Consult with your instructor or coach regarding when to buy grips and if you are to have dowel or non-dowel grips.
Beginner grips (non-dowel grips) are soft leather palm guards covering the palms to reduce the potential for "rips" and are designed for gymnasts who are new to the bars.
Dowel grips are used by advanced gymnasts and are designed for usage on specific apparatus. Dowel grips help gymnasts have a better hold on the bar during circling skills and catching release moves.
Ladies uneven bars grips can only be used on the uneven bars.
Men's rings grips can only be used on the rings.
Men's high bar grips can only be used on the high bar.
Grips come in sizes and each manufacturer sizes their grips differently. Use the proper sizing guide for the grips that you are ordering and take measurements carefully and correctly.
Measurements are only an approximate guide for ordering grips. Check with your coach as to the correct size and proper fit before using new grips.
Do not cut or pull the finger holes. Use sandpaper to lightly sand the lower portion of the finger hole to enlargen the finger hole only if necessary.
Do not get your grips wet as this will cause the leather to stretch and stiffen.
Use a grip brush to gently remove excess chalk and to brush up the nap of the leather when needed.
Wristbands are worn under beginner and dowel grips for comfort and to protect wrists from chafing. There are two types of wristbands available - cotton and neoprene- and it is only a matter of preference by the gymnast as to which one to use. Some grips come with built-in neoprene wristbands such as the Millennium Two grip.
Gymnast should not wear or borrow other gymnast's grips. As grips are broken in, they form to exactly fit a gymnast's hand and will never fit or feel right to another gymnast.
Gymnasts generally need to replace their grips every 6-12 months. Periodically check your grips and should the leather become stretched, thin, ripped or torn, you need to discard them immediately and replace them with new grips.
Beware of "Grips Law". If a grip is going to rip, it will do so the day of the meet or the day before the meet. Be prepared and break in a spare pair of grips before competition season.
WARNING - Because of the nature of the sport, the possibility of injury is inherent in gymnastics. Gymnastic equipment is intended for use only by properly trained and qualified participants under supervised conditions. Know your limitations and the limitations of your equipment. Keep your equipment in good condition.
