As we all know, golf can be a very expensive sport. I know I try to save some money wherever possible to get the best possible values for golf grips as well as saving a few arguments with the wife. Is there any advantages to “golf grip” tape or is it just regular double sided masking tape branded as golf grip tape to bump up the price?
The type of tape you use does not really matter (avoid carpet tape), anything from standard double sided tape to painters tape works great. I last bought a roll of golf tape because it works better for me, will last me years, and is only a few dollars more per roll than regular double sided tape.
Different Types of Golf Grip Tape
There are many different alternatives for golf grip tape that all work great including the following:
- No tape using Air Compressor
- One sided masking tape
- Double sided masking tape
- Painters tape
- Carpet tape
Many people think the two sided tape is so that the tape sticks to the grip. It’s actually so the tape sticks to the shaft when sliding the grip on, and the other side you have a slippery surface to slide the grip on when wettened with solvent.
No Golf Grip Tape or Solvent using Air Compressor
Compressed Air is the easiest way to install golf clubs with no grip tape needed! The grips have been known to occasionally twist or spin when using an air compressor with no grip tape during installation. Many golfers from GOLFWRX say grips won’t twist by using grip tape, but I still wouldn’t trust it! It’s just not worth it to have your grips off alignment and have to take the time or money to regrip your clubs.
There are many pros of using compressed air for installation of golf grips such as installation is super simple, it’s more time efficient, and no grip tape means you don’t have to mess with toxic solvents.
All you have to do is stick the compressor nozzle into the hole of the grip giving it short bursts of air to slowly slide the grip onto the shaft. The same process is used for removing grips.
There are a few major cons for using an air compressor with no grip tape. The 2 main drawbacks are grips have been known to twist after installation and the grips can permanently stretch if too high of air pressure is used.
Using compressed air can only be used for rubber grips. You will have to use traditional solvents and grip tape for leather grips. Luckily air compressors are relatively cheap, you can get one on Amazon or Harbor Freight for around $50.
Installing grips with an air compressor will take a little practice. Good news is you can simply take the grips off again if installed incorrectly. It can be a little pricey as well to buy an air compressor for those who only change their grips once every few years and not use it for any projects around the house.
One Sided Masking Tape/ Painters Tape
One sided masking tape can be a solid option as a grip tape. Painters tape is essentially masking tape with less adhesive strength. From the multiple clubfitters I asked and looking through golf forums, it is difficult to slide the grip over the masking tape so you will likely need a vice in order for it to work.
Several clubfitters said in a pinch they have put rubber cement, mineral spirits, or paint thinner over masking tape with great success. Using one sided tape is surprisingly versatile as well. You can use compressed air or solvents to install the grip.
Those golfers that frequently change grips and want to keep the old grip, single sided masking tape is the best option. You will be able to quickly remove the old grip without damage and be able to use it on a backup club. You’re also about guaranteed to have a roll of masking tape laying around somewhere at your house.
If you don’t have a vice, I would strongly advise against using masking tape. It is extremely hard to install and you will have great difficulty installing the grip correctly. It’s also incredibly difficult to build up grips with masking tape. There were also several mixed reviews of golf grips twisting after being in play for several months.
Double Sided Masking Tape
Double sided masking tape is the best option to install golf grips. All professional clubfitters use some sort of double sided tape to install grips. It’s the best way to guarantee a successful grip change. Any double sided masking tape will work, it doesn’t matter if it’s Gorilla Glue, 3M, Scotch, etc.
Double sided masking tape works great with all solvents. So you can play it safe and use non toxic solvents, or find some old paint thinner or mineral spirits in the garage. It doesn’t matter, they will all adhere great and no concerns about your grip twisting or moving after putting the new grips on.
The only downside of using a regular double sided masking tape is that it is thinner than golf grip tape. You will need 2 layers of double sided masking tape to be equal to one layer of golf grip tape. Regular double sided masking tape is .007″ and golf grip tape is typically .014-.016″.
Putting 2 layers of tape on can bring it’s own difficulties, mainly not putting it on correctly and having creases. It also takes some getting used to putting another layer of tape on top of the previous tape layer. You can not use the air compressor to install grips with double sided tape, which may be a dealbreaker for those inclined to use compressed air to put on grips.
Carpet Tape
If we are being honest, I would never go out and buy carpet tape to regrip a golf club. If it is the only option left and you are never planning to change the grip again, then it is a perfectly fine option. The carpet tape creates an extremely strong bond with the grip and club. It works well with all solvents and is good for building up grips.
The major con about carpet tape is that it is extremely difficult to get off if you change grips again. I’ve personally never took carpet tape off of a shaft, but have heard a few horror stories trying to peel it off.
Most carpet tapes are 5-6 times thicker than most golf grip tapes, so that wouldn’t be an option even if you tried. The see through kind of carpet tape is similar thickness to golf grip tape. If the pain of trying to scrape it off the club wasn’t a big enough deterrent, it also cost significantly more than any golf grip tape or masking tape. These are the main reasons I’ve never used carpet tape to grip clubs and most likely never will.
Final Thoughts
My rankings for golf grip tape alternatives are as follows:
- Double Sided Masking Tape
- Single Sided Masking Tape/Painters Tape
- No Tape
- Carpet Tape
For me, saving a few bucks and being able to change your grips yourself is kind of an ego boost of getting your hands dirty and saving some money by putting in the work yourself. That being said, there are plenty of options you most likely have around your house for grip tapes and alternative grip solvents.
You can most likely use tape in your house without having to go to a golf store and buy golf grip tape. I would never reuse the same golf grip tape due to the possibility of the grip moving or twisting after installation. If the thought of peeling off old tape is unbearable, you can build up the golf grip by putting a fresh layer of tape over the existing layer. Be careful with installing golf grip tape as most solvents are toxic and will stain clothes.
Let me know if you have had any success with any of the tapes listed or have had success with a different one that I didn’t mention! Hopefully you are able to save some money and quickly change those grips and get back to golfing!
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