Get the scoop on grip aids from Joel Bretan of Mighty Grip – and find out all about those snazzy new pole dancing gloves!

You manufacture Mighty Grip. How did you get interested in grip aids?

I am an avid racquetball player but I do not like to wear a glove when playing. I found this product on the Internet and liked it so much I bought the patent from the owner as he wanted to retire. We first introduced Mighty Grip to tennis with the help of Billy Jean King. We then gravitated to other sports such as baseball, golf, and even darts. About a year and half ago some one brought to our attention that the ladies were using Mighty Grip for pole dancing. We looked into the situation and found Mighty Grip was a natural for this sport/activity. The rest is history.

Tell us about the different types of grip aids – rosins, resins, and so forth. Where does Mighty Grip fit into all that?

There are many gripping aids on the market and they all have a place. Like rosin is the only agent allowed on a baseball field. Our product can be used by pitchers and fielders but must be applied in the dug out. Since it lasts for quite a while per application that is not a problem. Rosin needs constant reapplication as it is only a drying agent. It does not impart any grip. Pine tar is a resin that gives great grip, but stains and is almost impossible to clean from clothing. If applied to a pole you can throw the pole away after one use. You would need paint thinner to clean it. There are many antiperspirant creams and liquids on the market for gripping, and, for those that have a condition such as Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), they are excellent. There are also chalks (magnesium carbonate) that are used by gymnasts, but that affords the user the ability to slide and can be too slippery for a pole.

I like to think that Mighty Grip is something in-between all these products. It does impart a certain amount of tack when the grip is intensified, but will still allow for sliding and spinning when the grip is slightly reduced. It takes a little practice to learn the exact amount of pressure to apply for the different tricks and maneuvers but once practiced it becomes second nature. And, we have just been informed that Mighty Grip works well for both the rings and silks.

Some tips for using Mighty Grip and Mighty Grip Xtack …

If I may suggest, if you keep the room in which you work out cool, you may have to use the Xtack. It is not tackier than the original formula, but, rather, has a lower activation temperature. This will not be a problem if the room’s ambient temperature is kept at 72F or above. I would also recommend you apply Mighty Grip after warm ups and stretching, since Mighty Grip is activated by the heat of the body.

What has been the most exciting thing for you about bringing Mighty Grip to the pole dance community?

Wow. I would say the people I have met throughout the world. We are in 40 countries now with distributorships in England, Russia, and Australia. The U.S. is still a bit behind these countries as far as acceptance of pole dance as a sport and exercise. I think we will catch up, at least I am going to try my best to make it happen.

Some people think grip aids are cheating. It is quite controversial. How do you respond to that?

I can’t agree with that analysis. Grip aids, gloves, and protective gear are worn in all physical endeavors and especially in sports. I would consider it cheating if not everyone had access to the material of their choice. You know gloves for golf only began to be worn in the 1960′s. When first introduced, they too, were considered cheating. If the aid is available to all, then it is not an advantage to one.

Agreed about the controversiality; but. whether it is cheating, is quite another story. Gymnasts use chalk, baseball players use pine tar and rosin, as well as Mighty Grip, tennis players use saw dust, rosin and Mighty Grip. Not considered cheating in any of these sports. And how about golf? Gloves are now allowed in most sports and I think you will soon see gloves introduced into competition for pole dancers. Our gloves are now used for training purposes and to build confidence for novices but I think you will see gloves allowed in competition in the near future.

Tell us about the gloves!

I did not want to say much about the gloves until I had received some feedback from the competition that took place in Australia (Melbourne). Well, I guess the world likes the gloves because they were cleaned out! Not only did the women buy gloves – both the tack and non-tack – but so did the guys in the competition. I don’t know what you want to know about the gloves but they are flying. By the way, since they were available to all the competitors, they were allowed to be used in the competition. So much for waiting for acceptance.

Who is your hero or role model?

Number one, my father, who taught me the retail business and how to deal with people honestly and forthrightly. If you can help someone, do it; and if it is something you know you cannot do, tell them up front you cannot oblige. Don’t promise something you cannot deliver.

The girls who have made this sport so spectacular are my real heros. People do not realize the work ethic that goes into bringing one’s body to do the things these women can do. It is utterly amazing to me.

What are your favorite words of encouragement?

Don’t give up. Keep punching. If you believe, then it will happen.

Favorite pizza toppings:

I never met a topping I didn’t like, even a few anchovies. But if I had to choose, extra cheese with pepperoni.

Cupcakes or ice cream?

Depends on the cupcake icing and the flavor of the ice cream. (Is that being diplomatic or what?)

Anything else you’d like to share:

I don’t think I have ever been around a better group of athletes in my life. We have been involved with professional baseball players, tennis players, and golfers but, without a doubt, the ladies have added something to my life. They are full of energy, verve, and are just fun to be around. Of course, I am old enough to be their grandfather, but I enjoy every minute with these fantastic young ladies!

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Hi, my fabulous pole dancing friends! Jennifer here – I wanted to add a bit.

All I knew of grip aids before this interview and buying some Mighty Grip was that some pole dancers were very antagonistic to even the idea of using grip aids.

Well, when I asked Joel to do this interview, I asked about that issue, in particular – and his answer (above) just blew me away. It cut to the heart of the matter – sports and equal access – and placed the issue historically alongside the changes made in other sports.

That takes balls, my friends, and that – coupled with the PHENOMENAL customer service he provides – won my heart. In fact, we’ll be teaming up later this year (I’ll keep you posted!). And, personally, I’m counting on Mighty Grip to help me get more use out of my slippery stainless steel pole, even as I wait for my beloved brass!

So… (and, no, I don’t get any money if you click this link):

If you’re hankering to try a grip aid, here’s where to lay your hands on some Mighty Grip!