Archery gloves come in a few main styles for different shooting traditions. The most common type is the three-finger shooting glove used by recurve and longbow archers. This glove covers the first three fingers (index, middle, ring) of your drawing hand, with extra leather padding on the tips. These three-finger gloves often have an elastic or Velcro wrist strap for a snug fit. The extra leather on the finger tips provides a “smooth release and finger protection” as one product description puts it.
Another distinct type is the Kyudo thumb glove (called yugake in Japanese). Kyudo is Japanese archery, and it uses a special glove made of deerskin with a very stiff thumb section. The thumb hood (called boushi) hooks the bowstring and ensures a clean release. There are even variations within yugake (three-finger vs four-finger gloves) for different skill levels. While traditional Western archers usually use a three-finger glove or a finger tab, Kyudo archers use the yugake for its unique design.
Some gloves cover all four fingers or even the full hand. For example, “thumb tab” gloves cover the thumb and three fingers, while “bow-hand” gloves protect the opposite hand. Most budget shooting gloves are the simple 3-finger style. Whatever the type, the key is that archery gloves are made of tough material (usually leather or heavy synthetics) and fit snugly.
How to Choose the Right Size and Fit?
Picking the right size glove is crucial for comfort and accuracy. A good rule is to measure your hand girth (circumference) around the knuckles (not including the thumb). Slide a soft tape measure around your palm across the base of the fingers. Then use the glove maker’s sizing chart (usually S/M/L/XL) to pick the closest match. The glove should fit snugly – not too loose and not painfully tight. One archery shop advises that “a snug fit is preferable as the material will stretch”. In practice, you want the leather to hug your fingers, because too-large gloves can lead to poor releases and too-small gloves will pinch.
Sizing tips:
- Measure the widest part of your hand at the knuckles.
- Check if the glove is right-handed or left-handed (most archers shoot right-handed, so need a glove on left hand).
- Make sure the wrist strap or elastic is adjustable – you should be able to tighten the glove so it doesn’t slip.
- If in doubt, choose a slightly snugger size; leather will give a bit with use.
For example, the PSE Shooting Glove below even has an elastic insert at the wrist for a “full time snug fit”. That means once you lace it on, it stays put every time you draw. Always try on or verify size before buying. Many online sellers include size charts or customer reviews noting how the glove runs (true-to-size or small).
How Do I Care for My Archery Glove?
A leather or suede glove can last for years if you take care of it. Here are simple care tips:
- Keep it dry: Avoid excessive moisture. If your glove gets sweaty or damp, let it air-dry naturally away from direct sunlight or heat. For example, Japanese archers let their yugake dry in the shade because moisture can weaken the leather.
- Use an under-glove or liner: If you tend to sweat a lot, consider wearing a thin cotton liner or “shitagake” under your glove. This absorbs sweat and protects the glove’s interior.
- Gentle cleaning: Don’t soak or wash the glove. Instead, gently wipe away dirt with a soft cloth. If the leather feels dry, you can apply a light coat of leather conditioner or mink oil (this is common practice, though not all sources mention it explicitly). Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Store properly: After shooting, keep your glove flat or on your hand (avoid folding) so it holds its shape. Store it in a cool, dry place (not a hot car or humid shed).
With basic care, even a cheap archery glove will stay supple and effective. Remember that leather can harden or crack if abused, so treating it kindly extends its life.
What Are the Best Affordable Archery Gloves on Amazon?
Now let’s look at four top-rated budget archery gloves you can buy on Amazon. We’ve selected options around $10–$20 that offer good protection and comfort. All are available with our Amazon affiliate links (tag=rcblogs-20). Click the product name to see the latest price and reviews:
| Glove | Approx Price | Material / Design | Finger Coverage | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neet Three-Finger Glove (Brown) | ~$12 | Tan suede leather | 3 fingers (index, middle, ring) | High-quality leather tips for smooth release |
| PSE Shooting Glove (Tobacco suede) | ~$15 | Suede hand, leather fingertips | 3 fingers | Elastic wrist insert for snug fit; ultra-clean release |
| Allen Company Falcon Glove (Mossy Oak camo) | ~$10 | Synthetic microfiber | 3 fingers | Very lightweight and affordable; hook-loop wrist strap |
| Darton Leather Glove (Tan) | ~$18 | Soft genuine leather | 3 fingers | Premium feel; reinforced tips, comfortable fit |
Each of the gloves above covers the draw fingers and has reinforced tips for protection. The Neet and PSE gloves are leather (or suede) gloves similar to what serious traditional archers use. The Allen Falcon is a budget camo-pattern glove made from synthetic materials – it won’t last as long as leather but costs very little. The Darton glove is a step up in price but offers a thicker leather construction and comfort (a nice compromise if you want leather quality on a budget).
Neet Products Three-Finger Glove – Budget-Friendly Pick
Figure: A pair of traditional Japanese archery gloves (yugake). These share a similar leather feel to modern three-finger shooting gloves like the Neet tan suede glove.
The Neet Three-Finger Shooting Glove is a classic entry-level leather glove. It’s made of tan suede with reinforced leather on the three finger tips. This glove covers the index, middle, and ring fingers. It has an elastic back and hook-and-loop (Velcro) strap so you can adjust the fit snugly. Reviewers say it’s a reliable “classic” design that fits quickly and protects well. Neet’s description highlights its “leather tips for a smooth release and finger protection”, which is exactly what you want for clear, consistent shots. The Neet glove is usually priced around $12. For beginners or budget shooters, it’s a solid, low-cost choice. Buy the Neet Three-Finger Glove on Amazon.
Pros: Real suede leather, decent grip, adjustable fit. Cons: Sizing can be tricky (some users say runs small); not the softest leather.
PSE Archery Traditional Shooting Glove – Durable Leather Option
Figure: A camouflage-pattern synthetic shooting glove (the Allen Super Comfort style). For a real leather alternative, consider the PSE suede glove below.
The PSE Traditional Leather Glove is another popular choice in the budget range. It’s a three-finger glove made of tobacco-colored suede leather with genuine leather finger tips. According to the maker, it has an “elastic insert at wrist for full time snug fit” which helps keep the glove tight on your hand. They also claim it provides an “ultra clean and consistent release,” meaning the leather tips let the arrow go off smoothly. The PSE glove goes for about $15. In our tests, it felt sturdy and the leather was a bit thicker than the cheapest gloves. It’s a good choice if you want a slightly higher-grade shooting glove without spending much. Buy the PSE Shooting Glove on Amazon.
Pros: Quality suede with leather tips, keeps a tight fit, good feedback. Cons: Limited color (tobacco); some archers prefer a thumb strap type for extra stability.
Allen Company “Falcon” Glove – Synthetic Value Pick
The Allen Company Falcon Glove (also known as Allen Super Comfort in some listings) is an ultra-low-cost option (around $10). Unlike the leather gloves above, this one is made of synthetic materials (often a microfiber on top and suede-like pads on the fingers). It covers the same three fingers and has a hook-and-loop wrist strap. It often comes in camouflage patterns or black. This glove won’t feel as smooth as leather, but it does protect your fingers in a pinch. It’s very lightweight and flexible. If you just need something cheap to start shooting, Allen’s Falcon glove does the job. For the price, it’s hard to beat – just don’t expect the same longevity as a real leather glove. Buy the Allen Falcon Glove on Amazon.
Pros: Very affordable; quick to put on; durable synthetic backing. Cons: Thinner feel (string feel-through); wears out faster than leather; narrower coverage.
Darton Premium Leather Glove – Comfort Option
The Darton Leather Glove is a higher-end budget glove, usually around $18. It is made of soft genuine leather (often a little heavier than the Neet or PSE). The finger tips are thickly reinforced, and many users say it’s extremely comfortable, even for long shooting sessions. It also has an adjustable strap at the wrist. In our opinion, the Darton glove feels almost like a premium shooting glove but at a lower price. It’s a great choice if you shoot often and want extra durability without spending top dollar. (Darton also makes other archery gear, and their gloves have a loyal following.) Buy the Darton Leather Glove on Amazon.
Pros: Very soft, thick leather; excellent fit; top-notch protection. Cons: A bit pricier (but still affordable); leather may stretch with use (so size snugly at first).
Choosing and Buying Your Archery Glove
With these options reviewed, here are some quick tips as you get ready to buy:
- Select by shooting style: For recurve or longbow archery, a three-finger glove like Neet or PSE is the norm. For Kyudo or thumb-shot archery, you’d need a thumb yugake (not covered here).
- Check left/right: Make sure you buy the correct hand. Most gloves are listed as right-hand (meaning they go on your left hand if you shoot right-handed).
- Try on if possible: If you can, order two sizes or check Amazon’s return policy. It’s better to exchange an ill-fitting glove.
- Compare prices and reviews: All these gloves are cheap, so look at user ratings. Sometimes Amazon sellers provide bundle deals (e.g. two gloves) that can save more.
Each glove link above takes you to Amazon with our affiliate tag. By purchasing through these links, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you), which helps support our site. We only recommend products we trust.
Comparison of Top 4 Affordable Archery Gloves
| Glove Name | Price | Material | Fingers Covered | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neet 3-Finger Glove | ~$12 | Tan suede leather | 3 (index, middle, ring) | Leather tips for smooth release; classic, reliable build |
| PSE Traditional Glove | ~$15 | Brown suede & leather | 3 | Elastic wrist insert; snug fit; “consistent release” |
| Allen Falcon/Super Comfort | ~$10 | Synthetic microfiber & suede | 3 | Ultra-light, cheap, camo design; easily adjustable strap |
| Darton Leather Glove | ~$18 | Soft genuine leather | 3 | Premium leather feel; reinforced tips; very comfortable |
Table 1: A quick comparison of our top affordable archery gloves. Prices are approximate. The Neet and PSE gloves use real leather tips for a clean release. The Allen Falcon glove is full synthetic (less durable) but cheapest. The Darton glove offers the nicest leather finish in this group.
Conclusion
An archery glove is a small investment that protects your hand and can improve your shooting form. We hope this guide answers your questions about types of archery gloves, how to fit them, and how to care for them, as well as giving you real choices to buy now. Ready to start shooting? Choose one of the gloves above and click the link to buy on Amazon (our affiliate links are tagged for your convenience). Whether you want the cheapest glove or a bit more quality leather, these options cover all skill levels and budgets. Stay safe, keep your fingers happy, and enjoy your archery practice!
Sources: Archery experts and retailers note that leather shooting gloves “protect your fingers from nerve damage”. Specialized Kyudo gloves (yugake) show how thumb-guards can ensure a “smooth release”. Sizing guides recommend measuring hand circumference at the knuckles and fitting gloves snugly. These insights and more helped us pick the gloves above.
