http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_odkw=versa+sup+deck+grip&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xversa+deck+grip.TRS0&_nkw=versa+deck+grip&_sacat=0
Has anyone tried these Versa deck grips? How do they compare to the standard deck grips?
I've recently bought a deck-less Starboard SUP, willing to use wax it because I always preferred the feeling of wax under my feet. However, I already regret it and considering going back to full deck grips. I just don't want to affect the lightness of the board(just 5kg) and these decks seem to be a good option.
Thanks,
Franklin
I tried the Versa deck on the nose of a longboard SUP a few years ago.... pretty weak grip. I never used it again.
Who knows... maybe they have changed it... but it looks the same.
Let me start by saying I have no connection with this company but I am pretty good at seeing value when it is presented,
The Surfboard Warehouse have Magic Carpet SUP grips on special for $65 which I think is a pretty good deal and it may also include postage.
Have a look and good luck.
HV
Couldn't imagine anything worse than wax or full deck grip, your'e right the extra weight would be going backwards. On a previous post I mentioned Tread Right a spray on treatment for slippery steps etc from bunnings. Now this treatment has so far been on my board (sunova style) for over a year and still as grippy as, the finish is almost invisible feels a little like extra fine wet and dry, you can build it up to whatever texture you like just keep applying layers of spray i applied 4 layer and not abrasive at all ,mentioned this to heaps of mates and had great feedback . Unfortunately still need factory deck grip under your usual stance area there isn't anything more comfortable but for all the other sections of the deck give it the treatment , just remember to tape/mask/paper areas that don't need the treatment. About $13 a can!
Versatraction is great, as its design is unique: it is comprised of micro-pores, that act as suction cups when wet, but do not feel rough to the touch: thus you get no rash when falling on it, and it is a breeze to get the board in/out the bag.
However, the traction is only there when your foot is firmly on it, closing the little suction cups. Thus you have the strange feeling when crosstepping on it that you are going to slide on it, the foot does feel the grip at first. And yes, you will slide if the foot is not firmly planted, as is the case oftne in emergency moves. Plus you need to wash it from time to time to remove grit from the holes.
I used versatraction, some clear grip with small raised diamond patterns, monster paint, and the new hexatraction by RS pro (raised hexagons).
- versatraction will give the less rash, but I think is the weaker grip, but I cannot really be sure it is not just a psychological impression.
- small raised diamond patterns is quite nice, positive feeling, not much rash, but not really transparent
- hexatraction has perhaps the best traction, but I would not like to fall and slide on it
- monster paint (and other spray-on grips) is really transparent, plus you decide the compromise between grip and rash: the more layers the more traction, and sand for less rash.
I was happy with all these choices for the front part of my SUPs (I never use wax there). For a full length deck grip, I think I will not use monster paint (not durable enough for the standing area of the feet + too much rash factor), I think I may use hexatraction, for the added grip. Versatraction could work, but it wont please everybody.
There was a guy at the euro SUP championships in Lacanau yesterday with a full hexatraction deck, but he seems to have waxed it for extra grip (or less rash?). Could be a solution really: you get the nice grip and feel of the wax (plus the scent!), and the traction underneath acts as a backup when the wax melts underfoot at the end of the session.
more pics at: www.surfingfrance.com/equipe-de-france/equipe-de-france-actus/les-francais-font-le-show-a-lacanau.html
About RS Pro hexatraction, after a few months of using it, it seems to me like it's losing its grip. I definitely slipped on it yesterday (barefoot). I don't think I'll be buying any in the future.
I've got versatraction on the nose of a noserider.
Don't get sunscreen on it - it'll be slippery.
That said, I make sure I don't.
I also put some 1/2" wide strips of normal traction across it about every
five inches - the combination of both works fine for hopping on the nose.
Select to expand quotecolas said..
Note that Kai Lenny is using versatraction on his famous Surf Foil board:
Except that's hex not versa
Select to expand quotemicksmith said..
Except that's hex not versa
Oops, yes, that what I wanted to write. Thanks for spotting my mistake.
