With so many golf grip options available, choosing the right one can be tough. Here’s 5 tips for how to chose the perfect golf grip…
Golf grips come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. There are many different brands that offer golf grips and so it can be daunting when it comes to knowing what will best suit you.
With that in mind, we have created a guide on what you should probably take into consideration when it comes to choosing your next set of grips.
The size of a golf grip is one of the most important factors to consider. There are five basic grip sizes, junior, undersize, standard, midsize and oversize, with further customisation available using grip tape.
The size of grip that you use tends to be closely related to the size of glove that you wear. If you don’t wear a golf glove then you can use the old fashioned method of measuring your hand. Whilst each brand will be different, as a general rule of thumb, the sizes tend to be…
UNDERSIZE
STANDARD
MIDSIZE
OVERSIZE
GLOVE SIZE
Men’s Small
Women’s Small or Medium
Men’s Medium or ML
Women’s Large
Men’s Large
Men’s XL or 2XL
HAND SIZE(CREASE TO FINGERTIP)
5″ to 6.5″
6.6″ to 7.5″
7.6″ to 9″
9.1″ to 10″
These are general guidelines and may vary slightly depending on brand or personal preference
If you don’t quite match these measurements there is no need to panic. Extra tape can be added under the grip when they are being fit to make up the perfect fit for you.
Despite there being charts telling you which will fit you best, this is only recommended sizing and comfort is key. Be sure to test out different sizes to check what your preferences are.
2) Firmness
Generally faster swinging players like firm golf grips as they feel they don’t have to grip them as hard so keep control. A soft grip allows you to grip the club harder and often works really well for slower swinging players and those with less grip strength than a tour pro.
Soft grips are also great for those players who have wrist or arm injuries. This is because they help with shock absorption at impact. Whereas a firmer grip couldn’t absorb the impact.
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3) Texture/Material
Surface texture dictates the traction a grip can give in wet conditions and how soft it can feel in general play.When selecting a grip, golfers should choose a texture that feels comfortable and secure.
Not all grips are the same material. This might shock some people but different material make ups have different properties designed to help golfers. However, most grips are made of rubber or synthetic materials.
If a player doesn’t wear a glove, they may prefer a grip with less pattern and a smoother surface. As this will be kinder on their hands. Some players prefer a rougher, more aggressive pattern that provides more hand traction and gripping confidence.
Grip tackiness is often cited as the most desirable trait in a grip but again, hold a few shafted samples and see what feels best in your hand. It’s often a balance between comfort and confidence in the connection so finding a grip that provides both is ideal.
4) Grip Shape
Aren’t all grips the same shape? This is perhaps a common misconception as there are three common grip shapes…
Standard Taper
This is what most golfers will recognise. The top of the grip is the largest and it narrows to its smallest point where the grip ends on the shaft.
This is a default, starting grip style for golfers as its offer more of a natural positioning. It offers a lot of feel, speed and freedom through the ball.
Reduced Taper
A reduced taper is when the grip still narrows from the top but not as much as standard and so the bottom portion of the grip is slightly wider.
This is for golfers with larger hands. It helps to reduced wrist action in the swing as well as reducing grip pressure.
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Zero Taper
As per the name, a zero taper grip remains the same width the whole way down the grip.
They are great for players with larger hands or those who struggle with arthritis in their fingers, as there is less bending required. This style grips also helps reduced grip pressure variability as the grip width is equal in all parts of the hand. This means it’s a very comfortable grip choice.
5) Are You a Fair Weather Golfer?
Weather conditions are another thing to consider. If you live in the UK chances are you’re going to get caught in a rain shower at some point. With that in mind, it’s worth considering how often this might happen and how much damage a wet grip could do to your scorecard. Grips that include cord fabric are especially helpful in creating extra traction in wet conditions, however, for many players, cord grips are too aggressive for their hands. Lamkin’s UTx grip a great solution to this problem, offering superb wet weather performance with all-weather comfort.
Alternatively, golfers from warmer climates might struggle with the dreaded sweaty palms during rounds from the heat. Whilst, this might need seem like it could effect your golf, a grip with more a tacky surface or something more corded might help.
Popular Types of Grips
Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Tour Velvet® is the most popular grip in golf. It is typically the standard grip you’ll see amongst many golf club manufacturers. It is a rubber grip, designed with a non-slip surface pattern and it’s also very durable.
This grip has a moderate firmness, meaning that they can provide feedback but also offer some support.
This is a hybrid grip that fuses the best of rubber and corded grips. The upper section is made from brushed cotton cord, this is great in all weather conditions. The lower section is performance rubber for feel and responsiveness.
These grips have a firmer feel, with high-performance rubber in the lower hand for responsiveness.
The Golf Pride MCC comes in a range of different options including the Align Grip. This has a ridge that runs vertically down the back of the grip. It is designed to help golfer’s square the club face more consistently by creating a more consistent hand position.
CPX stands for ‘Comfort Performance Extreme’. The whole idea behind the grip is to provide superior feel through extreme softness while also delivering the best new technologies.
As this is a softer grip it is great for players with slower swing speeds, as it allows them to create firmer grip pressure.
Like with everything, comfort is always the key. Above we have given our best guidance on how you should chose your next golf grip but ultimately whatever you feel most comfortable with is the winner.
Be sure to explore all options and enjoy your round with the new grips.
