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Selecting Grip Size

Blog

Selecting Grip Size

by Ryan Jendreas on Apr 04 2023
See Grip Sizing Chart Note: Grips should be snug; gymnast should not be able to fully extend hand with new grips on (grips and holes will feel small at first) FIT ILLUSTRATIONS Men’s High Bar (worn only to second knuckle)   Measure from base of palm to center of middle finger (exactly in between the two joints of the middle finger) Men’s Rings & Women’s Uneven Bar (worn only to first knuckle) Measure from base of palm to tip of longest finger Note: if measurement falls in between two sizes, select the smaller size (grips will stretch) Do not push grips to lowest knuckle/base of fingers (exception: non-dowel Rainbow Grip) Note: Grips cannot be returned or exchanged if worn or used. If you have any questions about grips, before ordering please contact Gibson Athletic Customer Service at (800) 275-5999. Breaking in: note the proper fit guide, based on type of grip; only use rolled up mild sandpaper on the underside of grip holes to break in (no water, no stretching on equipment, no cutting); palm should not be able to extend flat if sized properly; hang, swing, or perform simple skills until grips have “molded” to hand Gibson Athletic will not be held responsible for damage or injury due to improper breaking in or use of grips. Grips that are used regularly should be replaced at least every six months (more often if used rigorously). Always keep a backup pair of grips on hand.
SELECTING GRIP STYLE

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SELECTING GRIP STYLE

by Kim Magee on Feb 22 2023
Selecting grips is best done with the advice of a coach. Ultimately, each individual gymnast will gravitate toward a different style, but it is most important to choose a grip that is appropriate for the gymnast’s ability level, hand size, and type of activity. There are a variety of options available in each category: Non-dowel/Dowel: gymnasts just starting out do not need dowels – as they begin to advance, dowel grips will provide a better grip on bar and rings Shape: all grips are meant to prevent rips, blisters, and calluses; straight - best for providing stability as the gymnast advances to skills requiring a lot of hand movement; skinny – allows the hand more contact with the bar; curved - provides a strong grip while distributing pressure evenly across the palm Closure: each gymnast has a preference - hook-and-loop, single buckle, or double buckle Bonus Features: unique attributes include features like built-in wrist guards (Gibson Just Right Neo Grip) and extra-strong laminated leather (Reisport Protec Grip) Beginners (Level 0-1) – GIBSON RAINBOW GRIPS High Bar (boys), Ring (boys), Uneven Bar (girls) The RAINBOW non-dowel grip gives beginner boys and girls a chance to become familiar with the feel of bar and rings while working on simple skills. The curved silhouette allows the palm contact with the bar, while soft suede helps prevent blisters. Measure: from base of palm to base of longest finger. Fit: two grip holes should slide all the way onto middle and fourth finger and rest at top of palm. Options, size chart, and break-in education at Gibson Athletic. Advanced Beginner (Level 1-6) – GIBSON JUST RIGHT GRIPS High Bar (boys), Ring (boys), Uneven Bar (girls) The JUST RIGHT slim silhouette dowel grip gives advanced beginner boys and girls both a firm grip and maximum contact with the bar or rings. Leather protects from rips, blisters, and calluses. Ring & Uneven Bar Measure: from base of palm to tip of longest finger. Fit: two grip holes should slide only to first knuckle of middle and fourth finger (hand will not extend flat). High Bar Measure: from base of palm to center of middle finger (exact middle between two joints) Fit: three grip holes should slide to second knuckle of index thru fourth fingers. Options, size chart, and break-in education at Gibson Athletic. Early Competitor (Level 1-6) – GIBSON SUMMIT GRIPS High Bar (boys), Ring (boys), Uneven Bar (girls) The SUMMIT straight silhouette (girls uneven bar, men’s ring) and curved silhouette (boys high bar) dowel grip gives the early competitor the stability to perform skills requiring frequent hand movement. Leather protects from rips, blisters, and calluses. Ring & Uneven Bar Measure: from base of palm to tip of longest finger. Fit: two grip holes should slide only to first knuckle of middle and fourth finger (hand will not extend flat). High Bar Measure: from base of palm to center of middle finger (exact middle between two joints) Fit: three grip holes should slide to second knuckle of index thru fourth fingers. Options, size chart, and break-in education at Gibson Athletic. REISPORT, “the world’s most popular grips”, are for gymnasts who have refined their skills. Gibson is the exclusive Reisport importer in North America, (as well as Central and South America). Advanced Gymnast (Level 6+) – REISPORT GRIPS High Bar (men), Ring (men), Uneven Bar (women) The REISPORT straight silhouette (women’s uneven bar, men’s ring) and curved silhouette (men’s high bar) dowel grips provide the advanced gymnast stability and protection from rips, blisters, and calluses with premium leather and Switzerland’s best-engineered high-performance styles. Options, size chart, and break-in education at Gibson Athletic or Reisport USA– ReisportUSA . Elevated Gymnast (Level 9+) – REISPORT PROTEC GRIPS High Bar (men), Ring (men), Uneven Bar (women) The REISPORT PROTEC straight silhouette (women’s uneven bar, men’s ring) and curved silhouette (men’s high bar) dowel grips are the strongest grips available for top-level gymnasts. Manufactured from a durable leather laminate that is triple the strength of ordinary leather, grips stretch less than 1% (compared to 4% for natural leather). Long-lasting protection from rips, blisters, and calluses in Switzerland’s best-engineered high-performance styles. Elite (hook-and-loop) and Hyper (double buckle) Protec styles, size chart, and break-in education at Gibson Athletic or Reisport USA– ReisportUSA. Grips that are used regularly should be replaced at least every six months (more often if under frequent rigorous activity). Always keep a backup pair of grips on hand.
WHY USE GRIPS

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WHY USE GRIPS

by Kim Magee on Feb 07 2023
While not required in artistic gymnastics, most gymnasts prefer wearing grips to taping their hands. The purpose is to provide a firm grasp and to avoid hand rips, calluses, and blisters when performing and perfecting skills on bars and rings. Leather grips cover varying degrees of the palm of the hand and come in dowel and non-dowel styles, each designed for a specific type of activity. Secured with a band at the wrist, the grip leather extends to two or three finger holes that fit to the first or second knuckle, dependent upon the type. The dowel is stitched near the finger portion of the leather to allow for a better grip on the bar or rings. Grips for women are specific to Uneven Bars, whereas men’s grips are tailored for the High Bar and Still Rings. Grips that are used regularly should be replaced at least every six months. Always keep a backup pair of grips on hand.

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THE GIBSON LEGACY

by Ryan Jendreas on Jan 31 2023
                                                THE GIBSON LEGACY  The Gibson Athletic legacy began 45 years ago here in Colorado. Since that time, we have become the leading expert on gymnastics grips.  With multiple grip styles available for every phase of the gymnast’s advancement, our assortment graduates from non-dowel Rainbow Grips (for true beginners) to Just Right Grips for those new to bars and rings, to Summit Grips for early-stage competitors.  Not only do we pride ourselves in manufacturing top quality USA-made Gibson grips, but we are also the exclusive resource for world-renowned Swiss Reisport grips in North America (as well as Central and South America).   Reisport is perhaps the best-known name in the sport of artistic gymnastics. Elite athletes the world over trust their performance to the expert workmanship that is Reisport.   For men, the line includes High Bar and Ring Grips in premium-quality leather. In addition, extra-strong Protec Elite and Hyper editions are offered in laminated leather that stretches no more than 1%, providing confidence through the strength and stability of a tried-and-true Swiss-made classic.   For women, Reisport offers Uneven Bar Grips, as well as the durable Hyper and Elite editions. All Reisport grips are manufactured under the strictest specifications using only the finest quality leather.   Gibson’s dedicated customers include elite athletes, Olympic gymnasts, and beginner to intermediate gymnastics enthusiasts.   Quite simply, our grips are a gymnast’s best friend.   We continually endeavor to provide guidance, safety, and support to our athletes and those who equip them.   We support the gymnasts of today and generations to come, and we are always on a mission to bring fresh improvements to our line.  CPG Fitness, LLC provides the foundation for these iconic brands: Gibson Athletic, Reisport (in the Americas), RAGE Fitness, and Moving Mountains