There will come a time when most of the grips on your clubs have become worn, cracked, or loose. When this happens, you should consider having your clubs re-gripped. So, how do you know when to re-grip your golf clubs and how much does it cost?
1. Look at The Grips Closely
You can tell a great deal about the grips simply by observing them. If you notice signs of them wearing out or cracking, it is time to invest in new grips, after all, it’s cheaper than replacing them with new clubs!
The wearing out of the grips happens over a period of time, and there really isn’t anything you can do about it. It comes down to the quality of materials used, how often you play, how tight you grip the clubs and if you wear gloves and they style of gloves.
So as you can see, it really does depend on a number of elements, not just the material that the grip is made of. Just note that whilst you can take steps to maintain them and keep them in good condition, they will wear out eventually.
How Do They Feel in The Hand?
Remember that the grip is the only part of the golf club that comes into regular contact with your hands. Worn out grips may start to feel different, and if they are cracking you can usually feel that sensation when you address the ball.
You could also start noticing a little more vibration coming back to your hands after you hit a shot. When this happens often, you should think about getting new grips as soon as possible.
Add More Material
It is possible to add some type of wrap around your clubs to prevent you from having to get new grips. These wraps will not last very long, and you will end up facing the same problem again.
Besides the shortened longevity of these products, you may also notice that your shots are not as crisp. You ideally want to feel each shot you produce, so the additional padding can hamper your touch.
2. When To Re-Grip Your Golf Clubs and How Much Does It Cost?
It is possible for you to re-grip your own clubs by getting all of the materials you need and getting to work.
This is a good way to save some money and make sure that you get exactly what you want. It is more time-consuming than visiting a professional, but many players enjoy this type of work.
At the minimum, you’ll need to have the grips you want, a sharp blade to remove the existing grip, grip tape, and some epoxy.
The basic job is to remove all of the existing grip and epoxy from the shaft and clean it off. Once the shaft is cleaned and prepped, you can add more epoxy and slip the new grip right on. This is just a basic idea, so be sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Go to a Pro Fitter
If you’re a beginner, you really should think about going to a professional club fitter to have the grips put on for you. The cost may be a little more than the DIY version, but it is definitely a great option. When the professional re-grip for you, the club will feel new again which is essential.
Another great reason for having the work done for you is that the grip will be put on the right way.
Some of the grips made for beginning and amateur golfers have patterns on them that show you how to properly grip the club. If you use these grips and like having the visual aids, a professional fitter will be able to put the grips on properly.
The Costs Involved in Re-Gripping
As with most things in life, the cost to re-grip golf clubs varies on many factors. The re-grip cost will depend on the type of grip you want, the materials costs, and any labor. You should be able to get an accurate estimate from the professional who is fitting the club for you.
What I Recommend
To keep your grips in excellent condition and your golf game at its peak, you may want to think about re-gripping your clubs on a yearly basis.
The average cost to re-grip a club is around ten dollars. Again, the cost will vary on some factors. The labor to do the improvement is usually about three dollars, and the grips vary from five to 15 dollars on average.
Additional Benefits
A grip that is too big for your hands could stop your wrists from flexing properly at impact which could be detrimental to your game. You could be losing some much-needed yardage and accuracy.
A grip that is too small could cause your wrists and hands to rotate too much during your swing causing you to spray the ball around the course.
In short, it is probably wise to have a professional help you find the best grip for your game. At least the first time, pay the little extra money to make sure you know which grips suit your game the best.
Types of Grips
- Rubber
This is the most common type of grip on the market because it is easily produced and less costly than some other options. These grips feel good in your hands from address through impact.
- Braided
The braided or corded grips are made of rubber, but they have a braid that intertwines. This braid helps to improve traction, so you are less likely to lose your grip when they become moist because of rain, humidity, or sweat.
- Wraps
These wraps are different than the additional wraps that can be placed on your clubs. This style is representative of the early golf clubs that had leather placed around the shaft as a grip. Technology has improved, so you can still get the nostalgic look with the benefits of a softer, tackier grip.
Other Key Things to Consider
You will also want to check out several types of grips before making a final decision. Some grips are softer than others. Many of the longer hitters prefer the thicker, firmer material because it allows them to have better control and lighter pressure.
When you are really in control of your game, you can add some tape beneath the grip. Some tour players like to do this and can customize the grip to practically every finger. Generally speaking, you won’t need to do this.
The re-grip cost is pricier for a full set of clubs, but it is definitely worth every penny. You will enjoy the game more and possibly shave a few strokes off of your handicap.
If you purchased pre-owned clubs, definitely get the grips as soon as possible. A set of clubs may take a day or two to complete, but a single club can usually be done in fewer than 15 minutes.
Sources and References:
- How to Re‐Grip Golf Clubs – wikihow.com
Nick is the founder of GolfSpan and an avid golfer. He's not quite a pro but has over 15 years of experience playing and coaching golfers worldwide. His mission is to bring the golfing community a better experience when it comes to choosing the right golf gear and finding the right setup for your game.
