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.
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Amended to add:
Apply the tape lengthwise on the thumb with both ends rounded off, covering the sore spot or area you feel is rubbing, anchoring one end on the thumbnail if possible. Do not apply it wrapped around the thumb like a ring as it will peel off quickly. If one end does start to lift, try reapplying it at a different angle or with the lifting edge on a different part of your thumb. Hope this helps.
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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. There are other tapes out by other manufacturers to use on the thumb or fingers and if you want to, please post any comments about them here also. This should not include tapes that are inserted into the thumb or finger holes for gripping or fitting use.
Edited on 7/1/2003 4:48 PM