The 5 Best Golf Driver Grips for More Distance and Control
As a golfer, you obsess over launch angles, spin rates, and the latest driver technology. But what about the only part of the club you actually touch? A worn-out, slick, or improperly sized grip can ruin your swing before it even starts. The right grip provides confidence, promotes proper hand pressure, and can be the cheapest way to improve your performance off the tee.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. My recommendations are based on two decades of professional experience and extensive testing. These selections are what I recommend to my own students. This comes at no extra cost to you.
Quick Picks: Top Driver Grips
| Grip Model | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 | The All-Around Standard | View on Amazon |
| 2. Golf Pride MCC Plus4 | All-Weather Hybrid Performance | View on Amazon |
| 3. Winn Dri-Tac 2.0 | Ultimate Comfort & Soft Feel | View on Amazon |
| 4. Lamkin Crossline | Firm Feel & Maximum Traction | View on Amazon |
| 5. SuperStroke Traxion Tour | Reduced Taper & Oversize Options | View on Amazon |
Let’s get into the details. I’ll break down why each of these grips has earned a place in my bag and why one of them is likely the perfect fit for your game.
1. Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360
My Pro Take: The Industry Gold Standard
If you’ve ever bought a driver off the rack, chances are you’ve held a Tour Velvet. There’s a reason it’s the #1 grip on tour and trusted by countless major manufacturers. It’s the perfect baseline. The rubber-blend compound provides moderate surface texture and tackiness, offering a comfortable but connected feel. The “360” design means the pattern is consistent all the way around, which is perfect for drivers with adjustable hosels—you can rotate the shaft without the logo looking out of place. It’s the little black dress of golf grips: it’s never the wrong choice.
Pros
- Time-tested, tour-proven performance
- Excellent blend of comfort and feedback
- 360-degree texture for adjustable clubs
- Durable and long-lasting material
- Affordable and widely available
Cons
- Can get slick in very wet conditions without a glove
- Not as soft or as firm as specialized grips
2. Golf Pride MCC Plus4
My Pro Take: The Best of Both Worlds
The MCC Plus4 is a masterpiece of modern grip design. It’s a hybrid grip. The top portion, where your gloved hand goes, features a brushed cotton cord fused into the rubber. This provides incredible traction and stability in humid or wet conditions. The bottom portion is a softer rubber, giving your feel-oriented trail hand more responsiveness. The “Plus4” technology means the lower part of the grip is built up with four extra wraps of tape, creating a reduced taper. This encourages lighter grip pressure and “quiets” overactive hands, leading to more consistency for many players.
Pros
- Hybrid cord/rubber for all-weather performance
- Reduced taper (Plus4) promotes lighter grip pressure
- Excellent stability and feedback
- Available in multiple colors and sizes
Cons
- Higher price point
- The corded section can be abrasive on bare hands
3. Winn Dri-Tac 2.0
My Pro Take: Unmatched Comfort and Tackiness
For players who prioritize a soft, comfortable feel, the Winn Dri-Tac is in a class of its own. Made from a cushioned polymer material, it feels incredibly tacky and soft to the touch. This makes it a fantastic choice for senior golfers, players with arthritis, or anyone who wants to absorb vibration on mishits. The Dri-Tac material also performs surprisingly well in wet conditions, maintaining its tackiness. The 2.0 version has an improved feel and is more durable than the original. If you find standard rubber grips to be too harsh, this is the grip you need to try.
Pros
- Extremely soft and comfortable feel
- Excellent vibration dampening
- Very tacky texture provides a secure hold
- Performs well in wet weather
Cons
- Not as durable as traditional rubber grips
- The very soft feel may not provide enough feedback for some players
4. Lamkin Crossline
My Pro Take: The King of Firm Feel and Traction
On the opposite end of the spectrum from the Winn Dri-Tac is the Lamkin Crossline. This is a very firm grip, and that’s its superpower. Made from a highly durable synthetic rubber, its signature feature is the dense, tightly-spaced “Crossline” pattern that provides maximum surface traction. Players with high swing speeds and those who prefer a lot of feedback from the clubhead love this grip. It gives you a very secure, locked-in feeling, ensuring there’s no slipping at the top of your swing or at impact. It’s been one of the best-selling grips for over 20 years for a reason.
Pros
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Firm feel provides excellent feedback and control
- High-traction pattern for a secure hold
- Great price point for the performance
Cons
- The firm feel can be harsh for players with sensitive hands
- Doesn’t absorb much vibration on mishits
5. SuperStroke Traxion Tour
My Pro Take: Maximum Comfort with Minimal Taper
SuperStroke revolutionized the putter grip world, and they’ve brought that same philosophy to their swing grips. The Traxion Tour’s defining feature is its “No Taper Technology,” which minimizes the size difference between the upper and lower portions of the grip. Like the MCC Plus4, this encourages even hand pressure and prevents the lower hand from becoming too active. The grip has a soft, tacky polyurethane outer layer over a firm rubber core, providing both comfort and stability. The “Traxion Control” surface texture adds another layer of grip. It’s a fantastic option for players who like a larger feel in their trail hand.
Pros
- “No Taper” design promotes even grip pressure
- Soft, tacky outer layer is very comfortable
- Firm inner core provides torsional stability
- Available in a range of sizes, including Jumbo
Cons
- The larger profile may not suit players with small hands
- Some traditionalists may not like the feel
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change my golf grips?
As a rule of thumb, you should regrip your clubs once a year or every 40 rounds, whichever comes first. If you practice a lot, you may need to do it more often. Oils from your hands, sweat, and UV rays break down the grip over time, even if it doesn’t look worn out.
Will a new driver grip really make a difference?
Absolutely. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your game. A fresh, properly sized grip allows you to hold the club with less tension, leading to more clubhead speed and a more consistent release. It can immediately improve your confidence over the ball.
Can I install my own grips?
Yes, it’s a relatively simple DIY project. You’ll need a hook blade, grip solvent, double-sided grip tape, and a vise clamp. There are many great tutorial videos online. However, if you’re not comfortable, your local golf shop or pro can do it for you quickly and for a small fee.
Final Thoughts: Your Connection to the Club
Your grip is the lifeblood of your golf swing. It’s the conduit through which you feel the clubhead and transfer energy to the ball. Stop treating it as an afterthought. Investing a small amount of time and money to find the right grip for your driver will pay huge dividends in confidence, control, and ultimately, more enjoyable tee shots.
