If you're looking to truly customize your competition pistol, switching to a cheely 2011 grip is probably one of the most significant changes you can make to the overall feel and performance of the gun. It's not just a cosmetic swap; it fundamentally changes how the firearm sits in your hand and how it behaves when you're dumping rounds downrange at a match. Most people start out with the standard polymer grips that come on Staccatos or older STIs, and while those are fine, they eventually start to feel a bit "mushy" or thick once you've spent enough time behind the trigger.
I remember the first time I held a 2011 with a metal Cheely grip installed. The difference was immediate. It felt less like a tool and more like a precision instrument. But before you go dropping a few hundred bucks on one, there's a lot to consider regarding the different profiles, materials, and the sheer amount of work that might go into getting it to fit perfectly.
Why Everyone Seems to Be Swapping Out Polymer
Let's be real: polymer is great for weight savings, but it isn't always the best for a flat-shooting competition gun. The standard polymer 2011 grips can flex a little, and the texture often leaves something to be desired once your hands get sweaty or the weather turns south. When you move to a cheely 2011 grip, you're getting rid of that flex entirely.
The most common reason people make the jump is for the "index." The index is basically how the gun naturally points when you bring it up to your line of sight. Because the Cheely grips—especially the E2 series—are shaped differently than the stock plastic ones, they tend to help the gun "track" better. You aren't fighting the grip to get your sights aligned; it just kind of happens. Plus, the added weight of a metal grip does wonders for soaking up recoil, making those double taps feel a whole lot smoother.
Choosing Between the E2 and the Legacy Profiles
When you start looking at a cheely 2011 grip, you're going to run into two main styles: the E2 and the Legacy. This is where most people get hung up, but it really comes down to what kind of hand shape you have and how you like to hold the gun.
The E2 (Ergonomic) grip is probably the most popular choice right now. It has a more "1911-ish" feel to it. It's slightly more rounded and tucked in at the top, which allows your hand to get higher up on the gun. By getting your hand closer to the bore axis, you reduce the leverage the gun has to flip up during recoil. For guys with medium-sized hands, the E2 is a godsend because it doesn't feel like you're holding a 2x4.
The Legacy grip, on the other hand, mimics the classic 2011 shape. It's a bit more "boxy" and feels more like the traditional STI grips we've all used for years. If you've spent a decade shooting a standard 2011 and your muscle memory is dialed into that specific shape, the Legacy is going to feel like home. Personally, I think the E2 is the way to go for most people because it just feels more natural, but I know plenty of shooters who swear by the Legacy for the extra surface area.
Steel vs. Aluminum: Which Material Wins?
This is the big debate. Do you go with the heavy stainless steel version or the lighter aluminum one? Honestly, it depends on what you're doing with the gun.
If you're shooting USPSA Limited or Open division, the stainless steel cheely 2011 grip is almost always the right answer. Weight is your friend in those divisions. A heavy grip shifts the balance of the gun toward your hand, which makes the front end feel lighter and more maneuverable while simultaneously dampening the snap of the recoil. It makes the gun feel incredibly stable.
However, if you're planning on carrying your 2011 or using it for a tactical/duty setup, the aluminum version is probably a better bet. You still get the rigidity and the better ergonomics of the Cheely design without the "anchor" feeling of the steel. Aluminum is still a massive upgrade over polymer in terms of texture and fit, but it won't make your belt sag by the end of a long day.
Let's Talk About That Texture
One thing Cheely does better than almost anyone else is the texturing. They offer a few different levels of "aggression," and you need to be honest with yourself about what your skin can handle. The "Standard" or "Aggressive" textures are no joke. They are designed to bite into your hand so the gun doesn't move—at all.
If you're a high-volume shooter, the aggressive texture is fantastic because even with wet hands, that gun is staying put. But, if you have softer hands or you aren't used to aggressive checkering, it can be a bit abrasive after a 300-round practice session. I usually tell people to go with the aggressive texture and just "man up" for a few weeks until their calluses build up. It's worth it for the control you get. The way the texture wraps around the front strap and the mainspring housing ensures there are no "dead spots" in your grip.
The Reality of Installation
I really want to emphasize this: a cheely 2011 grip is rarely a "drop-in" part. If you're lucky, it might slide right onto your frame, but 90% of the time, it's going to require some minor fitting. This is the nature of the 2011 platform—tolerances vary between manufacturers like Staccato, Rock Island, and custom builders.
You might need to do some light filing on the grip tangs or the trigger track to get everything moving smoothly. If you aren't comfortable with a file and some sandpaper, you might want to send it off to a gunsmith. Also, keep in mind that you'll usually need a Cheely-specific magwell and sometimes a different magazine release. It's an ecosystem, not just a single part. Don't get frustrated if you get your new grip in the mail and it doesn't immediately click into place; that's just part of the 2011 life.
Is It Actually Worth the Money?
When you look at the price of a cheely 2011 grip, it can be a bit of a pill to swallow. You're looking at several hundred dollars plus potentially the cost of a new magwell and a gunsmith's time. So, is it worth it?
In my opinion, yes—if you're looking for that last 5% of performance. If you're just a casual plinker, the stock polymer grip is totally fine. But if you find yourself struggling with your grip consistency or you feel like the gun is jumping around too much in your hand, the Cheely grip is the single best hardware fix available. It changes the ergonomics so drastically that it can actually help fix some bad habits in your shooting form by forcing a more consistent hand placement.
Final Thoughts on the Upgrade
Upgrading to a cheely 2011 grip is one of those "buy once, cry once" moments. It's a premium part that offers a premium feel. Whether you choose the E2 for that slim, ergonomic 1911 feel or the Legacy for that classic 2011 bulk, the jump to a metal grip is something you won't regret.
Just make sure you choose the material that matches your use case and be prepared for a little bit of workbench time to get the fitment just right. Once it's on there and you feel how "locked in" your hand is, you'll probably wonder why you waited so long to make the switch. It's a solid investment that turns a great gun into something that feels truly custom and tailored to your hand.