looking for some very comfy grips/bar tape.
don’t get on with esi or ergon.
maybe some bar tape with silicon pads? ideas please.

Lizard skins is meant to be good, just go for a double layer (bog standard cork stuff first then expensive option on top)

Richey foam ones have been a revelation for me.

These:-

http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=60&products_id=436

really comfy on a long ride due to being 34mm diameter and 150mm wide

As above Ritchey wcs foam ones on all my bikes.

Bolt

Got salsa gel/cork with spesh squishy pads underneath on the road bike, and existing on the mtbs. Happy with both.

Lizard Skins DSP is fantastic Tony..

Got it on all my Drop Bars.

Superstar Excel grips for the mountain bike and Specialized Bar Phat tape for road bikes. Should be big enough even for your shovel like hands.