Is a SOFTER or FIRMER golf grip the right choice for your game?
The grip on a golf club plays a vital role in your swing and overall performance. Selecting the appropriate grip softness or firmness is essential to ensure a comfortable and controlled grip. In this article, with some help from our sponsors at SuperStroke, we'll guide you through the factors to consider when choosing between a softer or firmer grip for your golf clubs.
Before diving into the selection process, it's crucial to understand the scale between softer and firmer grip selections. Grip softness refers to the amount of cushioning and shock absorption provided by the grip material. Softer grips, like the SuperStroke Cross Comfort, tend to have more cushioning, reducing the impact vibrations transmitted to your hands. On the other hand, grip firmness relates to the level of torsional stability and control the grip offers. Firmer grips, like the SuperStroke S-Tech, provide a more secure and controlled feel, which may allow for better shot manipulation depending on the player’s preference.
Factors to Consider:
1.) Comfort
There is not a grip on the market that is going to make an overwhelming difference in the performance of your golf clubs so it’s important to prioritize what feels comfortable to you. Feeling comfortable with your grips will give you the most confidence in your ability to swing that club well, and that confidence will then lead to lower scores on the scorecard.
2.) Playing Conditions
The type of playing conditions you typically encounter can influence your grip preference. If you often play in wet or humid conditions, a firmer grip can provide a better grip on the club with a little more moisture control, reducing the likelihood of the club slipping during the swing. Conversely, in dry conditions, a softer grip might offer the necessary tackiness and prevent your hands from drying out.
3.) Swing Speed and Power
Your swing speed and power can affect grip selection. Players with a faster swing speed may benefit from firmer grips that provide greater stability and control. These players tend to have a stronger physical grip on the club and want something a little firmer to clench down on. Conversely, golfers with slower swing speeds might find that softer grips help generate more clubhead speed and maximize distance as the softer grip allows their hands to feel a little bit more free of strain.
4.) Feedback and Feel
Typically a softer grip is going to provide less vibration and feedback into the hands where a firmer grip will allow more vibration and feedback to the hands. This case may be applicable to golfers with injuries who have pain from the vibration of impact. Other golfers who really like to feel every bit of their club through impact may prefer a firmer grip.
To determine the ideal grip softness or firmness for your golf clubs, it's recommended to test various options. Many golf retailers offer grip testing stations, allowing you to feel the grips in your hands and assess their characteristics. Pay attention to the comfort, traction, and overall feel of each grip. Take a few practice swings with different grips to evaluate their impact on your swing mechanics, shot control, and distance.
Choosing the right grip softness or firmness for your golf clubs is a personal decision that depends on multiple factors. By considering your comfort, feedback preferences, playing conditions and swing speed and power, you’re able to get your set completely dialed in for your needs. Don’t be afraid to head to your favorite retail center and test out grips for yourself.
Thanks to our sponsors at SuperStroke USA for providing us with the grips you saw in today’s demonstrations. For more information about the entire lineup of SuperStroke products visit their website at superstrokeusa.com