When the demo packages of GelTabz arrived on my desk this morning, I must admit I was skeptical. The promo materials reference aching thumbs and blisters after long, GelTabz-less gaming sessions. I probed my memories, searching for recollection of any sores I have suffered in the line duty. A small problem with persistent open lesions came to mind, but sadly, this affliction was the result of being a playa, not a gamer (just kidding about the herpes, actually, you female fans shouldn't fear).
Though I could not recall ever being injured by one of my controllers, I decided to give the GelTabz a shot. Installation was easy, as the small silicon disks simply roll over the head of the analog sticks and grip the shaft below. Tentatively, I fingered my newly pimped Dual Shock. To my surprise, the GelTabz were actually a big improvement. The silicon is soft, yet has a grippy, tacky feel to it. Small nodules cover the top thumb surface, for your pleasure. The addition of the GelTabz raises the height of the thumb-sticks by a small amount, and in my hands this actually improves the feel of the DualShock.
GelTabz!
Overall, I was actually quite pleased with the GelTabz. Available for PS2, XBox, and XBox 360, they are a stylish upgrade. They do indeed feel better than the standard analog stick covers on PS2s and Xbox controllers. Nobody likes a sore thumb, so remember, be cool, and wrap your tool.