RocketGrips: "Xbox 360 Controller Skins With Griptile"

Most of you know of my inquiries about modded game controllers, and even controller skins due to my tweets on Twitter. I'm not one to shy from requests simply, because they are out in public view. I've always been one to get results using any means necessary, and Twitter has been an awesome gateway for me to be able to do such things. As a reviewer it definitely helps to be bold sometimes. If you don't ask, you'll never know. I live by that motto, and as such I'm able bring to the table reviews that most reviewers avoid or don't think are possible. It all boils down to whether or not you want to advance as a reviewer, or to stay stuck in a rut. I think my request for the RocketGrips was the only logical next step in the evolution of my blog. In that sense I have decided to advance with what I do.

I'm thankful that the creator behind "RocketGrips" was more than willing to give me a chance to review his product. It might not be the custom controller I'd initially hoped for, but it's a small step in the right direction. If all goes well with the following review then I might just be able to bring you guys & gals reviews on even more Xbox 360 related products. I hope you enjoy the following review, and that you gain the necessary knowledge about the product after reading it. I will do my best to be thorough. Enjoy the read!

RocketGrips come in a rather simple yet effective package befitting of such a product. I wouldn't expect anything less from a product such as this. Included with this resealable bag is a pair of 3mm neoprene grips that feature a "Griptile" slip-proof skin. The grips themselves are initially adhered to a wax type paper to keep them from spoiling. Along with the resealable bag, and grips is a label that doubles as instructions on how to apply the grips to your Xbox 360 controller. These instructions are located on the inside of the folded label. It is best that you do not tear the label if you hope to keep the instructions intact.

It took me a few tries to get the grips in the proper position even with the visual aid/instructions. The thing to note though is that the adhesive that binds the grips to the controller does not get any less sticky even after touching the adhesive with your fingers. I was actually grateful for this, because I had to reapply them multiple times to get them in the desired position. I'm sure not everyone will have as much trouble applying them as I did though. After applying the grips I gripped the controller to get a feel for the product. The first thing I noticed is that the grips were kind of thick making the product feel a little awkward. Secondly I noticed that the grips had a new rubber like odor to them that was fairly strong. If you are allergic to rubber then you may want to stay away from these grips.

When I got through sampling the feeling of the grips I decided to do a proper test involving some actual gameplay. I figured that testing them with the FPS, and fighting game genre would prove to be the best method as both genres require lots of hand, and finger movement. The first game I tried out with the grips was my current favorite fighter "Super Street Fighter IV: AE/2012". I noticed almost immediately that my hands, and fingers didn't slip like they usually do when I play the game. I actually ended up winning several matches in a row as a result. The second game I chose to play was "MW3". The grips definitely gave a noticeable advantage, and the gameplay seemed to play out more smoothly as a result. In both games my hands, and fingers did not slip which is definitely a huge plus in my book.

As far as the product goes it is a simple thing that works quite efficiently. The "Griptile" pattern, and the neoprene material definitely work well together. The grips keep your hands from sweating, and in turn keep your hands from slipping. Using the grips during intense gameplay definitely seemed to be beneficial. As for the neoprene odor it was a less desirable side effect of the product. Over time the odor did seem to get less noticeable though. I think it's more, or less a new rubber type of odor that will lessen over the course of time/usage. Like I mentioned earlier though, if you are allergic to neoprene or rubber then you might want to stay away from this product. As far as the price goes RocketGrips sells their grips on Amazon for $7.98 which is fitting of a product of this type.

*NOTE*: "If you ever remove the skins there will be a sticky residue left. The best way to take care of it is with a product such as 'Goo Gone'"

RocketGrips:  www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Game-Controller-Skins-Griptile