Best Putter Grip | WinnPro X Review

How We Researched Putter Grips of 2024

Our team is committed to bringing you objective, trustworthy, and fact-based reviews coming  from firsthand experiences. I was personally on a journey to find a new putter grip for a fantastic gift from my uncle - Bettinardi Mizuno BCS Black Carbon putter. Well alright uncle! Now I need to find a grip for this beautiful putter. 

While selecting the best putter grip of 2024, I was examining a few key details for selecting the best putter grip: durability, high quality materials, and feel. Someone else on this same journey of finding a putter grip may prioritize other characteristics, details, and points of value. This game has players with a wide variety of preferences, and the following views represent mine as it relates to the best putter grip I personally used.

I considered over 50 putter grips before selecting my favorite and the best putter grip. I putted with several variations in size, brand, characteristics, details, and qualities. I swapped putters for grips and grips for putters. Needless to say, I held myself to a high standard for selecting my personal grip. It was a fun and insightful process since there are so many variations of putter grips that can serve a super wide variety of preferences.

The following grip, the WinnPro X Putter Grip is what I personally use with my Bettinardi putter. I absolutely love it and it is my selection for the Best Putter Grip in 2024.

WinnPro X Putter Grip Review

Best Putter Grip of 2024

Exploring the Background and Inception of Winn Grips in Sports

History of Winn Grips

Winn Grips was founded by Dr. Ben Huang, who initially began his professional career as an aerospace engineer in the 1960s. He worked under Dr. Wernher Von Braun to develop the Saturn V rocket, which eventually took astronaut Neil Armstrong to the moon. Later, Dr. Huang was invited by the Georgia Institute of Technology to establish a Graduate School of Aerospace Engineering, producing 16 Ph.D. graduates during his tenure.

He then shifted to sports. Dr. Huang's love for sports, particularly tennis, led him to explore the potential of polymer materials to improve tennis balls, racket strings, and grips. After a challenging week at the Golf Digest Academy in Silverado, California, where he struggled with slippery grips, Dr. Huang was inspired to design a better grip for golfers. He realized the potential of polymer materials in creating superior grips.

Winn Grips is recognized as a pioneer in sports technology as the first manufacturer to introduce premium polymer golf grips to golfers. The company's pursuit of technologically advanced golf grips mirrored its pioneering efforts in other sports equipment like fishing rods, tennis, and bicycle grips and wraps. Winn's patented polymer and design technologies have brought superior shock absorption, all-weather slip resistance, and enhanced feel to various sports.

In the 1970s, Dr. Huang developed Winn tennis balls and later introduced synthetic tennis strings. By 1980, Winn's synthetic polymer tennis grips revolutionized the sport, marking a significant shift from leather to synthetic grips. In 1996, Winn introduced its first golf grip, "The Classic," using Elastom ETM technology. Over the years, Winn Grips gained prominence in the golf world, with endorsements from notable figures like Butch Harmon, a renowned swing coach who has worked with golf greats like Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods. Winn Grips expanded its product line to include fishing rod grips, providing unprecedented control, comfort, and performance in various weather conditions.

Winn Grips has introduced innovative products, such as the Dri-Tac Lite grips, which offer tacky, all-weather playability, and the NTP putter grip with a consistent no-taper unique pistol profile. For me, the tackiness of the grips has always been a signature feature and detail. That quality is what drew me to the Winn grips from the very beginning and also is the same reason I have stuck around for so long as a brand loyalist to Winn.

Winn Putter Grips

Winn Putter Grips & Design

Winn grips are made using multiple polymer compounds, which are tackier and more comfortable than traditional rubber. This is the foundation on which the entire company was founded and you will still find this maximization of polymer compounds to benefit your putting experience. Each polymer is formulated to achieve different firmness, texture, and weight to cater to the needs of various golfers.

Winn putter grips are known for their less tapered profile and increased shock absorption, leading to improved performance. The technology offers better control, lighter grip pressure, and multiple grip designs and styles. The reason the less tapered profile is a fundamental feature and highlight of WInn putter grips is because the aim is to reduce wrist noise and inflection that will lead to poor results. The goal here is to keep your hands perfectly situated allowing the putter face to make square contact towards your desired target. All of that starts with the putter grip.

Sizes of Winn Putter Grips

• Jumbo Winn Putter Grips: Popular among golfers of all levels, they offer enhanced feel and control. The DriTac Jumbo Pistol putter grip is one of Winn's best-selling jumbo grips.
• Midsize Winn Putter Grips: Suitable for a vast majority of golfers. The Dritac AVS midsized grips provide additional shock absorption and high levels of comfort.
• Other Sizes: Winn's website offers three grip sizes for putters: Long 21-inch round, Pro pistol standard size, and Midsized pistol trip line firm. Additionally, there are oversized and jumbo options available on other platforms.

Why Winn is Considered a Quality Brand of Putter Grips

1. Reputation: Winn putter grips are considered among the best in the game, suitable for both recreational and elite players. In my mind, this reputation goes back decades.
2. Performance: The grips offer better control, lighter grip pressure, and improved performance. The choice of grip can make a significant difference in shot execution. I've almost always noticed an immediate improvement in my game on a club by club basis when switching to Winn grips.
3. Innovation: Winn was the first manufacturer to introduce premium polymer golf grips. Their pioneering efforts in grip technology have set them apart in the industry.
4. Comfort and Durability: Winn grips are designed to reduce stress on hands and body, enabling golfers to lighten grip pressure, increase control, and enhance accuracy and distance. They are also built to last, with regular players finding that the grips remain effective for at least a year with frequent play.
5. Maintenance: Winn grips are easy to clean and maintain. Regular cleaning ensures longevity and consistent performance.

WinnPro X Putter Grip

Our Top Pick for Putter Grip of 2024

The WinnPro X 1.60" putter grip has an extreme oversized feel with minimal tapering, which helps eliminate wrist movement during the stroke. It features a slick, modern, and that patented tacky design with attractive silver accents. The grip is made from a comfortable polymer material that is very tacky, providing a confident grip on every putt. I also feel as though the quality of the grip enhances my confidence on the putting green personally. As always, I offer that as a subjective difference I notice and not everyone may have the same experience.

Product Specifications:

• Model Number: WPX60-DG
• Grip Style: WinnPro X 1.60"
• Colorway: Black
• Grip Size: 1.60" Diameter
• Core Size: 0.590
• Firmness: Comfort
• Shock Absorption: Medium
• Material: Excel
• Texture: Medium
• Profile: Paddle
• Weight: 98g

Pros & Cons: WinnPro X Putter Grip

Pros:

• Amazing feel and balance in the hands
• The oversized design and minimal tapering help eliminate wrist movement, leading to more consistent putting.
• The tacky Excel polymer material offers unparalleled feel and ultimate comfort.
• Slip-resistant in all weather conditions due to the polymer technology.
  

Con:

• At times, the grip is difficult to get in and out of a golf stand bag

WinnPro X is the Best Overall Putter Grip of 2024

The WinnPro X 1.60" putter grip is designed for golfers who prefer an oversized grip with minimal tapering. I can also say that this group, despite that it is oversized, is a good entry point for golfers using smaller sizes and interested in the benefits of an oversized putter grip. Its unique polymer material offers a tacky feel, ensuring a confident grip in all weather conditions. The grip aims to reduce wrist movement during strokes, leading to more consistent putting. While the grip has many advantages, golfers should consider their personal preferences and playing style when choosing a putter grip. For Planet Divot, the WinnPro X takes the cake as our top selection as the best putter grip.

Types, Sizes, and Brands of Putter Grips

Golf putter grips are a crucial element of a golfer's equipment, influencing comfort, control, and the overall putting stroke. We've compiled a comprehensive outline of the different types, sizes, brands, materials, and notable players associated with golf putter grips below for you. Selecting your optimal putter grip is a process with many considerations, and as you test out what works best, you will find a plethora of sizes, brands, materials, and options available for purchase. Take your time and choose a putter grip that fits your game comfortably.

Types of Golf Putter Grips:

• Standard Putter Grip: Around 1 inch in diameter, made of rubber or synthetic materials, offers a traditional feel.
• Oversized Putter Grip: Larger than 1.25 inches in diameter, reduces wrist action, enhances stroke stability.
• Pistol Putter Grip: Tapers from a larger top to a smaller bottom, good for control and wrist alignment.
• Counterbalance Putter Grip: Heavier at the top, increases putter stability.
• Split Putter Grip: Positions hands apart, promotes a pendulum-like stroke.
• Integrated Putter Grip: Built into the shaft, offers a direct feel.
• Non-Tapered Putter Grip: Consistent diameter, even grip pressure, minimizes wrist movement.
• Customizable Putter Grip: Adjustable weights, size, and shape for a personalized setup.
• Corded Putter Grip: Textured with cords, ideal for humid conditions.
• Ergonomic Putter Grip: Contours to hand shape, comfortable and reduces strain.

Putter Grip Sizes Available

• Standard grips are typically around 1 inch in diameter.
• Oversized grips are usually 1.25 inches or larger.
• Other grips vary in size, such as the split grip or the integrated grip, which is built directly into the putter shaft.

Brands That Offer Putter Grips:

• Super Stroke
• Flat Cat Golf
• Lamkin
• Golf Pride
• Winn
• PING
• JumboMax
• Sweet Rollz Golf
• Pure Grips
• Odyssey
• Rosemark
  

Materials Used in Putter Grips:

• Rubber: Typically softer and provides more grip.
• Cord: Offers enhanced traction, especially in humid or wet conditions.
• Leather: Provides a traditional feel.
• Synthetic Materials: Offer various levels of grip and feel.
  

Players and Their Grips:

• Colin Morikawa used the SuperStroke Traxion Tour 1.0 putter grip during his victory at The Open Championship.
• SuperStroke ambassadors include Jordan Spieth, Sergio Garcia, and putting coach Phil Kenyon.
• Lydia Ko has won major championships using Rosemark's "tension free" grips.

Choosing the right putter grip depends on personal preference, hand size, and putting style, with each type offering distinct advantages. Professional players often have sponsorships with grip brands that reflect their trust in the equipment's performance under pressure