New Finger Tab

Like an old well worked in baseball glove is to a season baseball player, so is a well worked in finger tab to any archer.  A finger tab should allow you to feel the string while at full draw and not interfere with the shot as you release the string. Once an archer has worked in and moulded their finger tab, it becomes a trusted part of their equipment and it is extremely difficult to give it up.

For many reasons, eventually every archer will need to switch to another finger tab. Archer can lose them in the field, they will eventually wear out, and for younger archers you will get bigger and the finger tab just will not fit.  Other reasons for changing finger tabs is because of necessity as better technology and features such as finger spacers and/or a finger tab shelf is needed.

Every archer should have a backup finger tab in their quiver or bow case, especially if you compete at any level.  You should fit it to your hand and practice with it on the regular basis so that if disaster should happen at a tournament you are not learning how to use new equipment in competition.

Rarely does a finger tab fit perfect right off the shelf, so here are a couple of help you prepare your new finger tab.

• Adjust the length by cutting it down so that it only comes to the end of your fingers while you are holding the string. Young archers may want to leave a little extra since they grow faster.
• A little baseball glove softener will help start to loosen up a stiff leather finger tab or you can use a metal ruler to stretch the leather quicker
• For those finger tabs with three layers, you can remove the center rubber one to improve your ability to feel the string and speed up the work-in process
• For a finger tab with a shelf, adjust it to a comfortable height so it does not hurt your jaw on release
• For a finger tab with a spacer, you may need to grind it back if you feel it is interfering with your string on release

If you are in the market for a new or backup finger tab, check out Cartel Doosung’s new Midas Finger tab.

Midas Finger Tab

A finger tab is a necessary piece of archery equipment for recurve archers, and are sometimes used by compound archers that do not use a release aid. They are usually made of leather or synthetic leather to protect your fingers from the string.  It may also contain additional layers of other materials for comfort and additional protection.

Both features and comfort are extremely important when choosing a finger tab. Modern finger tabs can contain multiple features including a reinforced base plate, finger spacer and stationary or adjustable shelves.

A base plate is designed to fit the palm of the hand improving finger stability at full draw.

A finger spacer helps assist the archer from pinching the arrow, reducing negative effects on the arrow flight.

A shelf helps with establishing a consistent anchor point and an adjustable shelf can assist young archers gain greater distance outdoors.

Although there are many various selection of finger tabs on the market, if you are looking for a full-featured finger tab that is affordable, checkout the new Cartel Midas Finger Tab. It is a great finger tab for both beginner and experienced archers and is available is many new cool colors.

Once you purchase the appropriately featured finger tab, it is important to trim the leather to match the length of your fingers, since any extra length could affect the string while you are shooting.  If there are any additional layers on the finger tab, you can choose to trim or remove them entirely so that the tab is not too stiff to shoot with. Practicing with the finger tab will naturally soften the leather and mold it to your fingers.

Tip:  If the leather is just too stiff, you can use a drop or two of baseball glove softener to assist with the process.