I told the teacher that I wanted to do a trial of no grip in his class. Apparently DS got upset and begged for his grip and she gave him back his Crossover. I just can't see how that could possibly be helpful, since I tried it and writing was very awkward. His handwriting actually looks neater without it.
I found a Jumbo Grip in a junk drawer and am having him use it here at home. I don't know if it's helping his writing but he seems to like it. So I will send that one into school and buy another one for at home.