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So i recently went out and purchased 2 "What-a-Grip"s after searching for an anti turtling device here on these forums. I was frustrated with using a bandage wrap. The variability in the amount of pressure the wrap was applying made me afraid i was going to cause some damage to my member. I was also using a disposable wrap that was slightly more comfortable, but i was blwoing through rolls of the wrap every other day. I needed a better sollution. I did some searching and had my mind set on a What-a-grip. I made a few calls and found them at Dunham's sports for about 5$ a piece.
When i returned home i was puzzled as to how to put the thing on. I didn't find too much advice on how to use it on the forums. I read posts of users who were at the point of giving up after spending some time trying to get the device on with no success. I thought that there was a bit of a need for someone to further explain the process of getting one of these buggers on. So i undertook the task myself. With some brainstorming this is what i've come up with after reading some of the other suggestions on these and other forums.
Anyways, here goes...
What is a What-a-Grip?
A what a grip (click for device page) is a rubbery sleeve that was originally designed to be placed over tennis racket handles to enhance the grip. Some members here use the device with ulterior motives in mind - it makes a perfect anti-turtle device.
I've had mine for a little over a week now. The learning period for me was about 24 hours. After that, the device is so comfortable you literally completely forget it's on. I've even fallen asleep with it on (NOT RECOMMENDED) several times because i forgot i had it on. When i woke up, i had absolutely no problems, but all night wrapping is not something i'd like to mess around with. The risks are far to great.
The first thing i found out was that the grips do require a bit of stretching before you can even think about trying to put them on. This is where most users struggle which in turn makes putting the device on a major headache (to both heads!). I believe this method of stretching and application is one that nearly anyone can use or modify in order to be sure that putting on their What-a-Grip becomes a painless frustration free process!
First thing's first; I would recommend reading some background info on wrapping and the benefits it provides if done properly. I don't intend on covering any of that here. That being said, I'll assume you've done so and we'll continue.
Why two What-a-Grips?
I personally prefer two What-a-Grips, although I've had two all along so that opinion may be a bit biased. I initially bought two because i expected to destroy one in the learning process. Fortunately i found this method early on while both grips were still intact (these things are pretty durable i may add). Now, I use two because it allows me the ability to have one grip stretching while i'm wearing the other. That way if i come for a quick shower, i always can take the one off that i'm wearing and have one pre-stretched waiting for me when i'm ready to re-apply.
I just bought one and i'm excited, tell me how to put it on!
Slow down killer, i mentioned that these things need to be stretched. I stretched mine for a full 12 hours before i even tried to put it on. It really does make a difference. I find that mine are nearly impossible to put on if i forget to put it on my stretching setup the night before.
Ok, the part you've all been waiting for. My simple method (really not too genious) that makes putting on the What-a-Grip a breeze.
How to stretch your What-a-Grip
First off, open the package and discard all the other garbage they give you besides the sleeve.
Next, find a stretching device. You want to aim for something a bit larger than a pop can in girth but a bit longer in length. You can adjust your stretcher size as needed if your What-a-Grip is too constricting even after you've stretched it for a good period. Personally, i use the bottle for my contact solution:
good2.jpg
It has the perfect length (almost the exact same length of the grip, about 15 cm) and the girth is right where i need it to be.
The girth of my bottle (just under 6 cm in diameter) can be seen below. I'm about 5.5+ inches in circumference. As i mentioned earlier, you may need to adjust the size of your stretching piece as necessary.
good1.jpg
Now decide if you want the rubbery side of the grip to be in contact with your skin, or if you want the cloth/spongy side to be in contact with your skin. I prefer the cloth/spongy side. The packaging said something about the grip being able to absorb sweat. I'd assume that these properties apply to the side of the grip that would usually be in contact with your sweating hand while gripping the racket. I thought that this added benefit will help to keep the area dry. You may want to do a trial of both and see what works for you.
Anyways, if you want the cloth/spongy side to be in contact with your skin, you want to turn your device inside out (if it isn't already) so that the spongy surface is on the inner part of the grip and the rubbery side is exposed on the outer part of the grip.
Next, with the index and middle fingers of both hands, i insert all four fingers in the grip and stretch the grip open wide enough to fit over the end of the contact solution bottle.
IMG_0159.jpg
If possible, don't stop here. Continue to work the grip all the way onto the bottle until none of the grip is left hanging of the end. This can take a bit of muscle. I place my bottle on the counter and pull the edge of the grip down towards the bottom of the bottle using the four fingers as described above.
IMG_0160.jpg
Try to get the grip completely smoothed out before proceeding on to the next step.
Now start at the top of the bottle and roll the grip down using your index finger and thumb.
IMG_0161.jpg
When i returned home i was puzzled as to how to put the thing on. I didn't find too much advice on how to use it on the forums. I read posts of users who were at the point of giving up after spending some time trying to get the device on with no success. I thought that there was a bit of a need for someone to further explain the process of getting one of these buggers on. So i undertook the task myself. With some brainstorming this is what i've come up with after reading some of the other suggestions on these and other forums.
Anyways, here goes...
What is a What-a-Grip?
A what a grip (click for device page) is a rubbery sleeve that was originally designed to be placed over tennis racket handles to enhance the grip. Some members here use the device with ulterior motives in mind - it makes a perfect anti-turtle device.
I've had mine for a little over a week now. The learning period for me was about 24 hours. After that, the device is so comfortable you literally completely forget it's on. I've even fallen asleep with it on (NOT RECOMMENDED) several times because i forgot i had it on. When i woke up, i had absolutely no problems, but all night wrapping is not something i'd like to mess around with. The risks are far to great.
The first thing i found out was that the grips do require a bit of stretching before you can even think about trying to put them on. This is where most users struggle which in turn makes putting the device on a major headache (to both heads!). I believe this method of stretching and application is one that nearly anyone can use or modify in order to be sure that putting on their What-a-Grip becomes a painless frustration free process!
First thing's first; I would recommend reading some background info on wrapping and the benefits it provides if done properly. I don't intend on covering any of that here. That being said, I'll assume you've done so and we'll continue.
Why two What-a-Grips?
I personally prefer two What-a-Grips, although I've had two all along so that opinion may be a bit biased. I initially bought two because i expected to destroy one in the learning process. Fortunately i found this method early on while both grips were still intact (these things are pretty durable i may add). Now, I use two because it allows me the ability to have one grip stretching while i'm wearing the other. That way if i come for a quick shower, i always can take the one off that i'm wearing and have one pre-stretched waiting for me when i'm ready to re-apply.
I just bought one and i'm excited, tell me how to put it on!
Slow down killer, i mentioned that these things need to be stretched. I stretched mine for a full 12 hours before i even tried to put it on. It really does make a difference. I find that mine are nearly impossible to put on if i forget to put it on my stretching setup the night before.
Ok, the part you've all been waiting for. My simple method (really not too genious) that makes putting on the What-a-Grip a breeze.
How to stretch your What-a-Grip
First off, open the package and discard all the other garbage they give you besides the sleeve.
Next, find a stretching device. You want to aim for something a bit larger than a pop can in girth but a bit longer in length. You can adjust your stretcher size as needed if your What-a-Grip is too constricting even after you've stretched it for a good period. Personally, i use the bottle for my contact solution:
good2.jpg
It has the perfect length (almost the exact same length of the grip, about 15 cm) and the girth is right where i need it to be.
The girth of my bottle (just under 6 cm in diameter) can be seen below. I'm about 5.5+ inches in circumference. As i mentioned earlier, you may need to adjust the size of your stretching piece as necessary.
good1.jpg
Now decide if you want the rubbery side of the grip to be in contact with your skin, or if you want the cloth/spongy side to be in contact with your skin. I prefer the cloth/spongy side. The packaging said something about the grip being able to absorb sweat. I'd assume that these properties apply to the side of the grip that would usually be in contact with your sweating hand while gripping the racket. I thought that this added benefit will help to keep the area dry. You may want to do a trial of both and see what works for you.
Anyways, if you want the cloth/spongy side to be in contact with your skin, you want to turn your device inside out (if it isn't already) so that the spongy surface is on the inner part of the grip and the rubbery side is exposed on the outer part of the grip.
Next, with the index and middle fingers of both hands, i insert all four fingers in the grip and stretch the grip open wide enough to fit over the end of the contact solution bottle.
IMG_0159.jpg
If possible, don't stop here. Continue to work the grip all the way onto the bottle until none of the grip is left hanging of the end. This can take a bit of muscle. I place my bottle on the counter and pull the edge of the grip down towards the bottom of the bottle using the four fingers as described above.
IMG_0160.jpg
Try to get the grip completely smoothed out before proceeding on to the next step.
Now start at the top of the bottle and roll the grip down using your index finger and thumb.
IMG_0161.jpg
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