Final weekend, a wet Saturday saved us off the golf course so I used the time to wash golf equipment, swap out grips and arrange the golf luggage for me, my husband and our two youngsters. As I labored by way of the golf equipment, I got here throughout a couple of grips that had been slick, worn down, well past their prime. Taking part in with grips in that situation can impression your recreation in methods you won’t even understand. In the event you’ve been pushing aside changing yours, right here’s 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 understand it’s time to alter your grips.
Visible put on and tear
The obvious signal is seen injury. In the event you see cracks, splits or shiny patches, the grips are possible too worn. Over time, regular use and publicity to sweat, sunscreen, warmth and grime will break down the rubber or artificial materials, inflicting it to lose traction.
Slippery really feel
You’ll discover the slippery really feel while you swing. Your hand most likely slides just a little on the prime or at impression. It’s possible you’ll even begin carrying a glove and gripping just a little tighter earlier than you are feeling assured swinging the membership.
A slick or shiny grip is often an indicator that the floor texture has worn away.
Diminished cheesy texture
Even when the grip doesn’t really feel slippery, it’s possible you’ll discover a lack of tackiness. When this tackiness is gone, you’ll possible begin gripping tighter. The lowered cheesy texture is less complicated to really feel on some grips than others however being conscious of it will possibly assist you realize 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 “dead” feeling while you strike the ball, it will not be time for a membership improve. You would simply want a brand new grip.
Change in coloration
Golf Delight says materials that appears pale or uneven is an effective way to inform it’s time to interchange. Grip materials ought to be constant in coloration and texture from prime to backside.
(Be aware: Scorching summers, excessive humidity, and common use of sunscreen can speed up grip deterioration. In the event you’re working towards a number of occasions every week in these situations, plan on extra frequent replacements. Don’t overlook the putter!)
The impression of worn grips
The three major 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 stress in your arms and shoulders. This stress can result in inconsistent pictures, potential accidents and restricted clubhead pace.
Consistency: To ship the clubface constantly at impression, you want a powerful maintain in your golf grip. A worn grip can result in twists and turns of the clubhead.
Confidence: In the event you’re anxious about your membership slipping, your focus could change and it’s possible 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 knowledgeable do it. Nonetheless, the advantages of regripping your self prolong 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 anyplace from $8 to $15 or extra, relying on the kind of grip. You’ll additionally need to consider 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 get monetary savings in the long term. In the event you put money into a couple of fundamental instruments, comparable to a vise clamp, a utility knife or grip removing instrument, 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 entire set directly.
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 anticipate your grips to final?
Most golfers exchange their grips every year or each 40 to 50 rounds. That is often a very good estimate as to how lengthy grips will final. In the event you spend a variety of time on the vary, you’ll want to interchange them extra typically.
As well as, scorching climates and oils or sunscreen in your arms can all pace up put on. To assist golf grips last more, clear them commonly with heat water, delicate cleaning soap and a delicate brush or towel to increase their life as a lot as attainable.
Earlier than I exchange grips, I wash them first to see in the event that they regain their tackiness. Generally, after they’re washed, they really feel like new; different occasions, you’ll be able to inform the grip is simply executed. By no means submerge grips utterly when washing them. Simply wipe them with delicate cleaning soap and water or use a delicate scrub brush.
Closing ideas
Changing your grips can seem to be a chore nevertheless it’s straightforward to study and a part of making certain you will have the absolute best gear on the course. Regulate put on and know when to make the swap. It might prevent a couple of strokes.
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