What Lizard Skin does

Lizard Skins is a privately held sporting goods accessories manufacturer founded in 1993 by Brian Fruit, operating from American Fork, Utah (origin) and Baton Rouge, Louisiana (headquarters). The company designs, produces, and distributes products centered on what it terms the "hand-to-grip interface" across seven sport verticals: baseball/fastpitch, cycling, golf, hockey, lacrosse, pickleball, and powersports. Its product portfolio includes bat grips, handlebar tape and grips, hockey and lacrosse grip tape, golf grips, batting and cycling gloves, bike frame protection, arm sleeves, bags, hats, and lifestyle apparel. The company's flagship proprietary technology is DSP (Durasoft Polymer), a polymer-based formula launched in 2008 that the company describes as combining superior gripping properties with softness unmatched by other synthetic rubbers. DSP has been progressively extended from cycling (the company's origin) into baseball, hockey, lacrosse, and pickleball, with a next-generation DSP Ultra formulation introduced across new 2024 product launches.

Lizard Skins operates a hybrid go-to-market model combining direct-to-consumer e-commerce (lizardskins.com), a B2B wholesale portal (b2b.lizardskins.com), an authorized brick-and-mortar dealer network, and international distribution partnerships across 80+ countries. Revenue is generated through one-time product sales (with volume discounts on golf grips), B2B wholesale transactions, and licensing royalties from professional sports league partnerships. The company holds high-value licensing agreements as the Official Bat Grip of Major League Baseball (one of only 12 Authentic Collection brands), the National Hockey League, and Major League Lacrosse, and sponsors 2 Pro Tour cycling teams competing in Grand Tour events including the Tour de France. Its customer base spans professional athletes (150+ MLB players), amateur athletes across multiple sports, and lifestyle consumers.

The company expanded its portfolio through the 2018 acquisitions of Oury, a cult-classic cycling and powersports grip brand with 50+ years of heritage, and Buck Athletics, a glove protection line founded by former professional baseball player John Buck. Product-led growth is driven by athlete endorsements, professional sports league licensing, and a customization platform supporting colors, patterns, MLB team logos, player names and numbers, and custom designs across batting gloves, bat grip tape, arm sleeves, and handlebar grips. Notable 2024 launches include the DSP Ultra Liberty Collection (baseball), DSP Ultra Handlebar Tape (cycling), DSP Ultra Golf Grips (golf), DSP Hockey Grip Tape, DSP Pickleball Grip, Komodo V2 Batting Gloves, and Oury Grip V2, indicating continued investment in core DSP technology and expansion into high-growth categories such as pickleball and golf.

Name

Lizard Skin

Legal name

Lizard Skins

Website

https://lizardskins.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Lizard Skins is a privately held sporting goods accessories manufacturer founded in 1993 that designs, produces, and distributes grip-focused products across baseball, cycling, golf, hockey, lacrosse, pickleball, and powersports verticals in 80+ countries. Its proprietary DSP (Durasoft Polymer) technology underpins offerings licensed by MLB, NHL, and MLL.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sporting Goods Accessories

NAICS

Sporting and Athletic Goods Manufacturing (33992)

SIC

Sporting & Athletic Goods, Nec (3949)

akta.pro primary industry

Sports & Outdoor Accessories Manufacturing (Performance Gloves/Headwear) (IMAOAFAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Pickleball Equipment & Accessories Retail (CRAMAFAB), Baseball & Softball Equipment Retail (CRAMAEAA), Sports, Outdoor & Adventure Packs Manufacturing (Backpacks/Duffels) (IMAOAHAE)

Keywords

• Sporting goods accessories
• Bat grip tape
• Handlebar grip products
• Athletic protective gloves
• Cycling bar tape

Headquarters

HQ city

American Fork

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Product Sales (Direct to Consumer): E-commerce sales through lizardskins.com featuring grips (bat grips, bar tape, hockey/lacrosse/pickleball grips), gloves (batting gloves, inner gloves, cycling gloves), protective equipment, bags, and lifestyle apparel. One-time product purchases with volume discounts for golf grips (5+ gets 10% off, 10+ gets 15% off).
2. Wholesale/B2B Distribution: Wholesale sales through b2b.lizardskins.com to authorized dealers and distributors. Dealer network requires brick-and-mortar retail storefronts. International distribution partnerships in 80+ countries.
3. Licensing Royalties (Professional Sports): Licensing agreements with Major League Baseball (Official Bat Grip - one of only 12 Authentic Collection brands), NHL, and Major League Lacrosse. Generates licensing revenue from professional sports league partnerships.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Lizard Skins manufactures and sells sporting goods accessories centered on the hand-to-grip interface, including bat grips, handlebar tape, golf grips, hockey/lacrosse/pickleball grip tape, batting and cycling gloves, bike protection, arm sleeves, and lifestyle products such as bags, hats, and apparel. Its proprietary DSP (Durasoft Polymer) technology underpins core grip lines across baseball, cycling, hockey, lacrosse, pickleball, and golf. The company also manages the Oury brand acquired in 2018 and holds licensing agreements as the Official Bat Grip of Major League Baseball and similar arrangements with NHL and MLL.

Product overview

Lizard Skins is an industry-leading manufacturer of sporting goods accessories centered on the hand-to-grip interface. The company operates a unified product portfolio with multiple product lines spanning grips (bat grips, handlebar tape, golf grips, hockey/lacrosse/pickleball grip tape, gaming mouse grips), gloves (batting, inner, cycling long finger and short finger), protective equipment (bike frame protection, arm sleeves, body protection), and lifestyle products (bags, apparel, hats). The proprietary DSP (Durasoft Polymer) technology underpins core products including DSP Ultra Bat Grips, DSP Ultra Handlebar Tape, DSP Ultra Golf Grips, and specialized DSP grips for hockey, lacrosse, and pickleball. The company also manages acquired brands including Oury (cult classic grips for cycling and powersports acquired in 2018). Lizard Skins holds licensing agreements as the Official Bat Grip of Major League Baseball and similar arrangements with NHL and MLL, with products distributed globally in 80+ countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Oury: Cult classic grip brand for cycling and powersports, acquired by Lizard Skins in 2018. Known for a passionate following and grips compatible with traditional bikes as well as custom projects, rebuilds and retro designs.
• Buck Athletics

Products and services

• DSP Ultra Bat Grip Bat grip product for baseball and fastpitch bats using proprietary DSP Ultra polymer, available in multiple thicknesses to personalize feel and vibration control. Licensed as the Official Bat Grip of Major League Baseball.
• DSP Ultra Handlebar Tape Cycling handlebar tape made with DSP Ultra polymer technology, offered in multiple thickness options for road cycling comfort and shock absorption. Used by Pro Tour cycling teams.
• DSP Ultra Golf Grips Golf grips for putters and swings using DSP Ultra polymer, available in multiple thickness options for personalized feel and control. Subject to volume discount pricing tiers.
• DSP Hockey Grip Tape Hockey stick grip tape using DSP technology, available in 99cm and 160cm lengths to enhance performance and reduce glove wear. Licensed via NHL partnership.
• DSP Pickleball Grip Pickleball paddle grip utilizing DSP Ultra polymer technology, designed specifically for the pickleball market to enhance paddle control and comfort during extended play.
• Komodo V2 Batting Gloves Premium batting gloves with genuine leather palm and low-profile seamless back, positioned as a best-in-class value option for baseball and fastpitch players, including youth sizing.
• Lock-On Handlebar Grips Clamp-style handlebar grips for cycling and powersports that lock onto handlebars via a clamp mechanism, preventing rotation during aggressive riding or wet conditions.
• Slip-On Handlebar Grips Friction-fit handlebar grips for cycling that slide onto the bars and stay in place via friction, providing a simpler and more affordable option for casual cyclists.
• Cycling Gloves (Long Finger) Cycling gloves with full finger coverage, offered across the Monitor series variants (HD, AM, SL Gel, SL, Traverse, Ops, Ignite) for mountain biking, gravel, and varied riding styles.
• Cycling Gloves (Short Finger) Fingerless cycling gloves, including the Aramus series (Classic, GC, Elite, Apex, Cadence) aimed at road cycling.
• Bike Protection Cycling frame protection products including clear UV-protected film kits (matte or gloss), chainstay protectors, frame kits, and suspension protectors in various sizes to prevent damage from rocks and debris.
• Gaming Mouse Grips Esports mouse grips applying DSP polymer technology to enhance grip, control, and comfort during extended gaming sessions.
• Oury Grips Cult-classic handlebar grips for cycling and powersports, including the Oury Grip V2 modernized version with extended length. Acquired brand with over 50 years of legacy in cycling and powersports.
• Batting Gloves Baseball and fastpitch batting gloves available in multiple styles including the Pro Knit V3, with personalization options for colors, player names, and numbers.
• Inner Gloves Inner gloves worn under batting gloves for baseball and hockey, available in padded versions and customizable to add protection and grip enhancement.
• Arm Sleeves Protective arm sleeves for baseball, golf, pickleball, and other sports offering sun protection, improved circulation, and muscle warmth. Customizable with colors and designs.
• Lifestyle Bags Lifestyle and travel bags including the Versatile Duffle and Hat Guardian, sold across all Lizard Skins sport categories.
• Bike Bags Cycling bicycle bags, including saddle bags, seat bags, and frame straps/bags for storing essentials during rides.
• Lacrosse Grip Tape Lacrosse stick grip tape using DSP technology, customizable with colors and patterns. Licensed via the Major League Lacrosse partnership.
• Body Protection Cycling body protection products including shoe covers and additional protective gear for cyclists.
• Apparel Branded lifestyle apparel including T-shirts and other clothing items across Lizard Skins sport categories.

Quantifiable outcome

• 150+ MLB players actively use DSP bat grip products
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• OurycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Oury was acquired by Lizard Skins in 2018 after the owner was convinced that Lizard Skins was the right company to carry on the Oury legacy. Oury is known as a cult classic grip with a passionate following, spanning over 50 years of influence in cycling and power sports industries.
• Buck AthleticsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Acquired by Lizard Skins in 2018. Buck Athletics is a unique line of glove protection founded by former professional baseball player John Buck.
• Pro Tour Cycling TeamscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLizard Skins sponsors 2 Pro Tour cycling teams that race in all three Grand Tour cycling events including the Tour de France. Products are used by professional cyclists competing at the highest level.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Franklin Sports: Multi-sport accessories manufacturer selling batting gloves, grip enhancers, and protective gear across baseball, cycling, and other sports. Directly comparable in target market (amateur/professional athletes) and product category (performance accessories with grip and protective themes).
• Ergon: German manufacturer of ergonomic cycling grips and bar tape. Directly competes with Lizard Skins in the cycling handlebar interface category and is the closest cycling-grip-specific competitor with comparable premium positioning.
• ESI Grips: U.S. manufacturer of silicone and rubber handlebar grips for mountain biking and cycling. Directly competes with Lizard Skins in cycling grips, particularly in the slip-on grip segment, with overlapping customer base (mountain bikers and performance cyclists).
• Race Face: Canadian cycling components manufacturer with a strong grips and lock-on handlebar grip line. Directly comparable as a cycling performance accessories brand serving the same pro/serious amateur cyclist segment as Lizard Skins' cycling line.
• Mueller Sports Medicine: Manufacturer of sports medicine and athletic accessories including braces, supports, and grip/hand protection. Closely comparable in target market (serious amateur to professional athletes) and product category (athletic accessories for the hand and body) to Lizard Skins.
• Shock Doctor: Sports protection and accessories brand (mouthguards, gloves, supports). Comparable as a multi-sport athletic accessories company with overlapping channels (sporting goods retail, team dealers) and similar performance-positioning philosophy to Lizard Skins.
• Harbinger: Manufacturer of fitness and training gloves, wrist wraps, and athletic accessories. Comparable in product category (performance gloves and grip accessories) and target customer (training-oriented athletes), though Harbinger is more fitness-focused than Lizard Skins' sport-specific orientation.

Broad incumbents

• Easton: Major incumbent sporting goods manufacturer with deep presence in baseball (bats, grips, batting gloves) and other sports. Competes with Lizard Skins in the baseball bat-grip and batting-glove categories but operates a much broader product portfolio.
• Rawlings: Established baseball equipment incumbent (gloves, bats, accessories). Competes in baseball batting gloves and grip accessories but at a much larger scale and broader product scope than Lizard Skins' baseball line.
• Wilson Sporting Goods: One of the largest U.S. sporting goods incumbents, with significant baseball, basketball, and football categories. Overlaps with Lizard Skins in batting gloves and baseball accessories but competes from a much broader product platform and larger marketing budget.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/lizard_skins
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/LizardSkinsProducts
• Facebookfacebook.com/LizardSkinsBaseball
• Instagraminstagram.com/lizardskinsbaseball
• TikToktiktok.com/@lizardskins1

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lizard Skin