Final weekend, a wet Saturday stored us off the golf course so I used the time to wash golf equipment, swap out grips and manage the golf baggage for me, my husband and our two children. As I labored by way of the golf equipment, I got here throughout a number of grips that had been slick, worn down, well past their prime. Enjoying with grips in that situation can impression your sport in methods you won’t even understand. In the event you’ve been pushing aside changing yours, right here’s easy methods to know when it’s time to make the swap.
When do your golf grips want changing?
Many newbie golfers wait till the grip rips or a gap seems the place your thumb pushes into the rubber. These grips usually wanted substitute many rounds in the past. Right here’s what to search for to realize it’s time to vary your grips.
Visible put on and tear
The obvious signal is seen harm. In the event you see cracks, splits or shiny patches, the grips are seemingly too worn. Over time, regular use and publicity to sweat, sunscreen, warmth and dust will break down the rubber or artificial materials, inflicting it to lose traction.
Slippery really feel
You’ll discover the slippery really feel if you swing. Your hand most likely slides a bit of on the prime or at impression. It’s possible you’ll even begin carrying a glove and gripping a bit of tighter earlier than you are feeling assured swinging the membership.
A slick or shiny grip is normally an indicator that the floor texture has worn away.
Decreased cheesy texture
Even when the grip doesn’t really feel slippery, chances are you’ll discover a lack of tackiness. When this tackiness is gone, you’ll seemingly begin gripping tighter. The decreased cheesy texture is less complicated to really feel on some grips than others however being conscious of it could actually assist when it’s time for a change.
Lack of responsiveness
Golf grips give us suggestions. Overly worn grips can numb the suggestions from the clubhead throughout impression. In the event you discover a imprecise or “useless” feeling if you strike the ball, it is probably not time for a membership improve. You may simply want a brand new grip.
Change in colour
Golf Pride says materials that appears light or uneven is a good way to inform it’s time to exchange. Grip materials ought to be constant in colour and texture from prime to backside.
(Word: Sizzling summers, excessive humidity, and common use of sunscreen can speed up grip deterioration. In the event you’re practising a number of occasions every week in these circumstances, plan on extra frequent replacements. Don’t overlook the putter!)
The impression of worn grips
The three principal issues worn grips affect are grip strain, ball-striking consistency and confidence (pace) by way of impression.
- Grip strain: Worn grips power you to carry the membership tighter, typically inflicting rigidity in your arms and shoulders. This rigidity can result in inconsistent photographs, potential accidents and restricted clubhead pace.
- Consistency: To ship the clubface constantly at impression, you want a robust maintain in your golf grip. A worn grip can result in twists and turns of the clubhead.
- Confidence: In the event you’re frightened about your membership slipping, your focus might change and chances are you’ll even sluggish your swing to accommodate your deteriorating golf grips.
Price comparability: DIY versus skilled regripping
It’s cheaper to regrip golf golf equipment your self than to have an expert do it. Nonetheless, the advantages of regripping your self lengthen past the prices.
Skilled regripping service
In the event you take your golf equipment to a professional store or golf retailer, the associated fee per membership (together with grip and labor) can vary wherever from $8 to $15 or extra, relying on the kind of grip. You’ll additionally should think about any turnaround time, which could imply being with out your golf equipment for a day or two (or longer in peak season).
DIY strategy
Doing it your self can lower your expenses in the long term. In the event you spend money on a number of fundamental instruments, equivalent to a vise clamp, a utility knife or grip elimination software, grip solvent and double-sided grip tape, you’ll solely pay for brand new grips every time. I like regripping at dwelling as a result of I don’t have to do my complete set without delay.
In my case, the pitching wedge or 7-iron wears down shortly and I can simply make one grip change at a time when wanted.
Professional tip: I discover the pre-cut tape strips a worthwhile funding. They simplify the method and make it even faster to use a brand new grip.
How lengthy are you able to count on your grips to final?
Most golfers replace their grips every year or each 40 to 50 rounds. That is normally a superb estimate as to how lengthy grips will final. In the event you spend quite a lot of time on the vary, you’ll want to exchange them extra typically.
As well as, sizzling climates and oils or sunscreen in your fingers can all pace up put on. To assist golf grips last more, clear them often with heat water, delicate cleaning soap and a tender brush or towel to increase their life as a lot as potential.
Earlier than I change grips, I wash them first to see in the event that they regain their tackiness. Typically, after they’re washed, they really feel like new; different occasions, you’ll be able to inform the grip is simply accomplished. By no means submerge grips utterly when washing them. Simply wipe them with delicate cleaning soap and water or use a tender scrub brush.
Ultimate ideas
Changing your grips can look like a chore but it surely’s straightforward to study and a part of guaranteeing you’ve got the absolute best tools on the course. Keep watch over put on and know when to make the swap. It might prevent a number of strokes.
The submit Is It Time To Replace Your Golf Grips? How To Know? appeared first on MyGolfSpy.
