SuperStroke's REVL Element Swing Grip
REVL Element Swing Grip
I'm always intrigued whenever I see something new from SuperStroke, the Michigan-based golf company globally known for its ubiquitous oversized putter grip. That grip took the golf industry by storm when it started in 2009. Soon, it was widely adopted by Tour players, and with it followed the regular golfer. (Lest we forget, oversized putting grips were not a fad; instead, they demonstrated how they reduced face rotation of putters by overactive hands.)
Fast forward, and I now receive a weekly SuperStroke press release reporting that last Sunday's PGA TOUR winner used one of its products. Sometimes, I wonder if I should get a release when a winner didn't use a SuperStroke putter grip.
But I digress.
This past winter, I regripped my clubs—not an annual rite due to sheer laziness—with SuperStroke's new REV Element swing grip. Long-awaited, this is the company's first foray into the huge market for grips beyond putter grips. I used to smirk whenever I saw the ads featuring Butch Harmon pitching the stroke-saving benefits of new grips. "Re-grip your clubs and immediately shave strokes" was the takeaway. Please, Butch, hold the hype.
Yes, new grips certainly help maintain a good hold on the club, especially if your current ones are worn and too slick. But rarely will they make a significant stroke difference in the course of the round. Again, I'm speaking generally about regular and recreational golfers.
Anyway, I regripped my clubs before spending eight days in Florida in a much-needed getaway from the harsh Michigan winter.
First, I liked the appearance; I opted for the Grey/Blue model, with the body of the grip grey and the top butt and lower end in blue. "SuperStroke" is nicely etched in white letters on a blue background.
Secondly, the feel was just what I wanted. The top section, fused with cord, felt tacky and gave my hands a cohesive feel. The bottom half of the grip is composed of a Genesis Material, "delivering a softer, more responsive feel for precise control and enhanced comfort."
The company says the grip is "all-weather" and will hold up well in rain, sweat and humidity. I had a little bit of all three in Florida, and these grips did their job, meaning I didn't notice them.
Besides playing in Florida, I played weekly with friends at a local golf simulator outlet. Never thought I'd get hooked on it, but simulator golf is a good way to keep your swing grooved while hanging out with the guys.
So, I've tested these grips for a couple of months, and I'm impressed. Unlike Butch Harmon, I won't say they will take strokes off your card. But they won't add to it, either. As I said they're so good, you won't notice them.
One final thing: while preparing for this article, I went back to the company's website and scoured user and buyer reviews posted in the section featuring the REV Element grips. The vast majority were favorable. Out of 20 posted reviews, the overall rating was 4.5 out of 5, with 5 being excellent.
This grip usually retails for $9.99.