How To Choose Golf Grips: A Golfer’s Essential Guide

Choosing the right golf grips helps you play your best golf. It helps you hold the club correctly and swing with control. It is like choosing the right shoes for running. Good grips give you confidence. They let you focus on hitting the ball. They feel right in your hands. This guide will show you how to pick the perfect grips for your game.

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Signs You Need New Golf Grips

Your golf grips do not last forever. They wear out over time. Bad grips hurt your game. They make it harder to hold the club. They can make your hands slip. Knowing when to change them is important. Look for these things to tell if you need new grips:

• Feeling Slippery: Do your grips feel slick? Even on a dry day? This is a clear sign they are worn out. Dirt, sweat, and oils build up. They break down the grip material. A slick grip means you lose control. You might grip the club tighter. This makes your muscles tense. Tension is bad for your swing.
• Looking Worn Out: Check how your grips look. Do they look shiny? Are they cracked? Do they have smooth spots where they used to be rough? Any of these signs mean the grip is losing its hold. The pattern might be worn down. The color might look faded. Signs you need new golf grips are often right there to see.
• Hardness: Do your grips feel hard? New grips feel soft and a bit sticky. Old grips get hard over time. The material loses its give. A hard grip does not absorb shock well. It feels less comfortable. It does not provide a secure hold.
• Cracks or Splits: See any small cracks? Or bigger splits? This is a major sign of wear. Cracks mean the grip is breaking apart. It will not feel stable. It could even tear more during a swing. This affects your safety and your swing.
• Losing Their Tackiness: New grips feel a little sticky or tacky. This helps you hold the club with less pressure. If your grips feel slick and have no tackiness left, they are past their prime. You have to squeeze harder to keep hold.
• Playing Frequency: How often do you play golf? More rounds mean more wear. If you play a lot, you need to change grips more often. Even if they look okay, they might be worn out inside. Many people change grips once a year. If you play or practice very often, twice a year might be better.

Changing grips is a simple fix. It can make a big difference in your game. It is often the easiest way to improve control. It is less costly than buying new clubs. Do not let old grips hold you back. Pay attention to these signs you need new golf grips.

Key Factors in Choosing Grips

Picking the right grip is more than just picking a color. Several things matter. Your hand size, how you swing, the weather you play in, and how you like the grip to feel all play a part. Let’s look at the important factors.

Interpreting Golf Grip Size

This is perhaps the most important choice. The right grip size helps you control the clubface. It affects how you release the club. A grip that is too small or too large can cause problems.

• Grip Size Matters: If a grip is too small, your hands might get too active. You might flip the clubface over too much. This can cause a hook shot (ball curves left for a right-handed golfer). If a grip is too large, your hands might not release properly. This can cause a slice shot (ball curves right for a right-handed golfer). The right size helps your hands work together well.
• Finding Your Size: There is a common way to check your grip size. Hold the club in your non-glove hand (usually the left hand for right-handed players). Your fingers should wrap around the grip. Look at the space between your fingertips and your palm. For the right size, your fingertips should lightly touch your palm. If there is a big gap, the grip is too small. If your fingertips dig into your palm, the grip is too big.
• Measuring Your Hand: A more exact way uses measurements.
  1. Measure the length of your hand. Measure from the crease in your wrist (on the palm side) to the tip of your longest finger.
  2. Measure the length of your longest finger.
  3. Use a golf grip size guide. These guides often use your hand length and finger length. They help suggest a starting point.
• Adjusting Size: Grip size is often adjusted using layers of tape under the grip. Standard grips are the base. Adding tape makes them bigger. Each layer of standard tape adds about 1/64th of an inch to the grip size. This allows for fine-tuning.

Golf Grip Size Guide

Grips come in several standard sizes. These are based on diameter (how thick they are).

Grip Size Category	Description	Typical Diameter (approx.)	Common Use Cases
Undersize (or Ladies)	Smaller than standard. Designed for smaller hands.	0.560 – 0.580 inches	Golfers with smaller hands; women; juniors with small hands.
Standard	The most common size. Fits average-sized hands.	0.600 inches	Most male golfers with average hand size.
Midsize	Larger than standard. For golfers with bigger hands.	0.620 – 0.630 inches	Golfers with medium to large hands.
Oversize (or Jumbo)	Much larger than standard/midsize. For very large hands.	0.640 – 0.660+ inches	Golfers with very large hands; golfers wanting reduced hand action.

This table shows a general golf grip size guide. Remember that hand size varies a lot. What feels right for one person might not feel right for another.

Undersize vs Standard Golf Grips

Let’s look closer at the difference between these two common sizes.
* Standard Grips: These are the most widely used grips. They are the default size on many clubs. They fit an “average” adult male hand well. If your finger test shows your fingers lightly touching your palm, standard is likely a good fit for you.
* Undersize Grips: These are smaller in diameter than standard. They are often called “Ladies” grips because many women have smaller hands than men. Junior golfers with smaller hands also use them. Using an undersize grip if your hand is small helps ensure your fingers can properly wrap around the grip. This gives you better control. If you have small hands and use a standard grip, you might find you have to stretch your fingers too much. This can make your grip weak. Choosing undersize vs standard golf grips depends mainly on your hand dimensions.

Benefits of Oversize Golf Grips

On the other end of the scale are midsize and oversize grips. Oversize grips, also known as Jumbo grips, are significantly thicker. They are not just for people with very large hands. They offer specific benefits for some golfers:

• Reducing Hand Action: This is one of the biggest benefits of oversize golf grips. A thicker grip makes it harder to over-rotate your wrists and hands during the swing. This can help golfers who tend to hook the ball. It promotes a more body-controlled swing.
• More Comfortable Hold for Large Hands: For golfers with truly large hands, standard or even midsize grips can feel too small. Oversize grips provide a full, comfortable fit. This prevents the feeling of squeezing the club.
• Less Grip Pressure: With a thicker grip, you naturally tend to hold the club less tightly. This is because your hand fills the grip more completely. Less grip pressure leads to more relaxed arms and shoulders. This can increase swing speed and improve feel.
• Shock Absorption: Thicker grips often absorb more shock. This can be helpful for golfers with arthritis, hand pain, or wrist issues. The extra material cushions the impact.

While there are benefits of oversize golf grips, they are not for everyone. Some golfers find they lose feel with a very thick grip. The key is finding the size that fits your hand and helps your swing mechanics. Experimenting with different sizes is a good idea.

Exploring Golf Grip Material Types

Grips are made from different things. The material affects how the grip feels, how it performs in different weather, and how long it lasts. Common golf grip material types include rubber, cord, synthetic, and composite.

• Rubber Grips:

  • Description: These are the most common type. They are usually made from synthetic rubber compounds.
  • Feel: They generally offer a smooth, tacky feel. They are comfortable and provide good shock absorption.
  • Performance: They work well in dry conditions. They can get slippery when wet.
  • Durability: Good durability, but tackiness wears off over time.
  • Cost: Usually the most affordable option.
  • Examples: Golf Pride Tour Velvet, Lamkin Crossline.

• Cord Grips:

  • Description: These are rubber grips with cotton fibers woven into the surface.
  • Feel: They have a rough, abrasive feel due to the cord. They feel less tacky than pure rubber.
  • Performance: Excellent performance in wet or humid conditions. The cord channels water away and provides grip even when wet.
  • Durability: Very durable. The cord helps the grip last longer.
  • Cost: Generally more expensive than pure rubber grips.
  • Examples: Golf Pride MCC (part cord, part rubber), Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord.

• Synthetic/Polyurethane Grips:

  • Description: Made from polyurethane or other synthetic materials. Often have a soft, cushioned feel.
  • Feel: Very soft and comfortable. Can have high tackiness.
  • Performance: Good in dry conditions. Can become slippery when very wet, though some have textures to help with moisture.
  • Durability: Varies greatly depending on the specific material and brand. Some are less durable than rubber.
  • Cost: Can range from moderate to high.
  • Examples: Winn Grips, some SuperStroke putter grips.

• Composite Grips:

  • Description: Grips that combine different materials or technologies. Often have cord in one section (for the top hand) and rubber/synthetic in another (for the lower hand).
  • Feel: Offers a mix of feels. Often cord where you need grip in wet weather, and softer where you want comfort.
  • Performance: Good all-around performance. Combines the wet-weather grip of cord with the comfort of rubber/synthetic.
  • Durability: Good, often the best of both worlds.
  • Cost: Typically the most expensive type.
  • Examples: Golf Pride MCC (Multi-Compound).

Choosing among golf grip material types depends on what you value most: all-weather performance, soft feel, durability, or cost.

Fathoming Golf Grip Texture Options

Beyond the material, how the surface of the grip is made matters. Golf grip texture options affect feel and grip stability.

• Smooth: The most basic texture. Offers a clean, consistent feel. Tackiness comes purely from the material. Works best in dry conditions.
• Patterns/Aggressive Texture: Many rubber and synthetic grips have patterns molded into them (like diamonds, lines, or dots). These patterns help channel away moisture and increase grip, especially in wetness. More aggressive patterns offer more grip but can feel rougher.
• Cord: As discussed, cord weaving creates a very rough, abrasive texture. It offers maximum grip in wet weather but can be hard on the hands for some players.
• Wrap Style: Grips designed to look and feel like traditional leather wrap grips. They have raised simulated “ribs” spiraling down the grip. They offer a classic look and feel. Some are rubber, others are synthetic.
• Multi-Texture: Like composite materials, some grips have different textures in different areas. For example, cord on the top half for rain grip, and softer rubber with a pattern on the bottom half for comfort and feel.

The texture you choose affects how the grip feels in your hands. It also impacts how it performs when wet. Some golfers prefer a smooth feel. Others need the extra security of cord or an aggressive pattern. Consider where you play and how much your hands sweat when looking at golf grip texture options.

Deciphering Golf Grip Firmness Rating

Grips come in different levels of hardness or softness. This is the golf grip firmness rating. It affects the feel of the club and how much feedback you get from the shot.

• Firm Grips:

  • Feel: Harder, less cushioned.
  • Feedback: Offer more direct feel of the clubhead hitting the ball. You feel the impact more clearly.
  • Control: Can offer a feeling of more control for some players.
  • Shock Absorption: Less effective at absorbing shock.
  • Durability: Often more durable because the material is denser.
  • Examples: Many cord grips, some performance-focused rubber grips.

• Soft Grips:

  • Feel: Softer, more cushioned, sometimes described as ‘spongy’.
  • Feedback: Provide less feedback about the impact. Can feel more muted.
  • Control: Can feel less stable for some players, especially those who grip tightly.
  • Shock Absorption: Excellent at absorbing shock. Good for players with hand or wrist issues.
  • Durability: Can wear out faster than firm grips.
  • Examples: Most synthetic grips (like Winn), some softer rubber compounds.

• Medium Grips:

  • Feel: A balance between firm and soft.
  • Feedback: Good feedback without being harsh.
  • Control: Provides a stable feel.
  • Shock Absorption: Decent shock absorption.
  • Durability: Good balance of durability.
  • Examples: Many standard rubber grips (like Golf Pride Tour Velvet), multi-compound grips.

Your preferred golf grip firmness rating is a personal choice. Do you want maximum feedback? Go firmer. Do you need maximum comfort and shock absorption? Go softer. Many golfers find a medium firmness works well.

Grip Shape: Round vs. Ribbed

Most grips are round. They have the same shape all the way around. However, some grips are ribbed (also called ‘reminder’ grips).

• Round Grips: These are round inside and out. You can put them on the club in any direction. This is good if you use adjustable clubs where the shaft might turn.
• Ribbed Grips: These have a slightly raised ridge running down the back underside of the grip. When installed correctly, this ridge sits along the underside of the grip where your fingers wrap around. It gives you a physical reminder of where the clubface is pointing (square to the target). Some players love this reminder for consistent hand placement. Others find it uncomfortable.

Most players use round grips. Ribbed grips are a matter of personal preference. If you struggle with consistent grip placement, a ribbed grip might help.

Exploring Best Golf Grip Brands

Many companies make golf grips. Some are very well-known. They offer different styles, materials, and sizes. Looking at products from the best golf grip brands gives you good options.

• Golf Pride: Arguably the most popular grip brand in golf. They make a huge range of grips, from classic rubber like the Tour Velvet to innovative multi-compound grips like the MCC. Known for quality and consistency. Their grips are on many new clubs.
• Lamkin: Another major player with a long history. Lamkin makes durable rubber grips (like the Crossline) and also offers softer synthetic options. They focus on feel and performance.
• Winn: Famous for very soft, comfortable grips made from polymer materials. Great for shock absorption. Popular with golfers looking for maximum comfort, though sometimes less durable than rubber.
• SuperStroke: Best known for their thick putter grips, used by many pros. They also make grips for woods and irons. Their grips often feature unique shapes and very soft materials.
• Pure Grips: Offer durable, seamless rubber grips. They are known for being easy to install without tape or solvent (using air). They come in many colors.
• IOMIC: Japanese brand known for high-quality, colorful elastomer grips. They are very soft and tacky. They tend to be more expensive.
• STMGolf: Another brand from Japan. Known for grips with unique patterns and materials, often offering good grip and feel.

These are just a few of the best golf grip brands. Many other good brands exist. Trying grips from different brands can help you find your favorite feel.

The Regripping Process

Once you pick your grips, you need to get them on the clubs. You can do this yourself or have a pro do it.

Grasping the Golf Grip Installation Process

Putting new grips on clubs is not super hard. It needs a few tools and some care.

1. Remove Old Grips: Use a sharp hook knife. Cut down the length of the old grip, away from your body. Peel the old grip off.
2. Remove Old Tape: Scrape off all the old grip tape from the shaft. Make sure the shaft is clean and smooth.
3. Apply New Tape: Put new double-sided grip tape on the shaft. Make sure it covers the area the grip will cover. You can add extra layers of tape here if you want to build up the grip size (remember the 1/64th inch rule per layer).
4. Prepare the Grip: Cover the vent hole at the butt end of the new grip with your finger or a tee. Pour grip solvent inside the grip. Slosh it around to coat the inside. Pour the excess solvent over the tape on the shaft. Make sure the tape is wet.
5. Install the Grip: Quickly slide the wet grip onto the wet shaft. Push it straight on until the end of the shaft reaches the small hole at the end of the grip.
6. Align the Grip: Make sure the grip is straight. Align any logos or patterns as you like. You only have a minute or two before the solvent starts to dry.
7. Let It Dry: Stand the club up (grip side down) or lean it against a wall. Let the grips dry completely. This usually takes several hours (check solvent instructions). Do not use the club until the grips are dry.

That is the basic golf grip installation process. It takes practice to get them perfectly straight and seated.

Deciphering Regripping Golf Clubs Cost

The cost of putting new grips on your clubs varies. It depends on if you do it yourself or pay someone.

• Doing it Yourself:

  • Grip Cost: This is the main cost. Grips range in price. Basic rubber grips might be $5-$8 each. Mid-range grips are $8-$12. Premium grips (cord, composite, synthetic) can be $12-$20 or more each.
  • Supplies Cost: You need grip tape, grip solvent, and a vise clamp (optional but helpful). A kit with solvent and tape might cost $20-$30. A vise and clamp are maybe $30-$50 initially.
  • Total DIY Cost: For a set of 13 clubs (minus putter, which is often different), the cost is the total price of the grips plus a small amount for supplies per club. If grips are $8 each, that is $104 for grips. Add in supplies, maybe $110-$130 for the set.

• Having a Professional Do It:

  • Grip Cost: You pay for the grip itself. Prices are similar to buying them yourself, maybe slightly higher.
  • Labor Cost: The shop charges a fee per club to install the grip. This fee is usually $2-$5 per club.
  • Total Professional Cost: The cost is the grip price plus the labor charge for each club. For a set of 13 clubs with $8 grips and $3 labor per club, it would be ($8 + $3) * 13 = $11 * 13 = $143. If you choose more expensive grips, the total cost goes up.

So, the regripping golf clubs cost depends on your grip choice and if you do it yourself. DIY is cheaper per club if you already have the tools or plan to do it often. Paying a pro is easier and guarantees a good job, but costs more per club.

Putting It All Together: Making Your Choice

Choosing the right grip involves thinking about all the factors:

1. Size First: Start with size. Use a golf grip size guide. Consider undersize vs standard golf grips and the benefits of oversize golf grips. Get the size right for your hand.
2. Consider Material & Texture: Think about where you play and your feel preference. Do you need wet-weather performance (cord)? Do you want soft comfort (synthetic)? Are rubber grips good for you? Look at golf grip material types and golf grip texture options.
3. Pick Your Firmness: Decide if you like a firm grip for feedback or a soft one for comfort. Use the golf grip firmness rating idea.
4. Try Brands: Look at the best golf grip brands. See what styles and feels they offer.
5. Budget: Grips range in price. Decide how much you want to spend per grip. Also, think about the regripping golf clubs cost if you pay a pro.
6. Feel is King: If possible, feel different grips before you buy. Many golf shops have sample grips. Put them on a club. Hold it. Make practice swings. What feels right to you? This is the most important test.

Do not rush this process. The right grip can make a big difference in how you feel about your clubs and your game.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How often should I change my golf grips?
  Most golfers should change their grips once a year. If you play or practice very often (more than 40 rounds or practice sessions a year), consider changing them twice a year. Pay attention to the signs you need new golf grips.
• Can I use different grip sizes on different clubs?
  Yes, you can. Some players use a slightly larger grip on woods or drivers for stability and a standard or smaller grip on irons for feel and workability. Your putter grip is almost always different and often much larger.
• What’s the deal with putter grips?
  Putter grips are a whole different world! They are often much larger and come in many shapes (pistol, round, flat-sided). The goal is different – less hand action and more stability in the putting stroke. The same principles of material, texture, and firmness apply, but size and shape are even more varied.
• Does adding tape really change the size that much?
  Yes. Each layer of standard 2-sided grip tape adds about 1/64th of an inch to the grip’s diameter. This might sound small, but it makes a noticeable difference in feel. You can add multiple layers to fine-tune the size.
• Are textured grips better than smooth ones?
  “Better” depends on you and the conditions. Textured grips offer more grip, especially in wet or humid conditions, because the texture helps channel water away. Smooth grips provide a clean, consistent feel. If you play in the rain or sweat a lot, a textured or cord grip is often preferred.
• Can I mix grip materials in my set?
  Absolutely. Many golfers use cord grips on their irons (for control and wet weather play) and softer rubber or synthetic grips on their woods (for feel). The multi-compound grips are designed for this by combining materials in one grip.
• Is regripping hard to do myself?
  The golf grip installation process is not overly difficult, but it takes practice. The first time might be tricky to get the alignment perfect before the solvent dries. Watching videos and having the right tools helps a lot. It’s a skill many golfers learn to save money.
• Why do some grips have a rib inside?
  The rib (or reminder) is a raised line inside the grip. When installed correctly, it sits under your fingers. It helps you place your hands on the grip the same way every time. It gives you a physical cue for grip consistency.

Conclusion

Choosing the right golf grips is a simple step that can boost your game. Do not overlook it. Pay attention to the signs you need new golf grips. Think about grip size using a golf grip size guide. Consider golf grip material types and golf grip texture options based on your needs and where you play. Decide on your preferred golf grip firmness rating. Look at grips from the best golf grip brands. Whether you DIY or pay for the regripping golf clubs cost, make sure your grips are fresh and fit your hands. The right grips give you a solid connection to the club. This leads to more confidence and better shots. Make the effort to choose well!