Abstract: A process for making improved grips for encircling the hand contact portion of a shaft, lever, or steering device for hand powered and hand guided equipment from a reversible thermoplastic rubber. A simple test characterizes the thermoplastic rubber compositions as "xylenophyllic" materials, useful for forming grips by coating processes and for uses requiring less environmental stability, and "xylenophobic" materials, useful for grips requiring high environmental stability. The improved grips find application whenever it is desirable that the hand grip be securely grasped and held, and especially for use wherever hand injury or discomfort may occur due to vibration or shock.