How & Why I Prefer to use a Cordovan Tab

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Apr 24, 2013
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Let me preface this by saying, this is not a "tab is better than glove" topic... I know guys that will out shoot me day in and out with a glove. These threads that I post are just information on how and why I make decisions for my bowhunting applications.

Let's begin on how I prefer my tabs.

Size - I always start with the smallest tab that will fit my hands. I'll usually gage this by placing my three fingers together and using that as my guide to the "height" of the tab.

Cordovan - Slick release, tough, thick and pliable. So far, the material has been slick enough to where it hasn't affected my tuning. It's tough enough in which I'll end up losing the tab before actually having to replace it. It's just the right amount in thickness. I can shoot my desired bow weights and my back/shoulders will fatigue before my fingers/joints hurt. Finally it's pliable enough for it to fit well in my hands.

Customize - With any brand new tab, I remove certain things and trim to fit. For this tab, I removed the felt that goes between your pointer finger and nock and I also cut the rubber layer, because they end up cracking and breaking eventually. Then, I'll shave all the sharp edges as I tend to drag the tab on my face upon release. Those sharp edges have cut into my face after repeated shooting. Then, I'll every so carefully trim the cordovan and secondary layer. This takes time. I'll cut mine so that I get enough protection upon the release. If you cut it too short the string will nip the end of your fingertips.


tab1.jpg
 
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So now for why...

I can use a thick layer for protection, while still having the dexterity of my fingers.

I can feel my multiple anchors on my face better.

I have a really deep hook and because my hands are small I have a hard time finding a glove where the protection goes to my second knuckle.

For the type of tab that I'm using, the shelf of the tab sits nicely under my string nock, which I can repeat every time.

At first when I switched from a glove, I thought I would lose my tabs. But with this style, I just spin them around and wear them like a ring when not in use.

tab10.jpg
 
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Here's what the tab looks like in my hand.

tab2.jpg



When I first get my tabs, I actually squeeze the heck out of them, so they form to my hand.

tab3.jpg



My deep hook

tab6.jpg



When not in use, I'll just wear it like a ring.

tab7.jpg
 
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I tried shooting traditional for awhile, and found I was more accurate with the tab over gloves. I think the the gloves for me were gripping each finger every time I released. The tab was more of a one surface feeling. Thanks for the info on your trimming.
 
Here's what it looks like on my face. To me, it feels less bulky and I can really get a feel for my anchor points on my face. I like getting the string/arrow as close to my face/under my eye as possible.

tab8.jpg



A different angle. I can really feel that pointer finger in the corner of my mouth.

tab9.jpg
 
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Ryan,

I like the tab for most of the same reasons. I must feel my finger on my tooth to anchor. A glove makes me feel like I am anchoring a few imches off my face.

The best I have found is the Rod Jenkins tab by Wyoming Wildlife Artistry. I can't imagine ever wearing one out.
 
Ryan,

I like the tab for most of the same reasons. I must feel my finger on my tooth to anchor. A glove makes me feel like I am anchoring a few imches off my face.

The best I have found is the Rod Jenkins tab by Wyoming Wildlife Artistry. I can't imagine ever wearing one out.

Steve,
Maybe you can already tell, but Rod has been such a big influence in my traditional bowhunting career. Many things that I share come from discussions with Rod. He has helped me in the past and I hope what I share can somehow help others...

Yup, once I run out of bw tabs, I'll be definitely ordering a Rod Jenkins Signature Tab!!!

Aloha!
Ryan
 
I am a tab guy for many of the reasons you've explained Ryan. I shoot split finger and use cordovan tabs as well. Even though I have shot them exclusively for probably 10 years or more, I can not remember the exact name of the brand I use. Whenever I get a new one I usually do a little trimming here and there to get it just right for me, and I always break them in. In fact, at any given time you can find one or two in my jeep, an extra one in my daypack, and at least half a dozen hanging on the wall in my "arrow room" (where I keep all my bow junk!)
 
Same here Ethan!
One in my truck, one in my shop (garage) and one in my hunting pack... The rest are brand new and hiding in my archery cabinet.
 
I have been recently thinking about going back to a tab as I feel it'll tighten up my shot sequence and my improve my accuracy. This thread has accelerated that thought process. Thanks for the insight.
 
I have been recently thinking about going back to a tab as I feel it'll tighten up my shot sequence and my improve my accuracy. This thread has accelerated that thought process. Thanks for the insight.

You're welcome!

Here's a snapshot to my shot sequence. It shows how I incorporate my deep hook.

[video=youtube_share;H5x3Iw29joA]http://youtu.be/H5x3Iw29joA[/video]

Aloha!
 
Good video Ryan. I'd like to work on getting a deeper hook and I don't think I can accomplish that with a glove, they are way to bulky and tend to give me issues with a clean release.

Do you think you can do a trad style tuning tutorial? I'd be rather interested in that. I don't shoot of the shelf though, I am a flipper rest kind of guy and I shoot with four vanes on my arrows.
 
Here's a snap shot to my tuning process. When I have some down time, I'll be sure to film a better one. Should give you a rough idea though...

[video=youtube_share;ETxbL2yA3_o]http://youtu.be/ETxbL2yA3_o[/video]
 
I know this is off topic to cordovan tabs (which I use), but...

When you raise your bow hand, you mentioned setting your gap mentally. Are you actually holding on the gap you need for distance before you draw? As you draw, do you maintain the gap, or are you resetting it once you reach full draw.

I'm asking because I'm new to archery- I've been shooting my longbow about a year. When I raise my bow hand and draw, I find I am aiming low and really having to fight to raise my bow hand to set my gap at full draw. Many times, I end up starting to raise the bow hand slowly, and then subconsciously jum p my hand up and release. This is causing major inconsistency and probably target panic.
 
My gap is pretty close to where I want to be before I draw. It just takes minimal refinement at my anchor to get it on target.

I also prefer to do this because I primarily hunt from the ground and I can't move much once I'm ready to shoot.

There are so many different methods out there that works, hopefully you'll be able to find one that suits your needs.

Hope this answers your question.
 
I started out like that as well and a few issues to deal with. One was my draw weight was too much to begin with, secondly, I started to draw from a higher position and only draw to a 3/4 position. I couldn't draw and anchor smoothly, so I went 3/4 of the way and this allows me to have a smoother draw and re-focus on my target, then hit a solid anchor. This is about a 3 second process.

I would recommend that you start at 10 yards and work on your form. One arrow and only one arrow until you are consistent. That should help.
 
Thanks Ryan and Justin for the info. I bought my bow used from a young guy who was moving last year. He gave me a few pointers, then said "get ready for 10 years of learning." He was right!
 
sandhillhunter,
I think it's more like a lifetime of learning! lol!

dangerousD,
Thank you for your kind words, it's much appreciated.
 
So I got my new tab yesterday and decided to try it out today, I was all over the place. On my last shot I punched myself in the face and nearly dropped my bow. I will be re-learning how to shoot again with this setup.
 
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