I have experimented with several D-Grip Picks products while searching for the best high-grip pick for my needs. I ordered a pack of of 1.3-mm blue D-Grip picks of the classic 351 shape to see how well they would fit my style of playing (metal, rock). Here are my observations:
Pros:
- The classic 351 shape serves several playing styles from rock to jazz. This pick is a true all-rounder.
- The pick produces a warm/mellow tone when playing single note lines. I like it when the edge of the pick is slightly worn: the friction caused by the scratchy surface gives me a clear haptic feedback on when the pick is sliding across the string. This provides me with wide variety of options for phrasing.
- The pick is not extremly heavy in gauge (1.3 mm), and strumming of chords (open-string chords on an acoustic, or 16th note funk strumming on an electric) is thus possible. Rhythm guitar playing in general is enjoyable with the product.
- The grip is good - the pick definitely stays in place much better than those without the 3D grip texture.
- The durability is good (as you would expect from a nylon pick): I often replace the pick after 40-50 hours of playing (when the edge and tip of the pick become sufficiently worn). The durability is better than on Delrin picks but not as good as on Ultex picks.
Cons:
- Even though the grip is good, it could still be better. The 3D grip surface is much denser in this product when compared to the D-Grip Jazz picks. The pressure between the finger skin and the pick surface is divided across a larger number of individual "bulges" in the 3D texture, and the individual "bulges" do not thus grip that tightly to the skin.
- The tip of the pick very round. This is a question of preference but I would personally prefer a slightly pointier pick that would allow higher degree of edge picking, and better articulation on single-note lines.
Over all, the quality of the product is excellent and the price point is attractive. I can highly recommend this product to especially all rhythm guitarists out there.
