Archery glove

The glove is to the traditional archer what the tab is to the Olympic archer: finger protection. But not only...

The glove will allow a consistent string grip and can significantly influence the quality of the shot: a glove that's too rigid, too worn out, or simply the wrong size can affect accuracy.

How to choose your archery glove?

Bow hand or string hand?

These are two different things! You need to know whether you need protection for the string hand or for the bow hand - these gloves are used for traditional bows without bow windows, to protect the hand from feathers as they pass (as the arrow rests directly on the bow hand).

You will therefore have gloves called "bow hand gloves" or shooting gloves (those that protect the string hand, the one that shoots).

The size

This is the basics! It must be perfectly fitted to your hand. Once put on, the fastening (velcro, snap) must fall right at the base of your wrist.
It should not be too long, nor too wide. In other words, it should fit you like a glove!
In size, you will find the usual sizes XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL and sometimes XXL.

The material

Leather, synthetic leather or reinforced fabric: it all depends on your budget of course, but also on the look you want to achieve!

The thickness 

It will be important for the "feel" that you will have. It is also essential to take into account the power of your bow: thicker natural leather is a real asset for higher draw weights.

Hattila's advice

You can find in additional information the animals from which the leathers come from. Here are the characteristics of some of them:

- suede: very soft and comfortable, it's perfect for low to moderate draw weights (20 to 40#).

- cowhide: fairly flexible and very durable leather, it works everywhere!

- kangaroo or goat: these are beautiful leathers, flexible and very durable.

- buffalo: this is thick leather, very resistant, but more suitable for high draw weights (>45#)

To maintain your glove, don't hesitate to "massage" it regularly: a leather product or simply Nivea cream and your glove will be protected and keep its appearance and flexibility longer.