Choosing the right golf grip can be a difficult decision for any golfer. Knowing which one is best suited to your playing style is key to improving your game and performance on the course. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of midsize vs standard golf grips and how different types of players benefit from using either one.
What Is A Golf Grip?
A golf grip is the part of the club you hold onto when hitting a golf ball. It’s made by wrapping a rubber or synthetic material around the club shaft, providing comfort, control, and power to your swing. The size, shape, material, and texture of your grip all impact how well you’re able to hit shots. Especially grip size determines how much control you have over the ball’s direction.
What Is A Midsize And Standard Golf Grip?
Midsize Golf Grip
Midsize golf grips are designed with a larger diameter allowing for more hand coverage, which in turn helps to reduce fatigue and give the player better control over their shots.
They provide a larger gripping surface than traditional grips; generally, midsize golf grips measure one-eighth to one-quarter of an inch larger in diameter than a standard golf grip.
The material of midsize grips is generally made from rubber or synthetic materials, offering players improved durability and grip in all weather conditions. The textured surfaces provide extra control and traction when gripping the club, making it easier for players to achieve precision in their shots.
Standard Golf Grip
Standard golf grips are the standard size for most club manufacturers and offer players a more traditional-style grip. The diameter of this type of grip is generally smaller than that of midsize grips, measuring around 0.600 inches in diameter.
The material of standard golf grips is usually made from rubber or synthetic materials, offering players improved durability and comfort when gripping the club. Standard golf grips provide less hand coverage compared to midsize grips, resulting in a better feel and feedback for players when taking shots.
The Difference Between Midsize And Standard Golf Grip
Size
The most obvious difference between midsize and standard golf grips is the size.
The Midsize golf grip is 1/16 bigger than the standard grip, which makes them slightly thicker than standard-sized models that usually measure between 0.580” and 0.600” in diameter.
Standard-sized grips tend to be smaller in circumference and cannot provide as much coverage over your hands. This can make it harder for players with bigger hands to maintain a light grip pressure throughout their swing, leading to inconsistencies in ball flight and accuracy.
Contact Surface
Because the size is bigger, Midsize grips also have a larger contact surface area than standard-sized models. This increased surface area provides additional cushioning for reduced shock and vibration when making contact with the ball.
Control Ability
Thanks to providing the bigger contact surface, midsize grips provide players with extra leverage and support for improved accuracy off the tee, while standard-sized models tend to be more flexible and forgiving.
However, if your hand is not big enough for midsize grips, it’s hard to control your club because you can’t release your club.
Also, if your hand is too small for the golf grip, it may cause slipping and twisting of your wrist when hitting.
Players who prioritize maximum control over distance may prefer the added thickness of midsize grips, while those looking for extra distance and forgiveness may find that standard-sized models are best suited for their needs.
Comfort Feeling
Midsize golf grips are also more comfortable to use for players with bigger hands or those looking for extra cushioning.
This is because the larger grip circumference provides a deeper and more secure hold on the club that can help reduce fatigue during long rounds.
Also, Midsize golf grips allow golfers to utilize their forearms and shoulders freely. That’s why golfers prefer a stronger play style suitable for these golf grips.
On the other hand, Standard golf grips are more suitable for players with smaller hands as they may feel more secure in their grasp. However, midsize grips are the better choice if a player prefers to have less grip tension and better control over their shots.
For golfers who suffer from hand or wrist issues, midsize grips can also provide improved comfort when swinging, as they offer additional support while reducing some of the impacts of each hit. The extra surface area can also help promote proper hand placement throughout each swing, improving accuracy and distance off the tee.
Rotation
Midsize golf grips tend to rotate less in a player’s hands while swinging compared to standard models.
This is due to their larger diameter, which helps lock the club more securely into place for improved stability throughout each shot.
For players who move the club excessively during their swings, this can be a useful feature that can help improve accuracy and consistency on the course.
Available and Options
When it comes to availability and options, standard golf grips are much more common than midsize models in colors and types, including woods, irons, and wedges.
This is partly because many beginner-level clubs come with standard-sized grips already installed, while midsize grips tend to be an aftermarket option for players looking for something different.
Besides, with their experience, they understand their favorite and physical characteristics, especially their hand sizes that are suitable with what size golf grips.
Compare The Pros And Cons Of Midsize And Standard Golf Grips
Relying on the differences between midsize and standard golf grips, we summarize the pros and cons of each one here in this table.
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Practice To Find The Best Grip
The best way to determine whether a midsize or standard golf grip is right for you depends on your playing style and how it works with your swing and your hand’s size.
It takes time and practice to get used to the feel of different grips, so we recommend trying out both types before making a decision. Experimenting with grips can help improve accuracy, power, and control off the tee while ensuring that you are comfortable and confident throughout each swing.
However, we always want to provide all our knowledge and experience on golf for you and are willing to share our tips.
It’s a simple way to choose the suitable golf grip to determine the distance between your thumb and index finger when you grip. If it’s too far, that means the grip is too big, which may make it hard to release.
On the other hand, if there is no distance, and your thumb presses your index finger strongly, you may get into trouble with rotation or your powerful swings with a twisted wrist that we mentioned before.
To achieve the ideal grip on a gaming controller, it’s important to ensure that both of your fingers are comfortably in contact with each other. Depending on your play style, you may prefer your fingers to be in close contact or to have a slight distance between them.
Whatever your preference, the key is to find what makes you feel relaxed and comfortable for the ultimate gaming experience.
That’s why we summarize that you should play both of them and evaluate each golf grip, and the last step is choosing the best for you.
Other Types of Golf Grips
Depending on the size, there are 5 kinds of Golf Grips that fit other different hand sizes.
The distance from your fingertip to the bottom of your palm helps to determine which size of the grip is the best for golfers.
Junior: This type of grip is best for young golfers or those with smaller hands that are less than 5 inches. It offers the optimal amount of control and comfort, making it ideal for beginning players.
Undersize: For golfers with hands that measure between 5 and 6.5 inches, an undersized grip provides the perfect balance of control and comfort.
Standard: The most common size of the grip, the standard model is ideal for players with hands that measure 6.6 to 7.5 inches in length.
Midsize: With a slightly larger diameter than standard grips, midsize models are designed to provide extra control without sacrificing comfort. Perfect for golfers with hands measuring between 7.6 and 9 inches.
Jumbo: These oversized grips are perfect for players with hands that measure 9 inches or more in length. They provide a secure grip while also helping reduce fatigue and improve accuracy on shots.
You can use this method or the tip we recommended before. It’s better to try each grip if you have them available. In case you are hesitant to decide which golf grip or golf club, you can apply this method.
FAQs
Do Any Tour Pros Use Midsize Grips?
Many tour pros use midsize grips for added control and comfort. Players like Jason Day, Rory McIlroy, and Tiger Woods have all experimented with midsize grips to improve their game.
When Should You Use Midsize Golf Grips?
Midsize golf grips can be beneficial for players with larger hands who need extra cushioning and support, as well as those who prioritize control and accuracy over distance.
Are Smaller Grips Better?
It depends on the player’s preferences. Some players may find that smaller grips provide more control, while others may prefer the added comfort of midsize models. Trying out different grips can help you find what works best for you.
Do Golf Grips Help Accuracy?
Using the right grip for your swing style and hand size can improve accuracy by promoting proper hand placement throughout each swing. Midsize grips may also provide better control due to their larger diameter, which is less likely to rotate in the hands of a player.
How Do I Know If My Golf Grips Are Too Big?
If your grip feels too large in your hands, it may be difficult to release the club properly during your swing. When gripping the club, there should be a small gap between the tips of your thumb and index finger. If this space is absent or too wide, then the grip may be too big for you.
Should I Use The Same Grips On All My Clubs?
It is up to the individual player. Some golfers may prefer different grips for each club – such as a midsize grip on their driver and standard-size grips on their irons and wedges – while others may find comfort in using the same grip type across all clubs.
Are Standard Or Midsize Grips Better?
The answer to this question depends on the individual golfer and their preferences. Standard grips work better for players with smaller hands, while midsize grips provide more control and comfort for those with larger hands. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which style of grip works best for your playing style.
Do Larger Grips Cause A Slice?
Larger grips do not cause a slice. In fact, using the correct size grip for your hand and playing style can actually help improve accuracy and distance off the tee. However, if you are using an incorrect grip size or grip type, then it may affect the accuracy of your shots.
Conclusion
Choosing the right golf grip for your swing and playing style can be a difficult decision. Midsize and standard grips both have their own unique advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before making a purchase. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which type of grip works best for your game. With practice and experimentation, you may find that one size or type of grip works better than the other. We hope this article has helped provide you with the information and guidance to make an informed decision about which golf grip is right for you.
