Equipment
GET A
GRIP
by SCOTT KRAMER
The only golf equipment you touch during a swing ? The grip. So it has to feel
comfortable and stable in your hands for you to confidently take an easy swing.
There are more models than ever to choose from, so let’s dig in.
TEXTURES
An effective surface texture lets you hold a grip with good traction—without
having to squeeze it. The harder you hold it, the more tension runs up and
down your arms and shoulders, and the less fluid your swing. But this year,
you may also hear about micro-textures on the grip surface that make it
even easier to hold with less hand tension. Essentially it’s a different texture
than the rest of the grip’s surface, which lets you feel it better in pinpointed
spots. Lamkin calls it “Fingerprint” technology, claiming that the high-
density, super-fine patterns provide a comfortable, high-traction surface and
secure grip connection. Multiple textures have also become big with putter
grips. SuperStroke’s new Traxion Control places different surface textures
in strategic areas throughout the grip to give you a soft, tacky feel with
feedback and responsiveness.
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BUILD-UP
Many tour pros build up the lower hand on their swinging grips by adding tape
layers underneath the grip—allowing them to hold the club with less hand
tension and thus whip their hands through impact faster. Several grip makers
took notice and now sell grips that are pre-made that way.
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