Versatraction is great, as its design is unique: it is comprised of micro-pores, that act as suction cups when wet, but do not feel rough to the touch: thus you get no rash when falling on it, and it is a breeze to get the board in/out the bag.
However, the traction is only there when your foot is firmly on it, closing the little suction cups. Thus you have the strange feeling when crosstepping on it that you are going to slide on it, the foot does feel the grip at first. And yes, you will slide if the foot is not firmly planted, as is the case oftne in emergency moves. Plus you need to wash it from time to time to remove grit from the holes.
I used versatraction, some clear grip with small raised diamond patterns, monster paint, and the new hexatraction by RS pro (raised hexagons).
- versatraction will give the less rash, but I think is the weaker grip, but I cannot really be sure it is not just a psychological impression.
- small raised diamond patterns is quite nice, positive feeling, not much rash, but not really transparent
- hexatraction has perhaps the best traction, but I would not like to fall and slide on it
- monster paint (and other spray-on grips) is really transparent, plus you decide the compromise between grip and rash: the more layers the more traction, and sand for less rash.
I was happy with all these choices for the front part of my SUPs (I never use wax there). For a full length deck grip, I think I will not use monster paint (not durable enough for the standing area of the feet + too much rash factor), I think I may use hexatraction, for the added grip. Versatraction could work, but it wont please everybody.
There was a guy at the euro SUP championships in Lacanau yesterday with a full hexatraction deck, but he seems to have waxed it for extra grip (or less rash?). Could be a solution really: you get the nice grip and feel of the wax (plus the scent!), and the traction underneath acts as a backup when the wax melts underfoot at the end of the session.
more pics at:
www.surfingfrance.com/equipe-de-france/equipe-de-france-actus/les-francais-font-le-show-a-lacanau.html
