The Black Stuff

[Eazzy]

Alright, im giving in and would like to try some new grip techniques..

I have always been a tape and chalk kind of person, and it was my view for a while that chalking and other grip techniques come from weak grip strength..My hands tend to sweat ALOT when I jump and im getting tired of the chalk so im looking for some new techniques.

What is the black tar looking substance that Isinbayeva and Hooker use? it can be seen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwJsmDowiYU&feature=fvst

Let me know if you can determine what it is, and if its even "buy-able" or if it is like what Brad Walker uses where he makes it himself.
Thanks!

[botakatobi]

Historically the following have been used:

Black cloth backed friction tape. Applied normally or reversed. If reversed, tape is often sprinkled with Ronsinol (sp) lighter fluid to make the adhesive stickier. Ron Morris, Silver medal 1960 Olympics used Sterno on tape on cold days.

Double sided tape. Same lighter fluid as above.

Regular athletic tape. Reversed with lighter fluid.

Warning! Don't drop your pole on new mown grass. Also, the tape loves the rubber pebbles on artificial turf.

Get automotive hand cleaner to remove from hands after meet.

[vaultdad]

Has anyone seriously considered the carsenogenic nature of using lighter fluid on an unknown adhesive on the tape?

I know it's your body, and your decision, but you also influence a lot of the younger vaulters when they see you do this.

It's just my opinion, but I think you should consider the health risks.

[botakatobi]

A very good point and I wondered how good the lighter fluid was on my hand.

To my knowledge, no one has ever suffered short or long term effects from it.

Richards, Davies, Uelses, Bragg, Morris and Martin from the 1950's are all alive. They were the world class vaulters from their era who typically used the method.

[straightup]

when you say reversed do you mean put on upside down?

[botakatobi]

Yes.