Finger tab (none platform)

[DigitalClock]

I seem to be the only person in my club using this type of finder tab:



Of of you recurve shooters use them too?

Recently a slight problem has developed recently. Because the material bends easily, at full draw the section of material at the tip of my fingers curls around and feels uncomfortable under the chin.

Are the platform tabs much better than the basic leather tabs?

[buzz lite beer]

Platform tabs give good reference point and can aid getting distances that non platform tabs can't, usually the rule of thumb is if you have a square jawline you can get away with a non platform tab more often, rounder jawed archers would gain most benifit. The main things to consider with any tab selection is comfort along with restricting as much forward movement as possible of the tab during the loose. In your case if permisable just trim the area of leather that is affecting your comfort. Changing from various types of tab can feel very alien and take quite a while to get used to.

[DigitalClock]

The leather tabs are pretty thin and let me feel the string nicely. However most platform tabs seem to be very thick and so I dont get as much feel.

Also are there any top archers that use basic tabs like me?

[worthipa]

Originally Posted by DigitalClock

Also are there any top archers that use basic tabs like me?

No ......!

[DigitalClock]

Explain

Originally Posted by worthipa

No ......!

[buzz lite beer]

I can't recall any off the top of my head, no doubt someone will though,
most top archers are shooting lots of arrows through high draw weight bows and require additional finger protection,
the most basic ones used at top level are the likes of the Wilson tab

and the Angel tab

tabs like the AAE Cavalier and the soma can be used with or without platforms or finger spacers and leather can be either added or removed to get the feel you prefer

[worthipa]

Originally Posted by DigitalClock

Explain

You explained it yourself really, "leather tabs are pretty thin", consequently when the men are drawing between 45-55lb and the women up to around 45lbs and shooting in comps for days with days of practice beforehand a tab like the one you pictured isn't really a good proposition.

Have a look at this tab for a clue as to the stick they get:

[Froggy the Elder]

Also are there any top archers that use basic tabs like me?

Originally Posted by worthipa

No ......!

But that's not to forbid DigitalClock from using one.

I know some coaches and archers are actually wary of platform tabs, especially during the early stages of learning archery. But you get a diversity of opinion in archery, e.g. some say clickers go on as soon as possible (preferably before the string), others will say later or never.

General idea is using a basic tab, you learn a good anchor point with the natural interface and feel between hand and jaw. Buzz states the case for moving to the platform tab.

One problem I found was that going up in weight, the basic tab became too thin for me, fingers were getting sore, so I changed to a platform Tab. The tab I now use has a removable platform.

[Whitehart]

Just on safety grounds alone the tab you are using is for very light weight bows (no more than those used on have a go's and lighter weight club bows. As worthipa says it is too thin. Prolonged use of the tab you have and a higher poundage the bow will eventually lead to problmes with your finger tendons - it starts with a numbness on the pads and then a sharp pain where the string sits in the crease.

[worthipa]

Originally Posted by Froggy the Elder

But that's not to forbid DigitalClock from using one.

Sorry, I only answered the questing DigitalClock asked. I wasn't seeking to forbid anyone doing anything.

[Froggy the Elder]

Originally Posted by worthipa

Sorry, I only answered the questing DigitalClock asked. I wasn't seeking to forbid anyone doing anything.

Yes, I understood what you really meant, but it could have been misinterpreted and you know what people on forums are like...and I apologise Worthipa as I could have worded it much more graciously.

I had a bog standard A&F platform tab which was fine, but then after an increase in weight the platform started to dig into the index finger. So I now have a Cavalier tab which seems to be ok, as long as I check the screws periodically...

I had someone borrow a basic lether tab one practice session, and as they returned it they said they would make sure they remembered their own tab in future as their fingers were getting sore.

I think the message to the OP is that he should be fine using his basic leather tab until he gets to a draw weight that will start to hurt him. When that happens, there are a lot of non-platform or platform optional tabs he could choose from.

[Thorvald]

I have a fingertab, something like this one. I am not sure if it is this one exactly, but it is very similar. First I grinded off some of the platform, and at the end I totally removed the platform and the finger spacer. - Simply didn't like it. After a while I cut off a little of the "fingertips" of the leather. Now it is an excellent fingertab... :-) So what I want to say, that your finger tab may be ok for you. Maybe you want a thicker variant - then you have a lot to choose from - and then choose one that you can adjust to your wishes (like removing the platform etc.).

[aim-for-the-yellow-bit]

Originally Posted by DigitalClock

Also are there any top archers that use basic tabs like me?

If my memory serves me well, Rick McKinney used a Wilson Black Widow tab without a platform:



However, he did have quite a 'prominent' jawline which would probably been helpful.

[chrispy]

I use a wilson tab after trying various tabs with platforms and finger spacers which i could,nt get away with. The wilson tab feels very light and seems to work for me, you can get a wilson tab with a small plastic platform.

[mikeb0551]

Spigarelli Comfort is quite good too with a small platform which is removable if necessary.