Filed in: Equipment Reviews | On: June 14th, 2007 | Comments:
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SurfCo Hawaii, the Oahu based surf company that produces nose guards, diamond tips, quick fix ding repair, and Proteck fins has created an interesting traction pad. Launched earlier this year, Surfco’s Hawaiian Hot Grip traction pads are the first ever clear molded traction pads which feature a CAD-designed one piece clear traction pad. The CAD design helps with streamlining the traction pad and the ergonomically designed air cushions provide a unique and comfortable fit for surfers.
The interesting aspect to this particular traction is the pad is manufactured out of the same material as Surfco’s noseguards, which provides a non-abrasive surface. If there’s one gripe I have about all the surfboard traction pads out there (Dakine traction pads, OAM, Xtrak, etc) is that those things rip my knees up pretty good when I surf every day. Last time I checked the pads had ripped all the hair off my knees so now I have bald spots! The Hawaiian Hot Grip pad also directs water toward the back of the board due to the channels in the grip pad yet still provides an area for comfortable foot placement. The heavy duty peel and stick adhesive combined with noseguard primer (included) makes the application of the pad quick and simple. Don’t you hate it when your traction pad has 6 pieces and when you finally try putting it on your new board the pieces don’t fit and aren’t aligned properly? What a waste of time. I’ll be getting a new custom surfboard soon and I’ll let you all know what I think of the Hawaiian Hot Grip traction pad. Stay tuned for a full review. 6 Comments »Neal, on September 9, 2007 @ 3:22 pm |A friend told me that the only negative with this particular grip pad is that it gets a little slippery. He did complain that his foot slipped a few times. I have my demo model I’ll be trying out…waiting for my new board before I share my thoughts. frank, on December 10, 2007 @ 2:12 pm |this pad is extremely slippery. it feels good until it gets wet. have done the splits several times because of this pad. wont buy again for sure. Neal, on December 25, 2007 @ 3:34 pm |I had another friend tell me that the Hot grip traction pad was extremely slippery! Still haven’t gotten my new stick to try the pad out but I’m kind of hesitant now to put it on, especially if I have to peel the darn thing off. Too bad if it is slippery because I like the ‘almost see through’ color and it has a soft rubbery feel. Alli, on April 4, 2008 @ 11:21 am |i’ve had a bunch of these things and i love em.. they are slippery at first if you dont follow the directions on the package that tell you (in fine print) to scrub the pad down with dish soap and hotwater first.. this is beacause the mold they use to make em is covered in silicon to make the pad pop out of it easier. it also helps to rub a lil bit of wax on them at first.. it gets them reall reall sticky. apneablue, on July 21, 2008 @ 3:16 am |I have stepped in wet cow patties that had more traction than this thing. It’s not only the first clear traction pad that doesn’t rip up your knees and pull the hair off, It’ also the only traction pad out there that you have to wax to make it work about 1/4th as good as a normal traction pad. I have been suring short boards for 18 years and never came across a surf product that sucked as much balls as this one does. The only people who will like this thing are the ones who ride straight. But hey, it sure looks cool! Leave a commentRSS feed for these comments. | TrackBack URI |
sheldon, on July 10, 2007 @ 10:43 am |
I have a clear Hot Grip traction pad on my 9′ Noah Ka Oi Comp and I am totally satisfied with the function and looks of this pad. The thing I love about this pad is that the non-abrasive ridges on the pads create air pockets (think, old school Nike shoes w/ the air bubbles…), which mold to your foot when pressure is applied. It’s really comfortable to use and not to mention, it doesn’t “block out” any graphics you have on your board. Highly recommended for everyone out there!