Best Golf Grips For Irons

Golf grips are the specially designed coverings on the handle end of golf clubs, including irons. They serve as the interface between the golfer's hands and the club, playing a vital role in how a player controls and feels the club throughout the swing. While grips for irons share many similarities with those for other clubs, they often require specific characteristics to enhance precision and control during iron play.

The importance of grips for irons cannot be overstated. They directly influence swing mechanics, affecting everything from clubhead speed to shot accuracy. A well-chosen grip can promote proper hand placement, reduce tension in the hands and forearms, and provide the necessary traction to maintain control throughout the swing.

For iron play, where precision is paramount, the right grip can make the difference between hitting the green and finding a bunker. The grip's size and texture are particularly crucial for irons, as they impact the player's ability to make consistent, accurate contact with the ball. A grip that's too thick or thin can lead to compensations in the swing, while the right size promotes a natural, repeatable motion.

Grip size is a fundamental consideration when selecting grips for your irons. The options typically include:

• Standard: Suitable for most golfers with average hand sizes.
• Midsize: Slightly larger than standard, ideal for those with larger hands or who prefer a thicker feel.
• Jumbo: The largest option, beneficial for players with very large hands or those seeking to reduce hand action during the swing.

Your hand size plays a crucial role in determining the appropriate grip size. A grip that's too small can cause overactive hands, leading to hooks, while a grip that's too large can restrict wrist hinge, potentially causing slices. To find the right size, consider getting fitted by a professional or use the following rule of thumb: your fingertips should just touch your palm when gripping the club.

Golf grips come in various materials, each offering distinct advantages:

• Rubber: The most common material, known for its durability and all-weather performance.
• Corded: Features a fabric cord embedded in rubber, providing excellent traction, especially in wet conditions.
• Leather: Offers a premium feel and excellent durability, though less common and typically more expensive.

Each material has its pros and cons. Rubber grips are versatile and long-lasting but may lack the extreme tackiness some players prefer. Corded grips excel in wet conditions but can be abrasive on the hands. Leather grips provide a luxurious feel but may require more maintenance.

The grip's ability to provide traction is crucial for maintaining control during the swing, especially with irons where precision is key. Tackiness refers to the grip's stickiness or ability to adhere to your hands, while traction relates to the surface texture that prevents slipping.

Different textures, such as the cord in corded grips, can significantly enhance traction, particularly in wet or humid conditions. Some modern grips feature advanced textures or patterns designed to optimize hand placement and increase traction without being overly abrasive.

Playing in varying weather conditions or with sweaty hands can significantly impact your grip on the club. Many modern grips incorporate moisture management technologies to maintain performance in wet conditions. For instance, the Golf Pride MCC Plus4 features a hybrid design with a softer upper section for comfort and a firmer lower section with moisture-wicking technology.

The lifespan of your grips is an important consideration, both for performance and cost-effectiveness. Rubber grips typically offer the best durability, often lasting a season or more for regular players. Leather grips can also be long-lasting with proper care. However, softer grips, while comfortable, may wear out more quickly.

As a general rule, golfers should consider re-gripping their clubs every 40 rounds or once a year, whichever comes first. However, this can vary based on usage frequency, storage conditions, and personal preference.

The Golf Pride CPX Grip is a revolutionary product in the world of golf equipment, designed to provide maximum comfort and performance for golfers of all skill levels. Launched by Golf Pride, a leading manufacturer of golf grips, the CPX (which stands for "Comfort Performance Extreme") represents the company's softest grip ever produced.

Developed after extensive research and player feedback, the CPX grip features several innovative technologies. The most notable is the EXO-3D texture, which consists of a raised diamond-quilted pattern inspired by BMX bike grips. This unique texture maximizes surface contact with the golfer's hands, enhancing both comfort and control.

The grip also incorporates Golf Pride's Plus4 technology, which simulates four extra wraps of tape under the lower hand. This design reduces taper and encourages lighter grip pressure, potentially leading to increased power and reduced tension in the hands and forearms.

At the core of the CPX is the Control Core technology, a softer rubber compound positioned in the upper section of the grip where the most swing pressure is applied. This feature aims to provide an optimal balance between softness and control throughout the swing.

Available in multiple sizes (undersize, standard, midsize, and jumbo), the CPX caters to a wide range of hand sizes and preferences. Its initial color scheme of light grey with blue accents offers a subtle, professional look.

While designed primarily for comfort, the CPX surprisingly offers good traction in dry conditions due to its textured surface. However, it may not perform as well in wet conditions compared to some of Golf Pride's more performance-oriented grips.

The Golf Pride CPX Grip has been well-received by recreational golfers seeking a softer feel without sacrificing too much in terms of performance and control. It represents Golf Pride's commitment to innovation and addressing the diverse needs of golfers across the spectrum of abilities.

The Golf Pride MCC (MultiCompound) grip is a revolutionary hybrid golf grip that has become a popular choice among both professional and amateur golfers. Introduced as part of the New Decade line, the MCC grip combines the benefits of two distinct materials to provide optimal performance in various conditions.

The upper portion of the grip features Golf Pride's exclusive Brushed Cotton Cord technology. This specialized material is designed to wick away moisture and provide excellent traction, ensuring a secure hold even in wet or humid conditions. The cord material also offers increased stability and control during the swing, which is particularly beneficial for the dominant hand.

In contrast, the lower portion of the grip is constructed with a high-performance rubber compound. This softer material enhances feel and responsiveness in the golfer's lower hand, allowing for better touch and control, especially during delicate shots or when finesse is required.

The MCC grip's innovative design addresses the need for all-weather performance while maintaining a comfortable feel. Its dual-material construction makes it versatile for various playing conditions and suited to different player preferences.

Golf Pride offers the MCC grip in multiple sizes, including standard, midsize, and jumbo, to accommodate different hand sizes and grip preferences. The grip also comes in various color combinations, allowing golfers to customize their clubs' appearance.

Building on the success of the original MCC, Golf Pride later introduced variations like the MCC Plus4, which features a larger lower hand diameter to simulate four additional wraps of tape. This design promotes a lighter grip pressure and potentially increases power and consistency in the golf swing.

The MCC grip's popularity on professional tours and among recreational players has solidified its position as one of Golf Pride's flagship products, known for its blend of performance, comfort, and durability.

The BRD X1 Grip represents a significant innovation in golf grip technology, developed by BRD Grips, a family-owned business based in Florence, Italy. Launched as the company's second major product offering, the X1 Grip aims to revolutionize the golf grip market with its unique design and construction.

The X1 Grip features a distinctive double-layer construction, setting it apart from traditional golf grips. This design consists of an external transparent layer combined with an inner polymer core. The two layers work in tandem to provide a blend of performance benefits, including enhanced feel, improved shock absorption, and increased torsional stability.

BRD markets the X1 Grip as "the number one next-generation golf grip," emphasizing its ability to cater to high swing speeds while offering superior feedback throughout the swing. The grip's design is specifically engineered to filter out shocks and vibrations, aiming to improve the golfer's overall feel and control.

One of the X1 Grip's standout features is its tackiness, which allows golfers to maintain a secure hold on the club with minimal grip pressure. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for players who prefer a lighter grip, potentially contributing to increased swing speed and accuracy.

The grip's installation process is also noteworthy, with BRD offering an air installation method that requires no tape and allows for quick testing and reinstallation. However, traditional solvent and tape installation methods can also be used.

While initially met with some skepticism due to its unconventional appearance, the X1 Grip has garnered positive reviews from various golfing publications and individual players. Many users report improved feel, grip security, and overall performance compared to traditional grips.

The BRD X1 Grip represents a bold step in golf grip innovation, challenging conventional designs and materials to offer golfers a potentially game-changing equipment option.

The Winn Dri-Tac grip is a popular golf grip known for its unique polymer construction and tacky feel. Developed by Winn Grips, a company founded by Dr. Ben Huang in 1973, the Dri-Tac series represents one of their most successful product lines.

The Dri-Tac grip utilizes Winn's proprietary WinnDry polymer material, which is designed to provide exceptional traction and comfort in all weather conditions. This material offers a softer feel compared to traditional rubber grips, while still maintaining durability and performance.

One of the key features of the Dri-Tac grip is its ability to wick away moisture, making it particularly effective in humid or rainy conditions. The grip's surface texture is engineered to enhance traction, allowing golfers to maintain a secure hold on the club with less grip pressure. This can potentially lead to reduced hand fatigue and improved swing mechanics.

The Dri-Tac series comes in various sizes, including standard, midsize, and oversized options, catering to different hand sizes and preferences. They are also available in multiple colors, allowing golfers to customize their club aesthetics.

While praised for their comfort and traction, some golfers note that Dri-Tac grips may wear out faster than traditional rubber grips, especially for frequent players or those with a particularly firm grip. However, many users find the performance benefits outweigh this potential drawback.

Over the years, Winn has continued to refine the Dri-Tac series, with newer versions like the Dri-Tac 2.0 offering improved durability while maintaining the signature tacky feel. The grips have gained popularity among both amateur and professional golfers, particularly those who struggle with grip issues or play in varied weather conditions.

The Winn Dri-Tac represents a significant innovation in golf grip technology, offering an alternative to traditional rubber grips and providing golfers with enhanced comfort and control in their game.

The SuperStroke S-Tech Grip is a popular golf club grip designed to provide excellent feedback, control, and performance for golfers of all skill levels. Developed by SuperStroke, a company known for its innovative golf grip designs, the S-Tech Grip has gained significant traction among both amateur and professional players.

The S-Tech Grip features a blend of highly engineered rubber compounds that deliver a tacky feel and ultimate feedback. This combination allows golfers to maintain a secure hold on the club while still receiving crucial sensory information about their swing and ball contact. The grip's surface incorporates a unique Cross-Traction texture, which provides an exceptional non-slip surface in all weather conditions, enhancing control and consistency.

One of the key design elements of the S-Tech Grip is its tour-inspired profile with minimal taper. This feature helps golfers distribute hand pressure more evenly throughout the grip, potentially leading to faster swing speeds and improved ability to square the clubface at impact. The grip is available in standard and midsize options to accommodate different hand sizes and preferences.

The S-Tech Grip has gained popularity on professional tours, with notable players like Jordan Spieth and Sergio Garcia choosing to use it. This endorsement from top-level golfers has further boosted its reputation among amateur players looking to emulate professional equipment choices.

In terms of construction, the S-Tech Grip is made from durable materials designed to withstand frequent use and varying weather conditions. It offers a balance between softness for comfort and firmness for stability, making it suitable for a wide range of playing styles and preferences.

The grip's performance characteristics include a mid-soft feel level, high tack level, high wet friction level, and high feedback level. These attributes contribute to its versatility across different playing conditions and golfer needs. The standard size weighs approximately 52 grams and measures 10.50 inches in length, with a core size of .600 inches.

Overall, the SuperStroke S-Tech Grip represents a high-quality option for golfers seeking to improve their grip on the club and potentially enhance their overall game performance.

The Lamkin Sonar+ Tour Calibrate Grip is a premium golf grip that combines several of Lamkin's innovative technologies to provide golfers with enhanced performance and consistency. Introduced as part of Lamkin's Sonar series, this grip incorporates the company's Calibrate Technology, which features a pronounced reminder ridge running along the back of the grip to promote consistent hand placement and improved clubface awareness.

The grip is constructed using Lamkin's proprietary Genesis Material, which offers a balance of comfort, durability, and all-weather performance. This material provides a slightly firmer feel compared to some other Lamkin grips, making it particularly suitable for golfers with higher swing speeds who desire enhanced feedback and control.

A key feature of the Sonar+ Tour Calibrate is the Fingerprint Technology, which creates a unique micro-texture pattern on the grip's surface. This pattern is designed to interact with the golfer's skin, providing excellent traction and a tacky feel without being overly sticky. The result is a secure hold on the club even in challenging weather conditions.

The grip also incorporates a reduced taper profile, which means there's less difference in thickness between the top and bottom of the grip compared to traditional designs. This feature promotes more consistent grip pressure between the upper and lower hands, potentially leading to improved shot consistency.

While the Sonar+ Tour Calibrate doesn't feature cord material like some other Lamkin grips, its surface texture and material composition still offer good performance in wet conditions. The grip is available in a standard size, catering to a wide range of golfers.

Lamkin positions this grip as a versatile option that can benefit a broad spectrum of players, from mid-handicappers to more skilled golfers. Its combination of advanced features aims to provide players with a grip that enhances their control, consistency, and overall performance on the course.

The Lamkin Crossline grip is one of the most iconic and enduring golf grips in the industry. First introduced in the 1990s, it has remained a popular choice among both professional and amateur golfers for decades due to its exceptional performance and durability.

The Crossline's distinctive feature is its unique surface pattern of densely spaced, criss-crossing lines. This texture provides excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions, helping golfers maintain a secure hold on the club throughout their swing. The grip's firm feel offers enhanced feedback and control, which many players prefer, especially for iron play where precision is crucial.

Constructed from a proprietary rubber compound, the Crossline is known for its longevity. It maintains its tackiness and performance characteristics longer than many softer grips, making it a cost-effective choice for frequent players. The grip is available in various sizes, including standard, midsize, and jumbo, catering to different hand sizes and preferences.

Over the years, Lamkin has expanded the Crossline family to include variations like the Crossline Full-Cord, which incorporates a cord material for additional traction, and the Crossline 360, designed for adjustable clubs to maintain consistent feel regardless of shaft orientation.

The Crossline's popularity extends to the professional tours, where it has been used by numerous top players. Its consistent performance and familiar feel have made it a go-to option for those who prioritize reliability and tradition in their equipment.

While some golfers may prefer softer or more technologically advanced grips, the Lamkin Crossline continues to hold its place in the market. Its enduring success is a testament to its effective design and the trust golfers place in its performance, making it a staple in the golf grip industry.

Carver Golf Grips are a relatively new entrant in the golf grip market, designed to offer high-quality performance at an affordable price point. The company behind these grips has taken inspiration from top brands in the industry, aiming to provide golfers with a product that matches the quality of more established names without the premium cost.

The Carver grips are engineered with a focus on tackling common issues faced by golfers, particularly those related to grip in varying weather conditions. They feature a non-slip technology that is integrated both in and over the grip surface, making them especially suitable for players who struggle with sweaty hands or frequently play in humid or wet conditions.

Available in standard and midsize options, Carver grips come in a simple black colorway that appeals to traditionalists while maintaining a modern aesthetic. The grip material is designed to offer a balance between comfort and performance, providing a tacky feel that enhances control without sacrificing durability.

One of the key selling points of Carver Golf Grips is their value proposition. They aim to deliver a high-quality grip experience comparable to more expensive brands but at a more accessible price point. This makes them an attractive option for budget-conscious golfers or those looking to re-grip multiple clubs without a significant investment.

Customer feedback on Carver grips has generally been positive, with users praising their grip quality, value for money, and comfortable fit. Golfers appreciate the good feel and decent quality relative to the price, noting that the grips perform well in various playing conditions.

While Carver may not yet have the brand recognition of some industry giants, their focus on quality, affordability, and addressing specific player needs has helped them carve out a niche in the competitive golf grip market.

The Golf Pride Tour Velvet Align Grip is an innovative evolution of the classic Tour Velvet grip, which has long been the most popular grip model on professional golf tours worldwide. This advanced grip incorporates Golf Pride's patented ALIGN Technology, designed to enhance a golfer's hand placement consistency and improve overall clubface awareness.

The Tour Velvet Align features a distinctive red ridge that runs along the back of the grip. When installed on a golf club shaft, this ridge rises slightly above the grip's surface, providing both a visual and tactile guide for hand placement. This unique feature helps golfers position their hands consistently on the club for every swing, promoting a square clubface at address and impact.

The grip's core is constructed using Golf Pride's state-of-the-art rubber blend, which offers an optimal balance of comfort, durability, and performance. The surface of the grip features a scientifically designed non-slip pattern with a plus sign texture. This texture is engineered to channel moisture away from the grip's surface, ensuring consistent traction and performance in various weather conditions.

Available in both standard and midsize options, the Tour Velvet Align caters to a wide range of hand sizes and preferences. The standard size weighs approximately 52 grams, while the midsize version is slightly heavier at 63.5 grams. Both sizes utilize a 60 core, which is compatible with most modern golf club shafts.

Golf Pride has integrated "Flex Channels" into the grip design, which separate the ALIGN Technology ridge from the main grip body. This feature maximizes the elevation and prominence of the alignment aid, helping it to lock more securely into a golfer's fingers during the swing.

By combining the trusted performance of the original Tour Velvet with the advanced ALIGN Technology, Golf Pride has created a grip that appeals to both professional and amateur golfers seeking improved consistency and control in their game.

For those who frequently play in rainy conditions, corded grips like the Golf Pride ZGrip Cord provide superior traction. The embedded cord material helps wick away moisture and maintains a secure hold even in the wettest conditions. While they may feel slightly rough initially, many players find the performance benefits in challenging weather well worth the adjustment.

Softer grips can significantly reduce hand strain and discomfort for players dealing with arthritis or joint pain. The Winn Dri-Tac, mentioned earlier, is an excellent choice in this category. Additionally, oversized grips can help by reducing the grip pressure needed to hold the club securely, further alleviating stress on the hands and joints.

Re-gripping your irons at home can be a cost-effective way to maintain your equipment. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Gather Your Tools:

New grips

• Double-sided grip tape
• Grip solvent
• Hook blade or utility knife
• Rubber vise clamp (optional)

Remove Old Grips:

• Use the hook blade to carefully cut along the length of the old grip.
• Peel off the old grip and tape, cleaning the shaft thoroughly.

Apply New Tape:

• Wrap the double-sided tape around the shaft, covering the entire grip area.
• Remove the protective layer from the tape.

Apply Solvent:

• Pour solvent over the taped area and inside the new grip.

Slide on New Grip:

• Quickly slide the new grip onto the shaft before the solvent dries.
• Align the grip as desired.

Allow to Dry:

• Let the grips dry for at least 6 hours before use.

Remember, while DIY re-gripping can save money, it requires patience and precision. If you're unsure, it's always best to consult a professional.

Understanding how weather impacts grip performance can help you make more informed decisions about your equipment:

• Humidity: High humidity can make grips feel slicker. Corded or highly textured grips perform better in these conditions.
• Dry Climates: In arid environments, some grips may harden over time. Softer compounds or grips with moisture-infused materials can help maintain tackiness.
• Cold Weather: Rubber grips tend to harden in cold temperatures, potentially reducing traction. Softer compounds or thermal materials can help maintain feel in chilly conditions.
• Hot Weather: Extreme heat can cause some grips to become overly tacky or even melt. Look for heat-resistant materials if you frequently play in very hot climates.

Fine-tuning your grips can significantly enhance your comfort and performance:

• Build-up Tape: Use extra layers of tape under the grip to adjust thickness without changing the grip size entirely. This is particularly useful for fine-tuning between standard sizes.
• Grip Positioning: Experiment with slight rotations of the grip during installation to find the most comfortable orientation for your hand position.
• Mixed Sets: Consider using different grips on various clubs in your set. For example, you might prefer a firmer grip on short irons for precision shots and a softer grip on long irons for added comfort on full swings.

Choosing the right golf grips for your irons is a personal journey that can significantly impact your game. By considering factors such as size, material, tackiness, and your specific playing conditions, you can find grips that not only enhance your performance but also provide the comfort needed for enjoyable rounds.

Remember, what works for one golfer may not be ideal for another. Don't hesitate to experiment with different options or seek advice from a professional fitter. Your perfect grip is out there, waiting to help you achieve new levels of consistency and precision with your irons.

Ultimately, the best golf grip is the one that feels most comfortable and instills confidence in your swing. Take the time to explore your options, and you'll likely find that the right grips can be a game-changing addition to your golf arsenal.