Archery Gloves; All you need to know

Archery Gloves Image by kathe busk

Archery Gloves, or Glove

Archery is a sport that requires precision, focus, and skill. One of the essential pieces of equipment for any archer is a good pair of gloves. Archery gloves are designed to protect the fingers and hands of the archer while providing a comfortable and secure grip on the bow.

There are several different types of archery shooting gloves available on the market, each with their own unique features and benefits. Finger tab gloves, for example, are designed to protect the fingers from the string of the bow and provide a comfortable grip. These gloves are typically made of leather or synthetic materials and have a tab on the index finger to help the archer release the string of the bow.

Three finger gloves

Three-finger gloves are a popular choice among archers for their protection, support and precision. They are designed to provide protection and support for the three fingers that are used to pull the bowstring, usually made of leather or synthetic materials and have a reinforced thumb to provide added support. They also come in adjustable designs to fit different hand sizes, which is important for archers who will be using their gloves for long periods of time. These gloves are an essential piece of equipment for any archer, whether they are a beginner or a professional.

Fingerless Gloves

Fingerless archery gloves are an alternative option for archers who prefer to have a more tactile feel of the bowstring. These gloves provide protection for the fingers while still allowing the archer to feel the bowstring, providing a more natural and precise release. Fingerless gloves are typically made of leather or synthetic materials, providing a good grip and durability. They also come with a reinforced thumb for added support, which is especially important for archers who have to pull back the bowstring with a lot of force. They are also often more breathable and lightweight than full-fingered gloves which can prevent discomfort and fatigue during long archery sessions. They are a good option for experienced archers who are more accustomed to the feel of the bowstring and want more freedom of movement for the fingers.

Fit and Durability

When choosing a pair of archery gloves, it is important to consider the fit, comfort, and durability. The gloves should fit snugly and securely around the fingers and hand to ensure a comfortable and stable grip on the bow. They should not be too tight, as this can cause discomfort and restrict movement, but they should also not be too loose, as this can cause the gloves to slide around and affect the archer’s accuracy.

Comfort is also crucial, the gloves should be padded or cushioned and breathable to reduce pressure on the fingers, hands and wrists and prevent discomfort and overheating during prolonged use. Durability is also important, gloves should be made of durable materials that can withstand the rigors of archery, like leather or synthetic materials that are resistant to water and other elements. It’s also important to consider the type of archery you’ll be doing, whether it’s indoor or outdoor and the climate you’ll be shooting in to choose the most suitable gloves for your needs.

Winter Archery Gloves

Winter archery gloves are a specialized type of archery gloves designed for use in cold weather conditions. These gloves are typically made of thicker, insulated materials such as fleece or down to keep the archer’s hands warm while they are participating in archery. They also have features such as a waterproof and windproof membrane to protect the archer’s hands from snow and cold winds. Winter archery gloves also have a reinforced thumb and finger tab for a secure grip on the bowstring. Some gloves also have a special design that allows the archer to release the bowstring without having to remove the gloves. These gloves are an important piece of equipment for archers who participate in archery in cold weather conditions as it allows them to maintain dexterity and accuracy while keeping their hands warm.

Traditional and Medieval Archery Gloves

Traditional and medieval archery gloves, also known as bracers or arm guards, were primarily used to protect the archer’s forearm from the string of the bow. These gloves were typically made of leather or other natural materials and were worn on the inside of the arm, close to the bow. They were also known to have embellishments such as intricate designs and patterns as well as symbols that were meaningful to the archer. Unlike modern archery gloves, traditional and medieval archery gloves did not have finger tabs or reinforced thumbs, but they were designed to provide protection and support for the forearm. These gloves were an important piece of equipment for archers during medieval times as it protected them from injury while they were participating in battles and hunting

Heavy Duty Archery Gloves

A heavy-duty archery glove is a type of shooting glove that is designed to provide extra protection and durability for the archer’s fingers and hand. These gloves are typically made with thicker and more durable materials such as leather, to protect the fingers and hand from the string slap of the bow. They also often feature reinforced stitching and padded areas to provide added protection. Some heavy-duty archery gloves also have a wrist strap or closure to keep the glove securely in place. These gloves are suitable for archers who shoot often or for a long period of time, or for archers who experience string slap or finger pain. They are also suitable for archers who use high draw weight bows or hunting bows, as they need more protection for the fingers and hand.

Options for Women and Youth

Women’s and Youth archery gloves are designed to fit the smaller hands and fingers of female archers. These gloves come in a variety of styles and materials, including leather and synthetic options. Many women’s archery gloves are designed with a shorter finger length and narrower palm width to accommodate the smaller hand size of women and younger Archers. Some gloves also feature adjustable straps to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. Many of these gloves are also designed with ventilation and moisture-wicking materials to keep the hands cool and dry during long shooting sessions. These gloves are designed to protect the fingers and hands from the string slap of the bow, while also providing a secure grip on the bow.

Best Archery Gloves

There are many different types of archery gloves available on the market, and the best one for you will depend on your personal preferences and the style of archery you’ll be doing. Some popular brands and manugactures include:

TruFire: TruFire is a well-known and respected brand in the archery industry, known for producing high-quality and durable archery gloves.
TruGlo: TruGlo is another well-respected brand in the archery industry, known for producing a wide range of archery equipment and accessories, including gloves.
Carter Enterprises: Carter Enterprises is a family-owned business that has been producing archery equipment for over 30 years, and is well known for producing high-quality and durable archery gloves.
TruBall: TruBall is another popular brand of archery gloves that are known for their quality, durability and comfort.
Scott: Scott is a well-known brand in the archery industry, known for producing high-quality and durable archery gloves, as well as other archery equipment and accessories.
Spigarelli: Spigarelli is a small company that has been producing archery equipment for over 25 years, and is known for producing high-quality and comfortable archery gloves.

These are just a few examples of well-regarded manufacturers of archery gloves, there are many other brands that are producing quality archery gloves. It’s important to do your own research and read reviews before buying a glove to ensure that you’re getting a quality product that fits your needs.

In Conclusion

In addition to protecting the fingers and hands, archery gloves can also improve an archer’s accuracy and consistency. A good pair of gloves can help the archer maintain a consistent grip on the bow, which can lead to more accurate shots.

In conclusion, archery gloves are an essential piece of equipment for any archer. They provide protection for the fingers and hands, improve grip and accuracy, and are available in a variety of styles and materials to suit different preferences. When choosing a pair of archery gloves, it is important to consider the fit, comfort, and durability to ensure that they will last and perform well over time.

Check out this video for a deeper dive in Gloves for Archery

Gloves for Archery Video by Charlie’s Running Archery

Frequently Asked Questions

Archery Glove or Tab?

An archery glove and a finger tab are both important pieces of equipment for archers, but they serve different purposes. An archery glove is worn on the hand and is designed to protect the fingers and hand from the string of the bow. A finger tab, on the other hand, is worn on the index finger and is designed to protect the finger from the string and provide a comfortable and secure grip on the bowstring.

An archery glove is typically made of leather or synthetic materials and covers the entire hand, providing protection for all the fingers. A finger tab, on the other hand, is usually made of leather or synthetic materials, and only covers the index finger. Finger tabs often have a small tab or loop on the tip of the finger that the archer can use to release the bowstring.

Archery gloves are more suitable for archers who are just starting out or have a weaker grip. They provide more protection and support for the hand and fingers, which can be helpful for learning proper form and technique. Finger tabs, on the other hand, are more suitable for experienced archers who have a good grip and want more precision in their releases. They allow for a more natural and precise release and are more suitable for target archery.

In conclusion, both archery gloves and finger tabs are important pieces of equipment for archers, but they serve different purposes. Archery gloves provide protection and support for the hand and fingers, while finger tabs provide protection and precision for the index finger. The choice between the two depends on the archer's skill level and the type of archery they are participating in.

How to thicken Archery Glove Finger?

There may be times when an archer needs to thicken the fingers on their archery shooting gloves for added protection or to improve their grip on the bowstring. One way to do this is to add a layer of padding to the inside of the finger. This can be done by cutting a small piece of foam or a similar material to the shape of the finger and attaching it to the inside of the glove with a strong adhesive.

Another way to thicken the fingers on archery gloves is to wear a pair of thin gloves underneath the archery gloves. This can provide an additional layer of protection and also help to improve the grip on the bowstring. The inner gloves should be made of a material that is breathable and lightweight, such as cotton, to prevent overheating and discomfort.

It's also possible to use finger sleeves or guards which are designed to fit over the fingers and provide added protection and support. These are typically made of a lightweight and breathable material and can be worn under the archery gloves.

It's important to note that thickening the fingers on archery gloves may change the fit of the gloves, so it's important to make sure the gloves still fit snugly and securely after adding padding or inner gloves. It's also important to make sure that the added material won't interfere with the release of the bowstring or affect the archer's accuracy.

In conclusion, there are several ways to thicken the fingers on archery gloves, such as adding padding, wearing inner gloves, or using finger sleeves or guards. These methods can provide added protection and improve the grip on the bowstring, but it's important to make sure the gloves still fit properly and that the added material won't interfere with the release of the bowstring.

Are Gloves allowed in Archery Olympics?

Gloves are allowed in Olympic archery competitions, however, rules and regulations regarding the use of gloves may vary depending on the organization and specific event. In general, archers are allowed to wear gloves to protect their hands from the string of the bow, but the gloves must not provide any additional support or assistance to the archer. It is important to check with the specific organization or event organizer to confirm the rules and regulations regarding the use of gloves in Olympic archery competitions.

Do you need a Glove for Archery?

It is not strictly necessary to wear a glove for archery, but it is recommended as it can provide protection and support for the fingers and hand. Archery gloves can protect the fingers and hands from the string of the bow and also provide a comfortable and secure grip on the bowstring. This can be particularly important for archers who participate in archery for long periods of time or for those who are just starting out and learning proper form and technique. Additionally, gloves can help archers to maintain a consistent grip on the bow, which can lead to more accurate shots. While it is not necessary to wear a glove for archery, it is a useful piece of equipment for many archers.

How to make an Archery Glove?

Making an archery glove from scratch can be a bit of a challenging task, but it is possible to do. Here are some steps you can follow to make an archery glove:

Gather materials: You will need a piece of leather or other durable material, some thread or string, a needle, and a piece of foam or other padding material (if desired).
Trace and cut your pattern: Trace the shape of your hand onto the leather or other material, making sure to leave enough room for the foam or padding (if desired). Cut out the pattern, making sure to leave a small seam allowance around the edges.
Add padding (if desired): If you want to add padding to the fingers of your glove, cut small pieces of foam or other padding material to the shape of the fingers and attach them to the inside of the glove using a strong adhesive.
Sew the glove: Use a needle and thread or string to sew the edges of the glove together, leaving an opening at the wrist.
Add a closure: To make the glove adjustable and secure, you can add a closure such as a velcro strap, elastic, or a toggle to the wrist opening
Test and adjust: Test the fit of the glove and adjust as needed. Make sure that the glove fits snugly but not too tight, and that the padding does not interfere with the release of the bow

How do you choose the right size Archery Glove?

When choosing an archery glove, it is important to select the right size to ensure a proper fit and comfortable grip on the bow. Here are some steps you can follow to choose the right size archery glove:

Measure your hand: Measure the width and length of your hand, including the fingers and thumb, using a measuring tape or a piece of string.
Compare your measurements to the manufacturer's size chart: Most manufacturers provide a size chart that lists the dimensions of each size of glove. Compare your measurements to the chart to determine the closest match.
Try on the glove: If possible, try on the glove before making a purchase. This will allow you to see how the glove fits and how well it allows you to grip the bowstring.
Adjust for comfort: Once you have the glove on, flex your hand and fingers to make sure there is enough room to move comfortably and also make sure the glove is not too tight or too loose.
Check the release: When trying on the glove, make sure to check the release of the string, make sure the glove does not interfere with your natural release and that it does not cause any discomfort.

It's important to remember that gloves can vary in fit and comfort depending on the manufacturer, so it's always a good idea to try them on first if possible. If you're unable to try on gloves before purchasing, you can use the manufacturer's size chart as a guide, but always be prepared to exchange or return the gloves if they don't fit well.