There are four main types of golf grips. Rubber grips are the all-around choice. Full cord grips have fibers woven in and hold best with sweaty hands and humid weather. Wrap-style grips are the softest. Hybrid grips put cord in the top-hand area and softer rubber below. The right one comes down to feel, your climate and how much your hands sweat.
Rubber grips
The most common type. Good traction, durable, and a balanced feel that works for most golfers. The Golf Pride Tour Velvet is the classic example. If you don't know what you want, start here.
Cord grips
Cord grips have cotton fibers in the rubber. Golf Pride calls full cord the best choice for wet hands and very humid weather, because the cord pulls moisture away from your hands. They feel firmer and rougher, and some golfers find them hard on the hands at first. Popular with stronger players and anyone who sweats a lot in a Texas summer.
Wrap grips
Wrap-style grips, including softer polymer grips like Winn, have a spiraled, leather-like look and a very soft feel. They're easy on the hands and damp vibration well. The tradeoff is they tend to wear faster than rubber or cord.
Hybrid (multi-compound) grips
Hybrid grips like the Golf Pride MCC use cord in the upper section for the top hand and softer rubber in the lower section. Golf Pride describes them as the best of both worlds and a good option for sweaty hands if full cord feels too harsh.
Which grip is best for hot, humid weather?
Full cord or hybrid. Both handle sweat better than plain rubber. Many Dallas golfers who play through the summer go with a hybrid like the MCC for grip without the sandpaper feel.
What about putter grips?
Putter grips come in pistol, paddle and oversize shapes. The Rules of Golf allow putter grips to be non-circular, so you'll see flat fronts and fat shapes that aren't allowed on other clubs. Super Stroke's no-taper designs are built to keep grip pressure even in both hands. Oversize grips limit wrist movement, which many golfers like on short putts.
FAQ
Which grip should I try first?
A standard rubber grip like the Golf Pride Tour Velvet. If your hands sweat or it feels slippery in summer, step up to a hybrid like the MCC.
Do cord grips hurt your hands?
They can feel rough at first, especially without a glove. A hybrid gives you some of the traction with less bite.
How much does it cost to regrip with cord grips?
At our Farmers Branch shop, installation is included when you buy the grip. Golf Pride MCC+4 grips are $16.99 to $18.99 per club installed. See all regripping prices.
Next: what size golf grip do I need and how often to regrip. Shop grips.
By Benjamin Stromberg, Co-Founder, GolfRoots. Sources: Golf Pride, Golf Channel, Practical Golf, USGA and R&A Equipment Rules.
