VI. Grips
1. Rubber
Rubber grips are made by adding granulated cork, as well as other materials to liquid rubber. The cork serves to displace the rubber, and is the reason many grips are called composition grips. It also makes the overall weight of the grip lighter. The rubber/cork blend is checked to assure the proper viscosity, and is then molded in a high pressure molding machine. After molding, the grips are sanded and painted. Some of the features of rubber grips are easy installation, reminder ribs for hand placement, and they are less expensive. Rubber is the most common grip material used today.
2. Leather
Some senior players use leather, while most younger players use various rubber molded grips. The reason has very little to do with the quality or playability of the grip, but simply a difference in what each generation has been accustomed to. One of the features of leather grips (generally made of cowhide or calfskin) is that they have a nice soft, pliable, tacky feel. A few of the drawbacks are its difficulty to install, and its price. Leather is not very common today.
3. Cord/Half-Cord
Most of the more popular rubber models come in an optional cord grip, in which strands of fabric thread are embedded in the rubber grip. This makes for a better non-slip contact with hand or glove, especially when wet with rain or sweat. However, it does wear out gloves faster than non-cord grips.Many of the cord models also come as half-cord, in which the top of the grip (where your thumbs are) is smooth rubber and the bottom (where your fingers wrap around the grip) is corded.
4. Oversized/Undersized
Grips come in a standard size, but can be padded to a larger diameter with tape on the shaft under the grip. Each layer of masking tape adds approximately 1/64th of an inch to the diameter of the grip. This may not seem like a lot, but it makes a significant difference in how the grip feels and can impact your swing. It is also possible to get larger and smaller diameter grips.
5. Quick Comparison
Rubber GripsLeather Grips
- Slip-on design
- Easy to install
- Less expensive
- Rough when corded
Oversized
- Usually wrapped spiral design
- Harder to install
- More expensive
- Natural soft, tacky feel
Undersized
- For larger hands
- Minimize arthritis pain
- Decreases hand action, promoting a slice
- For smaller hands (many women)
- Increases hand action, promoting a hook
6. Notes
The type of grips a person uses will be based on feel. Some people like the natural soft feel of the leather grips, while others refuse to use anything but corded composite grips. Try going to a local golf shop and seeing which grips feel right.
This FAQ is Copyright 1999-2002 by Daniel J. Driscoll, all rights reserved. Product and company names used in this document may be trademarked or copyrighted by the respective owners. This document may be replicated in whole or in part, without alteration. All replications must include this copyright notice.
