Top gymnasts around the world trust Reisport grips, but even the best hand guards only perform as intended when used correctly. A grip that's the wrong size, worn on the wrong knuckle, or broken in the wrong way isn't just uncomfortable — it can become a real safety risk on the apparatus.
At www.meliz.gr, we want every gymnast to get the most out of their equipment, so we've put together this simple, practical guide based on Reisport's official Instructions for Use. Whether you train on the horizontal bar, rings, or uneven bars, here's how to fit, adjust, and care for your grips.
Choosing the Right Size
The first step to safe training is a correctly sized grip. Your Reisport grips should sit snugly on your hand without being so loose that they shift during a routine or so tight that they restrict movement. Getting the size right from the start is the foundation of everything else in this guide.
How Far Should Grips Sit on Your Fingers?
This is one of the most important — and most overlooked — details. Different apparatus require a different fit:
- Grips for the horizontal bar should be worn only up to the second knuckle.
- Grips for the rings and uneven bars should be worn only up to the first knuckle.
Never pull your grips further than this. Wearing grips too far up the fingers is unsafe and poses a serious risk of accidents and injury. If you've ever seen a photo of grips pulled all the way over the fingers, that's exactly what not to do.
Adjusting the Finger Holes
If the finger holes on your new grips feel a little too small, don't force them and don't reach for the nearest blade. Reisport recommends gently enlarging the holes with fine emery paper (sandpaper).
⚠️ Do not use knives or scissors. Cutting the leather compromises the grip's integrity and can lead to accidents.
Never Cut the Dowel
The dowel (the small roll of leather that helps you grip the bar) is a key part of the grip's function. Never cut it off. If the dowel is removed, the leather can stretch and expand over time, increasing the risk of an accident. Leave the dowel exactly as it comes.
Breaking In Your Reisport Grips — Without Water
New leather grips need to be broken in so they mould to your hands and the apparatus. Here's the golden rule:
Do not use water to break in your grips.
Water makes leather hard and brittle, and can cause it to tear. Instead, Reisport recommends performing your grips using standing gymnastic equipment such as wall bars (the "rolls"). Working the leather this way shapes the grip naturally and keeps it strong and flexible — ready for training.
Swiss Quality You Can Trust
Reisport grips are manufactured 100% in Switzerland using only the finest-quality leather and meet strict specifications. The equipment is developed in cooperation with the Swiss National Gymnastic Team, and Reisport is recognized worldwide as a leader in the quality, craftsmanship, and technology of gymnastics equipment.
A Few Final Safety Reminders
Before every session, take a moment to look after your gear:
- ✅ Read and follow the instructions that come with your grips.
- ✅ Check and test your leather before every use ("prove your grips before using").
- ⚠️ Remember that the manufacturer cannot accept liability for accidents caused by improper use of the equipment.
Good grips are an investment in your training — treat them well, use them as intended, and they'll take care of you on the apparatus.
Shop Reisport Grips at www.meliz.gr
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