I have been experimenting lately with guitar picks with grip texture. The D-Grip product line has by far the best grip I have encountered so far providing stable and firm grip even when holding the pick loosely. There is no risk of slipping even when playing aggressive lines with a light touch.
The only downside of the super-effective grip surface is the fact that micro-adjustments in the pick grip are also more difficult to perform while playing: the fingers do not slide that easily into a new position on the pick surface. However, with practice, this problem can alse be overcome when playing with the D-Grip plectrums. When playing rhythm guitar strumming patterns (such as funky 16th note chords), I usually hold the pick in between the pads of index finger and thumb whereas in lead playing (and metal riffing), I tend to employ the "trigger grip", where the pick is located in between the side of my index finger and the pad of my thumb. Switching between these two grips is not as easy when the pick has a strong grip texture on it.
The dimensions of the D-Grip C pick are identical to those of the Dunlop XL Jazz III, so the D-Grip pick can be used as a drop-in replacement for the Dunlop Jazz III XL. The D-Grip pick has nice beveled edges which provide smooth playing feel (especially when the pick is new): the pick glides through the strings effortlessly. You don't need to apply as much force as with the Dunlop Jazz III XL.
The beveled edges also provide warmer and rounder tone (when compared to the Dunlop Jazz III XL). The playing feel and tone of the D-Grip C pick is similar to that provided by delrin picks (even though the D-Grip pick is made from nylon).
The durability of the D-Grip pick is similar to that of all other nylon picks: I can play for 10-15 hours before the edges of the pick have worn so much that I have to replace the pick with a new one.
When the D-Gip pick gets worn on its edges, the playing feel also slightly changes: the friction between the string and pick increases and the tone becomes "scratchy". This is not a bad thing. I actually enjoy playing with a D-Grip pick in the middle of its lifespan: I can feel the interaction between the pick and the strings much more clearly which provides me with haptic feedback.
I can warmly recommend the D-Grip pick product family especially to all lead players and metal guitarists. Please check both the C and A size categories to see which one best suits your needs.
