Dye Sticky 03s Review

By Chris DeForge

With tons of marker accessories on the market, those looking for their perfect dream setup will often spare no expense. While high end markers are coming pre-upgraded with quality grips, many mid and low-end setups still have stock rubber panels or cheaply made wraparounds.

The original Dye sticky grip was designed as a more comfortable solution to handling a marker and spawned tons of other “sticky” grips released by other companies. The grip got a face lift with the release of the Sticky3, and despite the recent release of more aesthetically complex grips from companies like Hybrid, Trinity, and Bob Long, the Sticky3 remains one of the most popular grips on the market.

The Sticky3 grip comes new with a Dye sticker, mounting screws, and the grip itself. Out of the box it is rather slick but becomes stickier over time. Injection molded polymer and rubber makes a unique feel with cushioned finger grooves. The recognizable Dye logo is molded into the grip and not glued, so it will not fall out like the logo jewels on some other equipment. While the original Dye Sticky was comfortable and very popular (with a 9.1 / 10 average rating on PBReview out of 205 reviews) the new Sticky3 is much more comfortable. How can a mere grip feel so good?

Dye followed its winning formula from the old Sticky grip by designing a true wraparound grip, unlike the cheap rubber grip panels used on some stock setups. A back-strap has also been designed so the grip will cover the entire frame, which is much more comfortable to use if you are not wearing gloves. The grips also use a softer material than the hard rubber used by the original Sticky, and the grips are easier to grasp the more they are used. Dirt and paint should be cleaned off from the grips and air dried or with a towel to keep the near-adherent quality.

But does this new “dual-durometer” material sacrifice durability for comfort? Dye states that the grips should not be used on oversized frames and users have complained about the backstrap or other sections of the grip tearing. A fragility issue has been addressed after the first production run of grips (which has long passed) had tearing problems. Indeed, the grips are a tight fit over larger frames such as the 2k2 Intimidator Clamshell frame or the “humped” Shocker frame. Some players have suggested lubricating the insides of the grips while mounting them on the frame for the first time. If that still fails, the grips can be installed by trimming the backstrap and leaving the grips like a standard pair of wraparounds. In addition, the grips may extend past the practical “grip” area on certain markers and may need to be trimmed. The sticky material on the corner of the grip can wear away, leaving the hard, sharp plastic exposed. This seems to happen on this one particular corner and is only an issue on certain markers.

Compatibility
The first incarnation of the Dye Sticky 3s were intended for the .45 frame. The popularity of the .45 frame on all sorts of markers gives the Sticky3 a lot of versatility. Any .45 frame will be compatible with these grips, and the original mounting screws can be used. They are a major improvement especially on low or mid end markers that come with uncomfortable plastic grip panels or cheaply made hard rubber ones, such as the checkered rubber panels on certain Spyders. Unfortunately, the .45 grips will not fit on newer E-Spyders.

But now, Dye Sticky 03 grips are now also available for the electronic Spyder, notorious for their hard, fragile, checkered plastic grip panels. Dye grips let Spyder users get a real hold on their marker and come with an LED panel. Unlike the grip panels, they will not crack if the screws are too tight. If your original plastic panels are cracked or showing wear, E-Spyder Stickies can be purchased for around 25 dollars. However, these grips do NOT have a backstrap on them, as this would block access to the buttons on the backs of the e-frames.

Standard .45 Stickies with the backstrap. All colors demonstrated on a Hinge Autococker frame.
Stickies are also stock on Dye Matrix markers. The standard Sticky for the Matrix is a wraparound grip that lacks the backstrap for access to the frame-spine buttons and the jewel of the grip will light up with the LED. (Important! Note that the Dye Matrix grips have a different hole pattern than the standard two-hole .45 and do not come with a backstrap for access to the frame-spine buttons. If you need new Stickies for your Matrix, make sure to get the proper ones. If you need a standard .45, do not buy Matrix designated grips!)

Ultralight Stickies also come with the purchase of any Ultralight frame for the Matrix series. Ultralight frame users should not need to purchase these grips except as replacements or for color preferences. In addition, a modified Proto version of these grips with the same “Dual durometer” construction will also be included on the recently announced Proto Rail.

Yellow Ultralight Stickies for use on Dye Ultralight frames. These will NOT fit standard Matrix frames.

For around twenty five dollars, Dye Sticky 03s are aesthetically pleasing and extremely comfortable. Available in black, smoke, red, and blue these are a great addition to any marker. Get a grip on your marker and on your game!