I am thinking that a new grip on my old boom will reduce some gripping issues. When is hot and sunny, my hands get really dry and I start having issues with my grip. As soon as I wet the boom/hands, I don't need to grips as hard. Gloves are a no-go for me. Any recommendation for grip replacement? Most boom grips are EVA foam so I guess they all feel similar, but I think I've seen one that had a shiny finish; anyone know what brand is that? Is it grippier?

Ive done a couple in fishing rod rubber grip. Its thinner and tougher than EVA grip and heat shrinks on. it is harder on the hands though. The real chore is getting the old grip off and ensuring the boom arms are smooth and clean.
Do a search on here, SB, I posted it somewhere.

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WillyWind said..
I am thinking that a new grip on my old boom will reduce some gripping issues. When is hot and sunny, my hands get really dry and I start having issues with my grip. As soon as I wet the boom/hands, I don't need to grips as hard. Gloves are a no-go for me. Any recommendation for grip replacement? Most boom grips are EVA foam so I guess they all feel similar, but I think I've seen one that had a shiny finish; anyone know what brand is that? Is it grippier?

If in UK regrip.co.uk does it, good job.Are you sure you are using harness lines enough?

Boom grip is not EVA as most people think EVA is softer, it's PU.

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peterowensbabs said..
Boom grip is not EVA as most people think EVA is softer, it's PU.

PU and EVA come in varying densities. Either can be hard to spongy . EVA is stronger and doesn't rip as easily , PU is more slippery and cheaper . I use a medium density EVA for re gripping booms. ( I can let you know the exact density). I believe most boom grips to be EVA. The ones that fall apart earlier , North , for example are just a softer grade .

You may give it a good wash and a little rough sanding.
What would you say is the main culprit for boom grip wear?

On all my booms the grip is better when the hands are wet. I just try to wet my hands regularly, either by dipping them in the water or by touching the wetsuit on the back of my legs, that are usually wet from the spray when sailing fully powered up.

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Manuel7 said..
You may give it a good wash and a little rough sanding.
What would you say is the main culprit for boom grip wear?

Although it looks okay, it is not as grippy as my new boom. The boom I am having issues with is around 15-20 years old (Hawaiian pro line). Yes, I wet my hands and that is easy when wearing a wetsuit but in summer I only wear board shorts that dry out very quickly. This mainly happens in summer because winds tend to be lighter and I slog more. I don't have issues when actually foiling because I can use the harness.

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WillyWind said..

Manuel7 said..
You may give it a good wash and a little rough sanding.
What would you say is the main culprit for boom grip wear?

Although it looks okay, it is not as grippy as my new boom. The boom I am having issues with is around 15-20 years old (Hawaiian pro line). Yes, I wet my hands and that is easy when wearing a wetsuit but in summer I only wear board shorts that dry out very quickly. This mainly happens in summer because winds tend to be lighter and I slog more. I don't have issues when actually foiling because I can use the harness.

How on earth did you get a HPL boom to last 15 years?

Ok report back after washing and rough sanding.