Whether your daughter is ready for her first set of grips or is in need to update her old pair, it's time for grips! There are a lot of options out there, but here's our recommendations to help simplify the process. Please visit the DGS website via this link: (https://www.gymsupply.com/#a_aid=62f5927416356) webpage that is associated with FGA. From here, you can order all sorts of stuff, including UNEVEN BAR grips! Feel free to peruse the site to see if there’s anything else you may be interested in.

 

As it turns out, many styles of grips can also be found on Amazon! If you are a prime member, this means free shipping and free returns, which unfortunately happens fairly often with getting into a grip that fits and feels right. Plus, it doesn't hurt to have a price comparison. 

 

Measuring for Grips: 

The DGS website as well as Amazon has either measuring charts or instructional videos showing how to properly measure for grips. Grip brands tend to have their own method of sizing and sizing charts. Sizing instructions and charts should be linked with the particular grip that you're looking. If your daughter's hand is between sizes, go with the smaller size as the grips will stretch over time with use. The higher the level of the athlete, the quicker the stretch.

 

Recommended Brands:

Introductory grip (Level 3, 4, Silver, and 1st year Gold): Bailey Beginner Dowel Buckle grips

Next step grip (L. 4, 5, Gold, 6, and 7) (after athlete is accustomed to grips for 1-2 years): Bailie Double Buckle or velcro Grips, or US Glove Hot Shot (double buckle or velcro),

Upper level (Platinum, 6 and up): US Glove integrity RKO Double Buckle or Reisport Double Buckle. We have had positive experiences with both these grips. Other brands are definitely an option and girls may prefer to switch to a velcro grip (hook and loop) version at any time. Velcro grips allow for more frequent and easier adjustment for upper level athletes who know exactly how they like their grips to feel. The hook and loop does break down faster, but not faster than an upper level can wear down the leather. Level 7-10 and diamond athletes ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A NEW BACK UP PAIR OF GRIPS ON  HAND in the case a grip fails or is deemed unsafe for continued use, so practices or competitions can continue with little to no interruption or stress. At these levels, grips will need replaced every 6-12 months depending on grip thickness and usage. It isn't unusual for athletes 14-18 years of age with giant and in-bar circles to go through 2-3 grips per year. 

 

 Once the girls receive their new grips, have them bring them to the gym for us to double check the size and fit, before any attempts at “breaking-in” the grip so they may be returned if the fit is not correct. 

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For safety purposes, please know, that grips with nicks in the side, significantly worn through the center, or have become overly stretched, will not be allowed for use at the moment they are deemed unsuitable. Tearing worn down grips can be a great way to celebrate a well worn grip, before it tears on its own the middle of an element. 

 

The Grip Bag: Wrist Bands, Grips, Tape, and Pre-wrap

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Girls need to purchase appropriately colored wrist bands, FGA colors (bright green, pink, white, or black), to better match competition leo's. Wrist bands have come a long way and range from a basic cotton wrist band to neoprene wrist bands. in our experience, the more simple, the better. Cotton wrist bands go on easy, wash easy and are easily replace. Neoprene tend to be more difficult to put on and off and make it difficult to tighten enough to prevent sliding up the wrist. They can, however be more comfortable for those athletes with ultra sensitive skin. 

 

Grip bags can be ordered online or even be hand made. They are roughly a 10inch by 9-inch draw string bag. The grip bag is also where girls should keep a roll of tape and a roll of pre-wrap on a regular basis. Athletic Tape and Pre-wrap are currently available for purchase at the gym. These items can also be bought locally or through Amazon.  Athletic tape is used at practices for periodic ankle taping, tape grips when the girls experience rips during practice, as well as to help take care of minor bumps and bruises. Band-aids have a hard time holding it together throughout a gymnastics practice :). 

 

Check List:

 

• Order a recommended grip from listed above. double check they are UNEVEN BAR GRIPS as men's high bar and ring grips will not work for women's uneven bars.

• Style: Single Buckle for initial grip, double buckle for second set, and either velcro or double buckle for higher levels (specified above)

• Pink, Green, white or black wrist bands.

• Athletic Tape and Pre-wrap available online or at the gym

• A Grip Bag to make sure it all stays together.