Get A Grip

[Getty]

Since Cefire asked me nicely about some tips on an unusual grip I sometimes use I thought I'd give up some info here. He specifically asked me about the Bonapane Grip or what I also call the B-Grip since the fingers under the rim form the letter B.

This grip was originally invented for Guts by Al Bonopane since the disc will come out nose-down which makes it hard to catch. From the Innova site:

"The disc is held between the index and middle fingers. The index finger is placed over the thumb, which is pressed against the flight plate. The finger pads are pressed against the rim wall. The Bonopane grip will bring the nose down as the disc sits under the index finger rather than over it."

http://www.innovadiscs.com/images/grips/P1010034.jpg

Innova's site then goes on to say that it's not well-suited for power which is absolutely false. I can throw quite a bit further with this grip, especially when I add a 360 to it. I've found the tighter I can grip a disc the more power and spin I can impart to it, and I've yet to find a tighter grip. I'd like to add that the disc sits further back in my palm than if I use a normal power grip.

Since it is delivered nose-down it helps to get a little more air under it. The disc will also have a tendency to turnover as it pops out of the hand, so I toss it a bit more IO. Be ready for some pain when you first start throwing it as the disc might rough up the side of your middle finger until you develope a callous. Also, at first you will give up accuracy for power. I've used this grip for about 30 years and I still don't always know where it's going to end up, but it's hellafun on long open holes.

It's also a very useful grip for throwing grenades as Cefire shows us here:

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh37/cefire/th_IMG_7296.jpg

More gripping tips are here: http://www.innovadiscs.com/home/daves-tips/daves-grip-tips.html#special

[OkieinOR]

I have used this grip for the past 3-4 years. I tried a conventional 4 finger power grip, but due to an injury on my middle finger, it is rendered useless. Using the Bonopane grip allows my middle finger to lock securely on the rim (sometimes too secure). I completely agree that I get more power with this grip, and that the nose is slightly down which must be compensated for. I do lose accuracy with this grip, but feel that the grip itself provides a very consistent oreintation in the palm.

[cefire]

Very cool, I'm going to have to give that a try now. I'm thinking fast, low profile discs will be best?

[Cold Steel]

I tried it today for S and G's... More spin, not that much change on accuracy (more issues with the vertical line than anything,) but I can't say there was quite as much power. It was fun though- I might try playing with it some more, because spin is my worst enemy on drives.

[Getty]

Very cool, I'm going to have to give that a try now. I'm thinking fast, low profile discs will be best?

I like to use Destroyers.

[OkieinOR]

Very cool, I'm going to have to give that a try now. I'm thinking fast, low profile discs will be best?

I use it with Nuke, Surge, Surge SS, Boss and Beast. Grip does not work well for me on domey discs. I do not use it on slower speed drivers as they tend to flip too much.