How to Install a SuperStroke Putter Grip

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Quick Answer

• Prep your putter shaft by removing the old grip and cleaning it thoroughly.
• Wrap the shaft with double-sided golf grip tape, then saturate it with grip solvent.
• Slide your new SuperStroke grip onto the solvent-soaked tape, align it, and let it dry.

Who This SuperStroke Putter Grip Installation Guide Is For

• Golfers looking to refresh their putter with the popular feel and performance of a SuperStroke grip.
• DIY enthusiasts who want to save some bucks and gain the satisfaction of doing their own club maintenance.

What to Check First for SuperStroke Putter Grip Installation

• The Grip Itself: Make sure you’ve got the SuperStroke model and size that fits your hands and putting style. Different grips offer different profiles and weights.
• Your Vise Setup: You absolutely need a vise with a rubber shaft clamp or a dedicated putter clamp. This protects your shaft, especially if it’s graphite. Don’t try to wing it without one.
• Grip Solvent: Grab some proper golf grip solvent. Mineral spirits can work in a pinch, but dedicated solvent is formulated to evaporate cleanly and activate the tape just right.
• Double-Sided Tape: Ensure you have double-sided golf grip tape. Regular tape won’t stick or peel properly. You’ll need enough to cover the area where the grip will sit.
• Sharp Blade: A fresh utility knife or a specialized grip-making knife is crucial for cleanly removing the old grip without damaging the shaft.

Step-by-Step Plan: How to Install a SuperStroke Putter Grip

1. Secure the Putter Shaft: Clamp your putter shaft firmly in the vise. Position the clamp just below the area where the old grip ends, ensuring it grips the shaft without crushing it.

• What to look for: The putter shaft should be held rock solid and completely immobile. You want zero wiggle room.
• Mistake to avoid: Overtightening, especially on graphite shafts, which can cause a nasty crack. Conversely, not clamping tightly enough means the putter will spin or slip, making the job impossible.

2. Remove the Old Grip: Using your sharp utility knife, carefully cut along the length of the old grip. Start near the top and work your way down. You don’t need to cut all the way through on the first pass; multiple light passes are better than one deep one.

• What to look for: The old grip should peel away from the shaft cleanly. Aim to remove it in large sections or even in one piece if you’re lucky.
• Mistake to avoid: Digging the knife blade too deep into the shaft. This is a common way to damage your putter. Always cut away from yourself and use controlled pressure.

3. Clean the Shaft: Once the old grip is off, you’ll likely find remnants of double-sided tape and adhesive. Use your knife or a scraper to meticulously remove all of it. You want a perfectly smooth, clean surface.

• What to look for: A shaft that feels completely smooth to the touch, with absolutely no sticky residue or old tape bumps.
• Mistake to avoid: Leaving behind any old tape or goo. This creates an uneven surface that will telegraph through your new grip, affecting its feel and alignment. It’s a real pain to fix later.

4. Apply New Grip Tape: Take your double-sided golf grip tape and wrap it around the shaft. Start at the butt end and work your way down towards the hosel. Overlap the tape by about 1/8 inch to ensure complete coverage and no gaps. Smooth out any wrinkles as you go.

• What to look for: The tape is applied smoothly, with no major wrinkles or bubbles, and it covers the entire area where the grip will sit. The overlap should be consistent.
• Mistake to avoid: Not using enough tape, or not overlapping it sufficiently. This can lead to the grip not adhering properly or feeling loose. Also, avoid using regular masking tape; it’s not designed for this.

5. Saturate the Tape with Solvent: This is the magic step. Pour a generous amount of grip solvent directly onto the double-sided tape. Let it soak in and run down the shaft. You want the tape to be completely saturated and glistening. Don’t be shy with the solvent; it’s your lubricant.

• What to look for: The entire strip of tape is visibly wet with solvent, and you can see it dripping down the shaft.
• Mistake to avoid: Not using enough solvent. This is the most common reason grips are hard to install or get damaged during the process. The solvent is what allows the grip to slide on smoothly.

6. Install the New SuperStroke Grip: Take your new SuperStroke grip and carefully slide the butt end onto the solvent-soaked tape. Start pushing it down. A slight twisting motion can help it glide over the tape. Keep pushing until the grip is fully seated on the shaft, all the way to the butt end.

• What to look for: The grip slides on easily and smoothly, without much resistance, all the way down to the end of the tape.
• Mistake to avoid: Forcing the grip if it’s not sliding. This can tear the grip material or create air bubbles. If it’s sticking, add more solvent.

7. Align and Adjust: Once the grip is fully on, it’s time to get it straight. Look down the shaft and align the grip’s markings or its natural centerline with the clubface. Make sure it’s perfectly square.

• What to look for: The grip is perfectly straight relative to the putter face. You can eyeball it by looking down from above.
• Mistake to avoid: Leaving the grip crooked. Every single putt will feel off if your grip isn’t aligned properly. Take the extra minute to get it right.

8. Let It Dry and Cure: Now, just let it be. Allow the grip to dry completely. The solvent will evaporate, and the tape will adhere the grip permanently to the shaft. This usually takes a few hours, but it’s best to let it sit overnight for optimal adhesion.

• What to look for: The grip feels firm and dry to the touch, with no tackiness from the solvent.
• Mistake to avoid: Putting the putter back in play too soon. If the solvent hasn’t fully evaporated and the tape hasn’t adhered, the grip could slip during a swing, which is not ideal mid-round.

Common Mistakes in SuperStroke Putter Grip Installation

• Not Using Enough Solvent — Why it matters: The grip will be incredibly difficult to slide on, leading to torn rubber, damaged tape, or a grip that’s not fully seated. — Fix: Be generous with the solvent. Saturate the tape completely; it’s your best friend for a smooth installation.
• Using the Wrong Kind of Tape — Why it matters: Regular household tape doesn’t have the right adhesive properties. It might not stick well, or it could be a nightmare to remove later, leaving sticky residue. — Fix: Always use double-sided golf grip tape. It’s designed for this purpose.
• Incomplete Removal of Old Grip Tape — Why it matters: Any leftover adhesive or tape creates an uneven surface. This affects the feel of your new grip and can lead to it not sitting flush, impacting alignment. — Fix: Be meticulous. Scrape and clean the shaft until it’s perfectly smooth.
• Overtightening the Shaft in the Vise — Why it matters: This is especially critical for graphite shafts. Overtightening can cause cracks or even crush the shaft, rendering your putter useless. — Fix: Use a shaft clamp and apply firm but not excessive pressure. The clamp should hold the shaft steady, not deform it.
• Cutting the Old Grip Too Aggressively — Why it matters: A careless knife slip can easily gouge or cut into the putter shaft itself, causing cosmetic damage or even structural weakness. — Fix: Use controlled, light strokes with a sharp blade. Cut away from your body and aim to cut through the grip material, not the shaft.
• Not Aligning the Grip Properly — Why it matters: A crooked grip will throw off your entire setup at address and can lead to inconsistent putting strokes. — Fix: Take your time during step 7. Look down the shaft from multiple angles to ensure the grip is perfectly square to the putter face.

FAQ for Installing a SuperStroke Putter Grip

• What tools do I need to install a SuperStroke putter grip?

You’ll need a vise with a shaft clamp, a sharp utility knife, double-sided golf grip tape, and golf grip solvent. A rag or paper towels are also handy for cleanup.

• Can I use WD-40 or Goo Gone instead of grip solvent?

It’s strongly discouraged. While some adhesives might break down with these, they often leave behind oily or sticky residues that can interfere with proper adhesion or leave your hands feeling greasy. Golf grip solvent is specifically formulated to work with grip tape and evaporate cleanly.

• How long does it take for the grip to dry and cure?

Typically, the grip will feel dry to the touch within a few hours. However, for the best and most permanent bond, it’s recommended to let it cure for at least 12-24 hours before using it on the course. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific solvent and grip you are using.

• Do I need a special grip jig for this process?

A dedicated grip jig isn’t strictly necessary for installing a SuperStroke putter grip. The most crucial piece of equipment is a reliable vise with a proper shaft clamp to hold the putter steady and protect the shaft.

• Can I reuse my old putter grip after removing it?

Generally, no. Putter grips lose their tackiness, cushioning, and shape over time. The removal process itself often damages the grip, making it unsuitable for reinstallation. It’s always best to install a brand-new grip for optimal performance and feel.

• What if the SuperStroke grip is difficult to slide on?

This almost always means you need more solvent. Stop pushing, lift the grip slightly if possible, and pour more solvent under the edge or directly onto the tape. Give it a moment to soak in, and try again. Don’t force it; that’s how grips get damaged.

Sources:

• Installing a SuperStroke Putter Grip: golfhubz.com