Clear deck grips cost so much. Is it just plastic?

[Peter_Frank]

As long as it is totally, or almost clear, that is the whole idea - normal grip decks cost nothing, so not an issue....

The Hexatraction are not expensive, nor cheap, and works great.

But not super grippy, so perfect for hydrofoils, but might be too little for other boards

Thus which other types are good?

As mentioned, in "words" Van Der Waal are maybe better, soft and more grippy?

But words can be lies - what do those of you using these say?

How grippy, and how transparent?
Transparency is the target of this thread.

the https://www.waal.co/

Peter

[Da Yoda]

I tried the WaxMats from SurfCo Hawaii and was quite impressed. I'm now eyeing the Viskus grip for more of a wax feel. Not sure why the higher price, but that seems indicative to these clear pads.
https://surfcohawaii.com/wax-mat/
https://www.viskus.com

[nothing2seehere]

As long as it is totally, or almost clear, that is the whole idea - normal grip decks cost nothing, so not an issue....

The Hexatraction are not expensive, nor cheap, and works great.

But not super grippy, so perfect for hydrofoils, but might be too little for other boards

Thus which other types are good?

As mentioned, in "words" Van Der Waal are maybe better, soft and more grippy?

But words can be lies - what do those of you using these say?

How grippy, and how transparent?
Transparency is the target of this thread.

the https://www.waal.co/

Peter

I have the Van der waal grip. Applied it to a foil board. Its unfortunately not met my hopes and isn't as sure underfoot as regular deckpads. Note than I'm testing with booties on so it may be a lot better with bare feet.

[TomW]

Got my creality ender v2 today. Hope to unpack Saturday.

[TomW]

I think hexa traction is expensive.

Here's my first pad. Grippy in one direction.

It's not very clear.

[jakemoore]

sketch-1605386889143.png

I think hexa traction is expensive.

Here's my first pad. Grippy in one direction.

It's not very clear.

How does the cost compare to Hexa?

[Peter_Frank]

They are not low cost no, Hexatraction.

But not expensive either.

58 euro for a packet with 20, sounds a bit steep at first yes. .

But 20 is sufficient even for bigger boards.

I bought two sets, so I could change those getting worn.

This was more than 3 years ago, and haven't had to change one yet, even though my by far most used board.

Seen in this light, it is suddenly low cost I would say

Not super grippy, but works perfect for foiling, and clear/transparent, besides being light, and not sucking up water, as pads do, so stays light.

Peter

[TomW]

sketch-1605386889143.png

I think hexa traction is expensive.

Here's my first pad. Grippy in one direction.

It's not very clear.

How does the cost compare to Hexa?

The tpu costs 25 bucks for 500g. Each pad is 10g. So that's 50 cents a pad. I need 14 for a board. So 7 $. But, the expense is the double stick tape!!. 3M must be making billions on it.
A 12"x12" piece costs 7$.
So the tape for 14 pads costs 24,50 $. Total cost 31,50 per board.
If i buy a big roll of 3M tape i get the tape cost down to half, but its still 19$ per board.

3mm cork costs me 12 $ a board. Could get to 6$ if I buy 2mm from builders store. If I use epoxy to glue it down, let's say I use 5$ of vacuum bag consumables and 0,5$ epoxy. So I can do cork for 11,50-17,50. And it's like 10 times less work than printed pads.

Admittedly, the hexa traction is priced at a level that's reasonable if you figure in they have to make money.

[jakemoore]

3mm cork costs me 12 $ a board. Could get to 6$ if I buy 2mm from builders store. If I use epoxy to glue it down, let's say I use 5$ of vacuum bag consumables and 0,5$ epoxy. So I can do cork for 11,50-17,50. And it's like 10 times less work than printed pads.

Cork + CNC router could produce the ultimate deck pad. I wonder if using epoxy is better than contact cement? And if a vacuum setup is really necessary to do the pad?

Admittedly, the hexa traction is priced at a level that's reasonable if you figure in they have to make money.

And especially considering the time costs of chasing alternatives.

My long term review of Surfco - Wax-Mat hexagons vs Hexatraction is that

Surfco Waxmat has better dry traction (is more relevant for HF if you are out of the water for some time)

They have equal wet traction

Hexatraction is more clear for board graphics

Hexatraction has the best adhesion. Waxmat is peeling up a little after 18 months. Waxmat is still more durable than even commercial board EVA pad adhesives in my conditions.

[BalsaMichel]

...My first try with white TPU. Next time I will try to make them as clear as possible.

Micha