This post is to let anyone who is interested, in trying out a medical tape called HypaFix to use as a replacement for NuSkin or court plaster to cover sore spots on the thumb.  HypaFix is a thin, flexible white tape that I learned about when I attended a Ritger Clinic.  It was used by the instructor, Bob Rea, to cover sore spots on the students thumbs since we were bowling about 10-12 games per day for four days and many of the students were not used to that amount of games.  I found that it helped to prevent any blisters from forming, much like NuSkin, but it did not have to be reapplied as often as NuSkin.  I always had the problem with the NuSkin wearing away after bowling for awhile but the HypaFix tape held up and was easy to apply.  

I have also heard that some bowlers use the tape to facilitate a quicker, cleaner release.  I am not using it for that purpose so cannot comment on that use of it.

I purchased a  2 inch x 10 yards roll of HypaFix tape and found that I am probably not going to use it all up for quite a while since I am only cutting out a ½ inch wide piece of the tape to use on my thumb each time.  So if anyone wants to try a sample of the HypaFix tape, I am willing to mail out a sample, if you send me a mailing address by message.  If you wish to purchase HypaFix tape, please call the manufacturer at 1-800-876-1261 to find the nearest outlet.  It may be available in a medical supply store.  I am not associated with the company nor do I sell it.  Since I am not as knowledgeable as others on this site about different balls, ball drillings, or bowling tips, this is my way of helping out.  

After you try the tape out, please post back here and let others know your findings, good and bad, about the tape.  That way, other bowlers can use that information to their benefit.  ______________________________________________________________________

I had originally posted the above in the Misc Bowling forum early last year.  I still have some tape left if anyone else wants to try a sample of it, just send me a mailing address by PM here.  

This tape is also useful for when you are just breaking in a Magic Carpet for the first time.  It helps relieve the initial tenderness that you may experience on the back of the thumb from the Magic Carpet, especially if you are a first time user of the Magic Carpet.

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Edited to add:

Best way to use Hypafix tape is to apply it lengthwise on your thumb, not wrapped around like a ring, and whenever possible to anchor one end on the nail.  It should last at least two to four games but may not stick as well on people with real sweaty hands.

Edited again to add:
Available on the internet:

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/21stmed/hypdresretta.html

http://www.wecarepharmacy.com/hypafix.html

http://woundcareshop.safeshopper.com/109/cat109.htm?788

http://www.psychosomatic-medicine.com/vitality-medical/product-details/UNS4209.html

http://www.etrode.com/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=19467


NOTE: I have not ordered from any of the above sites, just found them by using Google.

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Other tapes are available which may work better for you.  HypaFix is really thin so would be good for someone with a tight thumbhole or really swollen thumb.  If you have the room for other tapes, some alternatives are:

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I found that the HypaFix peeled away from my skin fairly quickly, probably because I'm applying it to the inside of my thumb, to cover a callous I get there. It's difficult to get the tape to lie completely flat.

I've been using an alternative for a few months now, called Perfect Patch, by Ebonite. It's much stronger than the other tapes I've used (although I haven't tried the Vise tapes yet), and the adhesive is very sticky, almost too sticky. When you're done, you have to peel it off your thumb, and some adhesive residue gets left behind. That's no big deal for me.

Perfect Patch comes in 10-to-a-pack polybags. They're 3" long, so I cut them in half, which gives me 20 tapes per bag. It's available from Bowlingindex.com for $3.50 per bag.
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seadrive

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I have some ABS tape which looks very close to the Vise. The ABS tape will last until you take it off. I anchor it to my thumbnail and only have it on the back of my thumb. It's too slick to wrap the whole way around my thumb. If you like a super tight thumb, you could wrap the tape on both side of your thumb and still get a clean release. The HypaFix is thinner and falls apart after 3-5 games. I only use the tape if I've been bowling a lot and my thumb is a little raw, and I have to bowl a long game format tourney. I prefer to use nothing, but I'd rather protect my thumb than take a chance of it tearing.
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Penn State Proud
Strider
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Start the tape at the tip of your thumb and back. Covering the whole thumbnail. That'll stop the tape rolling off.
You can use 2 layers if you're playing more than 3 games.
I've use it for about 4 years and have no problem.
I also have a Canadian source which you can buy from if you wish to purchase them.

http://regencymedicalsupplies.supersites.ca/
Hypafix 2"X10yds (10m X 5 cm) C$ 9.89/roll

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baiki

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From Excaliber:
I wanted to try various tapes for a long time and never did because I know how much my hand sweats while I bowl. I mentioned this to a few guys from Vise. They hooked me up with a bottle of some stuff called "Benzoine Tincture" (probably spelled wrong). This stuff is actually used to stop spreading of cold sores. Clean the area where you want the tape, apply the Benzoine Tincture (I keep Q tips in my accessory bag) where you are going to put the tape wait about 15 seconds for it dry and then put the tape on.

I could only get roughly 3-5 frames before tape would start falling off....I can bowl 10 games and the tape stays on now. The only other thing I had to do other than applying the Benzoine Tincture is round off the square edges of the tape.

I have found this stuff in local grociery stores/ pharmacies for $4-$6 a bottle. It is well worth it and a bottle will last you a long time.

Hope this info helps.

-EX-

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I just want 2C was'zzub.
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I am the SGT Schultz of bowling.
"I know nothing!"




Edited on 8/30/2004 5:26 PM

Edited on 10/29/2004 10:38 PM

Edited on 7/19/2005 5:11 PM

Duke,

I see the same thing here.  It works great for me and several others but for a few it doesnt seem to want to stick for long.  It seems to be mainly due to heavy perspiration.  Sometimes it is because the tape was not applied properly (lengthwise) but was put on around the thumb like a ring.

That's why I am willing to send out samples so that someone doesnt spend $15 on something that wont work for them.
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I just want 2C was'zzub.
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I am the SGT Schultz of bowling.
"I know nothing!"