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

Baiki, Jerry Weller, Oli, Joe Falco, Phydo_mo, Bjaardker, and Magic Carpet,

Thanks for the feedback.

To anyone else who has already received samples, 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.

If anyone else wants to try a sample, message me with your mailing address.

MI_2_AZ, First of all "THANK YOU"!!!!!! for the tape.

 I received mine Thursday. This stuff is great.

 It does take some getting used to as I was afraid of dropping the ball as it slides off the ball so easy. I used it on my thumb, instead of putting in the ball.

The only thing is I wish it came in 1" width. I ordered the 2" just a little while ago.

Again Thanks for this post and the sample.

Edited on 6/6/2003 7:18 PM

I agree, Baiki.  While I suppose it could be put into the thumbhole, it probably doesnt have enough stiffness to enable it to be applied easily.  And as thin as it is, the best use for putting it into the thumbhole would be to get out of the thumbhole easier/faster.  You would not be using it to snug up the fit.

pnj1967, you are welcome.  Thanks for providing that link earlier.  It will enable people to see what the tape looks like.  

Has anyone tried to use it in the thumbhole and what were the results?

rbob300, sample mailed.

gla5560, sample mailed.

Tape should stay in place until you remove it. It may thin out after 6 games or so. That's when you layer it for more games.

Why is it not staying?

My problem is it rolls up if not placed over the nail to the tip of the thumb.

I bowled a 10 game "swiss tournamet" with the tape and have no trouble.

MI_2_AZ

You have given away our edge. Now we have to find another bowling aid.


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baiki

Finally got a chance to try the tape.  Thanks again Gary.

I put a strip on the back of my thumb anchoring it to my thumbnail.  It conforms to the shape of the thumb easily.  Overall thickness is close to one piece of thin black tape (I give AMF black tape "The Bowlers Tape" a thickness of 1, Donkee black tape a 3, and white textured tape a 4).  The HypaFix Tape is smooth and "cottony", not tacky, but not slick either.  I only used it one game because I forgot about it until then.  Once you get your thumbhole to the correct snugness, you'll never know the HpyaFix tape is even there.  After one game, one edge started to fray just a little, but I think it would held up for at least 3 games.  Bonus: the stuff has the perfect amount of adhesive.  It stays in place, but it doesn't leave any residue on your thumb, nor does it try to remove any hair you might have there.

A also have some ABS tape.  If feels a bit like gauze, and looks just like the Vicegrip tape (TT-25) http://www.viseinserts.com/tapes.htm.  I still haven't tested it yet, so I can't compare it to the HypaFix tape.  It does look a bit thicker than the Hypafix.
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Strider
Penn State Proud
Teamwork is a lot of people doing what I say.