Full Answer
Why do I need grip tape on my golf clubs?
It really comes down to the overall weighting of the club and how you want it to feel in your hands. For those who are unaware or maybe never heard the term “tape wraps,” there’s usually a single layer of grip tape (most are double-sided) underneath the grips on all your clubs.
What is water-activated grip tape and how does it work?
In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, the golf industry has developed water-based solutions, which require the use of water-activated grip tape. Plain water and water-soap mixtures also activate this type of grip tape. Water is a great solution when working in an area that doesn't provide proper ventilation.
What is the best way to apply grip tape?
I’ve also watched some clubfitters use compressed air to apply grips. That technique works nicely, and the sound it makes is hilarious. See what I mean here. The best way to apply grip tape solvent is to add it to the inside of the grip first.
How many wraps of tape should be on a driver grip?
For instance, Bubba Watson’s driver grip has 15 wraps of tape under the bottom half and 13 wraps under the top half. This is an extreme case, but it still highlights the importance of understanding what you’re trying to accomplish when you’re adding tape to a standard grip.
What is a grip build up?
Adding extra layers of grip tape to the shaft while installing a grip will increase the diameter which the grip will go over. Whether it’s one, two, or more extra layers of tape on the shaft when the grip is installed, the rubber grip will stretch over the tape, thus making the grip larger.
Reasons for building up your grip
Whether it’s a feel preference or for shot performance, here are a few reasons why golfers add this specific item to their installation spec sheet.
How do I build up the grip with tape?
If you are taking your clubs to your trusted golf shop or course to change the grips, tell them how many extra wraps of tape you would like and they will know what to do.
How much tape do you need to install a grip?
To install a grip, you need at least 1 wrap of grip tape to match the stated size of the grip. This means there is one layer of tape that goes around (and does not overlap) the grip, regardless of the size of the grip.
Why do you need solvent for club grips?
Solvent is needed to both lubricate as well as activate (the stickiness of) the tape so that when dry, the tape will adhere to the inside of the grip. We recommend using a generous amount of solvent to avoid the grip getting stuck halfway. Many club-builders allow the solvent to drip into a pan so they can re-use it again.
How to use double sided tape?
When using double-sided grip tape, make sure to first peel the backing off of the tape. BOTH sides of the tape are sticky. If you leave the wax paper on one side, the tape may not adhere properly to the grip.
Can you use tape solvent in grip kits?
Yes, you can! We sell tape solvent (made by Brampton Technologies) in all our grip kits. But you should know that this solvent is actually NOT the most effective liquid for re-gripping. We use it and sell it here because it is the only one safe enough to meet all California environmental regulations (where our company is based).
RJRJRJ
So if you can blow on and off without tape, is there anything to stop me from using some type of lubricant to slide a tapeless grip on and not have it slip later on?
Rohlio
I blow them on to masking tape or bare shafts, because I like to experiment a lot.
RJRJRJ
So if you can blow on and off without tape, is there anything to stop me from using some type of lubricant to slide a tapeless grip on and not have it slip later on?
Step 1
Measure the length of the grip you plan to install. Mark the measurement on the shaft of the club with a marker.
Step 3
Apply the tape lengthwise to the shaft so the is half-inch of excess tape extends from the butt of the shaft. Begin to smooth the tape over and around the shaft, but do not wrap in all the way around the shaft.
Step 4
Peel off the protective top layer of the tape. Finish wrapping the tape around the shaft. Twist the excess tape at the top and push it into the shaft to seal the end.
How to apply grip tape solvent?
The best way to apply grip tape solvent is to add it to the inside of the grip first. Then, swish it around so it covers the inside completely (the guys in the videos I’ve linked to above both do this, so don’t miss it), then drizzle the solvent out of the grip over the grip tape. This both applies solvent to the grip and grip tape, and actually reduces the amount of solvent you use. And prevents the dreaded half-stick grip which almost always means you have to cut it off and start again with a new grip.
How much does it cost to regrip a golf club?
Some of the tools you'll need to regrip your clubs. Regripping your clubs can be expensive. Most clubfitters charge somewhere in the neighborhood of $2 to $3 to regrip each club, which is a pretty good payday for what takes probably 2-3 minutes per club to do.
What are Tour Velvet Plus 4 grips?
As you can see by the photo, I’m installing Golf Pride’s Tour Velvet Plus 4 grips onto my irons. These grips are called “Plus 4” because the lower hand region of the grip is built thicker to feel as though there are four wraps of tape underneath. Depending on what your preference is, you may want one or several layers of tape under your grips, either on the whole grip or the upper or lower areas. For me, even though I’m using midsized Tour Velvet Plus 4s, I still want two layers of tape under the whole grip.
Is grip tape toxic?
Just be sure to apply it the full length of your grip, and cover the butt end completely. Grip solvent is the right choice, and generally is non-toxic and works well enough. Ryan Noll.
Why do you put more tape on oversized grips?
On the flip side, adding more tape to the grip is going to stretch the walls of the rubber, giving it a firmer feel.
How many wraps of tape does a driver grip have?
For instance, Bubba Watson’s driver grip has 15 wraps of tape under the bottom half and 13 wraps under the top half.
Does adding wraps to a golf club make it heavier?
Adding wraps will make the handle of the club heavier, which will no doubt alter swing weight. So if you’ve always played a heavier swing weight, adding more mass to the handle will completely alter the overall feel. A rule of thumb is more wraps of tape should be used if you prefer a lighter swing weight; fewer wraps should be employed ...
What type of grip tape is used in golf?
Water. In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, the golf industry has developed water-based solutions, which require the use of water-activated grip tape. Plain water and water-soap mixtures also activate this type of grip tape.
How to replace golf grips?
The process of replacing golf grips includes placing tape on the golf shaft, and then lubricating the tape with solvent in order to deactivate the tape's adhesive. The solvent mixes with the adhesive, creating a slippery surface that allows the grip to slide over the tape.
What solvent to use to install golf grips?
Mineral Spirits. You can also use mineral spirits, found in any hardware store, to install your golf grips. This solvent is inexpensive, but if you use it indoors, you should be sure you have proper ventilation.
Can you use nail polish remover on golf grips?
Nail polish remover with acetone isn't the first thing you think of when installing golf grips, but it's ability to deactivate the adhesive on the tape makes it a good choice. While not quite as potent as commercial grip solution or even mineral spirits, nail polish remover has fewer fumes and doesn't require the same level of ventilation. It can be a more expensive option, but if you are replacing only one or two grips, this solvent will do the job.
