softer grips for less pain?

[shankz]

I'm on a mission to reduce shock on my elbows, wrist, and fingers since it has been a lingering problem ever since I started playing golf. Love the lamkin cords but will a softer grip noticibly help?

[KYMAR]

I am sure you can find a grip that will help some compared to the very firm cord's. I am not sure how much though. especially the elbow pain. Do you hit off range mats often? That was an issue for me, once I stopped, all pain ceased.

I can suggest the Winn Dri-tek. Very soft, nice and tacky. I have one that came on a used club I bought. Not my style at all. But if i was dealing with pain in joints it would be among my first choices.

Also from Winn is the excel soft. Little more old school but durable and soft.

[shankz]

Thx, im going to check some out but I remember not liking the squishy Winn grips. Just not sure if the cords hinder dampening to a point where changing to a softer grip will significantly help.

[KYMAR]

Totally agree, too squishy. That's actually the perfect word for them. I've played the basic Black Widow's in white which are similar to a crossline (non cord) and they were a nice blend of firm feel but seemed to reduce shock to the hands. I don't think they are designed to do that per se but i noticed it.

[Stuart_G]

I've personally never found much difference or reduction in pain issues by just changing grips. The best solution for such pain is graphite shafts - however, the prosoft inserts are a very easy and inexpensive way to provide some relief w/o changing shafts. Not quite as good as graphite but they can make a positive difference.

[Shambles]

My elbows feel the impact more when I use very stiff shafts. Actually, my whole body feels the impact more when I use very stiff shafts.


Shambles

[hobbygolfer]

For pain reduction, you should either try Lamkin 3Gen or Lamkin ACE Crossline. The material itself is really good in the vibration dampening department, they don't feel squishy like the Winn DriTac grips and work well in all weather conditions.

Regards,
Michael

[3putt-5]

I think the grip can offer some level of help to you, however the more shock absorption it offers the softer and more squishy the grip will feel. I think you would get more benefit from either a shaft insert such as the ProSoft or Sensicore or switching to graphite. Lots of folks have switched to a shaft like the SteelFibers or Recoils and reported relief for elbow pain. Also as previously suggested, I would avoid hitting off mats if at all possible.

[nando]

Maybe try the Levitee golf glove?

http://www.gettheglove.com/

[knudson81]

A few years ago I tried SO MANY grips when my shoulder got tendinitis. Cords, standard, soft wraps, Winns, and none of them worked. Switching to graphite shafts made the difference in pain.

[Lord Helmet]

+1 on 3putts post.

[turnbowm]

+1 for Lamkin 3Gen grips... good shock/vibration reduction without being mushy.

[misplacedtexan83]

I would say dri tacs light....maybe a little bigger size and look at graphite shaft. The clubs will be lighter and less vibrations.. Or you could get the cushin inserts as well.

[PeanutsDaddy]

Was having similar issues and switched to graphite shafts over a decade ago. Initially struggled with the difference in weight, but have adjusted. I recently installed superstroke pressure zone grips on my irons and wedges and they have reduced the fatigue in my hands (also have lightened my grip pressure). They have a feel similar to a Winn grip, but have a non-tapered design. Golfworks Canada had a sale and I was able to purchase 6 for the price of 12 grips ($39.50). It was an inexpensive experiment and I am happy with the results. I have Lamkin Ace Crosslines on my woods. They are tacky and softer than the NDMC that I used to play. Slightly firmer feel than the Pressure zones, but solid all-around performer.

Good luck in the quest. It is definitely not fun to play in discomfort. If you are unsure you could install a few different grips, play for a month and then make a final choice.

[shankz]

Thx for all the insight, keeping the cords and changing to a softer shaft. I've been letting myself go the last few years and decided to play more golf to lose some weight and improve cardio. Tuning up my tools for that purpose. God bless, stay healthy, and indulge in moderation.

[Don W]

Switched to crossline tour grips (no longer made, but softest grips I could find that were not squishy) they helped a little I think, but not enough. Bought a set of graphite irons and pain free ever since. It was an old elbow injury for me, it was getting to the point I could only play once a week, after graphite shaft switch I have played every day for a week straight with out issue (normal is 3 rounds a week now).