Golf grips are sometimes the most neglected item in a golfer's bag. Players will analyze and alter their ball, driver, putter, and shoes, but they rarely consider their grips.
Because the grip is the only component of a golf club that you really touch during a swing, it's critical to choose the proper grip for you and keep your grips clean and in good condition.
The following information will assist you in comprehending the many components of a golf grip and will aid you in determining what to consider when purchasing a grip.
Which type of golf grip should you buy?Rubber golf gripsRubber grips comprise the bulk of golf grips. Rubber is a material that is easy to form, easy to manufacture, and has a strong but sticky feel. Additionally, silicone, elastomer, and plastic are available on the market.
Corded gripsCorded grips include cable material in their construction. The inclusion of this substance helps to increase traction in your hands whether it's raining or when it's hot and humid.
Corded grips have the disadvantage of being more abrasive or unpleasant for certain players than uncorded grips.
Wrap gripsWrap grips are a throwback to the original leather grip design, which utilized leather strips wrapped around the shaft. They now employ contemporary materials to generate a soft surface texture with a sticky feel.
Putter gripsPutter grips differ in several ways from iron and wood grips. To begin, they do not generally require the same amount of traction or texture as a standard golf swing, because players do not grip or swing as hard with the putter.
Second, putter grips are the only grips that are authorized to have a flat edge under regulations. Typically, this is displayed at the front of the grip to assist you in determining the precise location of your thumbs on the grip.
How to choose golf grips' size?
Numerous golfers use the incorrect grip size. Traditionally, golfers battling a slice were advised to reduce their grip size, while golfers with hooks were advised to increase their grip size. Numerous tests have been conducted in an attempt to substantiate the usage of grip size to affect ball flight.
Different grips sizes will work offer varied results for different golfers. Thus, you should choose a grip size that will comply with their varying needs, enabling them to swing the ball at different angles.
Apart from grip size, taper rates have a significant impact on how a grip feels and performs. The majority of grips have a smaller diameter bottom part than the top section. When combined with a shaft that has a bigger butt-section at the top, you obtain grips that are considerably larger under the left hand of a right-handed golfer than under the right hand of a left-handed player. To compensate for this difference, golfers have historically employed tape wraps to uniformly fit their grips. Adding four wraps of tape beneath the bottom hand decreases the taper in the majority of grips.
Which factors regarding golf grips should you consider?SizeDue to the fact that golfers' hands vary in size, some players require thicker grips to accommodate their larger hands in comparison to smaller-handed players.
Other golfers choose grips that are thicker or thinner, according to their own feel and taste. As noted previously, larger grips can enclose more of your hand, reducing wrist and hand movement and therefore keeping your hands quiet.
The following information summarizes the various grip sizes:
- Junior – available in a variety of sizes that are smaller and shorter than normal.
- Slightly undersized - 1/64 inch less than normal.
- Standard — diameters ranging from 0.580 to 0.600 inches.
- Midsized - slightly bigger than normal by 1/16 inch.
- Slightly larger than typical – 1/8 inch.
Grip firmnessAdditionally, it is critical to evaluate the firmness of a golf grip. Professional golfers prefer firmer grips because they enable better torsion control at their fast swing speeds. Firmer grips also encourage the player to use a lighter grip, which prevents them from squeezing the club to death. This reduced grip pressure might actually aid in swing speed improvement.
DurabilityDurability is another factor to consider when shopping for new golf grips. Numerous factors, like weather conditions, how you hold the grip, and so on, can affect how long a club's grip lasts. According to GolfAlot.com, some grip experts recommend replacing the grip every 40 rounds of golf.
MaintenanceGrips can degrade and occasionally tear. Therefore it's critical to inspect them and perform routine maintenance to ensure the grips last as long as possible.
Regular cleaning is one method to extend longevity. On the majority of grips, this may be accomplished by using a bar of moderate dishwashing soap. Rubber and cable grips may be cleaned by scrubbing them with an abrasive pad and detergent. Rinse them, and allow them to air dry or hand towel dry them.
How should you care for your grips?While a whole set of grips might be costly, proper care will guarantee that they last as long as possible. Proper grip care will guarantee that your grips remain clean and sticky for an extended period.
Throughout a round, perspiration, sunscreen, and other things will contaminate and gross-out your grips. While wiping your grip with a moist cloth can assist, cleaning your grip with warm water and dishwashing detergent is more effective.
It is not suggested to soak your grips in soap water; merely putting a cloth in hot soap water and cleaning the grips will suffice. Allow the grips to dry outdoors before repacking your clubs.
Best Golf Grips FAQsQ: How long do golf grips last?
A: Many grip manufacturers recommend that you re-grip your clubs at the end of each season. However, less frequently used clubs in your iron sets and your putter will require less frequent replacement. The longevity of your grips varies depending on the model.
Q: How to know when the golf grips should be replaced?
A: You should always be on the lookout for signs of wear and tear. Observe if the color of the grip has changed, keep an eye on the thin areas where you mostly place your thumb and index finger, and compare the thickness regularly to keep track of your grips’ strength.
Q: Single grip or a set of grips: What’s better?
A: It is advised that you utilize the same grip on all of your clubs to save your putter. Similar grips ensure that each club has a similar feel, which promotes higher scores. Many golfers will discover that purchasing 13 grips in a set saves them money over purchasing each grip individually. Numerous pro shops even offer free installation with the purchase of 13 grips in a set.