The evolution of a knock-off

[mvhoffman]

I didn't know how to title this because of the confusing nature of the story so I did the best I could.  Long story short is I purchased the wrong size Lamkins and needed/wanted new.  I purchased +1/16 Lamkins when I really wanted +1/32.  Not a huge difference, but to me it was noticeable.  I did not want to spend a ton and needed them quick so amazon is where this started.  I found a set on amazon under $30 that looked good and figured, why not.  Cheap knock offs but for the time being, it will work.  Well I can say I am absolutely shocked at how nice these grips are.  The brand is named Crestgolf. 

 

I didn't give it much thought when ordering, but when I got them but then when they came I thought to myself, wow... I've had these before a long time ago.  I am going to go out on a limb by saying this but this design went from a "cheap" grip to a "brand" grip to a "knock off" grip... Is this the evolution?  See picture below...

 

So there are minor cosmetic differences between the 3 models, but I can't rightfully call my new set (which I am VERY impressed with) a knock off or counterfeit grip due to the history before you.  Is it possible that all the grips (all made in China) are from the same plant/factory?  I remember the BW grips to be $10 a grip when they first came out followed quickly by the $0.99 closeout specials on Golfsmith.  Good grips but competing directly in the same time period when the NDMC grips first were "introduced" by GP.  The SS Tx1 followed a few years ago but was quickly squashed when the MCC+4 was released.  Looking at the website, all of the non-WINN style appear to be modeled from the BW grips.... interesting.

 

Well, I'm hoping these Crestgolf grips hold up as I really like the feel and performance so far(only hit a few balls).

 

Just going to throw this in here since I mentioned knock off and counterfeit.... which one is the knock off 🙂

[the bishop]

any time i see black widow grips i wanna vomit.  🤮

[sociojeje]

I wanted to try super stroke putter grip or any thick grip.  Bought a few $ knockoff and actually kept it in my putter... 

[AcesAndHoles]

Nice find. Hope they saved you some $ and play as well as you expect. 

[dugue4]

I had bought crest golf grips too.  I like them but they are wearing rather quickly.

[MattM97]

I've heard knockoff grips look nice until you get some mileage on them then they just fall apart. Like some crumble, split, get super tacky/slimy, etc. I do hope they work but some are just not worth the savings. 

[Hougz79]

I accidentally ordered counterfeit MMC Align's off Ebay a couple winters ago.  They wore noticeably quicker and the rubber turned hard and slick within about 2 months of use.  I should have know the price was too good to be true.  

[mvhoffman]

I've always been opposed to buying them, but if these hold up 1/2 as good as the "brand name" grips for 1/4-1/3 of the price, I may buy more

[ChipNRun]

Caution: do not confuse budget, offbrand grips with counterfeits.

 

Golf Pride MMC Plus4 grips often go for $10 each. Let's say Bingo Z grips in my basement that only cost $4.

 

Golf Pride MMCs are more expensive because they are more durable, upgrade with cutting edge research, and must pay royalties to pro golfers that use them.

 

Bingo grips are less durable, use an unchanging construction plan for several years, and don't have to pay royalties to pro golfers.

 

Bingo grips are budget grips. Nothing wrong with them, I'm up front with what I'm offering.

 

Golf Plus XMM4 grips for $6 would be knock meant to look highly similar to the MMC grips.  Golf Pride MMC grips that sell for $5 and wear out after a month would be counterfeits, passed off as the true MMC Plus4 grips.

[MtlJeff]

I still have black widows on my Eye2s, they aren't half bad for a cheap grip

[Matic]

I’ve found Karma golf grips to be the best value over the years. About $2 a grip for their standard tour velvet style. 
 

Going to try some of the cheap cord grips off Amazon for my next build. 

Edited April 10, 2021 by Matic

[bubbagump]

43 minutes ago, Matic said:

I’ve found Karma golf grips to be the best value over the years. About $2 a grip for their standard tour velvet style. 
 

Going to try some of the cheap cord grips off Amazon for my next build. 

 

My bro in law uses Karma too, and they have held up very well.  Anybody looking for really low priced options that hold up should check them out.  

[brkuck]

People tend to get budget/knock-off and counterfeit mixed in too many times, and it gives the budget/knock-off brands a bad name.  They have their place for the budget minded consumer, and have been for decades.  There are a ton of them out there and, overall, they seem to do a good job of knowing where they stand in the game and dont try to be something that they are not.  

[Skhacker]

15 hours ago, bubbagump said:

 

My bro in law uses Karma too, and they have held up very well.  Anybody looking for really low priced options that hold up should check them out.  

Karma grips are great. I use them when I can't find midsize Lamkin Crosslines as the Karma can always be found. 

[mvhoffman]

UPDATE...

Played yesterday for the first time with these Crestgolf grips. Halfway thru the round I ordered another set just to have. These are possibly the best “rubber” grips I’ve had in a long time, maybe ever. 
 

the corded section lets you know the cord is there by the enhanced grip, but they do not kill your hands and/or glove. 
 

extremely impressed with these budget grips. Hopefully they hold up 

[ChipNRun]

On 4/9/2021 at 6:55 AM, the bishop said:

any time i see black widow grips i wanna vomit.  🤮

 

And your point is....

 

Black Widow grips are a midprice group of grips which were carried from 2011 to 2016 in the GolfWorks components catalog. GolfWorks is one of the largest distributors of golf grips in the world.

 

Now Black Widow gets sold primarily through assorted eBay vendors.

 

bishop, do you have some specific complaint against BW grips?

[jj9000]

Funny that there is a Sharpo and a Golf pride MCC in the picture.

 

Which one is the knockoff?

 

Not the one you think.