Finger tab or shooting glove: how to decide
Notes from the counter at Extreme Archery in Mamaroneck, NY.
They solve the same problem differently
Both protect the fingers from the string and give a consistent release surface. A tab is a flat plate held by a finger loop; a glove has individual stalls over each finger.
The difference that matters is how the string leaves the surface, which is why coaches have strong preferences.
Tabs give a cleaner release
A tab presents one smooth face, so the string rolls off consistently. That repeatability is why target and Olympic recurve archers almost universally use tabs.
A glove has seams between fingers that the string crosses, which introduces small variations.
Gloves suit traditional and field shooting
A glove stays on the hand between shots, does not need to be located, and works when you are moving through terrain. For instinctive and traditional shooting that convenience wins.
It also handles a heavier draw comfortably for many archers.
Sizing is not cosmetic
A tab that is too large flexes and changes the release; a glove that is too tight restricts the finger and causes a plucked release. Both are sized, and both should be tried under draw.
Leather tabs mould to the hand over a few weeks and then fit better than they did new.
Materials and break-in
Cordovan leather is the traditional target material and lasts a long time. Synthetic faces are cheaper and more consistent when wet.
Expect any leather tab to need a break-in period before it feels settled.
Spacers and ledges
Tabs with a finger spacer stop the fingers pinching the arrow nock, and a ledge gives a consistent anchor against the jaw. Both are worth having once a beginner is past the first few sessions.
They complicate the first lesson, so many coaches start without them.
Where this sits in the shop
Extreme Archery groups its stock into 5 categories, so most of what is discussed above lives in one or two of them:
- Arm Guards and Protection — 2 items
- Arrows and Targets — 8 items
- Bow Strings and Wax — 3 items
- Finger Tabs and Gloves — 8 items
- Tools and Accessories — 5 items
Browsing by category is usually quicker than searching, because the groups follow how the goods are actually used rather than how a supplier lists them.
The largest group at the moment is Arm Guards and Protection with 2 items, and the smallest is Tools and Accessories with 5. Those counts move as stock comes in and goes out, so they are worth checking rather than assuming.
From our shelves
A few items currently in stock that relate to this article:
- LWANO 360° Adjustable Archery Compound Bow Release Aids Trigger | Wristband Compound Bow Release Aids trigger, fits adult youth Hunters & Archers hunting shooting practice
- HME Compact Lightweight Hunting Pocket Multi-Functional 14-in-1 Handheld Archery Multi Tool – Wrench/Broadhead Sharpener Combo
- Meooeck 3 Pcs Archery Accessories, Arm Guard, 3 Finger Glove, Hip Quiver
- 4Pcs Archery Protective Gear Bundle for Beginner Target Shooting
Across the whole catalogue prices currently run from $4.99 to $37.49, with most of the range clustered around the middle of that span. Stock and prices on the product pages are live, so they are the figures to trust rather than anything quoted in an article.
Ordering, delivery and returns
Free US shipping on orders over $65; a flat $7.50 below that. Orders are picked and packed at the Mamaroneck store on business days, and a tracking number follows by email once the carrier scans the parcel.
If something is not right, there are 30 days from delivery to send it back unused and in its packaging. The full detail is on the Shipping Policy and Returns and Refunds pages, and the FAQ covers the questions that come up most.
How we decide what to stock
Extreme Archery carries archery finger tabs, arm guards and bow accessories, and the range is deliberately narrower than a warehouse catalogue. A line earns its place by being asked for repeatedly at the counter in Mamaroneck and by coming back without complaints — not by having the widest margin.
When something stops meeting that bar it comes off the shelf rather than being discounted until it moves. That is why the catalogue on this site changes slowly and why the specification tables on the product pages quote the maker rather than our own marketing.
Quick answers
Tab or glove for a beginner?
Most coaches start people on a tab because it gives a cleaner, more repeatable release. Gloves suit traditional and field shooters. We stock both and the listings state hand and size.
How often should I wax a string?
Every few sessions for a bow in regular use, and always before storing it. A tin lasts a very long time relative to the cost of a new string.
Related reading
Other notes from the same shelf that pick up where this one stops:
- Arm guards: sizing, fit and why bruises happen
- String wax: the cheapest habit that prevents an expensive failure
- Nocks, nocking points and consistent arrow flight
Coming to the store
Extreme Archery is at 801 E Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck, NY 10543. Opening hours are Mon 12:45-19:00 | Tue 11:00-19:00 | Wed 12:45-19:00 | Thu-Fri 11:00-19:00 | Sat 11:00-17:00 | Sun Closed, and it is worth calling ahead on +1 914-777-7500 if you are travelling specifically for one item, because stock on the shop floor and stock listed online are the same pool.
Anything discussed in this article can be looked at in person before buying. If you would rather order online, the same stock ships from this address — nothing is drop-shipped from a third party warehouse, which is why the despatch address on your parcel matches the shop.
Ask us directly
If this has not answered your question, the counter is open Mon 12:45-19:00 | Tue 11:00-19:00 | Wed 12:45-19:00 | Thu-Fri 11:00-19:00 | Sat 11:00-17:00 | Sun Closed. Call +1 914-777-7500 or use the contact page — a person reads it, and you will get an answer within a business day.