When it comes to golf equipment, plenty of spotlight is place on the more popular things such as clubs, shoes and golf bag. In our view, the often overlooked and highly important golf accessory worth gaining attention are the golf grips. Grips are the physical connection from your swing to the golf club, and having the right grip that feels great is essential to bringing out your best game. Having grips that feel great not only spurs confidence on the course, it can lead to lower scores as well.
After many hours of research and trial, below we will walk your through various types of grips and highlight the best selections on the market. Also included is a guide that goes further into detail to help you find the right grips for your game. In this article we focus on all grips except for putters, which we will cover in another article.
Best Overall Corded Golf Grip
Golf Pride MCC Plus 4 Golf Grip
Best Overall Corded Golf Grip
An advanced level grip that offers corded features as well as rubber benefits. This grip is a top choice among players and can improve your game immensely.
The Golf Pride MCC Plus 4 Golf Grip brings a new meaning to a corded grip, providing superior comfort and feel for players of all calibers. One of the best corded golf grips on the market today this is one you should check out if you are looking to get your clubs re-gripped!
Best Standard Golf Grip
SuperStroke S Tech Grip
Best Standard Golf Grip
Used by may PGA Tour pros, this grip offers excellent traction and control for your shots
The SuperStroke brand has a strong following among amateurs and tour professionals, and the reason is it provides an exceptional blend of comfort and feel for your clubs. The standard grip is what most golfers are used to and a great choice if you aren’t looking to switch to a corded or wrap golf grip!
Best Wrap Golf Grip
Winn Dri-Tac Golf Grip
Top Wrap Golf Grip
There is no brand that produces wrap grips better than Winn. They are the trusted company to keep your hands comfortable and stress free on the course.
The Winn Dri-Tac grip is our choice for the best wrap style golf grip, because of its strong ranking in durability and feel. The Dri-Tac golf grip provides more cusion on the hands so it is the best golf grip for seniors and players looking to reduce the stress on their hands!
Our Recommendations
Golf Pride MCC Plus 4
Best Corded Golf Grip
A corded golf grip is relatively new in golf and the best one we have tried to date is the Golf Pride MCC Plus 4 corded golf grip, an option golfers have to check out
Buying Options
Lowest Price
Superstroke S Tech
Best Standard Golf Grip
The SuperStroke S Tech golf grip enhances the comfort of standard golf grips with a more forgiving material and is our top choice for best standard golf grip!
Buying Options
Lowest Price
Winn Dri-Tac
Best Wrap Golf Grip
The wrap style golf grips are hugely popular and the one we always hear awesome things about is the Winn Dri-Tac golf grip!
Buying Options
Lowest Price
Our Research and Findings
Curious about what we think are the best putters for high handicapers? Click here to read our guide!
The Best Golf Grips for Irons and Drivers
1. Golf Pride MCC Plus 4
Best Overall Corded Golf Grip
The Details:
- Large lower hand diameter for less tension in the hands
- Moisture wicking cotton cord fused with soft rubber material
- High traction and micro-texture design for enhanced feel
Advantages:
- High level of traction for performance under wet and dry conditions
- High level of durability suited for advanced level players
- Color and design assists with proper hand placement
- Moisture wicking ability is an added bonus
- Comes in a variety of colors and looks visually appealing on clubs
Disadvantages:
- Thicker grip design not ideal for players with small hands
- More expensive than other grips
BOTTOM LINE:
Another Golf Pride product that takes the spotlight is the MCC Plus 4 grips. This is actually a hybrid grip design with both corded and standard grip features! The “Plus 4” indicates this grip has a thicker bottom end, as if there were 4 layers of grip tape inside the grip. The larger sized design is for promoting a light hand placement and lower stress throughout your golf swing.
The MCC Plus 4 is also a highly durable grip that maintains its traction in humid weather. Players looking for performance and vibrational feedback on their shots will find this grip valuable. The Golf Pride MCC Plus 4 is a high-performance grip with a thicker design to promote easier gripping and less stress throughout your swing. This is a top grip choice for professional and recreational golfers and one of our top choices also!
2. Superstoke S-Tech
Best Overall Standard Golf Grip
Top Features:
- Taper Control Technology – minimal taper for evening hand pressure
- Cross-shaped texture profile provides great control in all weather conditions
- Comes in Standard and Mid-size and multiple colors
Advantages:
- Standard grip design but provides a high level of softness and tackiness
- Special rubber blend material provides maximum traction and good durability
- Cross-traction surface enhances traction in humid conditions
- Affordable price
Disadvantages:
- Tackiness fades relatively quickly, especially in wet conditions
BOTTOM LINE:
Players who are looking for performance but prefer a cord-less grip will be pleased with the SuperStroke S-Tech Grip. Many superstar golfers such as Jordan Spieth and Sergio Garcia swear by these grips. The special rubber compound used provides amazing feedback and golf shot control for players looking to elevate their game! This material also provides a high level of tackiness combined with a soft feel.
One drawback would be the tackiness of this grip wears out quickly, especially in humid conditions. If you towel-off and keep the grips as dry as possible, you can lengthen the grip life.
Our overall conclusion on the Superstroke S-Tech grip is it gives you a soft feeling grip with high performance. The SuperStroke S-Tech grip gives players the ability to play with comfort and control during their rounds and it holds up for a long time. Our choice for the best overall standard golf grip for irons and drivers!
3. Winn Dri-Tac
Best Overall Wrap Golf Grip
The Details:
- Wrap-type grip that make installation easier
- PolymerG Technology – material that is slip-resistant and performs in all weather conditions
Advantages:
- Soft-feeling grip that neutralizes vibration at impact
- PolymerG material his highly tacky and works well in humid conditions
- Easy and comfortable to use, suited for beginners and seniors
Disadvantages:
- Lower durability given the soft nature of the material
BOTTOM LINE:
Winn is another popular brand of grip, and their Dri-Tac grip design has been an excellent choice for players who prefer the softer feel, wrap-type grips. These grips are great for beginners and seniors who prefer lower amounts of stress on their hands. They are also great for players who deal with arthritis or muscle / joint pains when they golf. The PolymerG material used also works well in wet conditions given the slip-resistant abilities. However, constantly playing in humid conditions will wear out this grip fast. Additionally, these golf grips absorb most of the vibration at impact, so if you looking to understand why your shots fly a certain way and value that feedback, this may not be the grip for you.
The Winn Dri-Tac is a classic wrap grip that provides a soft comfortable feel and absorbs the rough vibrations at impact. A great golf grip choice for golfers looking to ease up the pressure on their hands while playing and reduce the toll on their body!
4. Golf Pride Tour Velvet ALIGN
Best Moisture Wicking Golf Grip
Top Features:
- Raised ridge on the rear side of the grip
- ALIGN technology helps square the clubface and hand placement
- Non-slip rubber with moisture wicking capabilities
Advantages:
- Ridge on the club helps players grip the club consistently
- Moisture wicking ability keeps clubs dry and maintains traction in wet conditions
- Softer feeling grip
- Mid-price point is reasonable
Disadvantages:
- Traction fades relatively quick
- Not the most durable grip
BOTTOM LINE:
The Golf Pride Tour Velvet ALIGN is one of multiple Golf Pride grips we will cover. This brand is a staple in the golf grip space and the Tour ALIGN is one of the newest models. It is a standard grip that is similar to the classic Tour Velvet grip but has moisture wicking features, as well as a ridge on the grip to promote consistent hand placement.
The Tour Velvet ALIGN will help any player grip the club properly to square the clubface consistently.
5. Lamkin Crossline Standard Grip
Best Golf Grip for Shot Control and Feedback
The Details:
- Densely spaced surface pattern provides high level of traction
- Durable synthetic rubber material
- Good traction in wet-weather conditions
Advantages:
- Firm feeling grip that provides great feedback and shot control
- Classic looking grip
- High level of traction
- Comes in multiple sizes and a full-corded version
- Affordable, on the lower end of the price spectrum
Disadvantages:
- Does not provide a soft feel
- Can become dirty and is difficult to clean
BOTTOM LINE:
Lamkin is another brand we need to mention, they are one of the oldest and most popular names in the golf grip space. Their Crossline grip has been a top selling product over the past decades. It features a high level of durability, traction and is also easy on the wallet. Players looking for a performance grip that provides shot control and valuable feedback at impact will be pleased with the Crossline.
The Lamkin Crossline is a top-seller and is a popular choice among low handicap and professional players. They provide a high level of control, durability and feedback on every shot. It is the best golf grip for low handicap player wanting better feel for their shots!
Looking for a new golf bag to store your new wedge? Read our guide on the best golf bags!
6. Golf Pride Z-Grip Cord
Best Golf Grip for Shot Control
Top Features:
- Z-shaped texture pattern for efficient traction
- Firm durable grip that provides plenty of feedback
- Moisture-wicking ability with brushed cotton cord
Advantages:
- Highly durable grip
- “Z” shaped pattern enhances tackiness
- All-weather capability of the grip helps keep moisture off the hands
- Feedback at the ball strike is valuable for advanced players
Disadvantages:
- Not the softest grip
- High price point
BOTTOM LINE:
Performance at it’s finest. The Z-Grip is one of the firmest corded grips with giving advanced players the control and feel they’re looking for. The grip design combines two layers, one for vibrational feedback at impact and the other for control. A balance between tackiness, texture and moisture wicking provides a solid combination of firm feel with a high level of traction. The cord design and density further keep moisture away. These performance features are highly coveted by advanced players and professionals.
The Z-Grip Cord grip by Golf Pride is a high-performance grip for advanced players seeking firm feel and important feedback at impact! It is one of the best golf grips on the market for high-performance players and definitely worth the investment!
7. Pure Grips PURE Pro
Most Innovative New Golf Grip
Top Features:
- “W” shaped texture pattern on the grip for additional traction
- EPDM rubber compound exclusive to Pure Grips
- Comes in undersized, standard and midsized grips
- Offered in multiple grip weights and color
Advantages:
- Provides high level of feedback at shot impact, as well as a strong level of control
- Firm, yet tacky feel
- Decent moisture wicking ability
- Reasonably priced
Disadvantages:
- Loses traction in wet conditions
- Not the most durable material
BOTTOM LINE:
A sleeper pick worth mentioning is PURE Grips’ Pro grip. This company is lesser known, but they do create quality grip products for all players. Here we highlight a solid choice for players looking for a firmer feel with solid feedback. PURE Pro uses their own EPDM rubber compound that offers plenty of traction for the player. The W-shaped texture pattern ensures the player is receiving the best feedback on their shots for enhanced control. It is one of the more innovative golf grips our there because the different materials used really change the feeling for a golfer compared to the standard golf grips!
It’s a lesser known brand, but the PURE Grips Pro Grip is an excellent choice for active players seeking good traction and shot control during their rounds.
8. Golf Pride Tour Wrap 2G
Runner-Up Best Wrap Golf Grip
Top Features:
- Proprietary high-tack rubber compound
- Soft-feel with durability simulates high quality leather
Advantages:
- High level of tack allows easy gripping and comfort
- Maintains traction in wet playing conditions
- Popular choice even among professional players
Disadvantages:
- Tackiness wears out easy
- Maybe difficult to align for some players
BOTTOM LINE:
You can’t go wrong with choosing the Golf Pride brand for your grip, and their Tour Wrap 2G is no different. This golf grip features a high level of tack combined with a soft feel. Golf Pride uses a proprietary blend of rubber that is supposed to look and feel like leather! In addition to outstanding feel, this grip carries a decent amount of durability where it doesn’t often need to be replaced.
Soft, comfortable easy to use, Golf Pride Tour Wrap 2G is a solid choice for any player who prefers the wrap-type design.
9. Lamkin Sonar+ Wrap
Runner-Up Best Wrap Golf Grip
Top Features:
- Genesis Material rubber compound provides plenty of durability and tackiness
- Fingerprint Technology creates micro textures that adds additional comfort and performance
- Reduced taper profile
Advantages:
- Fingerprint Technology adapts wells to all playing conditions providing soft and comfortable feel
- Taper profile improves control during the swing
- Unique rubber material offers a high level of traction
Disadvantages:
- Traction wears out relatively quick compared to other rubber grips
- Grip is on the expensive side
BOTTOM LINE:
Lamkin’s Sonar+ Wrap grip offers a classic looking grip but is infused with creative technology to further help players! This grip features the signature “Fingerprint Technology” that has built in micro-texture patterns that enhance comfort and traction on the grip. Combined with the durable Genesis rubber material, this grip is both durable and has exceptional tackiness.
You won’t need to worry about your clubs slipping out of your grasp with Lamkin’s Sonar+ Wrap. It is a great choice at a reasonable price point to check out if you are looking for a wrap style golf grip!
10. SuperStroke Softwrap TC Grip
Runner-Up Best Wrap Golf Grip
Top Features:
- Geospeed Channels – helps minimize grip pressure and carry more speed in the swing
- ControlTac Compound – Proprietary rubber material
- Taper Control Technology – Minimal grip taper to evenly distribute grip pressure
Advantages:
- Wrap style design and SuperStroke’s proprietary rubber is very comfortable to use with plenty of tackiness
- Offers some level of control and feedback at the ball strike
- Taper control improves comfort and hand pressure along the grip
- Some level of moisture wicking ability
- Very affordable
Disadvantages:
- Soft wrap nature wears out easy
- Looks tackiness quickly if not taken care off
BOTTOM LINE:
Another SuperStroke product worth testing out if you’re in the market for wrap grips is their Softwrap TC Golf Grips. This is a traditional wrap grip that uses SuperStroke’s proprietary ControlTac rubber. When testing it out ourselves we really liked the high level of tackiness and comfort. It was almost sticky feeling, so you know you won’t lose your golf club while swinging. It surprisingly carries a decent amount of vibrational feedback at impact and the taper design helps improve hand pressure.
If you prioritize soft feel and comfort, the Superstroke Softwrap golf grips are for you. An added bonus included is the small level of feedback and control offered by the golf grip makes it extremely comfortable on the hands!
How to Choose the Right Golf Grip
Below we present you with all the information you need to consider when choosing the best grips for your clubs. It is important to understand the different types of grips available and the features they offer for your game. Knowing how to take care of your grips and when you replace them will also help you better enjoy the game. Feel is an essential part of golf and every players’ level of feel is different and unique. Finding the best grip to match what you like can bring out the best in your game.
Types of Golf Grips
There are three main types of grip designs. Each of them offers different feels, textures, materials and performance tailored to various players. Let’s dive into the details.
1. Corded Golf Grips
Corded golf grips are a type of grip with cord material integrated into the grip. The cord material is usually a type of fabric, typically cotton. These grips are designed for players with sweaty hands and the cord material absorbs moisture and maintains traction between hand and grip. These grips also perform well in hot and humid weather with high level of moisture.
These grips are also highly responsive in terms of feel. If you mis-hit your shots, the vibration gives a strong feel. More advanced players like these grip types because it tells them the exact ball-to-clubface impact spot. This feature is also one drawback for the grip. The sensation can be too harsh for some players and can feel uncomfortable.
2. Standard Golf Grips
Standard grips are, well, standard. These are the most common grips. Buying clubs off the shelf from your local golf store typically come with these grip types. In terms of material, these grips are commonly made of rubber since it is cheap and easy to mold. Fancier grips can be made of soft plastic, elastomer and/or silicon. These grips are slightly softer than corded grips.
3. Wrap Golf Grips
The Wrap grip type of golf grips are the softest available. Rubber is the common material, but typically a soft rubber composite is used to mimic the feel of leather wrapped around the handle. This was very common during the early days of the game over 100 years ago, however leather is normally not used in present day.
Given these grips provide the softest feels, the are also the most comfortable and provide the least amount of vibration feedback for players. Off-center hits on the clubface can still feel fairly soft with these golf club grips.
Grip Characteristics
1. Tackiness
Tackiness is essentially how well you feel your hands are connected to the golf club, and how well that connection holds during the swing. The more stable and control you feel, the better. A tacky golf grip doesn’t mean it is supposed to feel highly sticky. It is supposed to offer both solid traction and good comfort.
Bringing it to another level, if the golf grip maintains that tackiness in humid and dry conditions. Players who are able to maintain good control of their club in any conditions is a sign of a highly tacky grip.
2. Size
Selecting the appropriately sized grip that matches the size of your hands is sometimes an overlooked factor. However, playing correctly sized golf grips takes away some uncertainty in your game, and is one less thing to worry about.
Generally, if the grip is too small for your hands, players find it difficult to square the golf club at impact and can result in shots that flare to the right. On the other side, grips that are too large can create tendency to overturn your golf clubs and hit your shots left.
Grip sizes come in small, standard, large and jumbo sizes. If you find the best size for your is somewhere in between two of these sizes, you can ask your golf shop to wrap one or two extra layers of tape on the shaft before installing the golf grip. This enlarges the grip slightly to help you find your happy medium.
3. Softness
Testing out the grip’s softness is very dependent on the golfer. It is a feel factor that responds different to every player. Generally, softer grips provide less performance for players and have higher replacement frequency, but they are comfortable to play. Stiffer grips give players more response, especially at impact. Some more advanced players enjoy the feedback so they understand why their shots fly a certain way. These types of golf grips typically last longer, but it certainly is dependent on how you treat and maintain the grips.
If you hit the links at least a few times a week, twelve months of the year, you may find yourself replacing your grips often.
4. Durability
When considering durability, understanding the grip materials and what may cause it to deteriorate is important. We have included a section below about signs and observations to look for before grip replacement. Grips naturally wear out over time, not matter what conditions and how often you play. But that degradation can be slowed down depending how well you take care of your clubs.
Generally, softer grips are less durable than the higher performance counterparts. These grips focus more on player comfort than improving shots. These grips roughly require changing once every year or two years. A grip that maintains its tackiness and feel after many swings and rounds is a sign of a highly durable grip.
5. Responsiveness and Performance
In this category, we again refer to the subjectivity of the golfer, and also his/her skill level. We understand that grips should feel comfortable, maintain traction and also deliver a solid feel. Typically, faster swinging hard hitting golfers prefer a tackier grip that can handle the stresses and strains of their high energy swing. Likely, these players will work their golf clubs and therefore the grips quite hard. Slower swinging players usually prioritize comfort and soft feel for their grips, so wrap-type grips may be more suitable. One thing to keep in mind, is these grips are likely to wear out faster than the standard and corded grips.
6. Price
A singular grip by itself is not expensive. They typically range between $10 to $19 depending on the brand you choose. However, there are normally 14 clubs in your bag and regripping them every year can add up quick in costs. High performance brands like Golf Pride land at the higher end of the price range, however they do have middle of the pack and comfort options that are cheaper. Other brands such as Lamkin and Superstroke are popular but are slightly cheaper. Winn grips also falls in the same boat.
Replacing Golf Grips
It is inevitable that golf grips need to be replaced from time to time as they do wear out. How fast they wear out depends on how often you play, the climate you often play in, and how well you take care of your grips. Grips are your hands’ connection to the golf club. Most players overlook this small part of their clubs, and it is important to keep in mind that having fresh grips that perform well for you will bring out your best scores.
If you play in colder climates where the golf season is only half a year, you can extend the life of your grips to 2 maybe 3 seasons. If the golf season lasts all year round and you tee it up at least a couple times each week, replacing grips every 1 or 2 seasons is common. The frequency can be higher if the climate is humid or if you have sweaty hands that wear out your grips faster. These conditions cause grips to lose tackiness over time. Naturally, your hands give off moisture and each time you use your clubs it loses a bit of traction each time. However, if you often towel off the moisture from your grips, you can extend their life.
Having a slippery feel on your grips is not ideal. It can have a negative effect on your scores. A slippery grip can make it harder to square the clubface and hit the ball the way you want. For the most part, grips aren’t the most expensive piece of equipment, so don’t short change yourself. Investing in regular re-grips will pay out in a much better experience on the course.
Some physical signs that indicate you may need to replace your grips include:
- Slippery feeling, in other words, lack of tackiness
- Color is fading
- Grips are literally cracked
- Wear spots are visible on the grip, almost looks like the grip is chaffing
- Shiny spots. This indicates slippery spots or loss of traction
The clubs that require regripping often are the ones you use the most. Typically, that would be your wedges, driver and putter. We cover putter grips in another article. Don’t be surprised if your irons retain tackiness longer than your wedges and driver.
Another thought to keep in mind is you don’t necessarily have to equip each club with the same grip. Some players prefer a softer grip on irons, but more feel for wedges. One combination could be putting wrap grips on irons, and corded grips on wedges and woods. Whatever your preference may be, it boils down what you, the player, is looking for in feeling.
Wrapping Up The Best Golf Grips
The often-overlooked accessories can have a large impact on your game. When it comes to golf grips, we want to help our readers understand the different grips available and choose the best grip for their game. As we said before, the grip is the physical connection between your golf swing to your clubs. Every player is accustomed to a certain feel and preference and there are many different types of grips available to suit your style. Ultimately, we want to help you find the best grip that has you shooting your best scores.