Does anybody use pre-tape spray or ticture of benzoin before taping?

An old partner used to use tincture of benzoin applied to the back of his hands before applying tape. Stunk really bad, but he never had tape come off mid-climb. I was thinking that I would use the athletic pre-spray instead and wonder how it stacks up? I don't really use tape gloves anymore, just a few spots of tape usually. My hands are pretty gnarly with scars and calluses.

I have not.

Steph Davis mentions pre-tape adhesive spray in ​this article.​​​

Yes, I use the Mueller pre-tape spray for tape gloves. It works great and doesn’t smell. For really thin hands you can basically just glue a single layer of tape to the back of your hands.

Use in combination with Eurotape for best results.

I've only ever taped up a few times but when I did I used tincture of benzoin and it worked well. It does have a strong smell but I think it smells good. It's also just good to have for use in treating blisters and could be used as anti-septic in a pinch if you don't have any more benign anti-septics like diluted iodine or soap and water. You just have to be careful about storing it or it can turn into a real mess.

It does work. I'm not sure it made a lot of difference when I did use it though.  Seems like the pressure between rock and skin holds the tape in place pretty well when needed. Lately I've been using OR crack gloves though and really liking them. SO much faster, neater, no hair ripping off, and no trash generated. People seem to like the Ocun gloves a lot too.
Edit: pre-tape in my experience is quite a bit stickier than benzoin, and doesn't stain. 

Buck Rio wrote:  tincture of benzoin ... athletic pre-spray .

Basically they are the same thing except for some additional secondary ingredients in the athletic pre-spray.  The tincture of benzoin is the key item which is a gummy plant resin.  It's also useful by itself to toughen skin and prevent tears which is one of the reasons I use it on my hands even without taping.

I used tincture of benzoin for every tape glove for a long time but haven't used it in probably 10 years.  Now I only use Muller Eurotape and I find that plenty sticky by itself.  A full, well made, tape glove with Eurotape won't come off.  However, if you're still refining your tape glove skills or using store brand athletic tape I would suggest using something extra.

What bothered me about Benzoin was the few days after climbing where it looked like I had a skin disease on the back of my hand.  I just got sick of the weird looks and constantly explaining that I'm not contagious.

Yes - The spray stuff works great and the tape is "one with your skin". It works best if you let it air for a few minutes after spraying so it's tacky to the touch. Unfortunately with post-middle age my skin has become like tissue paper and when I peel the tape off it removes skin too, so no longer use the spray stuff.

I've used benzoin compound tincture in the past, great for toughening up skin (Joshua Tree, Bugaboos). Great prior to taping up especially if like me you sweat a lot.
I kind of got used to the smell, it's actually used as a base for many perfumes.

Yes, I use the liquid benzoin. It’s something I was taught when I first started climbing. It especially helps when the temps are really hot. 

I do and love it.

I’m a type 1 diabetic who uses an insulin pump. With the infusion set dressing packs are a product call SkinTac, a prepackaged moist towelette item. It’s just sticky enough to hold on tape without gluing you to everything. It also doesn’t stain your skin. 

Kent Pease wrote: Yes - The spray stuff works great and the tape is "one with your skin". It works best if you let it air for a few minutes after spraying so it's tacky to the touch. Unfortunately with post-middle age my skin has become like tissue paper and when I peel the tape off it removes skin too, so no longer use the spray stuff.

My skin is also thin, that is why I am contemplating using tape...the crack climbing that I have been doing is tearing up my hands. 

I have a whole bunch of the American tape, newly purchased, so I am going to go with the Mueller adhesive spray.  Once that runs out I'll get the Eurotape. 

Sometimes 

Another older climber with thin skin offering advice. I used to use tincture of benzoin, but as my skin became more fragile, I would experience tears while removing the tape. I now use a base layer of micropore tape
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TXPZ64/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

before putting on the Eurotape. (Most other surgical tapes would probably work just as well). It works fine even at Vedauwoo. 

Rob.calm 

Quality of the tape is the most important factor. Cheap ass tape = cheap ass time. Good tape = good time.

The most sticky/durable I have ever used: amazon.com/Leukotape-1-5-In…

i'm not looking to rekindle the debate but think about buying some Ocun Crack gloves.  Skip the tape, etc., problem solved.

http://www.ocun.com/en/products/accessories/crack-gloves.html

You can buy them on Amazon.

Lynn S wrote: i'm not looking to rekindle the debate but think about buying some Ocun Crack gloves.  Skip the tape, etc., problem solved.

http://www.ocun.com/en/products/accessories/crack-gloves.html

You can buy them on Amazon.

Agree. Plus, when I use (reusable) tape gloves, I don't want the tape sticking to my skin.

climbing friend,

the quality of the spray is most important. you would most likely be needing self-important "frat bro" of sport climbing of type found in park of mountain Rifle, to tell you every move to do on the climb, imaginary metaphors for each type of hold (credit card, snickers bar, etc.), and every conceivable jam you would be utilizing on the route, when they spray you down so good, so real, so deep, before your ascent.

Lynn S wrote: i'm not looking to rekindle the debate but think about buying some Ocun Crack gloves.  Skip the tape, etc., problem solved.

http://www.ocun.com/en/products/accessories/crack-gloves.html

You can buy them on Amazon.

climbing friend,

these are fantastich! even if everyone looks on you with pity and shames you as the noob, it matters not. just follow your heart. that's what I do!

Lynn S wrote: i'm not looking to rekindle the debate but think about buying some Ocun Crack gloves.  Skip the tape, etc., problem solved.

 I had the old Hand Jammies and the Ocuns are better than those.  Ocun is what I use now in the gym for convenience.  But IMO there is no comparison with the performance of a pair of fresh tape gloves.  They are not that expensive.  Buy a pair and see what you think for yourself.