The OG from Gripsta is a unique and useful snowboarding tool. When I spotted it on Facebook, I knew I had to get my hands on one. Thankfully, the team were happy to work with me and I love their colourful, hard-wearing, and refined product. Moreover, if you are a beginner or intermediate boarder, you must add this item to your kit bag.
This simple but effective gripping tool is lightweight and slips into your jacket pocket or bag. Moreover, it will not damage your edges and it can be used on the toe or heel edge. If you’ve ever snowboarded, you know how tiring it is to keep getting up off the floor. Unfortunately, for many enthusiasts, this can’t be helped. Tightening your bindings is a must and other than digging a shelf in the snow, your bum creates a fantastic platform to work from. Luckily, The OG removes this problem and your stomach, legs, back, and soul will thank you as a consequence.
Design and build quality.
I’m amazed that nothing like The OG has been created before. Like many exceptional ideas, it is incredibly simple by design. The outer case has a hardened plastic shell. This is available in multiple colours and I like the 2 tone effect. I picked the monochromatic option but I was provided with every colourway for this article. The rounded edge makes it easy to hold. Furthermore, the angular lower grips will not slip from your gloves or mittens.
The inner layer is rubberised and this increases the grip strength. Alongside this, I had no issues with edge damage. This is reassuring as you don’t want your freshly serviced board to become dull. Finally, the offset patterned lower grips easily grab the snow. This prevents the board from moving or sliding as you wait for your friends or tighten your bindings. Word of warning though, the gripping element works best on greens, blues, and reasonable reds. Remember, this is a tool aimed at beginner/intermediate riders, so black runs and hellishly icy reds are out of the question.
Sports equipment has to be durable. Thankfully, The OG feels bulletproof. I took tumbles and we dropped it multiple times. Yet, this wonderful tool bounced and took little damage. The inner material showed no signs of wear and tear no matter how sharp my edges were. Consequently, this will last the test of time.
Usability of The OG.
You may think I’d rather dig a shelf or sit on the snow. After all, these classic techniques are tried and tested. Well, tiredness, speed, and looking slightly crazy are reasons to adapt and evolve. The OG does that as using it is a cinch. Furthermore, it doesn’t matter if you ride goofy or regular or if you prefer your toe or heel edge. This tool will grip the snow regardless.
A perpendicular board to the mountain delivers the best results. However, a slight angle on shallower declines doesn’t impact the performance. Sliding The OG onto your edge requires a little practice. Yet, once you know what you are doing, it becomes second nature. A simple lift of your edge and a pushing motion with the grip is all you need. Once it is secured, the lower teeth bed into the snow and you can stand for hours.
Is The OG worth it?
If you are an advanced boarder, you may think this is a gimmicky item. I’m pretty experienced on a board and I love having this helpful tool with me. Though I didn’t use it all of the time, it was handy when I jumped off of a lift and wanted to get ready quickly. Its key demographic, on the other hand, will adore this product. Its durable nature ensures it will last the test of time. Furthermore, I was amazed by the usability and the simple design. Accordingly, I recommend buying it here!
(More information on Gripsta can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! Samples were provided for an unbiased and free review!)
