Hey guys, this is NUSensei. Today, I’ll be taking a look at the Fivics Saker 1 Finger
Tab. Fivics was the most popular brand of finger tab used by Olympians in the 2016 Rio
Games. Although there are many different Fivics tabs, the distinctive Saker tab is frequently
seen in the hands of top archers. There are numerous versions of the Saker, going from
the Saker 1, the Saker 2 and the Saker 3, with variations on the size of the palm plate.
I’ve been using the Fivics Saker 1 for around five months. I’ll be going through the unpacking
and setting up, followed by a reflection on the Saker in action. On a quick side-note,
I never knew that the name ‘Fivics’ stood for “High Five Victory”.
It’s worth noting that while there are many attractive anodised colours, the colours correspond
to the size of the tab rather than an optional selection. Considering most tabs come in one
colour, this isn’t a big deal, but if you’re trying to colour-coordinate, this can be a
little disappointing.
The pack contains the tab, pre-assembled as shown with the ledge, finger rest, cordovan
face and leather backing. It also has a plastic, rubbery finger spacer, the strap and two Allen
keys.
All that needs to be done is to thread the strap through the tab and screw on the finger
spacer if desired. The ledge is worth noting – while most finger tabs do come with a
removable ledge that can be adjusted, the Fivics Saker is unique in that the ledge is
pre-installed very low. This can be adjusted, though the default configuration is quite
interesting. Using the tab like this straight out the box brings an immediate sense of natural
conformity – the thumb rests naturally on the ledge and the hand seems to adapt the
proper shape and form needed for a good draw and release.
The finger rest on the bottom can be adjusted and removed. Some people will find it helpful
to rest the little finger on; others may find it obstructive.
The distinguishing feature of the Saker 1 is the triangular-shaped palm plate. This
sits inside the palm, helping it keep in shape. Unlike tabs, the plate is not adjustable,
though if you do want something more substantial to help keep your drawing hand in the right
form, you can get an add-on frame.
After five months of constant usage in training and in competition, the tab has held up very
well. The leather surface has no signs of damage, the thickness and protection hasn’t
been compromised, and the leather has softened and conformed to the shape of my fingers as
it should, making it easy and natural for me to use.
There are a couple of downsides. Because of the anodised finish, the tab is easy to damage.
Dropping the tab can result in the paint being scratched or chipped, so you’ll want to
be extra careful with this tab.
I also had problems with the screws coming loose, and I’ve lost a couple. There are
enough screws so that this doesn’t matter much, but you might not realise that they’ve
come loose until they’ve already dropped in the grass.
Overall, I do quite like the Fivics Saker 1.
After using it for five months, I adapted to it really quickly. I find that most tabs
have some kind of specialty or unique feel.
Whether it's the heavy brass of the Kisik Lee Gold or the lightness of the W&W 360 or
the profile of the W&W EZ and EZR.
The Fivics Saker seems, to me, to be the most average or the most medium tab in terms of
the different tabs you can use.
It's not too large. The way the palm plate fits in the hand isn't that noticeable.
You can put your hand through, and it's there.
But you don't really pick out that it's there. It's not going to stop you from shooting well,
nor will it be a huge influence on the way you hold the tab.
It does help.
But it's not that much of an intrusive feature.
That's why I quite like it, and I imagine that's why a lot of people like the Fivics
Saker.
I guess if you just want a high quality tab that just does the thing, this is probably
the one you're looking at.
There are many similar ones, but this is probably the best example and one of the most popular
finger tabs for that reason.
Whereas other tabs, you kind of want something that you have a better preference for
or someone has told you to use, or you really like.
This is my mid-line, but high quality tab.
The finger spacer is also quite interesting.
The design, as with most finger spacers, is meant to stay out of the way of the arrow,
and it mostly fits nicely between the index and middle fingers.
This particular finger spacer is a little chunkier than most other finger spacers.
This isn't a bad thing.
It took me a bit of time to get used to getting the fingers around it, but I think it fits
naturally enough.
The fingers do fall nicely in place. There's enough clearance there so you don't find yourself
squeezing the nock.
In fact, I can't squeeze the nock with this thing in the way.
Which is what the finger spacer is meant to do.
And yet it doesn't feel like it's hogging the space around your hand.
So I think the way this is shaped and designed is also well done.
The colour and design is also eye-catching. It's a big upside.
While you can't pick the colour of the tab directly, the anodised finish does give it
a distinct look.
You can tell when someone's using it when someone takes it out of their case or takes
it out of their quiver.
It's very easy to spot, so it's recognisable which is why you can tell a lot of Olympians
use it.
That's probably not why they use it.
But if you're into the aesthetic appeal, this does look quite nice.
Overall, I was impressed by how easy it was to unbox, put together, put on your finger
and start shooting right away.
Apart from the period of time where you need to soften the leather and get it to fit the
right shape of your hand, it feels like a very natural and comfortable finger tab.
Like I said before, all finger tabs that I have used had some time where I had to get
used to the feel of it.
Whereas this one seems like the one I can go to, whether I'm using a different tab or
this is my backup tab.
This one, I can just put my hand in and it just feels natural the way it is.
For me, the Saker 1 does get a thumbs up.
Anyway, this is NUSensei. Thanks for watching. Hope this was helpful, and I'll see you next
time.