Grizzla Pads Review: Better Electric Unicycle Control and Comfort

Grizzla side pad review - best side pads for EUC - electric unicycle power pads torque pads - banner image

Are you wondering if the Grizzla Pads for electric unicycles are worth it? Side pads that you attach to the side of your electric unicycle can help with grip, control, and comfort while riding. If you’re riding a powerful electric unicycle (EUC), then power pads will also improve your ability to access the torque of your motor.

In this review, I’ll share my experience riding with Grizzla Pads (standard and large size) for more than 1,000 miles. I’ll also compare them to other brands of side pads and see how they stack up.

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Grizzla side pad review - best side pads for EUC - electric unicycle power pads torque pads - classic versus big or large size Grizzla pads

TL;DR: Grizzla Pad Review for Electric Unicycles (EUC)

The side pads look great with a style that integrates well with most electric unicycles. They attach and remove easily with velcro, which is great for when you need to quickly access your EUC’s battery or make adjustments.

The pads are comfortable to grip with your legs, and provide good control, even when riding on rough terrain. I found the large size to be more comfortable than the standard size, but both will offer better grip and comfort than not having any side pads at all.

If you’re looking for the best EUC side pads with modular fit and excellent finish, then I highly recommend Grizzla Pads. They provide good grip, control, and comfort while riding, and are easy to attach and remove.

Summary of Key Features of Grizzla Pads

  • Faster acceleration and hill climbing ability
  • Improved braking power
  • Posture stability when riding over unpredictable terrain
  • Assist electric unicycle jumping, e.g., stunts, off road track, trail riding
  • Enhanced maneuverability and control
  • Passive wheel protection during falls/crashes/accidents 
  • Better visibility with bright colors and/or reflective stripe installation

Read on to learn more about EUC side pads or SKIP ahead to the Grizzla Pads review.

Grizzla side pad review - best side pads for EUC - electric unicycle power pads torque pads - close up large front power pads from Grizzla Pads

Do You Need Side Pads for Your Electric Unicycle?

Whatever they are called, side pads, power pads, torque pads; they all work to do this one important thing for you: Side pads increase the EUC surface area that touches your leg and feet. Increased contact area means more grip and control while riding.

Grizzla side pad review - best side pads for EUC - electric unicycle power pads torque pads - side pads compared from stock pads, Grizzla, foam power kuji pads, and Clark Pads foam V3
From left to right: Stock Veteran Sherman pads, Grizzla Pads (Big), Foam Power pads with built-in hazard lights, and Clark Pads (V3). Image Courtesy of Dima EUC.

If you’re just starting out on your electric unicycle journey, then you might not need side pads. But as you start to ride faster and take on more challenging terrain, they can become indispensable.

Side pads also help to protect your EUC from scuffs and scrapes. Ever drop your EUC at low speeds and get a nasty scuff on the side? Side pads can help to prevent that from happening, or at least minimize the damage.

Grizzla side pad review - best side pads for EUC - electric unicycle power pads torque pads - clark pads on Veteran Sherman electric unicycle

And finally, if you’re riding a powerful EUC (like the 100V or more Begode wheels), then power pads will help you access all that torque without losing grip and control.

So, if you’re looking for better grip, control, and protection for your electric unicycle, then side pads are definitely worth considering.


What to Look for in the Best Side Pads for Riding an EUC?

  • Comfort
  • Ergonomics
  • Size
  • Durability/Material
  • Style and Features
  • Price

One of the most important things to consider is comfort. You’re going to be spending a lot of time with your side pads, so they need to feel good!

You can find these black, cool looking foam EUC side pads for your electric unicycle on Amazon. There are quite a few options online that work well at affordable prices than compared with the higher end specialized side pads, e.g., Clark Pads, Grizzla Pads, Kai Pads, and more.

The ergonomics of the side pads are also important. They should fit well with the contours of your legs and feet, and they shouldn’t rub or chafe.

Grizzla side pad review - best side pads for EUC - electric unicycle power pads torque pads - power pads from chicway also gotway style pads

Size is another important consideration. You want your side pads to be big enough to give you a good grip, but not so big that they’re cumbersome or difficult to control.

Reliability and durability are also key factors to consider. You want side pads that will stay in place and last through the miles.

The material of the side pads is also important. Some materials grip better than others, and some are more durable.

Grizzla side pad review - best side pads for EUC - electric unicycle power pads torque pads - Clark Pad Xtreme 3D printed with LED lights review
Clark Pad Xtreme pads for EUCs, with remote controlled LED lights built-in.

Finally, you’ll want to consider the style and features of the side pads. Some side pads come with extras like reflective strips or built-in LED colored lights. The LED lights in Clark Pad Extremes, for example, use a remote control to turn on/off or change color.

Now let’s take a closer look at the Grizzla Pads and see how they can help you up your electric unicycle game.


Grizzla Pads Review

Grizzla Pads are 3D printed from TPU, which is a lightweight and durable material. They’re designed to give you a better grip on your electric unicycle, and they come in three sizes: small (Baby), standard (Classic), and large (Big).

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I’m holding the Big Grizzla front pad next to the standard set (attached to my Sherman EUC).
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The Big rear Grizzla pad is much bigger than the standard sized pad. But, the standard sized pad locks in your heel and the back of your foot better.

I’ve only tested the classic and big size Grizzla pads. Being the standard and large sized Grizzla pads I had the versatility to try them on multiple types of EUC wheels.

But, ultimately, I used these Grizzla pads primarily on my Veteran Sherman EUC, one of the most powerful and capable performance electric unicycles available.

Comfort: My Time with the Grizzla Pads

I’ve put more than 1000 miles on my Grizzla pads, and I can say without a doubt that they’ve helped me to improve my riding. My grip is better, my control is improved, and I feel more confident taking on challenging terrain.

The Grizzla pads also offer good protection for my EUC. I’ve dropped it a few times (at low speeds) and the pads have definitely minimized the damage.

Grizzla side pad review - best side pads for EUC - electric unicycle power pads torque pads - side pads installed on sherman EUC
The standard, classic Grizzla pads give you a much better foot locked-in feeling, which gives you some more confidence with jumping or hopping your wheel. They are also easier to sit down with when installed on the wheel.

Both the standard and large sized Grizzla pads have a soft, plush response when you press into them. This “flex” helps grip your EUC with your legs, as they have some give when you’re accelerating or braking.

I know from riding with Clark Pads, any of the 3D printed versions, that there’s a rigidity that makes them a tad less comfortable than the Grizzla Pads. Using the foam Clark Pads was an improvement, but I found them a tad too slippery as compared with the Grizzla Pads.

Grizzla side pad review - best side pads for EUC - electric unicycle power pads torque pads - best EUC pads for control and torque
The large pads are great for longer cruises and takes some of the stress out of the legs while maintaining speed or accelerating (better torque management).

In general, I found the Grizzla Pad material confidence inspiring (barring any mention of the shape and form of the pads; more about this below).

Ergonomics: Grizzla Pads Have a Modular Fit

Actually, most higher end side pads for EUCs have a modular fit, meaning that the pad sets may come in multiple, modular parts that you can attach/detach from your EUC as needed (usually with Velcro).

Grizzla side pad review - best side pads for EUC - electric unicycle power pads torque pads - portrait off road riding with Grizzla power pads
Off road, having side pads increases your confidence and control over the wheel. For general enjoyment and safety, I will never ride my EUC for a long distance without some type of side pad attached.

To give you a sense of my leg/feet dimensions: I’m 5’7″ with a leg inseam of around 31-33″. I wear a US size 8 shoe. The Grizzla Pads were made for me, I think!

I tried the Grizzla Pads on several different types of EUCs (16x, RS19, V11, and Veteran Sherman), and they worked quite well with each one.

Grizzla side pad review - best side pads for EUC - electric unicycle power pads torque pads - Side pads from Gotway installed with 3D printed jump pads
One of my favorite setups when I was first learning to ride. The foam side pads protected my EUC from those unavoidable drops.

The important thing to note is that the Grizzla Pads have a contoured shape that’s designed to fit the bottom of your shins and around the top part of your foot/shoe/boot. The back pad, which acts as a braking when you’re decelerating is a separate piece.

When properly placed to your liking, I found that the Grizzla Pads provided good coverage and support without being too bulky or intrusive. The pads did stick out from the sides of the EUC more than its competitors, which I actually liked.

Do you have control?

Grizzla side pad review - best side pads for EUC - electric unicycle power pads torque pads - side pads in use, locked in feet
Crossing streets and navigating traffic requires that you have good control over your wheel.

This increased surface area provided me with more area to push and pull against when carving aggressively, accelerating from a stop or simply hopping my EUC over curbs or tree roots (when off road).

Grizzla side pad review - best side pads for EUC - electric unicycle power pads torque pads - control of EUC with Grizzla pads
Don’t text and ride…or at least don’t pose while you’re doing it.

The other important thing to point out is that the Grizzla Pads have a “right” and “left” side. This may seem like a no-brainer, but I’ve definitely put my share of side pads on backwards before!

Grizzla side pad review - best side pads for EUC - electric unicycle power pads torque pads - Sitting with Large side pads
Cruising through the great outdoors! Seated EUC riding is fun, a bit thrilling, and not the most versatile way to ride through unpredictable places, especially without suspension.

Finally, if you’re an EUC rider who sits and wants more space for their legs, you’ll want to know that the Grizzla Pads so extend a bit further out from the sides. If you’re looking for a slimmer side profile, the Clark Pads may be a better option.

I personally didn’t have a problem sitting or transitioning from standing/sitting with the Grizzla Pads (standard or large size) installed on my Sherman Max.

Grizzla Pad Options: Baby, Standard or Big Pads?

As I mentioned earlier, the Grizzla Pads come in three sizes. The “Baby” Grizzla Pads are designed for those with smaller feet, ride a smaller wheel (>18″ EUC), or those who want a more minimalist setup.

Because the baby pads are smaller, they also fit on the smaller EUCs with a lot more placement options. The drawback, of course, being that they don’t provide as much grip or control as the larger Grizzla Pads.

Grizzla side pad review - best side pads for EUC - electric unicycle power pads torque pads - rear pad comparison with reflectors
The small rear pad compared with the big Grizzla pad shows how much different they look and feel.

In my brief test, I found the baby Grizzla Pads to be too small for my feet, and so I ended up using the standard size. These fit me quite well, and I had no issues with placement on any of the EUCs that I tried them on.

Standard versus big sized Grizzla side pads for EUCs

The “Standard” Grizzla Pads (which is what I tested) are designed for riders who want a happy middle ground between agility, control, and a comfortable surface area for long cruises.

Grizzla side pad review - best side pads for EUC - electric unicycle power pads torque pads - at the beach
The Big Grizzla Pads are awesome for the larger, more powerful EUCs. They give you more surface area along your legs and feet to push and pull your wheel in the direction (and speed) you want to go.

Indeed, for long distance, high speed riding on a Sherman EUC (a 20″ wheel), I did find my legs got more tired when I used the Grizzla Standard size as compared with the large pads.

The large, or “Big” Grizzla Pads (which I also tested) are designed for riders with larger feet or those who want more coverage/padding for those long distance cruises. The increased surface area provided much more contact to manipulate the weight of my Sherman EUC.

For those riding heavy electric unicycles with massive batteries or big motors, it is a no-brainer that the larger Grizzla Pads will be the way to go.

Grizzla side pad review - best side pads for EUC - electric unicycle power pads torque pads - large vs small size
It’s HUGE! Seriously, the large Grizzla pads will take up the majority of the surface area on your electric unicycle. They won’t fit well on anything much smaller than a Sherman Max or less than 18″ EUC wheel.

I found the big Grizzla Pads too big for my liking on smaller EUCs (<18″ wheel). In fact, I couldn’t even fit them on my KS16x. Once I got them on though, they made it more difficult to perform advanced maneuvers that require quick weight transfer and footwork, like off-road climbing or small technical obstacle hopping.

Overall, I think the standard size Grizzla Pads are the best all-around size for the majority of riders. However, I could see the large Grizzla Pads being a good option for those who want more comfort on long distance rides or those with larger feet.


The Indestructible Grizzla Pad: Reliability and Durability

The Grizzla Pads are made from a flexible, yet tough and durable thermoplastic 3D printable material (TPU). This means that if you were to drop your EUC on its side, the Grizzla Pads would likely absorb most of the impact and prevent damage to your EUC.

I’ve actually put this theory to the test, as I’ve dropped my Sherman Max with the Grizzla Pads installed a few times (not on purpose) onto asphalt pavement as well as on packed dirt. The Grizzla Pads definitely took the brunt of the impact, bouncing a bit, and prevented any damage to the sides of my EUC.

I can barely tell where the Grizzla Pads hit the ground because the damage was so minimal. There are just a few very small scuffs on the TPU material.

black and yellow camera on black table - 3d printing TPU
Photo by Daniel Smyth on Pexels.com

The Grizzla Pads have also held up well in the rain and mud, as I’ve ridden my Sherman Max in some pretty unfavorable conditions without any issues. The only time I’ve had to clean the Grizzla Pads is when I rode through some particularly muddy puddles and my EUC got caked in dirt.

Because the pads are velcroed on my wheel, I was able to quickly remove them and give them a quick rinse under the hose. That’s all it quick rinse under the hose. That’s all it took to get the pads clean and looking like new again.

I’ll say that the Grizzla Pads are quite durable and can take a beating.


Style and Features of the Grizzla Pads

Show off your EUC with some personality and style by choosing from a variety of colors and patterns for your Grizzla Pads. I purchased a pair of blue front pads with yellow rear pads (Slava Ukraini!) and got the large pads later from Grizzla.

Grizzla side pad review - best side pads for EUC - electric unicycle power pads torque pads - reflectors on the side pads
The reflectors works great at night.
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Side and rear reflectors increase your chance of being seen while riding after sundown.

You can have Grizzla also install reflectors in your side pads, which look pretty cool during the day and come in handy at night. Just make sure you also use active lighting for night EUC rides for improved safety.

Grizzla side pad review - best side pads for EUC - electric unicycle power pads torque pads - LED active lighting for EUCs with reflectors
I use battery powered LED stripes installed along the shell of my Veteran Sherman for that extra cool-factor.

Along with the myriad of colors, sizes, and reflector options, you’ll be able to uniqely customize your EUC appearance with Grizzla Pads.


Are Grizzla Pads Worth It?

Unless you’re using DIY side pads for your EUC, or 3D printing, you’ll be spending a fair amount of money on side pads. The challenge is trying to find out how to find the best pads without actually buying and trying them. In fact, this is why I hope you find this article helpful.

Are the Grizzla Pads worth it? They aren’t cheap and on-par with the venerated Clark Pads (which I also use).

Grizzla side pad review - best side pads for EUC - electric unicycle power pads torque pads - self-portrait gear with several electric unicycles
Well, do you think more control and comfort matter?

Grizzla Pads start at $140-180 for the Standard size and go up to $150-170 for the large size. The price varies with options you choose for adding reflectors and pre-installed velcro.

Combined with shipping, you can expect to spend close to $200 USD for a custom set of Grizzla Pads. Are they worth the price tag?

Yes. I think the Grizzla Pads are worth the price tag, as they are some of the best quality side pads I’ve seen on the market.


Grizzla Pad Installation: Easy as 1-2-3

Installing the Grizzla Pads is easiest if you order them with pre-installed Velcro. Even if you don’t and choose to use your own Velcro (this will save you a few dollars), the installation process is still very straightforward.

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You can see video guide for how to install Grizzla pads with velcro.

Here’s how I installed my Grizzla Pads (I’ve done it several times on different wheels):

  • When I install side pads on my EUC, I recommend standing on your EUC as if you were ready to ride, and marking the side of the EUC where your leg/foot touches.
  • Then, take a piece of cardboard or plastic bag and hold it against the EUC to block the Grizzla velcro side from sticking as you align the pads where you marked your feet/leg.
  • Because there’s a surface that won’t stick to the pads, you can maneuver the pads exactly where you want them.
  • When you think you have the placement right, where it is most comfortable for you, slide away the cardboard or plastic bag and allow the EUC and pad velcro to join together.
  • You can make subtle adjustments, but if you did it right, then it shouldn’t be necessary.
  • Repeat the process for the other side and you’re done!

Can You Mix and Match Different Grizzla Pad Sizes?

Yes, you can mix and match different Grizzla Pad sizes on your EUC. For example, I have the large size Grizzla Pads as my front pad for more surface area to grip with my feet and shin to push against during acceleration.

For improved mobility, agility, I tried using the standard pad for the rear, which gave me a better “locked-in” feeling for jumping, carving and doing other fancy things with my EUC. I’ll note that there is a loss of braking pad surface area, so I only recommend this setup if you’re confident in your braking skill.

Grizzla side pad review - best side pads for EUC - electric unicycle power pads torque pads - combining small and large pads

Of course, this setup may be costly as you’ll have to buy both the Big and Standard sized Grizzla pads to do this. As of this writing, I’m uncertain whether Grizzla sells different size front/rear pads separately.

As mentioned earlier, I’ve found that the large Grizzla Pads work best for me both as front and rear pads, but it’s ultimately up to you to decide what EUC pad size and configuration works best for your riding style.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

What’s the best material for EUC side pads?

The best material for side pads is a tough, durable material that can withstand the elements and wear and tear of riding. I’ve found that the best materials for this are 3D printed TPU, cast foam, or EVA foam (e.g., yoga mats).

How do I clean my Grizzla Pads?

You can clean your Grizzla Pads with a damp cloth and some soap. I would not recommend putting them in the washing machine, as this could damage the pads. Don’t use any harsh solvents either, which could damage the surface of the plastic material.

How long do Grizzla Pads last?

Grizzla Pads are made from high quality materials and should last a long time. Note that Grizzla Pads are 3D printed with a thermoplastic material. Under high temperatures, they have the potential to warp. And, although I’m uncertain what that temperature is for this particular material, I would suggest avoiding storage of the pads in a car exposed to direct sunlight.

Where can I buy Grizzla Pads?

You can buy Grizzla Pads from their website or from authorized retailers.

Are Grizzla Pads compatible with my electric unicycle?

Grizzla pads come in several sizes to fit a variety of electric unicycles. They also have adapters for unique, specialized EUCs, e.g., suspension electric unicycles. Check the Grizzla Pad website for more details about compatibility for your particular EUC model.

Final Thoughts and Verdict

Grizzla Pads are a great way to improve the control and comfort of your electric unicycle. They are easy to install and come in a variety of sizes to fit different EUCs. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for an upgrade from the stock pads that came with their EUC.

I hope you found this review helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below and I will do my best to answer them.

Happy riding!

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