Talon Grips Pro - Durability Update #2 - 8/30/2020

[ContinentalOp]

Before I start, I just want to say I'm not in any way affiliated with Talon Grips. I get nothing in return for posting about their products. I'm just a fan of their product.

I EDC a Beretta PX4 Compact. The one thing I don't like about it is the slick grip frame. Talon Grips are my solution.

I tried the rubber grips, but I found them to be not much better than the "naked" grip frame. At least for me.

I currently use the granulated grips, but I have to sand them down to make them less aggressive so they don't snag on my cover garment. They work very well for me.

They just came out with a new grip texture, Pro. The texture is rubberized, but the aggressiveness is between the regular rubber grips and the granulated grips.

As I'm getting ready to replace the grips on my PX4, I went ahead and ordered a set. I'm hoping they'll be "just right" for me.

I should get them sometime next week. I don't know when I'll be able to try them at a range, but I'll update here when I get them installed and share my initial impressions.

The reason I'm posting this now is that for today and tomorrow (4/29-4/30) the Pro texture is 20% off. So if you're interested in giving them a try, now would probably be a good time to do so. They also have free shipping.

TALON Grips | Gun Grips for Pistols, Shotguns, and Rifles

 

[ContinentalOp]

Update and First Impressions

For anyone interested, I've received the new Talon Grips Pro and have installed them on my PX4 Compact. While I have not been able to get them to the range, and I'm not sure when I'll be able to do that, I have done some dry fire practice drills as well as moving around while wearing my usual cover garments.

Feel free to skip to the bottom for my review/first impressions.

First, a bit of background.

The PX4 Compact has a very slick grip frame. As far as I'm concerned, it's really the only negative on this pistol. So I tried both the rubber and granulated versions of Talon Grips. In fact, I've spent more money than I'd care to admit going back and forth to figure out which one I liked best.

Here's the rubber grip texture (it's from a sheet I had...I had cut a strip to use on the backstrap of my 642-1):

What I found from range testing is that the rubber texture didn't really improve my grip very much over the bare grip frame. In fact, it was practically zero improvement for me. But I know a lot of people use this texture on their guns with success. It just wasn't for me.

Here's the granulated texture (from one of my back-up sets):

This grip is fairly aggressive. It's definitely secure in the hand when shooting. However, it does have a tendency to snag on cover garments. Plus, there's the potential for the grips to cause accelerated wear on clothing. I wear an undershirt under the gun, so I don't have to worry about it being abrasive against my skin, but that may be a concern for others.

My solution was to use sandpaper to "soften" the aggressiveness. I used a mix of 80 and 120 grit papers to get it to a point where it still felt secure in the hand but didn't snag on my clothing.

Here's a picture of my PX4 Compact with the sanded-down granulated grips.

Recently, in fact I believe it was last week, Talon Grips came out with their Pro texture. Basically it's the material from their rubberized grips, but a bit "chunkier." The result is a grip with more traction than their regular rubberized grips, but not as aggressive as their granulated grips.

Here's a close-up of the grips before I put them on my gun.

And here they are mounted.

Review/First Impressions

As I said before, no range time yet, but I have done some dry fire practice drills, mostly drawing from concealment, as well as moving around (reaching, sitting, squatting, etc.) while wearing a cover garment.

My initial impression is that it feels different than I'm used to, obviously. Not better, not worse, just different. I do like it, though. It definitely feels like a solid, non-slip grip in my hands, but not so aggressive that it makes shifting it in my hand to hit the mag release or decocker an issue. Of course, the real test will be getting it to the range and see how good the traction is when shooting.

What I'm really impressed with is its concealability. I've done deep squats, reached up and forward, twisted at the waist, sat down and stood up, while wearing my usual covering garment, an untucked shirt, and I think the Pro does a better job of not snagging my shirt than even my sanded-down granulated grips. With the sanded-down grips, I sometimes find myself having to give my shirt a little tug at the hem. So far, I haven't had to do that with these grips. With the chunkiness of the grip texture I thought for sure there'd be at least a little snagging, but that wasn't the case. Of course, this is just a little home test. I'll have to see how it goes out in the real world.

I had no issues when drawing from concealment.

So my first impression is that the Pro texture Talon Grips are really good. Snag-free (so far) while still giving good traction in the hand. I'll have to see what kind of long-term durability I'll get out of these. I'm hopeful that I may have found my Goldilocks/"just right" grips. And I didn't have to spend several minutes attacking them with sandpaper! I'll be keeping them on for a while.

I'll update this thread once I'm able to get to the range and give them a good shooting evaluation.

Please use the link in my previous post if you want to check them out.

TL;DR: I likes them.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Quick Update - No Range Time Yet

Just a quick update. After using this set-up for a few days, I noticed that my cover shirt did seem to have a higher tendency to snag on the grip when going about my daily routine, most notably getting out of the car. So I ordered another set and removed the backstrap portion before applying it to the gun.

I've been using this new set-up for a few days, and it is much better with regard to snagging. It rarely hangs up now, and when it does a little discreet tug on my shirt's hem takes care of it.

It also facilitates my drawing technique a bit better. I place my hand low on the backstrap then slide up into the tang so I can get as high a grip as possible before drawing. The textured backstrap didn't really impede it much, but it is a bit smoother now.

I may be able to get some range time this coming week. I'll update again once I've been able to send some rounds down range.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Range Update - FINALLY!!!

I finally had the chance to get some range time. I was able to put three mag's worth of ammo through the gun with backstrapless Talon Grip Pros (my time was limited by range rules and I had other guns I wanted to shoot).

I wasn't able to do any rapid fire shooting, but I did try and shoot as fast as range rules would allow. I didn't notice any shifting between rounds. They allowed for a firm grasp with good traction, and I was still able to shift the gun in my grip slightly to release the mag or decock.

Also, in the time I've had this grip set-up, I've gone on a few sweat-inducing hikes with the gun close to my body in an IWB holster under an untucked shirt, with a t-shirt between my body and the gun. In that time, the grips have shown no sign of peeling off, even without the backstrap piece.

So, after all this, I would rate the Talon Grips Pro as an excellent addition for any polymer-framed pistols with less-than-optimal traction. More grip than the rubber texture, but not as aggressive as the granulated texture. However, I would add that if your gun is carried concealed, removing the backstrap before application might be worth doing to minimize the possibility of the grip snagging on your cover garment. Also, it still might be too aggressive for people who carry with the grip frame directly against the skin. I wear a t-shirt between my body and the gun so it's not an issue.

I think I may have found my "Goldilocks" grips.

 

[JayFramer]

I just got the rubbers for my Springer Helly.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Cool. I hope you'll share your experience with them when you get a chance.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Durability Update

Just wanted to post a quick update.

I've been using these grips for a couple months now. I've worn my gun almost every day. Since my range trip (posted earlier), I've continued to do dry practice drills.

Over the past few days, it seemed like I was losing some of the chunky rubber granules. Then today it looked like this:

Needless to say, I contacted Talon Grips. To their credit, I got a response within a few hours. They're sending me a replacement grip under warranty. They also said that there have been some cases of this happening. They asked for more information to help them improve the product, so I sent them the picture as well as information on what I've been doing with the gun that could contribute to this (i.e., general handling, practice routines, etc).

I'm happy with their response. I will try the replacement grip. However, if this happens again, I'll most likely switch back to the regular granulated grip.

I suppose this is the risk of being among the first to try a new product.

 

[mrmike7189]

Thanks for being our test dummy! *****
I have the original talon sand grips on my Glock 26 and have been happy for 5 years now, they still look good and are grippy.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Thanks for being our test dummy!

I've been called worse.

 

[Execpro]

Thanks ContinentalOp ! I have been looking at talon grips for the past few days on line (reviews & Youtube).I carry AIWB and wanted to put them on my M&P 380 & M&P 9mm EZ.
Didn’t know which ones to get. I had already discounted the granulated ones. Your review was detailed enough that I will be getting the Rubber Grip texture for both guns. Thanks again !!

Be SAFE and Shoot Often!

 

[ContinentalOp]

One More Update

Just a quick note. I received some further feedback from Talon Grips. These Pros were part of the first production run. What they suspect is that they might have gone a little light on the epoxy that binds the rubber granules to the base. They've asked me to use the replacement grip the same as before and let them know if any issues come up. Back to being a test dummy!

 

[ContinentalOp]

Thanks ContinentalOp ! I have been looking at talon grips for the past few days on line (reviews & Youtube).I carry AIWB and wanted to put them on my M&P 380 & M&P 9mm EZ.
Didn’t know which ones to get. I had already discounted the granulated ones. Your review was detailed enough that I will be getting the Rubber Grip texture for both guns. Thanks again !!

Be SAFE and Shoot Often!

Glad my posts were useful. I hope you let us know how they work out for you.

 

[sotexas]

Before I start, I just want to say I'm not in any way affiliated with Talon Grips. I get nothing in return for posting about their products. I'm just a fan of their product.

I EDC a Beretta PX4 Compact. The one thing I don't like about it is the slick grip frame. Talon Grips are my solution.

I tried the rubber grips, but I found them to be not much better than the "naked" grip frame. At least for me.

I currently use the granulated grips, but I have to sand them down to make them less aggressive so they don't snag on my cover garment. They work very well for me.

They just came out with a new grip texture, Pro. The texture is rubberized, but the aggressiveness is between the regular rubber grips and the granulated grips.

As I'm getting ready to replace the grips on my PX4, I went ahead and ordered a set. I'm hoping they'll be "just right" for me.

I should get them sometime next week. I don't know when I'll be able to try them at a range, but I'll update here when I get them installed and share my initial impressions.

The reason I'm posting this now is that for today and tomorrow (4/29-4/30) the Pro texture is 20% off. So if you're interested in giving them a try, now would probably be a good time to do so. They also have free shipping.

TALON Grips | Gun Grips for Pistols, Shotguns, and Rifles

I use the PRO's on my Walther PPS N2 and my SA XDm 10mm with no complaints

 

[ContinentalOp]

Durability Update #2 8/30/2020

This is may be my last update in this thread.

*crowd cheers*

The replacement Pro grips have been on my gun for about 2 months now. I've been using and carrying my gun as usual.

Last week I noticed my grip had started losing some granules again, though this time it isn't anywhere near as bad as last time.

As you can see, there's a line along the front-right corner of the front strap. This seems to be a high-stress area for me. More than likely a result of drawing and slight shifting of my grip to hit the mag release and decocker. In the past, this is where the granulated grips I've used previously would start to tear after several months, at which point I'd replace them.

I've contacted Talon Grips, sending them this picture. I have not heard from them yet, but imagine I will during the week.

I still like the grips, but I'm not sure I'm going to keep using the Pro. After this grip wears out, I'll probably switch back to my sanded-down granulated grips. Or, if it doesn't get any worse, I may stay with the Pro.

I may post another update when I've heard back from Talon Grips.

As a final note, this is a sample of one. Just because this happened with me doesn't necessarily mean it'll happen with anyone else. YMMV.

Edit: I can't math. I just realized it's only been a month, month and a week, since I installed the replacement grips, not 2 months. D'oh!

 

[Execpro]

Sorry ContinentalOp it took so long to respond.
Put the rubber Talon Grips on my S&W 380 Bodyguard today.
WHAT a difference! So much better than the stock grip. Better control of the weapon all around.
-Gives a slight increase in grip diameter. GOOD
-Hand does not slide on grip at all. GOOD
-When drawing from holster (AIWB) you know you have the gun. GOOD
Stock grip is small and with sweaty hands it can be hard to get the
correct grip/purchase under stress (especially because you only have two
2 fingers to get the grip with).
-When shooting, the gun should NOT move in your hand. Good.
Have to give the Talon Grips a 10/10 !!!
Thanks for all the info you provided. It made the grip selection easy!

Be SAFE and Shoot Often !

 

[Bourget117]

Sorry ContinentalOp it took so long to respond.
Put the rubber Talon Grips on my S&W 380 Bodyguard today.
WHAT a difference! So much better than the stock grip. Better control of the weapon all around.
-Gives a slight increase in grip diameter. GOOD
-Hand does not slide on grip at all. GOOD
-When drawing from holster (AIWB) you know you have the gun. GOOD
Stock grip is small and with sweaty hands it can be hard to get the
correct grip/purchase under stress (especially because you only have two
2 fingers to get the grip with).
-When shooting, the gun should NOT move in your hand. Good.
Have to give the Talon Grips a 10/10 !!!
Thanks for all the info you provided. It made the grip selection easy!

Be SAFE and Shoot Often !

I’m glad these grips are working out for you. I’ve recently been looking for grip upgrades on my Bodyguard as well. I bought a Hogue slip on grip and took it off right away. It was exactly what I wasn’t looking for. Didn’t fit my hand and added way too much bulk. Printed really bad in my pocket. So I’ve been strongly considering a grip tape. Talon is one of the types I’m considering.
Do you have any issue with it printing or drawing from a pocket with these grips?

 

[Execpro]

Bourget117.
I was also considering the Hogue grips, but did not get them for the same reasons you mentioned. Sometimes finding the right gun grip is like finding the right holster for a gun. It’s trial and error.
Printing from AIWB is not an issue for me with this gun or my S&W 9mm EZ.
Their are many others on this forum that can speak to pocket carry with
the Bodyguard. I have NO experience with this or any gun.
If your talking about pants pockets, I have never considered it. I want fast access to my gun from any position (sitting, standing, in a car etc.).
I have a J frame size revolver in a nylon pocket holster for cold weather coat carry if needed.
However, I would think that any rubber grip could catch on a pants pocket depending on the material and how you draw the gun.
Sorry I can’t be of more help!

Be SAFE and Shoot Often !

 

[Bourget117]

Bourget117.
I was also considering the Hogue grips, but did not get them for the same reasons you mentioned. Sometimes finding the right gun grip is like finding the right holster for a gun. It’s trial and error.
Printing from AIWB is not an issue for me with this gun or my S&W 9mm EZ.
Their are many others on this forum that can speak to pocket carry with
the Bodyguard. I have NO experience with this or any gun.
If your talking about pants pockets, I have never considered it. I want fast access to my gun from any position (sitting, standing, in a car etc.).
I have a J frame size revolver in a nylon pocket holster for cold weather coat carry if needed.
However, I would think that any rubber grip could catch on a pants pocket depending on the material and how you draw the gun.
Sorry I can’t be of more help!

Be SAFE and Shoot Often !

I’m only looking to pocket carry probably half the time and the other half aiwb. That’s why I was asking if you were using the talon grips and pocket carrying. The Hogues made it awful for that
purpose. With no grip it’s difficult to grad the pistol from a pocket because it’s thin and slippery. I’m hoping the talon rubber will be just the thing I’m looking for.