TGW’s Golf Grips Buying Guide

If you are like most golfers, you probably don’t think twice about the grips on your golf clubs from round to round. Most of us will not think about the grip as long as we have a club that performs for us. But when you consider how the grip is our connection point to our clubs, a lot is going on with this often overlooked piece of golf equipment. In this guide, you will learn about the types of grips and finding the right one for you, proper grip maintenance, when and why to change your grips, and how to change them.

Types Of Grips

When it comes to choosing the right grip, there are four main types of grips: rubber, corded, synthetic, and wrap. Choosing the right style for you is all about feel. Ultimately the right grip is the one that feels most comfortable to the golfer, and where they can properly grip and control the club. Each style comes with pros and cons that players must consider.

Velvet Golf Grips

• Often made with rubber-blend compounds for great feel and feedback
• Blended materials improve grip in wet conditions over rubber grips
• Many grips of this style include a surface texture that is not as rough as cord but increase grip and draws moisture away
• Golfers who like to grip the club harder may find these too soft for their liking

Corded Golf Grips

• Contain a cord material in the grip to make them more durable and sturdy
• Provide excellent performance when your hands are sweaty or the weather is wet
• Some golfers do not like the rougher surface and they can be harder on your hands and golf gloves

Multi-Compound Construction Golf Grips

• Multi-compound grips combine the positive performances of rubber and cord into one grip
• Rubber material is often used in the lower hand for improved feel and responsiveness
• Cord material is often used in the upper hand for maximum control in all types of weather

Wrap Golf Grips

• Designed to look and perform like the old leather-wrapped design
• Combines soft feel with a tacky touch
• Do not perform as well in wet conditions
• Not very durable

It is important to consider the material, surface texture, and durability when picking the correct grip. You will also want to factor in how often you play in wet weather and hotter or more humid conditions. You want a grip that holds up to moisture and does not feel like it is going to slip out of your hand when you swing.

Making Sense Of Size

Having the proper sized grip is critical to making a smooth, controlled golf swing. The general rule for finding the right grip size is to find a grip that allows the fingers on the top hand to just barely touch the palm of your hand. Some golfers prefer a larger grip because it limits the wrist action in the swing that can lead to a hook. Conversely, some prefer a thinner grip because it can help reduce a slice. Grips are generally available in four sizes: standard, midsize, oversize, and undersize.

Golf Grip Sizes

• Standard = 0.58 to 0.60 in diameter
  
• Midsize = 1/16th inch larger than standard
• Oversize = 1/8th inch larger than standard
• Undersize = 1/64th inch smaller than standard

For other adjustments, golfers will use extra wraps of tape under the grip to build up the size without selecting a larger grip. This is often because they want a different level of thickness under one hand instead of having a larger grip throughout. The general rule here is one extra wrap of tape adds approximately 1/64th of an inch to the diameter of the grip. Some grip manufacturers are now building this technology into their grips. For example, the Golf Pride MCC Plus 4 grip has a larger diameter in the lower part that is equal to four extra wraps of tape, reducing the amount of taper to encourage lighter grip pressure for a smooth, fluid swing.

Round Vs. Ribbed Technology

Every grip made for woods and irons are either round or ribbed. Round grips are symmetrical and smooth all the way around. Ribbed grips include a ridge that runs along the grip to serve as an alignment guide. It reminds golfers where to place their fingers and hands on the grip for the proper alignment. If you prefer a smooth, seamless feel to your grips then you will want to play with round grips. If you feel like you could use some help with alignment and taking the proper hold of your clubs, try out a ribbed grip.

Golf Pride produces a number of their most popular grips with their Align technology. If you are looking for an extra bit of help in your swing, these grips lock your hands into the proper alignment consistently to help you keep the club face square throughout your swing.

Grip Maintenance

It is inevitable that grips eventually will need to be changed. But that doesn’t mean you should neglect regular maintenance. You can prolong the life and effectiveness of your grips by taking proper care of them.

Mild dish soap does the trick for cleaning your grips. With rubber or corded grips, you can use a brush or scrubbing pad. For other types of grips, use a washcloth instead of a brush. Thoroughly rinse the grips with warm water to remove any soap. Dry them with a towel or let them air dry and your grips are clean and ready for another round.

While cleaning your grips, check them any signs of wear and tear. Some things to watch for are cracks, shiny spots, smooth spots, hard areas, or wear around where your fingers hold the grip. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to consider new grips.

Why New Grips Matter

Since the grip is the one part of the club you make contact with to make your swing, it needs to be in the best shape to give you the control you need. The materials grips are made with wear down over time. No matter what type of grip you use, they all age and wear with use. Not only do new, fresh grips provide the proper traction, they also deliver confidence so you can swing with the proper mechanics and tempo without worrying about the club flying out of your hands.

How Often Should You Change Your Grips?

The simple answer to the question of how often you should change your grips is as soon as you notice they are wearing. Once you can notice wear on your grips, you are starting to lose performance. There are more factors than just how they look, however. Depending on which club it is and how often you use, the amount of time between regripping may vary. You may not need new grips on your woods as often as you do on your wedges or irons.

Experts generally recommend changing your grips once a year or every 40 or so rounds. If you’re a regular golfer who plays once or twice a week for the majority of the season, you will want fresh grips every year.

How To Change Your Grips

With your preferred grips, some grip tape and solvent, and a few tools you may have around the garage, you can re-grip your golf clubs easily. This handy how-to video from our friends at Golf Pride takes you step-by-step through the process

When you are ready for new grips on your golf clubs, visit TGW.com. With more than 60 grips to choose from, you are sure to find your favorite and get a grip on playing better golf.