There's nothing like the feel of a new grip but how much of a difference does a new grip make over an older worn grip?
To test this out we got four clubs, 2 Miura MB001 6 irons and 2 Miura Black 52 degree wedges. One 6 iron with a new grip, one with an old grip and one 52 degree with a new grip and one with an old grip.
The new grips were Golf Pride Tour Velvet and the old grips were Miura cord grips.
The specifications of both 6 irons were Miura MB 001, loft 30 degrees, lie 60 degrees, length 37.5 inches, Dynamic Gold S300 shafts. Both grips were the same size.
The specifications of the 52 degree wedges were Miura Black Wedges, loft 52, lie angles - the new grip was 63 degrees, old grip 62 degrees, length 35.5 inches, Dynamic Gold S300 shaft. Both grips were the same size
15 shots were hit with each of the four clubs and the results were recorded on a Trackman launch monitor. 5 shots with a new grip, then 5 shots with an old grip and repeated until 15 shots were hit with each. The club was switched after 5 shots so as not to get too used to anyone of the grips. Conditions were a nice late Summer's evening with temperatures around 18 degrees Celsius and little or no wind.
Let's have a look of the results.
| Carry (Yards) | Overall (Yards) | Club Head Speed MPH | Ball Speed MPH | Side Distance Feet | |
| New Grip 6 iron | 158.4 | 165.2 | 87.6 | 117.8 | 15.61 |
| Old Grip 6 iron | 154.3 | 161.4 | 85.9 | 115.3 | 17.46 |
| New Grip 52 degree | 96.9 | 103.5 | 76.2 | 80.1 | 12.625 |
| Old Grip 52 degree | 94.5 | 100.2 | 73.8 | 78.3 | 4.98 |
Analysis
The main difference between the new grips and old grips is the increase in club head speed from old to new. The new grip on the 6 iron leads to a club head speed of 87.6 mph an increase of 1.7 mph over the old grip. The new grip on the 52 leads to a club head speed of 76.2 mph an increase of 2.4 mph over the old grip.
The increase in club head speed causes an increase in ball speed and as a result further carry and further over all distance. The new grip leads to 4.1 yards more carry and 3.8 yards more overall distance with the 6 iron. The new grip leads to 2.4 yards more carry and 3.3 yards more overall distance with the 52.
The new grip on the 6 iron is more accurate about 2 feet on average closer to the target line. However the new grip on the 52 is less accurate then the old grip, 12.625 feet from the target line compared to 4.98 feet with the old grip. However this can be traced to the difference in lie angle between the two. The new grip 52 is 63 degrees lie angle and one degree more upright then the old grip 52. This causes a more right to left ball flight and nearly 8 feet less accuracy. This shows the importance of the correct lie angle for accuracy and a great subject for another blog post!
Conclusion
New grips lead to longer shots! If your grips are shiny change them. You'll hit the ball further. Golf Pride, Lamkin, Winn and others have a great selection of grips. Drop by to your local PGA Club Professional or here to Drive Golf Performance and your grips can be changed while you wait leading to longer and straighter shots the next time you play!
Comments and questions are always welcome.
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