The Best Golf Grip Tape

Buying Guide

Golf grip tape helps ensure you have a strong grip on your clubs. It reduces slipping, increases comfort and enhances your performance. If you’re a regular golfer, experts say you should change out your grip tape every year or every 40 rounds. Regripping helps combat the effects of wear from heat, dirt, and oils that transfer to the club from your hands.

You can have a pro shop regrip your clubs for you, but this is an easy and inexpensive DIY. There are many different types of golf grip tape available on the market, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.

Solvent-based golf grip tape is one of the most common varieties. The tape requires the application of lubricant to adhere properly. It may come with the chemical solvent either already on the material or in a bottle. However, you may have to purchase solvent separately as well. It’ll evaporate once used, leaving the tape securely bonded to the end of the shaft. The solvent takes a few hours to dry before you can use the club.

Another variety is water-based grip tape. Instead of using a solvent, you have to use a mixture of dishwashing soap and water to set the tape. This kind of application typically takes over 24 hours to dry before you can use your club.

Newer varieties of golf grip tape don’t require any solvent or water-based application at all. Some of these are as easy as peel and stick, and can be used right away after applying. This is a quick and convenient option.

• Consider the size of the golf grip tape you need and whether individual strips or a roll of tape is best for you. Individual strips are pre-cut to a specific length and are ideal if you are only applying them to a few clubs. If you’re using the tape for many clubs or numerous other people, then opt for a roll of golf grip tape instead.
• Golf tape comes in two widths — 3/4 inch and 2-inch. With 3/4-inch tape you’ll spiral-wrap the tape down the length of your shaft, leaving gaps. Two-inch tape, designed to be applied lengthwise, provides a bit of overlap. However, you’ll find some tape advertised as 2-inch but which actually comes in at slightly less than that (look for a more exact measurement in millimeters), which may be a better fit for your golf clubs depending on what you want.
• There are many alternate suggestions for golf grip tape, including masking tape, painter’s tape and duct tape. It’s best to stick with the right tool for the job, though. Otherwise, it could affect your performance on the green.