To begin to break in your grips, you will need to soften the stiff leather. Begin by rolling the leather around the dowel and down to the cuff. Roll the leather in both directions - with the dowel facing you and with it facing away from you. Roll each grip several times. You may roll the leather of the wrist cuffs as well if they feel stiff. Never pinch or fold the leather sharply together. The next step is to gently brush the palm of the grip, up and down, with a grip brush. Avoid brushing the edges of the grip, the wrist cuff, and any stitching. You may now begin to use your new grips to swing on a bar, safely and slowly. Take time to break in your grips slowly. Use them for a few minutes to warm up each practice until you are comfortable that they are broken in enough to use for more advanced skills. Always consult your coach if you have any questions.

We do not recommend applying water to your grips. Water will stiffen the leather and shorten the life of your grips. If your grips do accidentally get wet, you may have to repeat the break in process to soften the leather so that the grips will reform to the shape of your hands.

If your grips accidentally get wet, leave them in the open air and lay them flat to dry. Depending on the level of water saturation, you may have to repeat the break in process. Once your grips are dry, soften the leather so that the grips will reform to the shape of your hands.

You do not need to clean your grips. Never use a cleaning solution or disinfectant on your grips. Any chemical will deteriorate the leather and shorten the life of your grips. After breaking them in, with proper use and sweat, your grips will form to the shape of your hands. If you need to remove chalk from your grips, use a grip brush and scrub the palm area of your grip in an upward motion (toward your fingers). Never brush any of the stitching or monofilament line on your grips. Wash or sanitize your hands after using your grips and please make sure to wash your wristbands frequently.

The rolling process to break in the leather should soften the grips to a comfortable fit. Always consult your coach before altering your grips in any way. If the finger holes are still too small, wrap a small piece of sandpaper around a pencil. Use the sandpaper to slowly and carefully sand the inside of the finger holes. Check the fit often during this process. The finger holes should be snug so that the grips do not slip during use. The finger holes should fit at the top joint of the third and fourth finger. Never stretch the opening by pulling and never cut the holes. This can weaken and damage the leather leading to tears and shortening the life of the grips. If you have questions or need help, consult your coach.

Once your grips have been broken in or if you have sanded the finger holes to fit, you should never switch hands. The grips will form to your individual hand, and for your safety, should not be switched or shared with other athletes.

You should inspect your grips often for rips, tears, or stretching of the leather. As you use your grips, the leather will stretch and thin. To ensure your safety, your grips should be replaced when any of the following occurs:

• Your grips shift or move during use. Typically this means the leather has been stretched and should be replaced.
• The leather of your grips overlaps in any area.
• The grips are ripped, cracked, torn or there are signs of the leather thinning significantly.
• The leather has worn smooth and has become slippery.

Grips should be replaced at least every 6 months - possibly more frequently depending on the level of strain and use. Always have an extra pair of grips with you (already broken in) in case your current pair rips, cracks, or breaks during practice.

The plastic inserts that come with your new Tiger Paws are to add more support. Your Tiger Paws may be used with just the foam supports, both the foam and plastic, or without any added support inserts. Tiger Paws are designed to be fully customizable so that you can add and remove support as needed. The plastic and foam inserts may also be ordered separately so that you can replace or add inserts at any time.

You should take your Tiger Paws off before changing the support inserts. At the base of the Tiger Paw, (near the tag) there is an opening for the inserts. Open the compartment at the edge of the velcro. Simply slide the foam or plastic inserts all the way into the compartment and reseal the hook and loop (velcro) closure. When using the waterproof Tiger Paws, we recommend removing the support inserts to let the foam and compartment dry completely before the next use.

You may handwash your Tiger Paws, when needed, in cold water, with Woolite. Blot-dry by placing on a flat surface. Do not dry in direct sunlight.

Tiger Paws can be used to prevent wrist strain and injury in athletics or everyday activity. After injury, Tiger Paws Wrist Supports should be used according to your doctor or physical therapist's recommendations. Tiger Paws help to support your wrists during any high impact activity or any skill that involves wrist extension beyond the normal range of motion. Examples of these skills include: vaulting (especially Yurchenko vaults), tumbling, basing for cheer or stunt, or arm balances. Tiger Paws Wrist Supports can also be used when discomfort is experienced during longer durations of low impact, weight-bearing activity. It is advised that Tiger Paws are used in conjunction with regular wrist strengthening exercises, and should not be used during warm up or conditioning exercises, unless directed by a physician.

It may be time to replace your inserts! Your foam inserts should be replaced after approximately 30 days of use, or with any sign of damage or wear. If you experience any new or worsening wrist pain, be sure to tell your coach and a parent or guardian.