Originally Posted by
Fulcrum
Yeah, its called a thimble? And yes, that would be stupid.
The more your delicate thumb parts crush and flatten out, the more surface area there is to grip the bar's knurl.
And you are are getting "protection" and "grip enhancement" confused.
People tape thumbs for different reasons.
Some it is for protection, you will tear callouses (maybe).
(olympic lifters might be using hook grip for several different exercise per day, several days a week).
Some of it, yes, is for grip.
Those premade thumb sleeves are mostly marketed more for Crossfitters....doing high rep WODs (light weights).
Tape is better.
Tape might help with grip if your gym has a chalk ban.
If you are travelling a lot, it might be a good idea to have a roll of tape in your bag, and know how to use it.
Tape can also help with a torn callous in other places on your hand, and has other uses.
I never done it myself, but I've heard of people filing small grooves into their thumbnails,
or simply scuffing up their thumbnails for more friction.
And even growing their thumbnails out a bit more than normal.