First Impressions of Axcel Contour Finger Tab Brady Ellison Signature Series
The Axcel Contour Finger Tab Brady Ellison Signature Series promises a revolution in finger tab design. Developed in collaboration with archery icon Brady Ellison, this tab boasts features aimed at improving comfort, consistency, and ultimately, scores. For an archer like myself, always seeking that extra edge, the prospect of a tab designed by a champion immediately piqued my interest.
I’ve struggled for years with finding a finger tab that truly fits and feels natural. Many tabs on the market feel generic, lacking the personalized feel necessary for consistent anchor points and clean releases. The Axcel Contour Finger Tab Brady Ellison Signature Series aims to address these issues with its adjustable features and ergonomic design.
Upon unboxing, the Axcel Contour Finger Tab Brady Ellison Signature Series exudes quality. The aluminum construction feels robust, while the finger beds look thoughtfully designed. The multiple adjustment points, including the palm extender and finger spacer, suggest a truly customizable fit. Compared to my old, basic leather tab and even a more recent competitor featuring only a rudimentary shelf, the Axcel seems leagues ahead in terms of adjustability and comfort features. My first impression is one of excitement – this might be the solution I’ve been searching for.
Real-World Testing: Putting Axcel Contour Finger Tab Brady Ellison Signature Series to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Axcel Contour Finger Tab Brady Ellison Signature Series took place at my local archery range. I wanted to simulate a competitive environment as closely as possible, shooting multiple ends at varying distances. The first thing I noticed was the adjustability of the tab.
It took about an hour of tweaking the palm extender, finger spacer, and shelf height to find my ideal fit. Once dialed in, the tab felt surprisingly natural. I didn’t experience the usual pinching or discomfort I often get with new tabs. Performance-wise, I noticed an immediate improvement in my consistency. Even in the slightly windy conditions, my groupings were tighter than usual.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Axcel Contour Finger Tab Brady Ellison Signature Series continues to impress. The aluminum frame shows no signs of wear, even after being tossed in my archery bag multiple times. The cordovan leather face is also holding up well. I make sure to wipe it down with a clean cloth after each session.
Maintaining the tab is straightforward. A quick wipe down is usually all it takes. The adjustments have remained secure, and I haven’t needed to re-tighten anything. Compared to my old leather tab, which stretched and deformed over time, the Axcel feels much more reliable and durable. It’s exceeding my expectations in terms of build quality and long-term performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Axcel Contour Finger Tab Brady Ellison Signature Series
Specifications
The Axcel Contour Finger Tab Brady Ellison Signature Series boasts several noteworthy specifications:
- Aluminum Construction: This provides a rigid and durable frame, ensuring consistent performance and longevity.
- Ergonomic Finger Beds: These contour to the fingers, offering enhanced comfort and promoting proper finger spacing for a cleaner release.
- Adjustable Rear Palm Extender: This allows the archer to customize the fit to their hand size and shape, providing optimal support and stability. The extender adjusts both lengthwise and radially.
- Three-Layer Tab Face: This consists of a cordovan leather face for smooth release, a rubber comfort middle layer, and a soft suede leather backing for enhanced feel.
- Adjustable Finger Spacer and Shelf: These features allow for fine-tuning of finger placement and anchor point, maximizing comfort and consistency.
- Elastic Band Keeper with Round Cord Lock: This secures the tab to the hand. It allows for quick and easy adjustments.
These specifications translate directly into improved performance and a more comfortable shooting experience. The adjustability ensures a personalized fit. The high-quality materials ensure durability and consistent release.
Performance & Functionality
The Axcel Contour Finger Tab Brady Ellison Signature Series excels in its primary function: facilitating a clean and consistent release. The adjustable features allow for precise finger placement and anchor point customization. This leads to improved accuracy and tighter groupings. The cordovan leather face provides a smooth and friction-free release, minimizing string interference.
The ergonomic finger beds enhance comfort, allowing for longer shooting sessions without fatigue. While the initial setup requires some patience, the results are well worth the effort. The only area that could potentially be improved is the palm extender adjustment mechanism, which can be a little fiddly. Overall, the tab meets and exceeds my expectations in terms of performance and functionality.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Axcel Contour Finger Tab Brady Ellison Signature Series is clearly geared towards performance and comfort. The aluminum frame provides a solid and stable platform, while the ergonomic finger beds promote proper finger alignment. The adjustable features allow for a truly customized fit, catering to a wide range of hand sizes and shooting styles. The weight is noticeable but well-distributed, adding to the overall feeling of quality.
There’s a slight learning curve involved in adjusting the various components. The process is intuitive, but it takes some experimentation to find the optimal settings. Once dialed in, the tab feels like an extension of my hand.
Durability & Maintenance
The Axcel Contour Finger Tab Brady Ellison Signature Series is built to last. The high-quality materials, including the aluminum frame and cordovan leather face, are designed to withstand the rigors of regular use. The construction feels solid and robust, and I expect the tab to hold up well over time.
Maintenance is simple and straightforward. A quick wipe down with a clean cloth after each shooting session is usually sufficient. Occasionally, I might apply a small amount of leather conditioner to the cordovan face to keep it supple. With proper care, this tab should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Axcel Contour Finger Tab Brady Ellison Signature Series comes with all the necessary components for immediate use, including the tab itself and the elastic band keeper. While there are no readily available “accessories” in the traditional sense, the adjustability of the tab allows for a high degree of customization. Archers can fine-tune the finger spacer, shelf height, and palm extender to achieve their perfect fit and anchor point.
The tab is compatible with most standard archery strings. As for aftermarket customization, some archers might choose to experiment with different leather faces or replace the elastic band with a higher-quality alternative. However, the stock configuration is already excellent.
Pros and Cons of Axcel Contour Finger Tab Brady Ellison Signature Series
Pros
- Exceptional Adjustability: The multiple adjustment points allow for a truly customized fit, catering to a wide range of hand sizes and shooting styles.
- Enhanced Comfort: The ergonomic finger beds and adjustable palm extender provide superior comfort, reducing fatigue and promoting longer shooting sessions.
- Consistent Release: The cordovan leather face ensures a smooth and friction-free release, minimizing string interference and improving accuracy.
- Durable Construction: The aluminum frame and high-quality materials are designed to withstand the rigors of regular use, ensuring long-term reliability.
- Improved Accuracy: The combination of adjustability, comfort, and smooth release leads to tighter groupings and improved overall accuracy.
Cons
- The initial setup can be time-consuming, requiring some experimentation to find the optimal settings.
- The palm extender adjustment mechanism can be a little fiddly.
Who Should Buy Axcel Contour Finger Tab Brady Ellison Signature Series?
The Axcel Contour Finger Tab Brady Ellison Signature Series is perfect for competitive archers and serious recreational shooters who demand the best in performance and comfort. It is an excellent choice for archers struggling with inconsistent releases or discomfort caused by poorly fitting finger tabs. This tab is especially beneficial for those who appreciate a high degree of customization and are willing to invest the time to dial in their perfect fit.
This product may not be necessary for casual archers who are happy with basic finger tabs. Archers who prefer a more traditional feel might also find the Axcel’s aluminum construction too modern.
A must-have modification would be experimenting with different elastic bands to ensure optimal tension and a secure fit.
Conclusion on Axcel Contour Finger Tab Brady Ellison Signature Series
The Axcel Contour Finger Tab Brady Ellison Signature Series is a game-changer for serious archers. Its exceptional adjustability, enhanced comfort, and consistent release make it a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking to improve their accuracy and overall shooting experience. While the initial setup can be a bit time-consuming, the results are well worth the effort.
At $94.99, the price is justified by the quality of materials, thoughtful design, and performance-enhancing features. I would personally recommend this tab to any archer looking to take their shooting to the next level. It is a testament to the collaboration between Axcel and Brady Ellison, delivering a product that truly lives up to its promise. If you’re ready to experience a new level of comfort and consistency, the Axcel Contour Finger Tab Brady Ellison Signature Series is the perfect choice.