IMO SD grip is much worse....They don't fit as well as the stock grip and IMO some area just not molded as well(trigger guard). Only thing wrong with the stock one is the "OPS MRP" logo and lack of a medallion hole if you are into that stuff. Both can be addressed with a bit of work...

Agreed. The construction of the SD grips is generally poor. Work is required to install each new piece. Areas around the trigger hole and the mag catch hole always require fitment.

Unfortunately, it's the only real option at this time if you're after the racegun look. Any other option for installation of real steel grips is just too expensive.

I can also do stippling work and creating medallion holes too.
This is what most people do, save their black grips, and creating something custom on it.

And I believe the material in the black Marui grip is more durable than SD one. SD one is just for show I guess..

For SD grip, I also have fitment issue on trigger hole and mag catch hole as Brian mentioned above.
I also have fitment issue on grip safety area and trigger guard as well.

Yes gotta agree with you guys, the quality is poor on the SD grip, need a lot of work to get the pieces to fit in it (magcatch, trigger....) the fitting on the stock frame isnt good either large gap near the grip safety.....:(

But ya the thing i hate about the stock grip is the OPS markings, and it feels too square-ish in my hand....

But i guess i could do some fitting work on the SD grip to make it fit properly....

But there is always the griptape option (Illusion....? :P) or the strippling option....

Grip tapes are available... and if you're after a more combat build, I'd highly recommend the Tanio Koba tactical grips, which are probably the most comfortable grips available.

Grip tape is awesome. Once it's knocked down a bit with use it's very comfy with bare hands or with gloves.

Do tanio koba grips have a rubber-ish feeling? (always wondered if they did....)

Slightly. Moreso than the original grips.

I might try stippling my grip first.... But gotta decide which patern i want on my hicapa...:P

I got a SD grip for my 5.1, and i had to sand the opening of the trigger guard since it was too stiff against the trigger. Also, i had to use sandpaper wrapped in a dowel to sand the aperture of the magazine catch since it was also stiff. A bit of grease helped a bit too. Overall, i regret buying the grip, its really stiff and hard and IMO, the stock feels much better. I would probably get the Tanio Koba instead of the SD.

+1, had to do the same mods to mine ......

Does the Nine Ball plastic BBU fit in a MEU without modification? The area I'm wondering about is the slot that is cut out in the stock BBU for a little tab on the rear sight.

The Nine Ball Featherweight BBU won't fit an MEU without modifications.

Mmkay, good to know. Just a note, I got a 5ku (clone) lightweight BBU - the screw holes are in the wrong places for both a KJW Hi-Capa slide assembly and for an Army MEU slide assembly (both the holes for the rear screw, as well as the screw that holds the sight down).

As to modifications - I guess that would entail cutting out a chunk for the rear sight to fit into, right?