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The Best Golf Grips in 2021
Golf EQ Reports | Results that work for you
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Grips Tested
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Golfers Served
- Golf EQ
- January 15, 2021
- 10:00 am
Performance: For golfers seeking the highest level of performance possible, the Golf Pride Z Cord Align is the best grip for 2021. Z Cord Align establishes a secure connection to your club in all types of weather through a firm, texture full-cord construction while the Align features adds precision to ensure your hands are in the same position each time.
Value: SuperStroke is most well-known for their putter grips, however, the S Tech grip, played by Jordan Spieth and Sergio Garcia, is the best dollar-for-dollar club grip in golf for 2021. The S Tech delivers a tacky feel that allows golfers to remain connected to their clubs as they swing and is available for less than half the cost of “premium” golf grips.
Combination: Golfers looking to combine value and performance should begin their search with the S Tech from SuperStroke. A fully corded grip, the S Tech provides stability in all weather types without attacking your hands like other more full-cord options. Additionally, the S Tech Cord is among the lowest in price for grips that offer full-length traction in the whole grip.
Highlights:
- Generally, fully corded golf grips provide the most performance advantage for all types of golfers and swing speeds.
- Grip fitting is important and testers often performed the best with grips that were comfortable to hold.
- Alignment features are becoming commonplace for grips and may be very helpful for new and high handicap golfers.
EQ Score Top 5
| Golf Grip | EQ Score |
| Golf Pride Z Cord Align | 278.97 |
| Golf Pride BCT Cord | 278.55 |
| Golf Pride Z Cord | 278.54 |
| Lamkin Crossline Cord | 275.57 |
| Golf Pride MCC Plus4 Align | 275.57 |
VEQ Top 5
| Golf Grip | VEQ Score |
| SuperStroke S Tech | 96.60 |
| Golf Pride Tour Wrap 2G | 82.43 |
| Lamkin Crossline | 80.01 |
| SuperStroke S Tech Cord | 79.90 |
| Golf Pride Tour Velvet | 76.85 |
CEQ Top 5
| Golf Grip | CEQ Score |
SuperStroke S Tech Cord | 45.50 |
Lamkin Utx | 41.99 |
Golf Pride BCT Cord | 41.78 |
Golf Pride Z Cord | 41.78 |
Golf Pride Tour Velvet Align | 41.18 |
Introduction
Commonly, golf grips are described in terms of feel. Here, we put 25 grip models to the test to figure out if any of them offered more in terms of performance. Notably, changing the grip for our testers resulted in better and worse shots depending on several factors. First, the texture of the grip plays an important role in how connected player remained to their golf clubs, especially at higher club head speeds. This becomes less of a factor for golfers that swing at slower club heads speeds and with the smaller golf clubs in player’s bags. Next, golf grips with alignment features can enhance the consistency of golf shots for players that are not as confident they grip the golf club “correctly.” Lastly, getting the best fitting golf grip for your hand size helps increase comfort while playing and build confidence to hit better golf shots more often.
Performance Tiers
Performance Tier | Golf Grip |
|---|---|
Top Performers | Golf Pride Z Cord Align Golf Pride BCT Cord Golf Pride Z Cord Lamkin Crossline Cord Golf Pride MCC Plus4 Align Golf Pride MCC Align Golf Pride MCC Plus4 |
Average Performers | Golf Pride MCC SuperStroke S Tech Cord Lamkin ST Hybrid Calibrate Lamkin ST Hybrid Lamkin Utx Golf Pride Tour Velvet Align SuperStroke S Tech Golf Pride CP2 Pro Golf Pride Tour Velvet Lamkin Sonar Golf Pride CP2 Wrap Lamkin Sonar Tour Calibrate Golf Pride Tour Wrap 2G Lamkin Sonar Tour |
Below Average Performers | Lamkin Sonar Wrap Lamkin Crossline Lamkin TS1 SuperStroke Traxion |
How the Performance Tiers Seperate Golf Grips
Above, golf grips are divided into three categories: Outstanding Performers, Average Performers, and Below Average Performers. Outstanding Performers are grips that have outperformed other grips in our test by an average of one standard deviation above Average Performing grips. Likewise, Average Performers outperform Below Average Performing golf grips by one standard deviation. Using these tiers, golfers can see what grips they can use without significantly reducing their ability to score on the golf course. Ideally, a golfer would choose their highest performing grip, but, in the case that grip does not fit their feel or visual preference, a grip within the Outstanding Performers Tier is also a great option.
What makes a Golf Grip The Best?
Higher performing grips consistently enabled golfers to hit the golf ball further and straighter. When a golfer was paired with their ideal golf grip shot were struck in the center of the club face more often. Additionally, as golfers became comfortable with a grip their swing speeds increased as their confidence rose. In our test, golf grips made with corded textures continuously led to performance enhancements. You can see our full results below.
Combined Data
| Grip | EQ (units) | VEQ (units) | CEQ (units) | Ball Speed (mph) | Launch Angle (degrees) | Backspin (rpm) | Sidespin (rpm) | Offline (yards) | Peak (yards) | Carry (yards) | Total (yards) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf Pride BCT Cord | 278.55 | 66.46 | 41.78 | 302.00 | 33.66 | 9160.28 | -127.65 | 44.27 | 60.64 | 470.48 | 491.91 |
| Golf Pride CP2 Pro | 218.17 | 47.10 | 32.73 | 295.12 | 34.49 | 8878.37 | 327.23 | 107.52 | 61.84 | 454.87 | 470.92 |
| Golf Pride CP2 Wrap | 218.10 | 58.73 | 38.17 | 295.06 | 34.48 | 8876.59 | 327.16 | 107.50 | 61.83 | 454.78 | 470.83 |
| Golf Pride MCC | 260.48 | 46.23 | 32.56 | 298.29 | 33.20 | 9014.36 | 402.70 | 61.48 | 66.57 | 461.38 | 485.75 |
| Golf Pride MCC Align | 275.57 | 36.71 | 27.56 | 301.35 | 33.36 | 9139.32 | -167.81 | 39.22 | 73.05 | 467.04 | 477.96 |
| Golf Pride MCC Plus4 | 275.22 | 37.84 | 27.52 | 301.11 | 33.33 | 9132.01 | -167.68 | 39.19 | 72.99 | 466.67 | 477.58 |
| Golf Pride MCC Plus4 Align | 275.57 | 37.94 | 27.56 | 301.35 | 33.36 | 9139.33 | -167.81 | 39.22 | 73.05 | 467.04 | 477.96 |
| Golf Pride Tour Velvet | 218.12 | 76.85 | 38.17 | 295.08 | 34.48 | 8877.20 | 327.19 | 107.51 | 61.83 | 454.81 | 470.86 |
| Golf Pride Tour Velvet Align | 235.30 | 64.56 | 41.18 | 297.59 | 32.14 | 9058.90 | 511.97 | 66.85 | 60.68 | 462.18 | 476.62 |
| Golf Pride Tour Wrap 2G | 217.03 | 82.43 | 37.98 | 298.16 | 31.86 | 8983.26 | 849.13 | 104.78 | 69.62 | 460.97 | 473.16 |
| Golf Pride Z Cord | 278.54 | 66.45 | 41.78 | 301.99 | 33.66 | 9160.09 | -127.65 | 44.27 | 60.64 | 470.47 | 491.90 |
| Golf Pride Z Cord Align | 278.97 | 37.62 | 27.90 | 302.29 | 33.69 | 9169.25 | -127.78 | 44.31 | 60.70 | 470.94 | 492.39 |
| Lamkin Crossline | 213.82 | 80.01 | 37.42 | 298.10 | 33.37 | 8972.12 | 829.77 | 102.40 | 71.83 | 460.24 | 475.92 |
| Lamkin Crossline Cord | 275.57 | 51.74 | 34.45 | 301.35 | 33.36 | 9139.33 | -167.81 | 39.22 | 73.05 | 467.04 | 477.96 |
| Lamkin Sonar | 218.11 | 55.47 | 38.17 | 295.07 | 34.48 | 8876.90 | 327.17 | 107.51 | 61.83 | 454.79 | 470.85 |
| Lamkin Sonar Tour | 217.03 | 42.36 | 32.55 | 298.16 | 31.86 | 8983.25 | 849.13 | 104.78 | 69.62 | 460.97 | 473.16 |
| Lamkin Sonar Tour Calibrate | 217.14 | 30.83 | 27.14 | 298.26 | 31.87 | 8986.31 | 849.42 | 104.82 | 69.64 | 461.13 | 473.32 |
| Lamkin Sonar Wrap | 213.84 | 59.99 | 37.42 | 298.12 | 33.37 | 8972.65 | 829.82 | 102.40 | 71.83 | 460.27 | 475.95 |
| Lamkin ST Hybrid | 240.37 | 28.51 | 24.04 | 297.65 | 32.15 | 9060.71 | 512.07 | 66.86 | 60.69 | 462.28 | 476.72 |
| Lamkin ST Hybrid Calibrate | 259.90 | 32.03 | 25.99 | 297.83 | 33.15 | 9000.48 | 402.08 | 61.39 | 66.47 | 460.67 | 485.01 |
| Lamkin TS1 | 213.53 | 41.01 | 32.03 | 297.83 | 33.34 | 8963.86 | 829.01 | 102.30 | 71.76 | 459.82 | 475.49 |
| Lamkin Utx | 239.96 | 75.55 | 41.99 | 297.30 | 32.11 | 9050.15 | 511.47 | 66.78 | 60.62 | 461.74 | 476.16 |
| SuperStroke S Tech | 234.95 | 96.60 | 41.12 | 297.29 | 32.11 | 9049.84 | 511.46 | 66.78 | 60.62 | 461.72 | 476.15 |
| SuperStroke S Tech Cord | 260.02 | 79.90 | 45.50 | 297.93 | 33.16 | 9003.54 | 402.22 | 61.41 | 66.49 | 460.83 | 485.17 |
| SuperStroke Traxion | 213.46 | 59.78 | 37.36 | 297.76 | 33.33 | 8961.88 | 828.82 | 102.28 | 71.75 | 459.71 | 475.38 |
About Our test
All data presented here was collected on a Foresight Sports GC Quad launch monitor. Golf ball data was gathered using Titleist ProV1 golf balls. For driver tests, a Titleist TS3 driver was fit to each player and hit a total of 8 times with each grip. For iron tests, a TaylorMade P790 7-iron was hit a total of 8 times, by each tester, for each grip in our test. In order to change grips rapidly, we removed and installed each grip over 1 wrap of double-sided tape using compressed air rather than solvent. Results shown in the Combined Data table above are collected golf ball numbers used to rank each grip. Driver and iron data is presented separately at the bottom of this report.
Beyond the numbers
Overall, the impact of changing a golf grip on the performance of our testers was small, but definite. There is no doubt that what grip a golfer chooses to play has an impact on his, or her, performance. Textured grips, like the Golf Pride Z Cord and Lamkin Crossline Cord offer the most versatile performance and will provide more connection to golf clubs in wetter weathers. Softer grips, like the Golf Pride Tour Wrap 2G and Lamkin Sonar, offer golfers a more luxurious feel and may help players reduce pain if they are practicing and playing a lot. If you are a player that struggles with hand pain due to arthritis or an injury, we strongly recommend choosing a grip that offers more cushion and vibration reduction such as the Golf Pride Tour Wrap 2G.
How to find your best Golf Grip Online
In this EQ Report, we have provided everyone a list of the best grip for 2021. However, this is only a start. To find your ideal golf grip you can use our Golf Grip EQ ID now to match with your Top 5 Golf Grips. From there, you should test as many of your matched grips as possible in-person and with the help of a certified club fitter to get your best results.
Golf Grip EQ ID
Golf Grips EQ ID
Take the 10 Question EQ ID to find out which golf grips are built for your game
How to find your best Golf Grip In-Person
Advanced fitting locations will allow you to test different golf grips along with golf clubs you that are being built to fit your swing. Ask your club fitter to let you try each of your recommended grips, one-at-a-time, to see which one provides you the best balance of fit, feel, function, and cost. Finally, you can use our EQ Tools EQ Calculator to compare your results with each grip to know with certainty which grip gives you the best chance of shooting your lowest score.
Alternatively, you can purchase your Top 5 grips and evaluate them yourself by installing them on one to two clubs in your set. Take these clubs to the course and see which grips provide you the best chance to hit great shots. We recommend beginning with irons most near each other to attempt to create the most fair test. For example, install one grip on a 6 iron and the other on a 7 iron to compare, or, install one grip on an 8 iron and the other on your 9 iron.
Things to keep in mind when selecting a golf Grip
During tests, all grips you test will be brand new and in their best condition. On the golf course, you may have to deal with changing weather and changing temperatures. It can be hard to evaluate all these things in a single session – realize that corded grips will provide you more stability the wetter and hotter your rounds get. If you play year-round and in the rain, you will be best suited to get grip sets that have corded textures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are some golf grips corded?
A: Corded golf grips help provide more traction for a golfer’s hand (or glove) during the swing. Increased traction is extremely important if you play during rain and if your hands sweat. Be aware that golf grips that feature a corded texture a firm grips and may wear quickly or cause hand discomfort if used many times per week.
Q: What is the difference between a firm golf grip and a tacky golf grip?
A: Firm grips are often grips that feature corded sections. Tacky grips are soft and luxurious but may become slick when they get wet. Golf manufacturers provide both types of golf grips so players can balance their preference of soft feel and textured security for themselves. Often, it can be helpful to think about the firmness and tackiness of a grip as being opposite ends of a spectrum, although this is not always the case.
Q: What size golf grip should i use?
A: Getting properly fit for your golf grips is the best way to know exactly what size grip you need. If you cannot get fit by trying difference grips, using your glove size as a starting position is a good idea. Traditionally, it was thought that golf grips that are too small might lead golfers to hook or overdraw their golf shots and grips that are too large will cause golfers to slice or fade the majority of their golf shots, however, this is not true for all players. In fact, some golfers observe the opposite trends so be cautious using this as a measure to fit your own grips.
Q: Should all of my golf grips be the same?
A: Normally, golfers will match swing grips for clubs in their bag including metal woods, irons, and wedges. Putting grips are almost always different from swing grips. In some instances, golfers can find success by switching the grip they use from their metal woods, irons, and wedges into different models. As a highlight of this, Ping has developed specialized wedge grips that are longer for golfers that grip down the club shaft if they hit partial shots often.
Q: How often should i change my golf grips?
A: Swing grips tend to wear in the areas where golfers grip them the most tightly. Depending on your grip pressure and how often you are playing golf, the life of your golf grips will vary. Playing with worn out grips has significant consequences though, so always change your grips at least once per season to ensure you are not leaving strokes out on the course.
Q: What if my golf grips hurt my hands?
A: Players in pain will never perform at their best. If your grips are causing you hand pain or are rubbing blisters we recommend you change immediately into a softer option. Hybrid grips such as the Golf Pride MCC can be a great middle ground for players that want the highest level of performance but that cannot play with fully corded grip options.
Conclusion
The last piece to getting your golf equipment completely dialed in for your swing is getting the right grip on your golf clubs. Our test confirms that the choice of a grip matters to the overall performance of golfers at all levels. Further, golfers playing the wrong grip are almost certainly leaving shots on the golf course every time they go out and play.
As golf club buying becomes more personal, it is critical to ensure you are seeing a club fitter that can help you find the right golf grip. Size, texture, and cost all play major roles in determining which grip is right for you. If you do not know where to start, take our 10 question Golf Grip EQ ID to find your Top 5 Golf Grips to test. Test these grips either by yourself or with a certified club fitter and use our EQ Calculator to find your best results instantly.
We appreciate your checking out our EQ Report on the best golf grips for 2021. Be sure to check out our other EQ Reports and EQ IDs to find identify the ideal golf gear for your game. Feel free to let us know what you think below and send this to any of your golfing foursome.
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Supplemental Data
Driver and iron data from our grip test in presented in the two tables below. Here, you can see the average of all shots hit, from all of our testers. See the About Our Test section (above in this report) for more information about what clubs we used in each test.
Driver Data
| Grip | Ball Speed (mph) | Launch Angle (degrees) | Backspin (rpm) | Sidespin (rpm) | Offline (yards) | Peak (yards) | Carry (yards) | Total (yards) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf Pride BCT Cord | 176.87 | 11.42 | 2322.89 | -15.36 | 23.75 | 29.31 | 298.16 | 313.92 |
| Golf Pride CP2 Pro | 172.53 | 12.88 | 2282.07 | -77.30 | 63.92 | 26.76 | 286.50 | 300.77 |
| Golf Pride CP2 Wrap | 172.50 | 12.88 | 2281.62 | -77.28 | 63.91 | 26.75 | 286.44 | 300.71 |
| Golf Pride MCC | 174.12 | 11.13 | 2326.56 | 19.26 | 27.28 | 37.48 | 291.27 | 308.82 |
| Golf Pride MCC Align | 177.72 | 11.63 | 2328.02 | 24.26 | 26.08 | 36.66 | 295.89 | 304.28 |
| Golf Pride MCC Plus4 | 177.58 | 11.62 | 2326.16 | 24.24 | 26.06 | 36.63 | 295.66 | 304.04 |
| Golf Pride MCC Plus4 Align | 177.72 | 11.63 | 2328.02 | 24.26 | 26.08 | 36.66 | 295.89 | 304.28 |
| Golf Pride Tour Velvet | 172.51 | 12.88 | 2281.77 | -77.29 | 63.91 | 26.75 | 286.46 | 300.73 |
| Golf Pride Tour Velvet Align | 174.49 | 11.04 | 2158.95 | 211.05 | 12.12 | 29.58 | 291.83 | 303.95 |
| Golf Pride Tour Wrap 2G | 175.60 | 10.79 | 2314.46 | 161.02 | 53.04 | 34.96 | 289.77 | 301.66 |
| Golf Pride Z Cord | 176.87 | 11.42 | 2322.84 | -15.36 | 23.75 | 29.31 | 298.15 | 313.92 |
| Golf Pride Z Cord Align | 177.05 | 11.43 | 2325.17 | -15.38 | 23.77 | 29.34 | 298.45 | 314.23 |
| Lamkin Crossline | 173.43 | 11.49 | 2310.49 | -11.69 | 39.66 | 35.66 | 289.71 | 301.90 |
| Lamkin Crossline Cord | 177.72 | 11.63 | 2328.02 | 24.26 | 26.08 | 36.66 | 295.89 | 304.28 |
| Lamkin Sonar | 172.50 | 12.88 | 2281.70 | -77.29 | 63.91 | 26.75 | 286.45 | 300.72 |
| Lamkin Sonar Tour | 175.60 | 10.79 | 2314.46 | 161.02 | 53.04 | 34.96 | 289.77 | 301.66 |
| Lamkin Sonar Tour Calibrate | 175.66 | 10.79 | 2315.25 | 161.07 | 53.06 | 34.97 | 289.87 | 301.76 |
| Lamkin Sonar Wrap | 173.44 | 11.49 | 2310.62 | -11.69 | 39.66 | 35.67 | 289.73 | 301.92 |
| Lamkin ST Hybrid | 174.53 | 11.04 | 2159.38 | 211.09 | 12.12 | 29.58 | 291.89 | 304.01 |
| Lamkin ST Hybrid Calibrate | 173.85 | 11.12 | 2322.98 | 19.23 | 27.24 | 37.42 | 290.82 | 308.35 |
| Lamkin TS1 | 173.27 | 11.48 | 2308.36 | -11.68 | 39.62 | 35.63 | 289.44 | 301.62 |
| Lamkin Utx | 174.32 | 11.03 | 2156.86 | 210.84 | 12.11 | 29.55 | 291.55 | 303.66 |
| SuperStroke S Tech | 174.32 | 11.03 | 2156.79 | 210.84 | 12.11 | 29.55 | 291.54 | 303.65 |
| SuperStroke S Tech Cord | 173.91 | 11.12 | 2323.77 | 19.23 | 27.25 | 37.44 | 290.92 | 308.45 |
| SuperStroke Traxion | 173.23 | 11.48 | 2307.85 | -11.67 | 39.62 | 35.62 | 289.38 | 301.55 |
Iron Data
| Grip | Ball Speed (mph) | Launch Angle (degrees) | Backspin (rpm) | Sidespin (rpm) | Offline (yards) | Peak (yards) | Carry (yards) | Total (yards) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf Pride BCT Cord | 125.12 | 22.24 | 6837.39 | -112.29 | 20.52 | 31.33 | 172.32 | 177.98 |
| Golf Pride CP2 Pro | 122.59 | 21.60 | 6596.29 | 404.53 | 43.60 | 35.08 | 168.37 | 170.15 |
| Golf Pride CP2 Wrap | 122.56 | 21.60 | 6594.97 | 404.45 | 43.60 | 35.07 | 168.34 | 170.12 |
| Golf Pride MCC | 124.17 | 22.07 | 6687.80 | 383.45 | 34.20 | 29.09 | 170.11 | 176.93 |
| Golf Pride MCC Align | 123.63 | 21.73 | 6811.30 | -192.07 | 13.14 | 36.39 | 171.15 | 173.67 |
| Golf Pride MCC Plus4 | 123.54 | 21.72 | 6805.85 | -191.92 | 13.13 | 36.36 | 171.01 | 173.54 |
| Golf Pride MCC Plus4 Align | 123.63 | 21.73 | 6811.30 | -192.07 | 13.14 | 36.39 | 171.15 | 173.67 |
| Golf Pride Tour Velvet | 122.57 | 21.60 | 6595.42 | 404.47 | 43.60 | 35.08 | 168.35 | 170.13 |
| Golf Pride Tour Velvet Align | 123.09 | 21.10 | 6899.95 | 300.92 | 54.73 | 31.10 | 170.35 | 172.68 |
| Golf Pride Tour Wrap 2G | 122.56 | 21.08 | 6668.80 | 688.12 | 51.74 | 34.66 | 171.20 | 171.50 |
| Golf Pride Z Cord | 125.12 | 22.23 | 6837.24 | -112.29 | 20.52 | 31.33 | 172.32 | 177.98 |
| Golf Pride Z Cord Align | 125.25 | 22.26 | 6844.09 | -112.40 | 20.54 | 31.36 | 172.49 | 178.16 |
| Lamkin Crossline | 124.68 | 21.88 | 6661.63 | 841.46 | 62.74 | 36.16 | 170.53 | 174.03 |
| Lamkin Crossline Cord | 123.63 | 21.73 | 6811.31 | -192.07 | 13.14 | 36.39 | 171.15 | 173.67 |
| Lamkin Sonar | 122.57 | 21.60 | 6595.20 | 404.46 | 43.60 | 35.08 | 168.34 | 170.13 |
| Lamkin Sonar Tour | 122.56 | 21.08 | 6668.79 | 688.11 | 51.74 | 34.66 | 171.20 | 171.50 |
| Lamkin Sonar Tour Calibrate | 122.60 | 21.08 | 6671.06 | 688.35 | 51.76 | 34.67 | 171.26 | 171.56 |
| Lamkin Sonar Wrap | 124.68 | 21.88 | 6662.03 | 841.51 | 62.74 | 36.17 | 170.54 | 174.04 |
| Lamkin ST Hybrid | 123.12 | 21.11 | 6901.33 | 300.98 | 54.74 | 31.11 | 170.39 | 172.71 |
| Lamkin ST Hybrid Calibrate | 123.98 | 22.03 | 6677.51 | 382.86 | 34.15 | 29.04 | 169.85 | 176.66 |
| Lamkin TS1 | 124.56 | 21.86 | 6655.50 | 840.68 | 62.68 | 36.13 | 170.37 | 173.87 |
| Lamkin Utx | 122.98 | 21.08 | 6893.28 | 300.63 | 54.68 | 31.07 | 170.19 | 172.51 |
| SuperStroke S Tech | 122.97 | 21.08 | 6893.05 | 300.62 | 54.68 | 31.07 | 170.18 | 172.50 |
| SuperStroke S Tech Cord | 124.02 | 22.04 | 6679.78 | 382.99 | 34.16 | 29.05 | 169.90 | 176.72 |
| SuperStroke Traxion | 124.53 | 21.85 | 6654.03 | 840.50 | 62.67 | 36.12 | 170.33 | 173.83 |