Switching To Leather?

[Crotchulla]

I was just wondering if/when you guys changed over to leather wraps. I use "ironmind" wraps that are an extra 2 inches long (yeah, my calcualtions were off) for DO and I can bend a 5.5" G5 with no problem. When I try the G8 the tops of my fingers start to go numb but it doesn't really hurt my palms, too much. For DU I use "ironmind" pads (got the measurments right this time) and it doesn't hurt at all, but I'm only at a blue nail right now. I'm guessing since you get to wrap your whole hand around the bar it doesn't bother me. Should I take the time to find/order some leather to work with, or is it a strength thing or mental thing?

[Soilworker]

Try it and find out. You may find leather gives you an advantage leverage wise. Of course, if you can instantly bend more when you switch to leather, then it really isn't a strength thing, is it?

[Cannon]

Try some leather and don't look back. Like Soilworker said, you'll likely see some sort of instant gain from the leather. The wonderful thing is you'll find another wall to hit REALLY quickly. The difference, I think, is that with leather you can push on a bar with every bit of life in your body without destroying your hands. This is a phenomenal training tool for building strength. Then take your new strength and bend whatever you want with whatever you want.

[gripmaniac]

I started using leather about the same time I got to G5's.

I've found it more comfortable at the crushdown stage.

Crushing down stuff that is harder than a G5 sure mangles IM pads fairly quick

Dave

[Tim71]

Hey,

Funny you should post this. I just switched wraps last night with tremendous success. Experiment with different kinds and sizes of leather, you won't regret it.

I've went from washcloths to dishtowels to small leather wraps to thick wraps to my new ones. Finally my new wraps are great! My previous wraps probably broke the "not assist by adding leverage" rule and I knew it and it always bugged me.

My point is, experiment with different size wraps if you want, and different types and thicknesses and finishes of leather. My new wraps are a perfect balance. They don't hinder me but they don't do the work for me either and most importantly this was my first excellent bending session that wasn't followed by agonizing pain. But it took me several tries to get just the right leather. If you get leather and it don't feel right, try another kind. Leather can very as much as the steel we're bending.

Good luck!

Tim

[diesel]

Of course, if you can instantly bend more when you switch to leather, then it really isn't a strength thing, is it?

word soil. crotchulla, be wary of "overnight wonder" bending. you need to make sure you are getting stronger, physically and mentally. sounds like your hands just need to get a little more accustomed to the stress that the G8 puts on your fingers. i think you'll know when you need to make the switch to leather for safety's sake (you'll be thinking, "how in hell are my fingers not broken?")