Rubber handle peeling - normal?

[Picaroon]

I just bought a fencing.net electric epee with a rubber handle, and after only 6 bouts at a tournament this morning the surface of the rubber handle is all peeling and blistering like a bad sunburn. Meanwhile the leather glove still looks brand new. Is this normal with rubber handles? Am I supposed to (or should I) tape the handle? And if so what type of tape do I use? I don't really want to spend more time and money sending it back if I don't have to..

[Rockstar44]

Not really unusual with the cheaper grips. Any kind of tape that feels good to you would be acceptable. Tip (gaffer's) tape is what you usually see used. It will peel off regularly also, but it's an easy fix.

[Tomas N]

I bought some grips a couple of years ago for our club (I won't name the supplier, as I can't remember for certain) that literally began to shrivel up and sweat oil after a couple of months. I still have a couple of them in my basement, and they look like I dumped them in a barrel of hot oil. We call them the "oil slick grips."

Don't buy the cheapo grips.

Tomas

[fencerbill]

I just bought a fencing.net electric epee with a rubber handle, and after only 6 bouts at a tournament this morning the surface of the rubber handle is all peeling and blistering like a bad sunburn. Meanwhile the leather glove still looks brand new. Is this normal with rubber handles? Am I supposed to (or should I) tape the handle? And if so what type of tape do I use? I don't really want to spend more time and money sending it back if I don't have to..

I really recommend silicone sealing tape. It sticks to itself and will be a long time, if not permanent, fix. I got mine at Home Depot. Nashua Tape Products Stretch & Seal. No residue if removed. Usually used for electrical sealing, wrapping tool handles, repairing hose, etc.

[Picaroon]

Thanks a lot! I will go to home depot and get that tape.