Everything You Need to Know for Choosing the Perfect Golf Grip Tape

Updated: 12/12/2023

As any golfer knows, a good grip is key to a good game. Different hand sizes and/or preferences require different types of grips, and the type of grip you use can make or break your score. So, how do you know what golf grip tape is best for your golf game?

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the different types of grip tape available and help you decide which one is right for you. We’ll also provide tips on applying it properly so you can start shaving strokes off your game!

Key Takeaways:

• Choose the Double-Sided Tape: The double-sided tape is the recommended golf grip tape and is available in a 36-yard roll or individual strips, depending on your needs.
• Width Choice: The grip tape is available in 2-inch or ¾-inch width. Both work fine, but the technique for using ¾-inch tape requires a bit of practice.
• Solvent vs. Water-Based Activation: While both types of activation have their advantages, solvent-based activation is the preferred option for most golfers. It is quicker, more efficient, and does not require soap or extended drying time. However, safety precautions are necessary when working with solvent-based liquids.

What tape is used for golf grips?

This is a loaded question with a few differing views. Let’s start with the simple answer… Double-sided tape is the golf grip tape of choice. It’s loaded because you can find forums of golfers who claim:

• Just use an air compressor and masking tape
• If you can’t duct it… You know the rest
• Painters Tape
• Golf grip tape is unnecessary, except for the edge to slip the grip onto the shaft.

Using air seems to be the most popular choice, and if you have an air compressor already, it’s worth trying. However, I’m not suggesting you run out and buy one just to change your old grips.

Related: Best Golf Terms

Golf Grip Tape 101

While there is definite room to argue which method is the best style for golf club regripping, for the purpose of this article, we’re going to focus on the double-sided tape. Also, keep in mind when purchasing golf grip tape, you have a few choices:

• Amount of tape you purchase
• The size of the width of the tape
• Solvent or water-based activation.

Should you buy a roll or strips?

Depending on the amount of golf grip tape you need, the two most popular options you can purchase are either a 36-yard roll or individual strips sold in a package. The roll is the better choice if you plan on changing lots of grips, either for yourself or friends and family. The individual strips are the better option if you only plan on doing your set or have a handful of clubs in the bag.

Does size matter in width for grip grip tape?

The two choices you have in width size of grip tape is either 2 inch or ¾ inch. Both work just fine, although I will say developing the spiral spin technique took me some time compared to the double wrap (that’s for laying the tape without a single crease). The video below shows the technique needed when using ¾ inch tape.

Source: GolfSmith

Chemicals or Water?

As long as I can remember, I have always used paint thinner (mineral spirits), so you can say I prefer solvent-based tape. Yes, I’m aware of the dangers of inhaling volatile liquids and the fire risk (And you should be too while doing this job).

However, I personally despise the water-based tape. Good luck if you don’t use a little dishwashing soap with the water-activated tape. But if you use the soap, just go ahead and make plans for the next 24 hours that do not include swinging the club(s) because that is how long it MIGHT take to dry.

Regardless, with the solvent-style tape, you’re not subjected to only paint thinner. You can also use lighter fluid or a special golf grip solvent. The choice is yours. Just make sure you reuse the liquid for the most use and be safe when using these liquids.

Related: Golf Tournament Formats

What does the liquid do to the Golf Grip Tape?

Instead of me trying to reword something creatively, check out this screenshot from GolfWrx. HateTheHighDraw nailed this point, and I don’t think it could be said any better.

 

Golf grip tape to build up the grips… You betcha!

While it’s definitely cheaper to build up the grips with masking tape (and recommended), you can use double-sided tape. Now, here’s where I would advise you to have the 2-inch tape regardless of whether you are using masking or golf grip tape.

Actually, I would advise you to buy the correct size grip needed, i.e., mid-size or jumbo/oversize, strip the shaft down of the old residue, and throw the new bad boy on there. When you start building up the grips with tape, depending on how technical you want to get, there are calculations that must be considered.

For instance, a quick rule of thumb is three strips of 2-inch tape applied to the shaft builds a standard-size grip up to a midsize (remember, this is a down & dirty reference since I’m not getting into a .580 vs .600 butt diameter).

Plus, putting a standard grip on built-up tape will stretch the rubber and shorten the life of the grip. This isn’t a major problem, and I don’t want to fearmonger, but it is factual and needs to be stated.

Related: Golf Wedges Explained

With that being said, I’ve built up thousands of grips in my career and haven’t had anyone complain that I shortened their grips life.

Fun Fact… did you know the old Golf Pride Tour Wraps could fit onto the TaylorMade Bubble shafts from the 90s? I mean, they only lasted 1 season, at best. But hey, they went on… with a gallon of solvent and that grip expander thingy.

Let’s Tape It Up?

Hopefully, your questions have been answered regarding what tape is used for golf grips and which kind of liquid to use. Of course, if you still have some questions or feel I didn’t explain something well enough, leave a comment below, and I’ll be more than happy to address it.

As stated initially, regripping golf clubs is pretty easy… if you have the right tools. Golf grip tape and either solvent or water are essential to do the job! Pick up your 36-yard roll or strips.