SuperGrip for Glock: What it is, how to install it, and why it improves your grip
Introduction: The grip is the first point of contact between you and the gun.
In any dynamic shooting discipline—IPSC, IDPA, Steel Challenge, or Rapid Sport Shooting (TRS)—it all starts with the grip. Not the sights, not the trigger, not the holster. Above all, the gun must feel steady in your hand, the same with every shot, in all light and temperature conditions, with dry hands or sweaty after twenty minutes of competition under the July sun.
The fifth-generation Glock is an excellent pistol, with an improved RTF (Rough Texture Frame) checkering over previous generations, designed to provide traction in all conditions. For many shooters, especially those who use their pistol occasionally or in controlled environments, that texture is more than sufficient. But for those who regularly compete in dynamic shooting—where they shoot from awkward positions, move quickly between positions, sweat, and physically tense under pressure—the standard checkering on any polymer pistol may not be enough.
It is exactly to meet this need that Shooter Squad has developed the SuperGrip: A laser-cut adhesive grip, designed specifically for the Glock 17, 22, 34 and 35 Gen 5, that significantly increases grip without permanently modifying the firearm.
What is SuperGrip: material, shape and technology
The SuperGrip Shooter Squad is a high-tack adhesive film with a grainy abrasive surface, precisely cut using laser cut to perfectly fit the contours of the Glock Gen 5 grip. This is not just any freehand skateboard tape: each piece is designed and cut to precisely follow the contours of the Glock polymer frame, including the sides, rear, and primary contact areas with your fingers and palm.
The grainy surface is abrasiveThis is intentional, as the purpose of this type of treatment is to increase the coefficient of friction between the hand and the gun even in difficult conditions—sweaty hands, wet hands, thin gloves. The grain size is calibrated to be aggressive enough to make a difference under stress, without being so aggressive as to damage the skin of the palm or make carrying uncomfortable for everyday use.
The specification for the SuperGrip Gen 5 includes compatibility with models Glock 17, 22, 34 and 35 Fifth generation — the most popular full-size and long-slide versions in dynamic shooting sports in Italy. The weight of the attachment is negligible (about 0,2 grams), so it doesn't alter the weapon's balance or compatibility with pre-installed holsters and accessories.
Why standard knurling isn't always enough
To understand why a product like the SuperGrip exists, it helps to understand what Glock does by default—and where the limit lies.
The fifth-generation Glock introduced a grip without finger grooves, a welcome improvement over the Gen 4, which required very specific hand positioning. However, the Gen 5 features RTF checkering on all sides of the grip—front, side, and rear—that's more extensive and pronounced than before.
Under normal conditions, with dry hands, the RTF Gen 5 is excellent. The problem arises in three typical situations in dynamic sport shooting:
Sweaty hands. A summer match session, especially at an outdoor range, produces enough sweat to reduce the effectiveness of any polymer checkering. Polymer, no matter how well crafted, is not a naturally absorbent material. With wet hands, the traction drops, and the shooter must compensate by gripping harder—which negatively impacts the trigger pull and repeatability.
The extended shot. Those who train intensely fire 200-300 rounds in sessions. Over the course of a long session, the grip gradually weakens on the barrel due to muscle fatigue. A more abrasive surface helps maintain a consistent hand position even when the muscles begin to weaken.
Shooting under pressure in competition. IPSC dynamic shooting is an adrenaline-pumping sport. Under stress, grip strength involuntarily increases, but hand position consistency also tends to deteriorate. A more aggressive surface reduces the dependence on a precise grip, leaving more room for error without losing control.
Is SuperGrip allowed in the IPSC rulebook?
The most frequently asked question when talking about any shooting accessory is: is it legal?
For the division Production, which is the most popular among Glock shooters in Italy, the answer is yes. Non-permanent external modifications to the grip—such as the addition of adhesive abrasive material—are generally permitted because they do not alter the dimensions, mechanical operation, or profile of the weapon in a way that would affect its classification. The SuperGrip does not change the weight, dimensions, or mechanism of the pistol.
For the divisions Standard e Production Optics, the rules are even more permissive regarding external grip customizations.
The rule to keep in mind is that the gun must always fit into the IPSC homologation box (225 × 150 × 45 mm) in the configuration in which it is used in competition — and an application of a few tenths of a millimeter like that of the SuperGrip does not change anything in this sense.
As always, if in doubt it is good practice to check with the Range Officer for your match before the start of the checks.
How to install SuperGrip: a step-by-step guide
Application is one of the most appreciated aspects of SuperGrip: it requires no tools, is not permanent, and can be done in just a few minutes. Here's how to do it correctly.
Phase 1 — Preparing the weapon. First, clear the gun: remove the magazine, check that the chamber is empty, and move to a safe area. Never apply the SuperGrip with a loaded gun.
Step 2 — Cleaning the handle. Thoroughly clean the grip surface with a clean, lint-free cloth lightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol. Remove any dust, oil, or grease. A clean surface is essential to ensure the adhesive adheres securely. Allow to dry completely.
Phase 3 — Initial positioning without pressure. Remove the SuperGrip from the packaging and place it on the grip without applying pressure. Check the alignment with the edges of the barrel, the contact areas, and the position of the trigger guard. Shooter Squad specifically recommends taking the time to properly center the piece before permanently securing it. — once pressed firmly, repositioning becomes much more difficult.
Phase 4 — Progressive application. Start at one end—typically the top, near the bridge—and gradually press downward, following the curve of the barrel. Avoid pressing all at once; work in small sections, eliminating air bubbles as you go. Use your finger or a smooth object (like the flat side of a pencil) to press each section evenly.
Stage 5 — Final uniform pressure. Once the entire surface is in place, apply firm, even pressure over the entire area. The natural warmth of your hand helps the adhesive bond better to the polymer. Press for 30-60 seconds over the entire surface.
Phase 6 — Settling time. Let the weapon rest for at least an hour before using it in competition, preferably overnight. This allows the adhesive to achieve maximum adhesion.
Removal and reversibility: the gun goes back to how it was before
One of the main advantages of SuperGrip over other methods of improving grip — such as stippling (thermal etching of the polymer) or the laser texture on the handle — is that it is a fully reversible modification.
Stippling and laser texturing permanently etch the polymer of the barrel: once done, there's no going back. SuperGrip, on the other hand, can be removed at any time by lifting a corner and slowly peeling it away from the barrel, leaving no residue on the grip or altering the polymer underneath.
This is important for several practical reasons:
- Anyone who wants to sell or give away their gun can restore it to its original condition in just a few minutes.
- Anyone who wants to try a different grip pattern can remove and replace the SuperGrip without consequences.
- Anyone who has a weapon that they use for different purposes (competition and defense, or competition and training) can manage the configuration flexibly.
- There is no impact on the warranty of the weapon, since nothing is permanently altered.
SuperGrip vs. Skateboard Tape: The Differences
The most common question from shooters who are already familiar with the concept of grip tape is: how is it different from a regular skateboard grip tape?
The answer is in the cutting precision and in adhesive qualitySkateboard tape purchased from a general sporting goods store is a rectangular strip that the shooter must cut freehand, adapting to the curved contours of the grip, and managing the angles and overlaps. The result, while functional, is never as precise as a custom laser-cut piece. The overlaps create thickened edges that feel comfortable under the hand. Impromptu cuts leave exposed spaces or cover areas that shouldn't be covered—like the magazine well or the area around the release button.
The Shooter Squad SuperGrip is precision-cut to precisely match the geometry of the Gen 5 Glock frame, with cutouts in just the right places and contours that follow the curves of the polymer. The end result is a clean, uniform, and professional fit, visually indistinguishable from a modification done at a specialized tuning shop.
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SuperGrip Arsenal Strike One Speed
22,50 €26,00 € -
SuperGrip Arsenal Strike One Ergal – Ergal Pro
22,50 €26,00 € -
SuperGrip KMR W-02 UMBRA grips
65,00 €
Who is SuperGrip for: an accessory for every level
The SuperGrip isn't just an accessory for advanced shooters who seek every detail to improve their performance. It's useful for a wide range of experience levels.
For those who are starting out in dynamic shooting With a newly purchased Glock: the stock grip is good, but in the first training sessions—when you shoot a lot and are still building muscle memory—having a more abrasive surface helps keep the grip in a consistent position shot after shot. It reduces the variables at a time when you already have a lot to focus on.
For the intermediate shooter competing in Production: In competition, under stress, and after an hour in the sun, every detail counts. The SuperGrip is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make to a stock Glock—it costs less than a lunch and installs in ten minutes.
For the experienced shooter who already knows his gripYou can use SuperGrip as a diagnostic tool. Apply it to specific areas—for example, just the sides or just the back—to determine where your grip is less stable, and then decide whether to keep that configuration or extend the coverage.
Compatibility: Glock 17, 22, 34, 35
The SuperGrip Shooter Squad for Gen 5 is designed specifically for the following models:
- Glock 17 Gen 5 — the reference full-size pistol for the Production division
- Glock 34 Gen 5 — the long-slide model, very popular among Production and Production Optics shooters
- Glock 22 Gen 5 — the .40 S&W version, used by those competing with the Major factor
- Glock 35 Gen 5 — the long-slide in .40 S&W
For previous generation models (Gen 3 and Gen 4) there is a slightly different shaft geometry — the presence of the finger guides in the Gen 3 and the different texture of the Gen 4 require a specific cutting profile.
Of course we also made the Supergrip for Gen 3 and Gen 4.
Always check the generation of your weapon before purchasing.
Shooter Squad also produces SuperGrips for other platforms — including the Arsenal Strike One in both the Ergal and Speed versions — intended for shooters using that pistol in the Standard and Open divisions.
Conclusion:
a small accessory, a concrete impact
The SuperGrip doesn't turn a stock Glock into a competition pistol. It doesn't replace training, it doesn't change the gun's balance, and it doesn't reduce recoil. But it does one thing, and it does it well: it ensures the gun stays exactly where the shooter wants it, under any conditions, throughout the entire session.
For €22,50 and a ten-minute installation time, it's one of the most cost-effective upgrades available for the Glock Gen 5 in dynamic shooting. Reversible, regulation-compliant, accurate—and available from the Shooter Squad shop with fast shipping throughout Italy.
Article updated April 2026. To check compatibility with your specific model or for information on SuperGrips for other platforms, contact Shooter Squad at sh**@***********ad.com.