Grips are leather or suede straps worn over the palms during uneven bars training and competition. Although they provide some protection from "rips"-friction burns that tear through several layers of skin of the palm, their primary purpose is to help the gymnast retain a firm grip on the bar. Beginner gymnasts usually do not need grips at all but most higher-level gymnasts feel more securely in contact with the bar when wearing doweled grips.
Beginner
Beginner competitive gymnasts who want grips should start with basic, flat grips. The leather strap has finger holes that fit at the base of each of the two middle fingers. The leather strap runs down over the palm to provide friction for better contact with the bar and some protection for the skin underneath. However, the grips will not completely prevent rips. Because the leather strap of beginner grips feels just like grabbing the bar with bare hands, only with a layer of thickness intervening, usually the grips do not require an adjustment period. As the grips are broken in, they will lose stiffness and feel more comfortable.
Dowel Grips
Higher-level gymnasts who work on giant swings or harder skills often prefer to use dowel grips to ensure firm contact with the bar. These grips fit over only the top joint of each of the middle fingers and have a small diameter dowel under the leather just below the finger holes. With dowel grips, the gymnast squeezes the bar between the dowel and the heel of her hands, and the leather runs down her fingers and palms to provide a longer surface for friction. Because the grip on the bar feels completely different, most gymnasts need a practice or two to get the hang of swinging bars with dowel grips. It can take up to 10 practices before dowel grips "break-in" to conform to the gymnast's hands and the specific pressure points of her grip on the bars. Because dowel grips conform to their wearer, gymnasts should not share them.
Velcro Closure
Grips close around the wrist with either a Velcro closure or a metal buckle. A tight fit around the wrist prevents the leather in contact with the bar from sliding around during skills. Velcro adjusts infinitely to obtain the perfect fit around the wrist, so factors like changing wrist-bands or swollen wrists will not throw off their fit. The Velcro band can provide a little extra wrist stability. Velcro eventually will wear out and stop sticking.
Buckle Closure
Unlike Velcro, there is no risk that a buckle closure will "unstick" and pop open during a routine. However, the buckle itself can break. Buckle closure grips are more difficult to put on and take off, and they will not fit as perfectly as Velcro. Over time the leather strap and its holes will stretch, compromising the fit.
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