If you play gloveless, the best golf grips to use must suit your hand size, withstand wear and tear, have the right firmness and surface texture, and also be compatible with your hand condition and the weather. With these in mind, Winn DriTac Wrap grips have so far been the best grip among all tested ones. In this review, you will learn about other alternatives on the market as well.
Playing without gloves has some benefits. You establish dominance over your soft-handed rival, you summon your Vladimir Guerrero spirit while you take every swing, and you don’t get to spend money on gloves. However, you need the proper grip to guarantee firmness and comfort.
Having tested a few of the popular recommendations on the market currently, I have prepared this article to give an extensive review to help you if you’re on the verge of buying a new grip. Hence, you purchase what is best for you.
What’s the Best Golf Grip without a Glove? — Winn DriTac Grips Tops the Chart
For the record, this isn’t a promotional article for Winn DriTac Wrap Grip. My resolve is a product of testing a handful of brands for the purpose of finding the best.
I’ve been playing since I was young, and back in the day, I would always start off the round with a glove on but then forget to put it back on. I would then go on to realize, three holes later, that I hadn’t worn a glove at all. I haven’t worn one in about five years.
After testing a few grips, I stuck with using Winn DriTac Wrap grips, and I’ve never had problems with the grip.
Why I strongly recommend Winn DriTac:
- High shock absorbency
- All-weather performance
- Perfect for powerful swings
P.S.: I live in a climate that’s not as humid as most, so I don’t have to worry about the sweats for much of the golfing season here.
However, the almighty Winn DriTac may not be suitable for golfers who prefer a traditional grip texture. I’ve also tried some Superstroke Traxion wrap grips that are tackier than Winn DriTac, too. So the latter is not for everyone, as it depends on hand condition and budget.
In the rest of this article, I’ll show you the top five grips I’ve tried, how they perform, key features, pros and cons, and price to help you make a more informed decision.
Comparing the Best Golf Grips for Gloveless Players
Golf grips for gloveless players | Why do I recommend | Price |
Winn Dritac Golf Grip | Best overall. High shock absorbency, perfect for those with powerful swings. | $8 to $11 |
Golf Pride MCC Plus4 Golf Grip | Second runner-up. More giant lower hands for better speeds; infused cotton fibers for moisture-wicking. | $12 |
Champkeyy Premium Rubber Golf Grips, 13-Pack | Ribbed pattern for enhanced traction and comes in multiple color options. | $57 |
Golf Pride Z-Grip Cord Golf Grips | Cotton fibers keep your hands from slipping. Allows for constant grip pressure. | $12 |
The SuperStroke Cross Comfort Golf Grip | The best budget-friendly grip for gloveless players is Tacky Outside. | $6 |
Let’s now look into these grips in more detail:
1. Winn Dritac Golf Grip
Key features
- Rubber material
- Classic wrap-style design
- WinnDry polymer provides cushioning, comfort, and non-slip, all-weather performance.
- 50g weight
- High shock absorption
The classic wrap-style design feels fantastic, and with WinnDry polymer, you get cushioning, comfort, and a non-slip, all-weather grip.
Weighing 50g, these grips offer high shock absorption and a tacky yet responsive feel—truly a great value.
The only slight drawback is the delicate nature of re-gripping; a little fumble can cause the top tacky layer to tear.
Despite that, once securely in place, these grips deliver exceptional performance on the course.
What I like about this grip
- Sticky-like finish to the grip
- Better shock absorption; no need for a glove
- It works well in a variety of weather conditions.
- Soft and comfortable feel
What I don’t like about this grip
- It is not the best fit if you prefer a traditional grip texture.
- You have to wash with soapy water every so often.
2. Golf Pride MCC Plus4 Golf Grip
Key features
- Blue/Gray color
- Textured grip
- 0.06kg weight
- Rubber material
- More giant lower hands, all-weather control, and maximum surface texture
If you’re a golfer who tends to favor the “right-handed” swing, these grips will select you. The midsize design, with its reduced taper, suits larger hands perfectly, minimizing the tendency to roll the right wrist during the downswing.
What truly sets the MCC Plus4 apart is its innovative simulation of four additional wraps of tape on the lower hand, promoting lighter grip pressure, reduced tension, and amplified power.
You may even see reasons to replace all your club grips with these gems. The non-taper design ensures a consistent feel, even when choking down on the club.
The only downside, personally, is the limited midsize option; with huge hands, you may have to add a significant number of tape wraps.
Despite this, the performance and feel are so outstanding that it would be a small trade-off for the overall improvement of your game.
What I like about this grip
- Soft rubber with excellent traction
- Microtexture engineering
- Infused cotton fibers for moisture-wicking
What I don’t like about this grip
- It’s not as tacky as the Win DriTap grip, but it’s still a great option.
3. CHAMPKEY Premium Rubber Golf Grips (13 Pack)
Key features
- Black color
- Black (Grips with Kits) grip type
- Midsize
- Rubber material
- Exclusive brushed cotton cord fuses moisture-wicking cotton
The incorporation of two rubber materials in the lower hand grip, creating extra wraps and reducing taper, will significantly improve the swing. The grips provide a lighter grip pressure, alleviating tension in the hands and resulting in more power during swings.
What I love most about these grips is their perfect balance of tackiness without being overly sticky. The feel is fantastic, surpassing the experience with previously tested slick grips.
The kit itself exceeded my expectations in terms of value. It included ample extra strips of tape, more solvent than necessary, and a sturdy, reusable knife. The generosity in supplies, except for the grips themselves, was a pleasant surprise.
Also, as someone mindful of their budget, finding a high-quality alternative to expensive options like the Golfpride Multicompounds can be challenging. Fortunately, these chimney grips offer value without breaking the bank.
What I like about this grip
- Economyfriendlyy option
- A durable rubber compound provides excellent grip security.
What I don’t like about this grip
- Noticeable seams
- Bottom not tapered
4. Golf Pride Z-Grip Cord Golf Grips
Key features
- All-Weather Control, Maximum Surface Texture, Firm Feel
- 57.5 grams in weight
- Round shape
- Midsize
- Moisture-wicking brushed cotton cord for added stability and traction in all conditions.
- The “Z”-shapedZ”-shapedpattern provides superior traction and channels moisture away from the hands.
The Z-Grip Cord stands out as Golf Pride’s firmest cord grip. If you’re a low handicap golfer with a swing speed on the higher side, the Z-Grip’s unique design, featuring two layers of texturing, will provide unparalleled feedback and control.
The deep-shaped texture pattern, winding vertically around the grip, offers exceptional control, while the heavy cord texture ensures effective moisture management.
Having personally experienced various grips, the Z-Grip strikes the perfect balance. It doesn’t strain the hands, yet it delivers outstanding control in any weather condition.
The white end cap and distinctive white body paint fill add a touch of style to the overall design, making it visually appealing.
For golfers who prioritize control without compromising on comfort, the Z-Grip is impressive, making it a wise investment for serious golfers.
While grips are undoubtedly a matter of personal preference, I highly recommend the Z-Grip, especially for those with a lower handicap seeking a grip that provides valuable feedback and control.
It may not be the ideal choice for higher handicaps looking to avoid intense feedback from missed hits.
What I like about this grip
- Perfect for gloveless players who need feel and connection.
- Constant grip pressure is incredible.
- Cotton fibers keep your hands from slipping.
- Great for a variety of weather conditions.
What I don’t like about this grip
- I began to tear up my hands after an extended practice session.
5. SuperStroke Cross Comfort Golf Grip
Key features
- An “X-style” surface texture
- Textured
- Rubber material
- Grip Length is 10.50″
The “X-style” surface texture provides a secure, non-slip feel, and the consistency of the texture throughout the grip is impressive.
Having previously favored the Winn Dritac 2s, I was pleasantly surprised that the SuperStroke grips offered a similar, if not better, feel at nearly half the cost.
Admittedly, the installation process posed a challenge. Unlike some other grips, these require a generous amount of solvent for a smooth application.
It took a few attempts, and I learned the hard way that skimping on solvent could lead to complications. However, once I followed the advice of fellow reviewers, using ample solvent and ensuring a thorough swirl inside the grip before applying it to the tape, I successfully overcame the installation hurdle.
The grips look fantastic, feel amazing, and come at a beautiful price point.
Despite the installation learning curve, the overall value and performance make the SuperStroke Cross Comfort Golf Club Grip a solid choice for any gloveless golfer seeking quality on a budget.
What I like about this grip
- Very squishy and soft.
- It’s a very tacky feeling—not slippery at all.
- Many positive reviews on long-lasting durability
What I don’t like about this grip
- It is more complex than most to get on the shaft.
- For a midsize grip, it was still very skinny.
- No alignment indicator
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Grip for Gloveless Playing
There are many types of golf grips on the market, and choosing is already a challenge.
To help you choose the best golf grips for no-glove use among the best options reviewed, here are the key areas you should have in mind as you shop:
Know the grip type you want.
The types of golf grips generally available are leather, rubber, corded, synthetic, and putter golf grips. You have to decide which of these you want while shopping. Leather grips are all-weather materials and will stand the test of time, which is why many gloveless pros use them. But they are pricey.
Rubber grips are cheaper, offer a decent amount of traction, and are unbeatable across all weathers, but they can lose tackiness despite their initial sticky feel. Conversely, synthetic grips are relatively softer and will work best if you have small hands or sweat a lot during the game.
Speaking of sweaty hands, if your hands also get very rough, then a corded grip is the best fit.
When purchasing a golf grip for a gloveless player, there are several factors you should consider to ensure comfort, performance, and durability. Here’s a breakdown of each element:
Size of the Grip
Grip size is crucial for control and comfort. A grip that is too small can lead to excessive hand action, while one that is too large may inhibit proper hand movement.
Measure your hands to determine the correct size. Standard, midsize, and oversize grips are commonly available. Try different sizes and find the one that feels most comfortable for you.
Condition of your hand
Consider the condition of your skin. If you have sensitive skin or blisters, you might prefer a softer, more cushioned grip. Conversely, if you have calloused hands, a firmer grip might be suitable.
Weather conditions
If you play in various weather conditions, consider the grip’s performance at different temperatures and humidity levels.
Some grips are designed to provide better traction in wet conditions, while others may perform well in dry weather. Choose a grip that suits the climate in which you predominantly play.
Durability and design
Look for grips made from durable materials that resist wear and tear. Rubber and composite materials are famous for their longevity. Consider the grip design. Some grips have patterns or textures that enhance traction and feel. Choose a design that complements your playing style.
Firmness
The firmness of a grip can impact your feel for the club and your shot feedback. Players often have personal preferences for grip firmness.
Experiment with different firmness levels to find the one that suits your playing style. Some players prefer softer grips for added comfort, while others like the feedback provided by firmer grips.
Texture of the surface
Grip texture affects your hold on the club. A more textured surface can provide better traction, especially in damp conditions.
Choose a grip with a texture that feels comfortable in your hands and provides the grip you need for control.
Price
Golf grips come in a wide price range. Consider your budget, but also keep in mind that a higher-quality grip might offer better performance and durability. The average market price for a decent grip, particularly for gloveless players, is around $15, which is a decent amount to throw in for a quality product.