Fantastic. I moved from Stiff to Regular during a fitting in October. Clubs arrived with the fairly softish grips I specified, and just never felt right…not like during the fitting. Switched 7iron to a grip similar to what the fitter had in studio, and boom! I’m with you: never even thought about this before.
I have played golf for 40+ years and this explains why I never change the grip type. I have tried softer grips like GP CP2 because I am getting older but immediately realize they change my sensation of the club and this explains that sensation.
I agree. I already hit my irons fairly high. I bought some softer golf Pride grips early 2023 to hopefully take it easy on the joints of hand, and let me tell you the ball flight was so much dramatically different- TOO HIGH. Like rocket spaceship high and more spin with mid irons. I had to go back to reg Golf Pride justbecause the squishiness as you referred to.. did so much to the flight. So I would recommend softer grips for ppl who struggle with getting the ball airborne.
FASCINATING! I’ve intuitively figured this out over the years when using different grips, but never considered the reason….this makes perfect sense and one more thing to add to my toolbox!!
Loved this video. As soon as you started the vid, I had a hunch where headed. But like you, I had never thought about it with my clubs. And the fact that you could test for it was great. Thank you! Ironically, as a former motorcycle racer & builder, I obsessed over suspension and frame tuning and how it important it was to take into consideration tire compounds and the traction / wear tradeoff. It was not until later did we begin to really factor the compound and flex into broader suspension dynamics. Like your frequency test, the differences were subtle but very real. This feels similar to the golf ah-ha moment you described. Thanks again and thanks for all your great content.
Fantastic content and no other club fitters or club makers or repair professionals have spoken of this subject as far as I have ever seen or heard. Great stuff, pal: from a small Somerville, MA golf shop. Cheers!
Was considering moving from regular to stiff shafts but these makes me think I can just save some cash and regrip to a more firm grip! Awesome explanation!
never would thought about it, and yet, it makes perfect sense. Now I understand than when I added 1 inch to my clubs and put those same harder (and heavier) grips, my clubs felt stiffer and heavy (both static weight and swing weight had increased a lot), so much less easier to swing than before the change
This is VERY interesting! So if I am looking to be something like an R+ on the shaft, I could prob use R and add a firm grip to modify the frequency. For someone like me that is “between” flex (R/S). This would be a way to help tighten up the performance or at least the feel of the shaft. Really great information! Thank you for doing this video. 🎉
AJ, this just proves that fitters need to consider this grip variable when fitting clients, if not, they are not giving you the best fit possible. It’s already tough enough finding a good fitter you can trust who’s not trying to upsell you into some exotic shaft and other add ons, now you have to make sure you’re getting a “full and complete” fitting, which most of us don’t know what that is. It’s a shame that we’re at the mercy of fitters without knowledge. Cheers.
Full disclosure, I never considered this until I just started thinking about it in a light bulb moment. I have not done this with any of my fittings but now I am trying to figure out how to include this into the process.
Not only will you have to consider software or hard, but the different wt's of different size grips. I use a oversize grip that weighs more than undersize grip.
I think the useful path would be to consider that the grip enables you to make one shaft a stiffer in increments between two stiffness levels. If a player thinks the regular is too loose and the stiff is too stiff, the fitter can suggest trying the regular with a different grip to stiffen it up a bit. For some players, that could make the difference with going for one shaft or another. @@steviewonder2492
Excellent video, never knew that! Not sure if it was already brought up but the other thing to be aware of is grip weight. They can vary by ~15g depending on size/type.
I have always used Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 on my woods and wedges and Golf Pride MCC+4 on my irons. Recently I put the Tour Velvet 360s on my irons and I like the softer feel. The Royal LinkTech and M-Taper 360 grips are the best budget grips out there.
Good stuff The hands work as the vice,so the same club will feel and respond differently with respect to the size of the golfer’s hands. Shorter hands,more flexible, larger hands, stiffer feel. I learned this the hard way when the whole Brunswick cpm shaft measurement system came out. Clubs were being built with different clamp lengths giving different flexibility profiles for the same club. Brunswick was using a 2 1/2” clamp and others used 4 and 5” clamps. Hopefully some day soon, club fitting will be standardised to fit the golfer and not just sell a set of clubs.
Hey AJ!!! Great video!! (As usual) A point of consideration on perceived flex and grips. The difference between grip weights from one style to the next can be negligible (2 grams) to significant (20 grams). Wouldn’t the adjusted swing weight of the club have a greater impact on the player’s ability to properly load the club than the firmness of the grip influencing flex? Thank you for all of your contributions!!!!
Weight, diameter, taper amount will all influence how the golfer swings the club. This video was just introducing something that no-one ever considered before (at least that I could find).
Great info . We had a Gem here in Virginia . Mickey Russel would use that machine and built some really great feeling clubs . I now have 2 sets of ZX5s one with pure , and one with golf pride . I’ve been asking qualified folks why one feels different . I think this demonstration showed the “ why behind the what “ .
Wow! I have been into golf for so long and have never even thought of this. Maybe this is why I have never liked soft spongy grips. Glad this came up on my algorithm. I subscribed. Very eye opening info!
Makes sense why some didn’t like the firmer new decade mcc grip with build up tape on the bottom hand on a particular shaft, compared to the same exact shaft in a MCC plus 4, or even the much firmer z cord. I didn’t ever think much about it but it seems obvious now that you brought it to my attention. In my case the grip rubber in a plus 4 reducing the taper rather than the tape gave me more feel for the loading and unloading of the shaft. It seemed to make tempo and delivery changes from day to day and different ball flights easier to notice and correct vs The firmer grip
Ah Ha! Very, very interesting. Thanks for this AJ. I'm struggling to choose between two shafts in my new clubs - a 106g stiff or a 111g regular, so was considering soft-stepping the stiff. But with this info, maybe a simple change in grip choice could resolve my dilema. Cheers.
I stumbled upon the soft grip theory by accident, I use jumbo grips on stiff flex graphite irons. Mainly to stop limb vibration. I use DRi-tech LT over size with 5 layers of masking tape plus 3 layers more on the lower to 2 layers plus grip tapes. Zero vibration great for home sim room golf. Even with a strike matt strip. My first reaction was the flight, spin looked fine, feel wasn't that of stiff shafts. I just never discussed with anyone as club set up is p[personal thing.
Because my hands are bigger than average I had midsize grips on my Callaway Apex forged blades. Wasn't hitting them consistently. Was getting too much variability. Then decided to switch to GolfPride regular size softer grips but they are less tapered than standard. So it's thicker than regular on the lower hand(right). It was like hitting a whole different set of irons. More distance, consistency and I could work the ball either right or left. The proper grips make a significant difference.
I would think a less tapered grip would really equalize both hands and create more control ! It sort of makes sense ! On my swing now my right hand is becoming more and more dominant and I should try a less tapered grip with golf pride, if I could retain the same firmness ! Thanks
The softer grip is likely reacting differently to the metal clamping force during the test. I suspect the effect of the much softer hand to grip contact would minimize the difference significantly. That being said, I greatly prefer a softer grip. Much less harsh.
Grips are everything ! Just as shafts are too ! And matching them according to our personal golf preferences is a unique art ! It is really awesome because this union of shaft and grip defines the feel , accuracy and overall performance of the golf swing and strike ! I’ve always used graphite shafts on my irons and found that a firm grip gave me more control , accuracy and spin ! However I am thinking of switching grips on my driver adding an extra wrap and going to a golf pride CPx for a more relaxed hand interaction ! I still don’t want spongy feel but a bit softer with more tacky material ! Golf sure is fun and scientific too !
I was fit into Titleist T200 irons with AMT RED stiff shafts and I had my set built with Golf Pride CP2 midsize grips. That combination was the perfect mix for the performance and feel that I was looking for in my new set.
Lol, I have a combo set of T200 long & mid irons and AP3 short irons all with AMT Red regular shafts & golf pride tour wrap grips. Just wondering, do you have a TSR2 driver and TS2 3 wood too??
TSR3 driver with Hzrdus stiff shafts, a TSI2 3 wood and a TSR3 7 wood; both with Tensei AV Blue stiff shafts. My 48, 54 and 60 wedges are Vokey. ALL with the CP2 midsized grips.
Very good!!!! AJ, another scenario I just encountered is between a grip in good condition and one that is pretty worn out; same grip model. I bought two used hybrids and the club with the worn out grip feels stiffer. Now we know!!!
Amazing video. Not only is this severely overlooked in fitting but most fitters (even big brand facilities) have work GP Tour Velvet grips that are slicker than oil.
I have just viewed this video and wasn't aware of this potential problem. Prior to viewing this video I changed from golf pride tour velvet double wrap grip to golf pride oversize tour wrap grip. I haven't been to the range or golf course yet. The tour wrap seems to be a "softer" grip. Will there be a significant difference? I am a 79 year old 12 handicap. Thank you for your vey informative RUclips video,
Those 2 grips at equal size are actually pretty close in firmness. The larger grip will be softer by comparison but the comfort from a larger grip will usually outweigh anything else for people who need the size.
Im happy that GP released the V55 again. I grabbed some for memories. I just went from MCC Align to Tour Velvet Align for added feel. Firmer grip = stiffer butt section
Very interesting! On my new irons double tape, I had the golf pride half cord grip put on and I hit the ball great. I recently changed the grips to the golf pride tour wrap same double tape, which is a softer grip and a more sticky grip. I don’t seem to hit the ball as consistent anymore. I was thinking of switching back. What this tells me is I like the feel of a firmer grip than a softer grip! Who knew. I would be interested in doing the frequency test with these two grips to see the difference. The shaft is a Raijin 85g shaft with various flex from top to bottom. Out of all the shafts I hit, these felt the best and had the best numbers.
Awesome information, I am a plus fore MCC golf pride guy. I also recently cut down my shafts for control. I was doing this with a fitter to see if a 44.5 inch driver shaft TSR2 11 degree was better than the Burner….it was but he mentioned my swing speed dropped to 92 MPH on my driver from 97 but we got the same distance … less height less spin and only 5 yards carry distance but 20 more roll with a PRO V X. I wonder if some that speed is my grip … shorter shaft more the grip can effect it ?
This is very interesting. I would assume that a midsize, stiff grip would have an even great effect on the overall stiffness. Defiantly something to think about on my next fitting.
Lamkin UTX, the green ones I first saw on golfwrx last year or so, that's what I'm slowly switching to lately, like the green but those Lamkin could be little darker shade of green, lol. Tried GP tour velvet 360 white...felt nothing like tour velvet grips to me, kind of slick so off they went. Royal Linktech grips, not the cord version which is a bargain really for cord grips, feel okay, Lamkin crossline black on an older set of irons. For me it's how my hands respond to the texture, soft grips on a full swing and I feel like I actually lose some control of the club, my hands actually increase in grip pressure. Price of grips is also a factor, those UTX's aren't coming off for a while! I lIke some taper to the grip for my right hand....grips are such a personal preference aren't they.
Just back playing golf after a few years off, was using the 6.0 shafts with a firmer grip. So really I was playing extra stiff all those years ago 😲 I couldn't get any distance out of the clubs for the two rounds that I played, now I'm bk playing again. so I went and bought another set of clubs with regular shafts thinking it was all down to me just getting old. So, some new grips will be the next stop and hopefully not lost too much money on selling the newer set. I wish I seen this video last week 🤦
Make sure you pay attention to shaft weight. That is even more important than flex. Finding the right weight range should always be first priority, then flex / bend profile.
Not sure if this really has an impact in actual hitting. The reason the frequency drops with a softer grips is because it dampens the oscillation when held in an unmoving vice. When you really swing, you are holding it in your hands which are flexible so it doesn’t behave the same way.
Very informative video, I currently play PX 6.5 but previously played PX 6.0 shafts so I am fully aware of the difference in stiffness between them, I have played Tour Velvet Plus4 grips for a few years but have thought about testing the new Lamkin UT+ grips so if you have hit both of these grips how do they compare in firmness?
How does one choose the right width grip, in other words, what is the proper size grip for any given golfer? The off the shelf club always comes with small or standard width grips. Thanks.
You can use different measurements or online grip sizing options but it really comes down to what feels right and comfortable in your particular hands. Best way is to actually test different sizes on a club.
I have thought about this before from an energy transfer standpoint. I have considered "wouldn't a soft grip absorb some of the energy that I'm transferring to my club? Why would I want that?"
If I understand this the grips feel will affect the shaft flex. The softer the grip the more flex in the shaft and the firmer the grip the stiffer the flex? The best videos on RUclips about golf for the common man in the street.
I like the video and you did say it on the screen (not sure but you may have said it as well.) I think the important thing is the PERCEIVED STIFFNESS is not the same as true shaft stiffness and the way it effects the ball flight. The softer grip may make it FEEL more flexible but the engineer in me can't see how this FEEL effects the ball. If you were on the borderline between regular and stiff shaft, you might help the player feel better with a softer grip. However, most golfers that I know prefer the feel of a certain grip and wouldn't want to change. Just my 2 cents worth on this. Thanks for the video.
Does switching from a regular grip to a midsize grip also result in a more firm flex? I know it further complicated because the heavier grip will change the club to a lighter swingweight. I have preferred a softer grip because I felt more “feel”.
I figured this out using mc+4 plus grips on my Regular flex and standard grips on my stiff shafts and was dumbfounded until i realized the grip was changing the harmonics and they all feel the same.
It’s very small I guess it’s possible that fitters may trick this up in certain situations. I doubt the average joe would know that. Good video on this ❤
Wow, this is a great consideration. I'm in between flexes (S/X) but went with S on my new takomo irons. So now maybe if i feel this flex is not quite right I can lab with outher grips instead of changing shafts 👍. Does this apply with driver shafts as well or is it only steel shafts? 😊
Great and informative video. For years I have always used Lamkin Crossline grips with True Temper Dynamic Gold shafts with the S300 stiff flex for any clubs I would build or rebuild for myself. Lately have been considering Lamkin's Calibrate grips with the guide ridge to help with hand placement. This will help narrow down whether I want a grip closer to the firmness of the Crossline or a softer feel. I had been thinking my swing speed is starting to decrease as I get older and that I should consider dropping my shaft flex down to Regular. A softer grip may get me half way between for much less cost and effort. Will visit my local Dick's store this week and see if I can get a swing speed test done to help me decide. Thanks.
I'd have thought a thicker grip would squish more than a thin grip... I can squeeze a thick slice of bread more than I can squeeze a thin slice. Maybe 🤷♂️
i switched to the GP CP2 jumbo grips because of tendonitis. they definitely helped in that regard. however ny clubheads felt. lighter. I couldn't feel them ss much.
Such great information and something I haven’t really seen anyone address. It’s a whole new wrinkle now. Do you recommend in fittings to change the grip one way or the other is someone is in between flexes? Or is this a case of weight means more than flex?
I think it will probably be case by case. I started thinking about this topic because I've had clients come in complaining about terrible results with certain grips (usually too firm), and after simply changing them seeing much better results.
@EFGMC great test. Don't think I've seen anyone else do it 👍 I have bad finger pain everytime I play so now I'm thinking I need to go with Jumbo max grips. Probably the size is going to be just as important as the softness
So basically in a fitting you could have a client that is almost in between needing a stiff an extra stiff. So you could put a firm grip and the stiff and achieve possibly that halfway point between a stiff and extra stiff? Vise versa with putting a soft grip on the extra stiff?
Thanks for the video… what do you think about „overgrips“… I added an overgrip tape (like for tennis rackets) to my wedges and was surprised about the feel… now I no longer use a glove when putting and with my wedges… did you ever test that?
AJ, what are the swing weight difference when the grips are changed? Would like to see this with same swing and grip weight see if it replicates or changes the results.
Just read same weight, never mind on that idea! I live in Spartanburg, could I setup an appointment to adjust my lofts and lies on internet bought standard Adams Ideatechs from 2014? I bought before a bunch of health issues, barely used till I built the sim. Thanks!
I was thinking about something. Some pro prefer add wraps instead playing a large grip. Does the wraps have the same effect than a stiffer grip? What’s the difference between standard soft grip with one or 4-5 wraps? I know the grip becomes less softer because of the wraps but what about the club’s rigidity ?
That’s an interesting consideration AJ. Shafts with different flex or weight can impact strike and ball flight. Have you tested the influence of different grip firmness?
interesting test.. I wonder what the difference in grip weight has on these types of tests. I've seen some folks testing different Jumbomax grips as an example, and heavy grips would have some hitting shots thin and lighter grips causing chunkier strikes. Curious if you've tested similar grips of different weight or calibrated your test to account for it when testing grip firmness.
I’m using a mid sized grip on my irons right now. I don’t like to feel vibration on miss hits when sticking the ball I am a 16 handicap golfer.What grip should I use, soft or firm grip.
What do you think of ALIEN PRO golf grip wraps? I’ve been using them for a couple years now, and I like them. I bought them initially because they handle moisture better (ie in rainy conditions) and claim you don’t need to wear a glove (although I still do). But, the wrap does add a layer of thickness to the grip on the club. I’ve also learned to like the WRAP type grip it results in. Your thoughts?
Going a little off piste, AJ, can you tell me if there any special considerations when a) fitting Winn type grips, (as against the conventional rubber golf pride type grips), and b) is there anything I need to know either way when cleaning a Winn grip, (cleaning fluids and brushes etc.)?
Winn in general seem to run a little smaller than other grips so be aware of that. They are also softer and generally wear out faster than traditional rubber. I would recommend cleaning only with mild soapy water and cloth, no brushes.
Normally I would replace a worn Winn with a similar shaped Golf Pride conventional grip, (I'm talking putters here). I have a collection of classic putters where the the grips are probably ready to be removed. If I want to sell them on, they would definitely look a better buy with a new grip. I prefer in this instance to replace as near like for like as possible, so a Winn type grips is the only option. I am working on a couple of "Yes" putters at the moment which were originally fitted with Winn grips. Many of the old Ping putters were fitted with OEM Golf Pride grips which although expensive is easier. Thank goodness I'm not a Scotty Cameron collector though!
Could this also work the other way on clubs with long hosels or ferrules changing the tip stiffness of the shaft? Going deep into the rabbit hole here!
Not only grip softness, but so often when you go to a demo day you end up trying clubs that have grips on them that are as slick as trying to hold on to an ice cube.
Adam you’re the only fitter I’ve seen talk about grip firmness and its importance to this extent
Fantastic. I moved from Stiff to Regular during a fitting in October. Clubs arrived with the fairly softish grips I specified, and just never felt right…not like during the fitting. Switched 7iron to a grip similar to what the fitter had in studio, and boom! I’m with you: never even thought about this before.
I have played golf for 40+ years and this explains why I never change the grip type. I have tried softer grips like GP CP2 because I am getting older but immediately realize they change my sensation of the club and this explains that sensation.
I agree. I already hit my irons fairly high. I bought some softer golf Pride grips early 2023 to hopefully take it easy on the joints of hand, and let me tell you the ball flight was so much dramatically different- TOO HIGH. Like rocket spaceship high and more spin with mid irons. I had to go back to reg Golf Pride justbecause the squishiness as you referred to.. did so much to the flight. So I would recommend softer grips for ppl who struggle with getting the ball airborne.
FASCINATING! I’ve intuitively figured this out over the years when using different grips, but never considered the reason….this makes perfect sense and one more thing to add to my toolbox!!
Loved this video. As soon as you started the vid, I had a hunch where headed. But like you, I had never thought about it with my clubs. And the fact that you could test for it was great. Thank you! Ironically, as a former motorcycle racer & builder, I obsessed over suspension and frame tuning and how it important it was to take into consideration tire compounds and the traction / wear tradeoff. It was not until later did we begin to really factor the compound and flex into broader suspension dynamics. Like your frequency test, the differences were subtle but very real. This feels similar to the golf ah-ha moment you described. Thanks again and thanks for all your great content.
Fantastic content and no other club fitters or club makers or repair professionals have spoken of this subject as far as I have ever seen or heard. Great stuff, pal: from a small Somerville, MA golf shop. Cheers!
Was considering moving from regular to stiff shafts but these makes me think I can just save some cash and regrip to a more firm grip! Awesome explanation!
never would thought about it, and yet, it makes perfect sense. Now I understand than when I added 1 inch to my clubs and put those same harder (and heavier) grips, my clubs felt stiffer and heavy (both static weight and swing weight had increased a lot), so much less easier to swing than before the change
This is VERY interesting! So if I am looking to be something like an R+ on the shaft, I could prob use R and add a firm grip to modify the frequency. For someone like me that is “between” flex (R/S). This would be a way to help tighten up the performance or at least the feel of the shaft. Really great information! Thank you for doing this video. 🎉
That sounds like a good take away from this video.!
AJ, this just proves that fitters need to consider this grip variable when fitting clients, if not, they are not giving you the best fit possible. It’s already tough enough finding a good fitter you can trust who’s not trying to upsell you into some exotic shaft and other add ons, now you have to make sure you’re getting a “full and complete” fitting, which most of us don’t know what that is. It’s a shame that we’re at the mercy of fitters without knowledge. Cheers.
Yes but not easy to implement. They already struggle having all shaft types, weight and lengths. Now they’d need all this in all the grip options?!
Full disclosure, I never considered this until I just started thinking about it in a light bulb moment. I have not done this with any of my fittings but now I am trying to figure out how to include this into the process.
Not only will you have to consider software or hard, but the different wt's of different size grips. I use a oversize grip that weighs more than undersize grip.
I think the useful path would be to consider that the grip enables you to make one shaft a stiffer in increments between two stiffness levels. If a player thinks the regular is too loose and the stiff is too stiff, the fitter can suggest trying the regular with a different grip to stiffen it up a bit. For some players, that could make the difference with going for one shaft or another. @@steviewonder2492
I’m playing Tour Velvet Jumbo. And no I haven’t thought of this.
Excellent video, never knew that! Not sure if it was already brought up but the other thing to be aware of is grip weight. They can vary by ~15g depending on size/type.
All I can say is WOW. In all the years of playing golf I never heard this. Thank you for the video. Makes me want to try it!
Nice video, AJ! Never would've crossed my mind the difference, nor have I had anyone explain this before. Thanks!
I have always used Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 on my woods and wedges and Golf Pride MCC+4 on my irons. Recently I put the Tour Velvet 360s on my irons and I like the softer feel. The Royal LinkTech and M-Taper 360 grips are the best budget grips out there.
Out of all the grips I’ve tried. I finally tried some cheap ones from Temu and they are absolutely game changing. The best grips I’ve ever had.
Good stuff
The hands work as the vice,so the same club will feel and respond differently with respect to the size of the golfer’s hands. Shorter hands,more flexible, larger hands, stiffer feel. I learned this the hard way when the whole Brunswick cpm shaft measurement system came out. Clubs were being built with different clamp lengths giving different flexibility profiles for the same club. Brunswick was using a 2 1/2” clamp and others used 4 and 5” clamps.
Hopefully some day soon, club fitting will be standardised to fit the golfer and not just sell a set of clubs.
This is a highly highly underrated channel
Hey AJ!!! Great video!! (As usual) A point of consideration on perceived flex and grips. The difference between grip weights from one style to the next can be negligible (2 grams) to significant (20 grams). Wouldn’t the adjusted swing weight of the club have a greater impact on the player’s ability to properly load the club than the firmness of the grip influencing flex? Thank you for all of your contributions!!!!
Weight, diameter, taper amount will all influence how the golfer swings the club. This video was just introducing something that no-one ever considered before (at least that I could find).
Great info . We had a Gem here in Virginia . Mickey Russel would use that machine and built some really great feeling clubs . I now have 2 sets of ZX5s one with pure , and one with golf pride . I’ve been asking qualified folks why one feels different . I think this demonstration showed the “ why behind the what “ .
Wow! I have been into golf for so long and have never even thought of this. Maybe this is why I have never liked soft spongy grips. Glad this came up on my algorithm. I subscribed. Very eye opening info!
I used to use full cords back in the day but when GP came out with cord top rubber lower..I never went back because of the feel..great video
This is brilliant. My shafts are too stiff, so now all I have to do is make grips out of silly putty!
Makes sense why some didn’t like the firmer new decade mcc grip with build up tape on the bottom hand on a particular shaft, compared to the same exact shaft in a MCC plus 4, or even the much firmer z cord. I didn’t ever think much about it but it seems obvious now that you brought it to my attention.
In my case the grip rubber in a plus 4 reducing the taper rather than the tape gave me more feel for the loading and unloading of the shaft. It seemed to make tempo and delivery changes from day to day and different ball flights easier to notice and correct vs The firmer grip
Thank you. This is great. I don’t have change shafts, just grips. This saved me lots of $$$
That's crazy and eye opening. Would never have thought grip would effect shaft stiffness. 👍👍
awesome video ! i prefir a softer mid size grip as my skin is very dry and i dont feel like i have to squeese as much . my hands feel more relaxed.
Ah Ha! Very, very interesting. Thanks for this AJ. I'm struggling to choose between two shafts in my new clubs - a 106g stiff or a 111g regular, so was considering soft-stepping the stiff. But with this info, maybe a simple change in grip choice could resolve my dilema. Cheers.
This is exactly what I was thinking. Experimenting with a grip is an option.
I stumbled upon the soft grip theory by accident, I use jumbo grips on stiff flex graphite irons. Mainly to stop limb vibration.
I use DRi-tech LT over size with 5 layers of masking tape plus 3 layers more on the lower to 2 layers plus grip tapes. Zero vibration great for home sim room golf. Even with a strike matt strip.
My first reaction was the flight, spin looked fine, feel wasn't that of stiff shafts. I just never discussed with anyone as club set up is p[personal thing.
Because my hands are bigger than average I had midsize grips on my Callaway Apex forged blades. Wasn't hitting them consistently. Was getting too much variability. Then decided to switch to GolfPride regular size softer grips but they are less tapered than standard. So it's thicker than regular on the lower hand(right). It was like hitting a whole different set of irons. More distance, consistency and I could work the ball either right or left.
The proper grips make a significant difference.
I would think a less tapered grip would really equalize both hands and create more control ! It sort of makes sense ! On my swing now my right hand is becoming more and more dominant and I should try a less tapered grip with golf pride, if I could retain the same firmness ! Thanks
The softer grip is likely reacting differently to the metal clamping force during the test. I suspect the effect of the much softer hand to grip contact would minimize the difference significantly. That being said, I greatly prefer a softer grip. Much less harsh.
Grips are everything ! Just as shafts are too ! And matching them according to our personal golf preferences is a unique art ! It is really awesome because this union of shaft and grip defines the feel , accuracy and overall performance of the golf swing and strike ! I’ve always used graphite shafts on my irons and found that a firm grip gave me more control , accuracy and spin ! However I am thinking of switching grips on my driver adding an extra wrap and going to a golf pride CPx for a more relaxed hand interaction ! I still don’t want spongy feel but a bit softer with more tacky material ! Golf sure is fun and scientific too !
I was fit into Titleist T200 irons with AMT RED stiff shafts and I had my set built with Golf Pride CP2 midsize grips. That combination was the perfect mix for the performance and feel that I was looking for in my new set.
Lol, I have a combo set of T200 long & mid irons and AP3 short irons all with AMT Red regular shafts & golf pride tour wrap grips. Just wondering, do you have a TSR2 driver and TS2 3 wood too??
TSR3 driver with Hzrdus stiff shafts, a TSI2 3 wood and a TSR3 7 wood; both with Tensei AV Blue stiff shafts. My 48, 54 and 60 wedges are Vokey. ALL with the CP2 midsized grips.
Fantastic demonstration. Simple and accurate, nothing else. Great job❤
This was really insightful. Thank you for sharing as I am about to purchase new irons!!!
Very good!!!! AJ, another scenario I just encountered is between a grip in good condition and one that is pretty worn out; same grip model.
I bought two used hybrids and the club with the worn out grip feels stiffer. Now we know!!!
This is an interesting result that I will attempt duplicating in my own golf ship. Great topic and well researched!
That’s very interesting and I would not have believed it without seeing the CPMs. Thanks
Just moved over too midsize cpx , feels much softer than my plus4's. Helps with my damaged joints...
This is really interesting and makes you ask so many questions. Enlightenment has occurred.
Using GP 360. I never like code grip. They always felt to hard. Great video.
Amazing video. Not only is this severely overlooked in fitting but most fitters (even big brand facilities) have work GP Tour Velvet grips that are slicker than oil.
This is huge, I appreciate that you went so far as to prove it. Got a subscription from me, thanks.
I have just viewed this video and wasn't aware of this potential problem. Prior to viewing this video I changed from golf pride tour velvet double wrap grip to golf pride oversize tour wrap grip. I haven't been to the range or golf course yet. The tour wrap seems to be a "softer" grip. Will there be a significant difference? I am a 79 year old 12 handicap. Thank you for your vey informative RUclips video,
Those 2 grips at equal size are actually pretty close in firmness. The larger grip will be softer by comparison but the comfort from a larger grip will usually outweigh anything else for people who need the size.
I love the Golf Pride CP2 Midsize. I have used them on the last 3 sets of clubs.
Im happy that GP released the V55 again. I grabbed some for memories. I just went from MCC Align to Tour Velvet Align for added feel.
Firmer grip = stiffer butt section
Very interesting! On my new irons double tape, I had the golf pride half cord grip put on and I hit the ball great. I recently changed the grips to the golf pride tour wrap same double tape, which is a softer grip and a more sticky grip. I don’t seem to hit the ball as consistent anymore. I was thinking of switching back. What this tells me is I like the feel of a firmer grip than a softer grip! Who knew. I would be interested in doing the frequency test with these two grips to see the difference. The shaft is a Raijin 85g shaft with various flex from top to bottom. Out of all the shafts I hit, these felt the best and had the best numbers.
Can you do a video on shaft selection and questions we should be asking in a fitting?
Awesome information, I am a plus fore MCC golf pride guy. I also recently cut down my shafts for control. I was doing this with a fitter to see if a 44.5 inch driver shaft TSR2 11 degree was better than the Burner….it was but he mentioned my swing speed dropped to 92 MPH on my driver from 97 but we got the same distance … less height less spin and only 5 yards carry distance but 20 more roll with a PRO V X. I wonder if some that speed is my grip … shorter shaft more the grip can effect it ?
Never thought about it. But I have firmer full cord on my woods. MMC mids on my irons. And MMC mids + 4 on my wedges.. makes sense.
Lamkin Sonor Tour standard grips till I die! (or they get discontinued)
The light gray ones, best grip ever made.
Choosing the right golf club grip is very important, it will affect your stroke performance and comfort.
This is very interesting. I would assume that a midsize, stiff grip would have an even great effect on the overall stiffness. Defiantly something to think about on my next fitting.
Feel yes, but how do they perform side-by-side, since the shafts are obviously different flexes. Interesting video - thanks!
Light bulbs exploding!!! ;D
Thank you for sharing!
Wow, I also have never heard about this before. I've almost always played firm grips (victory cord, crossline cord, Royal sand) due to the feel.
Lamkin UTX, the green ones I first saw on golfwrx last year or so, that's what I'm slowly switching to lately, like the green but those Lamkin could be little darker shade of green, lol. Tried GP tour velvet 360 white...felt nothing like tour velvet grips to me, kind of slick so off they went. Royal Linktech grips, not the cord version which is a bargain really for cord grips, feel okay, Lamkin crossline black on an older set of irons. For me it's how my hands respond to the texture, soft grips on a full swing and I feel like I actually lose some control of the club, my hands actually increase in grip pressure. Price of grips is also a factor, those UTX's aren't coming off for a while! I lIke some taper to the grip for my right hand....grips are such a personal preference aren't they.
Just back playing golf after a few years off, was using the 6.0 shafts with a firmer grip. So really I was playing extra stiff all those years ago 😲 I couldn't get any distance out of the clubs for the two rounds that I played, now I'm bk playing again. so I went and bought another set of clubs with regular shafts thinking it was all down to me just getting old. So, some new grips will be the next stop and hopefully not lost too much money on selling the newer set. I wish I seen this video last week 🤦
Make sure you pay attention to shaft weight. That is even more important than flex. Finding the right weight range should always be first priority, then flex / bend profile.
Not sure if this really has an impact in actual hitting. The reason the frequency drops with a softer grips is because it dampens the oscillation when held in an unmoving vice. When you really swing, you are holding it in your hands which are flexible so it doesn’t behave the same way.
Very informative video, I currently play PX 6.5 but previously played PX 6.0 shafts so I am fully aware of the difference in stiffness between them, I have played Tour Velvet Plus4 grips for a few years but have thought about testing the new Lamkin UT+ grips so if you have hit both of these grips how do they compare in firmness?
How does one choose the right width grip, in other words, what is the proper size grip for any given golfer? The off the shelf club always comes with small or standard width grips. Thanks.
You can use different measurements or online grip sizing options but it really comes down to what feels right and comfortable in your particular hands. Best way is to actually test different sizes on a club.
Great info and help me understand a lot of the things I've tried
This is why I’m giving my daughter 15 grips to try. Cause it’s all about feel. I think it can also change the sound of the club
....how about the feel on your hands, how sometimes the club would try to escape your hands or maintaining the club face close or open???
I have thought about this before from an energy transfer standpoint. I have considered "wouldn't a soft grip absorb some of the energy that I'm transferring to my club? Why would I want that?"
If I understand this the grips feel will affect the shaft flex. The softer the grip the more flex in the shaft and the firmer the grip the stiffer the flex? The best videos on RUclips about golf for the common man in the street.
It doesn't change the flex but it mimics the feel and therefore can mimic the result.
I like the video and you did say it on the screen (not sure but you may have said it as well.) I think the important thing is the PERCEIVED STIFFNESS is not the same as true shaft stiffness and the way it effects the ball flight. The softer grip may make it FEEL more flexible but the engineer in me can't see how this FEEL effects the ball. If you were on the borderline between regular and stiff shaft, you might help the player feel better with a softer grip. However, most golfers that I know prefer the feel of a certain grip and wouldn't want to change. Just my 2 cents worth on this. Thanks for the video.
Grips are like Silentblocs they just change the feeling and reduce the vibrations in the butt but no change the profile of the shaft.
Does switching from a regular grip to a midsize grip also result in a more firm flex? I know it further complicated because the heavier grip will change the club to a lighter swingweight.
I have preferred a softer grip because I felt more “feel”.
I figured this out using mc+4 plus grips on my Regular flex and standard grips on my stiff shafts and was dumbfounded until i realized the grip was changing the harmonics and they all feel the same.
It’s very small I guess it’s possible that fitters may trick this up in certain situations. I doubt the average joe would know that. Good video on this ❤
Very cool test and video. Appreciate it, makes a lot of sense! Thx!
Wow, this is a great consideration. I'm in between flexes (S/X) but went with S on my new takomo irons. So now maybe if i feel this flex is not quite right I can lab with outher grips instead of changing shafts 👍.
Does this apply with driver shafts as well or is it only steel shafts? 😊
The sensation will be similar for both.
Great and informative video. For years I have always used Lamkin Crossline grips with True Temper Dynamic Gold shafts with the S300 stiff flex for any clubs I would build or rebuild for myself. Lately have been considering Lamkin's Calibrate grips with the guide ridge to help with hand placement. This will help narrow down whether I want a grip closer to the firmness of the Crossline or a softer feel. I had been thinking my swing speed is starting to decrease as I get older and that I should consider dropping my shaft flex down to Regular. A softer grip may get me half way between for much less cost and effort. Will visit my local Dick's store this week and see if I can get a swing speed test done to help me decide. Thanks.
Same can be true for switching std to midsize grips I’m sure, thicker grip would be more restrictive
I'd have thought a thicker grip would squish more than a thin grip... I can squeeze a thick slice of bread more than I can squeeze a thin slice.
Maybe 🤷♂️
The grip really only effects the feel of the butt section. I used softer grips with xtra stiff shafts for a the handle feeling with tip stability.
Really neat observations. How does this translate into a multi compound grip?
MCC is on the firmer side compared to a tour velvet for example so the results should feel stiffer.
i switched to the GP CP2 jumbo grips because of tendonitis. they definitely helped in that regard. however ny clubheads felt. lighter. I couldn't feel them ss much.
Might want to add a few grams of lead tape or heavier weight screw to the driver. Just a few grams will bring back some more head feel.
Such great information and something I haven’t really seen anyone address. It’s a whole new wrinkle now. Do you recommend in fittings to change the grip one way or the other is someone is in between flexes? Or is this a case of weight means more than flex?
I think it will probably be case by case. I started thinking about this topic because I've had clients come in complaining about terrible results with certain grips (usually too firm), and after simply changing them seeing much better results.
@EFGMC great test. Don't think I've seen anyone else do it 👍
I have bad finger pain everytime I play so now I'm thinking I need to go with Jumbo max grips. Probably the size is going to be just as important as the softness
I use Mizuno Pro 223’s with a stiff shaft with GP z grip cord grip. You get used to the feel after a couple range sessions.
So basically in a fitting you could have a client that is almost in between needing a stiff an extra stiff. So you could put a firm grip and the stiff and achieve possibly that halfway point between a stiff and extra stiff? Vise versa with putting a soft grip on the extra stiff?
Very interesting but what if you used a defection board instead of measuring cycles to measure stiffness with the different grips?
Thanks for the video… what do you think about „overgrips“… I added an overgrip tape (like for tennis rackets) to my wedges and was surprised about the feel… now I no longer use a glove when putting and with my wedges… did you ever test that?
I haven't. Usually I only see it with putters but that makes sense it would work that way. Maybe a future video??
Interesting! I wonder if more material makes it stiffer like midsize to standard just like more material makes a shaft stiffer?
AJ, what are the swing weight difference when the grips are changed?
Would like to see this with same swing and grip weight see if it replicates or changes the results.
Just read same weight, never mind on that idea!
I live in Spartanburg, could I setup an appointment to adjust my lofts and lies on internet bought standard Adams Ideatechs from 2014?
I bought before a bunch of health issues, barely used till I built the sim.
Thanks!
I was thinking about something. Some pro prefer add wraps instead playing a large grip. Does the wraps have the same effect than a stiffer grip?
What’s the difference between standard soft grip with one or 4-5 wraps? I know the grip becomes less softer because of the wraps but what about the club’s rigidity ?
That’s an interesting consideration AJ.
Shafts with different flex or weight can impact strike and ball flight. Have you tested the influence of different grip firmness?
On the schedule, just need one of my better ball striking friends to be able to provide clean data.
interesting test.. I wonder what the difference in grip weight has on these types of tests. I've seen some folks testing different Jumbomax grips as an example, and heavy grips would have some hitting shots thin and lighter grips causing chunkier strikes. Curious if you've tested similar grips of different weight or calibrated your test to account for it when testing grip firmness.
Wow! This is great information!!
Interesting! So firmer grips -> denser -> heavier -> change the swing weight/kick point? -> change shaft stiffness?
Also, changing grip size will change swing weights.
I’m using a mid sized grip on my irons right now. I don’t like to feel vibration on miss hits when sticking the ball I am a 16 handicap golfer.What grip should I use, soft or firm grip.
Very interesting and informative. Thanks
What do you think of ALIEN PRO golf grip wraps?
I’ve been using them for a couple years now, and I like them. I bought them initially because they handle moisture better (ie in rainy conditions) and claim you don’t need to wear a glove (although I still do).
But, the wrap does add a layer of thickness to the grip on the club. I’ve also learned to like the WRAP type grip it results in.
Your thoughts?
I've never tried them. Will need to go look them up.
Great video softer grips are better for arthritis I think is that right AJ?
Certainly helped me.
Yep. Cuts down the transmission of vibration.
Ok you had me at "frequency". Anything you say at this point is correct. 😂
Going a little off piste, AJ, can you tell me if there any special considerations when a) fitting Winn type grips, (as against the conventional rubber golf pride type grips), and b) is there anything I need to know either way when cleaning a Winn grip, (cleaning fluids and brushes etc.)?
Winn in general seem to run a little smaller than other grips so be aware of that. They are also softer and generally wear out faster than traditional rubber. I would recommend cleaning only with mild soapy water and cloth, no brushes.
I've never tried to remove a Winn grip intact. Do you have any experience?
@@Barney29508 I don't do them.
Normally I would replace a worn Winn with a similar shaped Golf Pride conventional grip, (I'm talking putters here).
I have a collection of classic putters where the the grips are probably ready to be removed. If I want to sell them on, they would definitely look a better buy with a new grip. I prefer in this instance to replace as near like for like as possible, so a Winn type grips is the only option.
I am working on a couple of "Yes" putters at the moment which were originally fitted with Winn grips.
Many of the old Ping putters were fitted with OEM Golf Pride grips which although expensive is easier.
Thank goodness I'm not a Scotty Cameron collector though!
Could this also work the other way on clubs with long hosels or ferrules changing the tip stiffness of the shaft? Going deep into the rabbit hole here!
Yes without a doubt. Longer hosels will stiffen up a shaft in comparison to short hosels.
🤔 now I wonder whether a softer grip, all else being equal, will highly correlate or result in slightly less swing speed
Another fitter shows just that
Not only grip softness, but so often when you go to a demo day you end up trying clubs that have grips on them that are as slick as trying to hold on to an ice cube.
Play the CP2 midsize with my KBS $taper shaft. Great combination
I prefer a cord grip in Florida, because of sweating during our very humid months.