fingers ? Thank you for your suggestions

Where is the soreness in your fingers?

I had problems with the bateman. I switched to a $15 yost and havent had a problem since. The yost is thicker than the bateman, but felt natural for me.

Soreness is on the long and ring finger pads

Soreness is on the long and ring finger pads

Sounds like a thicker tab is in order.

I make my own tabs and simply add another layer of leather or deer hide as needed.

:^)

Glue a piece of mouse pad between layers or on the back. It adds a little padding but don't take a set. I don't build a personal tab without it. Old arthritic fingers have no padding anymore. >>>---> Ken

If you're doing a deep hook, the string shouldn't touch the pads, other than a light brush. But, if you're holding the string on the pads, then the only recourse is a heavier tab.

Moose -

Except for a brand new shooter, there are only two reasons for "sore fingers". Tabs that's too thin (unlikely) or a poor hook on the string. In the latter case, even the thickest tab may not help. There's nothing inherently wrong with a heavy ring finger, unless it hurts.

Viper out.

I have found a felt finger spacer to help with my (desk jockey) fingers.

Shooting a few arroew every day also goes a long way to building and maintaining calluses in th eright places.

slow down and let the finger callus up. and heal.

Callus does not hurt. Very tough skin.

You might try the Saunders Pak-Tab.

Murray

Use a deep hook...

I agree with a deep hook. I notice stinging on my finger tips when I let the string go between the first joint and the end of my fingers.

Shoot 69 arrows per day instead of 70.

Yep deep hook

Maybe your elbow is too high creating extra pressure on those two fingers.

just guessing

When we get older, sometimes the nerves can get a bit sensitive. Most people are fine but some are not. Fingers can go numb or start to sting from shooting. I just add an extra layer of leather to the tab fingers. If your case gets real bad then a thin piece of plastic between tab layers can help. Do whatever works to allow you to enjoy your sport.

I remember trying a Hill style glove many years ago. The finger sections were very stiff.

Thank you for all the comments, I’ll reevaluate my deep hook, elbow position, release, tab construction and arrow count. I really am enjoying shooting a tab and don’t want to go back to my glove!

This Black Widow Leather Tab has seen a lot of shooting over the last 5 years. I added a layer of black leather under the the first factory layer of leather (strips under each finger). It's just fastened with 7/16" strips of black duct tape wrapped around each finger but has been holding for years. My original plan was to have it stitched if the modification worked okay. I forgot all about it and now the tab is bent, curled and worn and almost needs replacing.

Thank you for the pics and explaining!

I agree with 1buck. Why would you switch after all these years.?

Tabs are said to provide a smoother release, so I wanted to improve my accuracy and figured a tab could play a role in getting it done.

I shot glove for years and made a switch to a tab and have been shooting a tab for years now.

The learning curve should be short.Its a Matter of getting used the feel.

Its definatly worth a try and see how it goes.You could always go back to the glove.

I just jumped on here to ask the same question. I’ve laid off shooting for about 6 weeks and lost my callous on my third finger (ring). I also shoot a Bateman. I get a deep hook, but try to keep only about 10% of pressure on that finger. Still, it stings like crazy and is a mental obstacle to a smooth release. Think I’ll add some padding. Thanks for the post and the responses.

I just jumped on here to ask the same question. I’ve laid off shooting for about 6 weeks and lost my callous on my third finger (ring). I also shoot a Bateman. I get a deep hook, but try to keep only about 10% of pressure on that finger. Still, it stings like crazy and is a mental obstacle to a smooth release. Think I’ll add some padding. Thanks for the post and the responses.

Don't hold with the tips of your fingers and you won't get or need callouses. Also holds true with a high elbow and ring finger callous.

When the calluses build up you will be fine.

Just from what I am reading, it sound like you are letting your fingers creep open before you release the string. Instead of holding the deep hook (holding the string in the finger joint of each finger) then just relaxing your fingers all at once when you release the string. If you are slowly letting your fingers creep open, the string will roll down towards your finger pads from the joint compressing the pad tissue under it, when the draw weight of the bow takes hold and pulls the string off of your finger pads, due to the pressure of the string on the finger pads, you are creating a friction burn even with the tab on. DANNY

I agree with Orion and others. Use a deep hook with the string between your finger tips and middle digits. In my experience I can use an extremely thin tab without developing sore fingers.

Linecutter: Thank you. It’s amazing that after shooting Trad exclusively for 23 years... that I could fall into that problem. You hit the nail on the head. I went out today and shot pain free. A deeper grip solved my problem. A bit embarrassed, but thanks!

If you have already registered, please

sign in now

For new registrations

Click Here