Concept2 Forum

My hands get sore when I use the SkiErg for more then about 25 minutes. The handles give me calluses near the finger crease, and pinch that area. And the straps rub the back and sides of my hands, mostly on the pinkie side.

I found these Bionic Fitness gloves and really like them for use on the SkiErg. I’ve used them 5 hours and can recommend them. http://www.bionicgloves.com/shop/?id=6&cat=5



Pros: They are long and cover the wrist so the SkiErg strap ends above them. The closure is on the thumb side which does not interfere with the SkiErg strap that rides on the pinkie side. The backs are made of moisture wicking fabric, my hands don’t get hot. They are flexible and stretch nicely. They really have a nice feel. So far they dry well and do not get stiff.

Cons: The palms are made of leather and have pads in the mid-palm and first finger joint designed to cradle a barbell. They are not needed for the SkiErg. After using them 2 hours either I stopped noticing the bumps or they flattened out.

I got mine at Sports Authority for $30. I’m 6’ 170 lbs and got an XL. I’d say they run a little small, but I would want them snug so they do not move and rub. They only had sizes XL and XXL. They had one pair of Large, but the stictching was bad, suggest you inspect closely.


If you have any gloves you like for the SKiErg please them post them?

I haven't felt the need for gloves -- I think it is because I don't grip the handles. I use my hands to guide the handle but most of the force is transmitted through the wrist strap. I do a lot of skate skiing and I find that gripping the handle on ski poles is counterproductive. I'm curious, do you xc-ski or just use the SkiErg for exercise? I think you'll find that most people who xc-ski don't feel the need to grip anything but loosely. Having said that I'm open to someone telling me I'm wrong. In many ways XC-sking is like sculling, you are in an eternal search for the perfect stroke -- that unobtainable (at least for me) combination of balance, movement, and form and with the SkiErg as with the Rowing Erg, good performance on the machine does not always translate to good performance on snow or water.

Nike Fit Dry. But I use them much less than I used to. A relaxed grip helps more.

mrpiii wrote:I haven't felt the need for gloves -- I think it is because I don't grip the handles. I use my hands to guide the handle but most of the force is transmitted through the wrist strap. I'm curious, do you xc-ski or just use the SkiErg for exercise?

I don't XC ski, I use the SkiErg for exercise. 10 years ago I did downhill and some XC.

I don't think I grip the handles much to pull, I mainly pull with the straps. The straps rub the back and side of my hands, and irritate them at longer distances. I also do get a pinch and callous at the first finger crease without the gloves.

I have 10+ hours using the gloves now and still like them, I always wear them. I will probably buy a backup pair incase they go out of production.

ROECKL SOLAR MANTUA GEL full finger gloves - best ever!

I've also used the SkiGo summer roller gloves but they gave me blisters.

You could retrofit the green strapless handles that ship with the SkiErg-2. If it's a "club" machine, not your own, hit up the management to make the conversion. They would be easier to wipe clean after each user; no cloth strap to get wet.

Works well for me (on my model 2). The green plastic handles can be held quite loosely, even just with the ring of thumb and fore-finger touching.

I've had the machine abt 4 months now and am up to 8K meters, 52+ minutes at one session of generally easy workout.

At 71 yrs old I'm not in it for strength or XC ski training. The SkiErg allows for a lot more varied movements than the rower. Range of motion and keeping flexible is important as you get older. I may start very easy with 8K on the count-down clock; stepping, rocking and lunging rather than the classic XC pole stroke; wide arm movements; facing wrong way, arms crossed overhead (that may not be possible with Model 1 pulleys); anything for variety.

By 2K-3K remaining on the clock I'll have settled into a normal ski-stroke rhythm at about 28 spm. Still, the green handles can be comfortably held just in the web between thumb and first finger if desired.

I don't use gloves (I got mega blisters every excersice)