GRIP 101

What is a Grip? A grip is a tool gymnast’s where on the palm of their hands when performing on the bars or rings for both men and women. It is a leather strip that attaches at the fingers and is secured around the wrist with either a buckle or Velcro strip. Upper level gymnasts use grips with a dowel attached to help grip the apparatus. Beginners use basic grips usually with just a plain strip of leather.

Who wears them?

ANYONE can wear grips. From beginner to elite gymnasts there is a grip for you.

Do I need grips?

Depending on your coaches preference grips are a great option for kids having problems with rips or gripping the bar. Grips make gymnasts feel more comfortable performing more difficult skills because they keep your hands secure around the wood and metal bar. For large tap swings, giants, free hips, and dismounts the leather not only protects your hands but makes you feel safer. If athletes are having problems with “peeling off”, grips are a great decision too!

Which Grips Should I Buy?

There are many different brands of grips. Each company’s grips feel a little different. Some athletes like softer leather grips and others prefer a little stiffer grip. It is important to find what works best for you.

Gibson Athletic offers multiple grip lines where you are sure to find the best one for you! We have rainbow grips for beginner athletes. This is the most simple grip on the market, appropriate for any beginner. For beginner to intermediate athletes, the Just Right grips are a good choice. Just Right grips are thinkly cut, so they are ideal for gymnasts with smaller hands. This grip has a wooden dowel and functions the same as regular sized grips just with a smaller strip of leather. For the intermediate to advanced-level gymnast, Gibson recommends Reisport Grips, a leading brand in the industry, worn by many of our Olympians. Reisport offers a “softer” leather grip as well as a “Protec” line which is a stiffer grip. The “Protec” grip is a very durable and long lasting grip. Any of these grips can be purchased through Gibson at http://www.gibsonathletic.com/ or by calling 800-275-5999.

What Else Do I Need?

Under grips you will need to purchase wristbands. This keeps the skin from chafing and ripping. Some prefer the neoprene wrist bands which are thicker and more protective than just the standard cotton. These offer the most protection, although either suffices.

There is also a tool called a grip brush. This keeps grips from getting to smooth and slick. This can help your grips last longer.