Blisters

When riding, the raised area's of your palm or finger surface are susceptible to friction from your gloves and grips. Friction equals heat (hot spots) and the irritated skin begins to separate. A blister occurs when the outer (epidermis) layer of the skin separates from the fiber layer (dermis), and the buffer is filled with fluid. The is our enemy, the friction blister.

Sweat and moisture only worsen the problem by softening the skin and increasing friction.

To prevent blisters, you need ride a lot to build up calluses. In the absence of calluses; blisters can be prevented by flattening out the raised areas, reducing moisture, and reducing friction.

How?

Blister Prevention

Fingers/Phalanges

If you're gloves aren't protecting your fingers from constant clutch and front brake usage, tape is hands down the best option

  • Proper form fitting flexible tape protects your fingers and doesn't restrict movement.
  • Our finger & thumb tape comes in convenient pre-cut 4" long pieces.
  • During application, don't preload the tape as it stretches and you want to utilize the flex when bending fingers.
  • Our tape sticks incredibly well to itself and won't peel off under usage as directed.
  • For best results, watch application video
Application Video

Thumbs

Thumbs can blister in several locations, including the dreaded "Yamathumb".

A combination of tape and grip donuts will prevent thumb blisters of all types.

  • Our 2" wide finger & thumb tape is 4" long and will protect the thumb.
  • During application, don't preload the tape as it stretches and you want to utilize the flex when flexing your thumb.
  • For best results, watch application video
  • Combo up with a some of our fun grip donuts to pad your thumb from rubbing on the grip.
Application Video

Calluses

Gloves: The wrong gloves can be a large part of the problem here, but the perfect glove to hard to come by. The perfect glove would be form fitting to the palm without bunching and that has good ventilation to help keep your hands dry. Many choose a minimalistic glove as the padded ones tend to bunch up and create more friction.

Padded Palm Protectors: Easy to put on, effective, and affordable. Ours are $6 and will last quite a while. Personal preference on these, as they can be awkward to get used to. They can feel bulky to some riders, and can bunch up with the wrong setup. They tend to lose effectiveness as the race/ride gets longer and more demanding.

Tape: Many shy away from tape for various reasons. Maybe because improperly applied tape, or the wrong tape can bunch up. Or it takes to long to apply. Or if your hands sweat more than normal, they create moisture that affects the adhesive and the tape peels up, making matters worse.

Our tape, conveniently cut in 6" lengths, if properly applied works great here. It flattens out the raised areas, reduces friction, and isn't bulky. You can combine tape with your favorite gloves and even palm protectors if you like. But if you're not willing to take the time to do it properly, than taping isn't for you. If you have hands that sweat more than normal, using a pre-tape spray adhesive (we offer Mueller Tuffner in our store) can help maximize the adhesion of our tape.

For best results, watch application video.

Our choice: Minimal protection when play riding, to build up calluses. When racing; form fitting tape across the calluses to flatten out the raised areas to reduce friction, topped with form fitting minimalist gloves that don't bunch up and breathe to reduce moisture. Gloves with a Velcro closure are easier to use with tape, as they are not as tight going on.

Application Video

Palm

See above for calluses.

Same applies here, just different tape placement over the focus area.

For best results, watch application video

Application Video
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