Testing lucid grip as an alternative for padel racket roughness
The reviewer explores the Lucid Grip product as a new solution for adding roughness to padel rackets, aiming to improve spin and ball control. Previously, the channel tested the 4on Total Spin product, but based on viewer recommendations, Lucid Grip was chosen for its reputation in the skating world and its promise of enhanced durability. The reviewer highlights that Lucid Grip is originally designed for skates and rollerblades, which are constantly in contact with abrasive surfaces, suggesting it might offer better longevity than products meant solely for padel.
What comes in the lucid grip package and choosing the right grain
Lucid Grip offers three grain sizes: low, medium, and high. The reviewer selects medium grain based on audience suggestions, aiming for a balance between grip and playability. The package includes:
- Spray bottle with fixing liquid (adhesive)
- Bottle of sand (the rough material)
- Foam brush for application
This kit is designed to let users control the amount and distribution of roughness on their racket, which is a key advantage over pre-mixed sprays.
Step-by-step application process on the kuikma MS Pro
The reviewer demonstrates the application on a Kuikma MS Pro racket, which initially weighs 369g with a 25.7 cm balance point. The process starts by applying the fixing liquid with the foam brush instead of spraying directly, ensuring even coverage and avoiding excess adhesive in certain areas. Once the liquid is evenly distributed, the sand is sprinkled over the surface, with the recommendation to use slightly more than needed since not all of it will adhere.
After the first layer dries (about 40–60 minutes), a second coat of fixing liquid is gently tapped on with the brush to avoid disturbing the sand. The process is repeated on both sides of the racket, with drying time between each step. The reviewer notes that this careful approach leads to a more uniform and durable finish compared to simply spraying or dragging the brush.
Impact on racket weight, balance, and feel after application
After the Lucid Grip treatment, the racket’s weight increases by 2g and the balance shifts by 0.1 cm. These changes are minimal and unlikely to affect playability for most users. The reviewer appreciates that the product does not significantly alter the racket’s handling, which is crucial for players sensitive to balance and weight modifications.
Additionally, the reviewer observes a slight increase in rigidity after the application, but describes it as subtle and not disruptive. This minor stiffness is attributed to the new surface layer but does not detract from overall comfort or performance.
On-court performance and durability compared to other products
Testing the racket on court for about an hour, the reviewer finds that the Lucid Grip maintains its roughness well, especially in the sweet spot area. While there is some minor loss of texture after play, it is less pronounced than with previous products like the 4on Total Spin. The reviewer also applies Lucid Grip to a Head Graphene 360+ Alpha Pro (referred to as “hack 03 a” in the transcript) with a completely smooth surface, noting that the product adheres reasonably well but may wear faster on rackets without any original sandy finish.
Key qualitative evaluations from the reviewer:
- Durability: Superior to other spray-based products, especially when applied with the brush method.
- Grip effect: Noticeable improvement in spin and control, particularly when used to restore roughness in worn areas.
- Application control: The brush allows for targeted application, reducing waste and enabling touch-ups in specific zones.
- Rigidity: Slight increase, but not enough to negatively impact comfort.
Cost, longevity, and best use cases for lucid grip
The Lucid Grip kit costs around €35 plus shipping, totaling about €40. The reviewer considers this a reasonable investment given the product’s durability and the ability to reapply multiple times. The sand component in particular is expected to last through several applications, making it more cost-effective than single-use sprays.
The reviewer recommends Lucid Grip especially for players with rackets that originally have a sandy rough finish, as it is ideal for restoring grip in worn sweet spot areas without needing to treat the entire face. For rackets with 3D or smooth finishes, the product still works but may require more frequent reapplication, as the roughness tends to wear off faster.
Final impressions and practical recommendations for padel players
In summary, the reviewer finds Lucid Grip to be a durable, effective, and user-friendly solution for restoring or enhancing racket roughness. Its main advantages are the customizable application, minimal impact on racket specs, and improved longevity compared to other products. The channel suggests Lucid Grip is best suited for touch-ups on rackets with existing sandy finishes, but can also benefit players looking to add spin to smooth-faced rackets, provided they are prepared for more frequent maintenance.
For players seeking a reliable way to maintain or boost their racket’s spin potential, Lucid Grip stands out as a top contender among aftermarket roughness solutions.
