by BMac » Mon Feb 04, 2008 10:30 pm
Without diving into whether you should or shouldn't use tape, I recommend using cloth sport tape for those who want to use tape. I find it forms to my fingers and stays put better than medical tapes or anything else. I've tried white and black and don't recall any performance differences. I'd prefer black ... to look more like a ninja than a burn victim ... but usually only find white available. I use it only to halt the progression of existing injuries ... and it works great. So look more to the sporting section in the store than the medical ... although it sometimes is found in both. Unfortunately, if I've got any trace of lotion or shea butter or whatever on my hands ... this tape won't stick but can wrap around and grab itself ... somewhat.
This tape comes in wide rolls and is easy to tear. You don't need any scissors. You can tear it to split the width so the roll provides more than one available strip at varying widths according to your preference for different fingers etc. I do find it takes a couple of layers to stay put so I roll it twice across a finger section or spiral it across a joint from one section to the next if needed.
As far as function over fashion goes, I think tape looks like crap no matter what you do or what color you use. I find it more necessary in winter than summer ... its' need is a function of both temperature and humidity. My two year old son, on the other hand, insists on taping up if I'm wearing tape when we play even though he's never got any cracks. I've tried reasoning with him but the boy doesn't listen.
Cheers
BMac