I need some opinions on the skin-patch like tape products from Turbo 2-n-1, Vise, etc... I'm recovering from skin graft surgery on my thumb and it's near ready for practice. However, the skin is so smooth and slick that I get no traction to hang on to the ball. In the past I have used Turbo's Smooth Patch tape, but since lack of friction is the problem, what do BR members recommend (mint green Turbo F300 Fitting Tape, Vise Bio-Skin Pro, etc...)? Thanks!

Ken


Edited on 6/20/2005 8:43 AM

Edited on 6/20/2005 8:48 AM

Ken,

I'm thinking it's not traction you need but size. The back of the thumb and the inside of the hole where it rubs should not have a lot of friction. Tape that goes on your thumb might help you, but you may need a smaller thumb hole right now.

I have tried Vise-Grip Hava Tape, and EBonite's Protecting tape. I prefer Ebonite's. The outside surface is a lot like a textured piece of cloth, bu tit is not sticky. It has protected my thumb a lot this year,so much so that I think I lost callous and I no longer need to go to a larger sized thumb insert for the Summer when it gets hot and humid here in Jersey. I had done that for the past two years, change the thumb insert to the next larger size for the SUmmer. Do not need to do that anymore.


I use this Ebonite:

http://www.buddiesproshop.com/product/678/Ebonite+Protecting+Tape.htm

There's a medical tape called HypaFix that is very good also but it is very thing, more like a 2nd skin:

http://www.allegromedical.com/wound_care/tape/smith_nephew/hypafix_dressing_retention_tape.P191526

Above all, clean your thumb with alcohol before applying any thumb tape; it removes skin oils and helps the tape stick a lot longer. Also apply the tape to the bottom of your thumb nail, then drape it down your thumb as far as desired, based on the length of the piece. 2" is long enough for most people.


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