As golfers, we all know the “taper” style of grip, where the top-end of the grip (closer to the body) is wider than the bottom-end of the grip (closer to the club head).
The tapered grip allows for stability in the top hand, and a faster release of the bottom hand.
Is this the best grip style for putting, though? What if it was reversed, where the top-end of the grip is smaller, and the bottom-end of the grip is larger? Would that allow for more stability throughout the stroke, by restricting movement in the bottom hand?
Well, Golf Pride may have that answer. On Monday, Golf Pride officially announced that its new Reverse Taper line of grips will soon be available in three common styles: Round, Pistol and Flat.
“Within the putter grip category, we observed a trend in which manufacturers were actively trying to design products that removed the hands from the putting process, whereas our research indicates that by optimizing the connection between the hands and grip that players can improve their performance,” said James Ledford, President of Golf Pride, in a press release. “Through hundreds of concept iterations, our innovation team created Reverse Taper, which has tested quite positively with players of all skill levels.”
By flipping the script, Golf Pride says that it can help prevent “micro-levers” in the stroke for greater stability:
“Drawing on 75 years of inspiration, coupled with extensive consumer testing, Golf Pride designed Reverse Taper with a slimmer upper half and wider lower section to help anchor the top hand for stability and reduce tension in the lower hand for smooth acceleration through the stroke,” Golf Pride said in a press release. “Additionally, Reverse Taper prevents micro-levers in the stroke, helping golfers to not flip their wrists at impact.”
With three different grip styles, Golf Pride provided a brief breakdown of what style may be right for your game:
- Round – Universally popular for all hand gripping techniques; features a traditionally round upper section that tapers into a wider lower section
- Pistol – Classic pistol shape to help golfers lock in their upper hand; designed for all and often popular with players who use a left-hand-low technique (right-handed golfer)
- Flat – Slightly more oval shaped upper section; designed for all and often preferred by golfers with a palm-to-palm putting stroke style
Each of the Reverse Taper putter grips are constructed using polyurethane to help ensure the desired softness, texture and weight. The black-red-and-white colorway of the grip comes with design features that help golfers place their hands properly and consistently on the grips.
Golf Pride’s new Reverse Taper putter grips will be available at retail starting on April 15, selling for $29.99 apiece.
See more photos and discussion about the new Reverse Taper grips here
