Head to head stompgrip vs techspec review.

Joe is one of our sponsored riders and at times does reviews for us and the sportbike community.  You can click the link direclty below this to go to his thread he started on a forum and read others replies.  Very informative threads. Join in if you wish to contribute or have any questions.

 

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I was asked by MotoMummy to do a head to head test of the two most popular tank grip makers out right now, and give an honest review.

I will go through everything about them. 10/9 rating system. Winner gets 10, loser gets 9 or less (I watch too much MMA )

Packaging

TechSpec. Packaging is a bit cheap, and not very eye catching if they were side by side on teh shelf. Description is redundant etc. They also claim on the packing to "make you a better rider" which is bullshit LOL. They put you more in solid contact with the bike. Able to ride easier. But not a better rider 9

Stomp Grip. Packaging is much more eye pleasing and professional looking. Descriptions are well worded and informative. If I were completely clueless about the two products side by side on a shelf, I would be drawn to the stomp grip first. 10

Both are made in the USA...... thats a draw 10/10

Options.

TechSpec has ONE option as far as I know for color. Black. Other than that I think you can get pre shaped or one that you can cut to shape.9

EDIT: Turns out TechSpecs have at least two grip patterns. This might put them more equal on the options front. I did not realize that though. I used the "snake skin" pattern. I doubt there is much functional difference, more looks really

Stomp Grip has Black and Clear.They also have pre shaped, or cut to shape 10

They both claim to be re-usable, but from what I have gathered on the intrawebs neither really are with any consistency. Both fail here, 8/8

Price
For all intents and purposes, its a draw.

Aesthetics

The tech specs do LOOK better in MY opinion. They are just less obtrusive looking 10

The stomps in clear look better than in black (other than on a black bike) if they are installed properly (bubble free) but are just a bit large visually 9

Installation instructions.

Both have pretty good installation instructions.

TechSpecs Installation instructions are on a piece of paper inside the package. 10

stomps I THINK (cant recall now ) the Stomps are on the package, which you are likely to damage removing them from 9 (barely loses, but Ill give the nod to TechSpecs)

Installation

Both require a thoroughly cleaned tank surface, and a warm surface.

TechSpecs are much easier to apply though. No need to heat both the grip and the tank. Tank just cant be "cold" basically. I think the instructions say over 80*. They are much more firm of a material, and as such avoiding bubbles is much easier (either that or you just cant see them) 10

Stomp Grips are a BITCH to install "properly" with no bubbles. Black is easier than clear, but still any significant bubble can be seen. They also recommend you heat both the grip and tank. You have to rub your fingers raw, pressing around every "knib" and between every row to get it right. Have to take your time. 8

Grip, the reason we buy them

Both seem to provide adequate much improved grip over nothing. Both seem to grip rather well on the brakes and on the gas.

Tech specs, are MUCH less "rough" I guess you could say, and therefore better for someone on the street, not in full leathers. On track though, they lack feedback. They grip, but I cant really feel them gripping. The grip is there, but I am not confident that my knee is "locked in". Street 10. Track 8

Stomp grips for the street would be uncomfortable as all hell I am sure if you are not in full leathers.
On track though, the feedback from them is MUCH better. When I lock in to them, I KNOW I am locked in. Be it braking, accelerating, or hanging off. I would also guess (cant say for sure) that in wet conditions they would be much more consistent in grip. Street 9 track10

Teh faster you go, the more the grip levels seem to be noticed as well.

Downside of stomps grip though, is some people report them being too abrasive to their leathers. I have used them for years now, and have nothing more than very minor scuffing on my leathers.

I tried to be very objective for the Tech specs even though I am more familiar with the stomps.

Over all it shapes down like this there were 9 "classes"


Tech Specs 84. Average rating of 9.3
Stomp Grips 82 Average rating of 9.2

They are damn close over all. So it depends on what is more important for you. For me, the Grip rating is what sells the StompGrips for me. Everything else is so close as to be a moot point. And the faster you get, the larger that gap gets IMO

But overall, the Tech specs edge them out for a dual use bike, or street bike I think.

Take it all for what you will.