Let’s face it, training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and grappling can be tough on your body. Typically though, most people think about injuries surrounding the knees or the neck. However, one area that most grapplers will have problems with at some point is the fingers. This is especially the case for those that train in the gi.
In short, if you train long enough, your fingers will take knocks. Imagine shooting for a takedown and your finger jams into a knee. Imagine getting your finger caught in a sleeve. The list is endless – if you train long enough then your fingers will get injured. That’s not even taking into finger-centric guards such as the spider and lasso positions into account.
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Why it’s good to tape your hands in BJJ
People don’t just tape their fingers for the look of it. Instead, the idea is that it tightens your fingers and stops them from getting injured as much. For instance, if you’ve got a bad finger then you can literally tape it to the next finger. This will keep it straight which will make it less likely to stick out and get further injured.
Some people regularly tape their fingers even without an injury as it’s meant to put less pressure on your finger ligaments. Again, this is usually the case with grapplers in the gi. Speaking of which, if you train BJJ for years and grip hard then you may start to get arthritis in your grips. This is sad but true. As a result, taping your fingers when training can ease the pain and take some of the pressure off your joints.
Below, we’ve listed the 7 best finger tape brands to use when training BJJ. In fact, these tapes can be used for other sports such as rock climbing, MMA and golf too.
The criteria we’ve picked these tape brands are as follows:
- Price (affordability and value for money)
- Durability
- Quality
- Style
Gold BJJ finger tape
For those unaware, Gold are a great company that makes all sorts of BJJ products and their finger tape follows the same standards. These are ten yards in length and you can buy them in packs of 3, 6, or 12. The nice thing about their tape is that it lasts during sparring and won’t rip off unlike cheaper brands.
However, it’s also been made in a way that won’t leave sticky adhesive marks on your hand after. This can actually be painful when peeling the tape off hairy hands as it’s more likely to rip the hairs out which is worth noting if you’re particularly hairy.
Monkey BJJ tape
Another company that has made BJJ finger tape for years is Monkey Tape. You may also recognize this tape by its iconic branding on the inner roll. What’s more, this tape is also available in a variety of colors if that’s your thing.
Unlike certain other brands out there, you can also buy Monkey Tape in smaller samples which is nice if you want a small roll or if you’re just wanting to see what it’s like. Another benefit of this tape is that it’s sturdy but also quite flexible when stuck onto your fingers, meaning it won’t cut off your circulation which some firmer tapes can do if they’re on too tight.
Scapa Tape
If you’re truly serious about BJJ and grappling, then Scapa tape may be the best purchase for you. This tape is literally used by the military on guns which says it all. The reason for this is that scapa tape is waterproof, so it is handy for snipers to camouflage their guns with without the tape getting damp and sagging.
Of course, the other benefit of this is that it can literally stick for hours and doesn’t come off easily. You can find scapa tape practically everywhere and it’s usually sold in large rolls which can last you for years.
Hampton Adams BJJ tape
Like many of the tapes previously mentioned, Hampton tape also ticks a lot of boxes. This brand also uses a strong adhesive but is non-stick, whilst also being sweat resistant and doesn’t leave glue on your skin.
In other words, it’s literally built for BJJ and you can roll with peace of mind. The good thing about Hampton finger tape is that it’s also quite a good deal in terms of money so you don’t have to worry about overpaying.
Johnson & Johnson sports tape
Yes, you’ve read that correctly – the health and beauty company Johnson & Johnson actually makes surprisingly good BJJ finger tape. What’s more, it’s also the cheapest tape out there by some distance. In other words, if you’re shopping on a budget then this makes for a very smart purchase.
This tape measures at 10 yards and can be purchased for under $3. It even has basic instructions on the back of the packet on how to use finger tape for wrists and ankles too. In short, it’s a great short-term purchase for grapplers in need of some quick tape.
Armadillo BJJ finger tape
This tape has 15 yards per roll and comes in a pack of six tapes. It is also made of 100% cotton and comes with easy to find edges which means you don’t have to spend ages trying to find the edges when first using the tape.
Another benefit of this brand is that it also offers a 60 day money-back guarantee. Generally, companies that are very proud of their products will do such things so you know the quality is guaranteed with this tape.
Sevensun Finger Sleeves
Throwing something different into the mix, the Sevensun finger sleeves aren’t tape but they basically do the same job and aim at protecting your fingers. These are made from nylon and spandex and place easily over your fingers. What’s more, if your fingers are quite skinny then one sleeve can also fit over two which will help fight off injuries.
These are also highly affordable, don’t slip off your fingers and another hidden benefit is that these will keep your fingers warm whilst training in the cold. Again, this is another good quality when thinking about injuries.
