Finger Tab vs Shooting Glove for Archery (2026)
A tab gives the cleaner release and better string contact because the string slides off one flat surface instead of three separate finger pockets. A glove gives better feel on the string and is easier to keep on your hand between shots, which suits hunting where you may sit for hours. Target shooters overwhelmingly use tabs. Traditional and hunting shooters split, and the honest answer is to try both, because they cost less than a dozen arrows.
At a glance
| Bear Archery Leather Finger Tab | Bear Archery 3 Finger Shooting Glove | |
|---|---|---|
| String release | Slides off one flat face | Slides off three pockets |
| Feel of the string | Muted | More direct |
| Stays on the hand | Usually loops one finger | Yes, full glove |
| Sizing | Trim to fit | Sized S to XL |
| Common in target archery | Yes, dominant | Rare |
| Cost | Low | Low |
Choose the Bear Archery Leather Finger Tab if…
You want the most consistent release available without a mechanical aid. A tab presents a single smooth surface to the string, so the string leaves the same way every shot rather than catching on the seam of a finger stall. That consistency is why almost every Olympic recurve archer shoots a tab.
Tabs are also cheaper, easier to replace, and can be trimmed with scissors to fit your hand exactly. The downside is that a tab dangles from one finger between shots and is easy to lose in leaf litter, which is the main argument against it in the field.
Check Bear Archery Leather Finger Tab on Amazon
Choose the Bear Archery 3 Finger Shooting Glove if…
You hunt, shoot traditional, or want to feel the string clearly through the leather. A glove stays on your hand all day, works in cold weather without fumbling, and lets you nock and draw without a second thought. For instinctive shooting at close range, many traditional archers prefer the extra feedback.
Accept that the release will be slightly less uniform than a tab, and that a worn glove develops grooves that change the way the string leaves. Replace it when the fingertips deform, and keep the string waxed, because a dry string chews through leather quickly.
Check Bear Archery 3 Finger Shooting Glove on Amazon
Related
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these products side by side. Confirm current specifications and prices before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need either one, or can I shoot with bare fingers?
You need one. Bare fingers on a bowstring bruise, blister and eventually split, and the pain quietly wrecks your release long before the skin breaks. Even at low draw weights, a few dozen arrows will make the point. Either a tab or a glove costs less than a single broadhead.
Which one causes less string wear?
A tab, slightly, because the contact surface is smooth and uniform. A glove with worn or stitched fingertips can abrade the serving over time. Either way, keep the serving waxed and inspect it for fraying, and have the serving replaced before it separates.
Can I use a tab or glove on a compound bow?
You can, but on a modern compound with a short axle to axle length the acute string angle pinches your fingers at full draw, which hurts and ruins accuracy. Compounds are designed around a release aid attached to a d-loop. If you want to shoot a compound with fingers, use a long axle to axle bow and expect to work at it.
How should a tab be sized?
It should cover the pads of the three drawing fingers with a small margin, no more. Too much material past the fingertips creates a lip that the string has to climb over, which throws the arrow. Most leather tabs are sold slightly oversized so you can trim them with scissors, so cut a little, shoot, and cut again.
How we choose: we compare published manufacturer specifications, verified owner reviews, and pro shop guidance. We do not test gear in person. Draw weight and arrow spine affect safety, so follow your bow manufacturer's specifications and have setup work checked by a qualified pro shop.
