I have the high density closed cell foam grips on my '81 Lotus. Got them put on at time of purchase, still look brand new. More importantly to me is that it makes the bars fit more comfortably. I have massive hands, my motorcycle gloves are 4X & my thumb, index & middle finger are all pushing to bust thru them. A bar with just tape disappears in my hand. It would be like a pencil in a normal hand. Imagine leaning on a pencil for 100 miles. There was also a mushier low density grip that lasted about an hour before it started to wear away, it also compacted down to nothing in no time. I have no love for those.