Installing a SuperStroke Putter Grip

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Quick Answer

• Get your putter shaft and new SuperStroke grip prepped with solvent.
• Slide that new grip on smoothly.
• Let it dry. You’re basically done.

Who This Is For

• Golfers who want to feel the difference a SuperStroke grip can make on their putter.
• Anyone who likes saving a few bucks and doing their own club work. It’s satisfying.

What to Check First

• Confirm the SuperStroke Grip: Make sure you’ve got the right model and size for your putter. Not all grips are created equal, and the wrong one won’t feel right.
• Gather Your Arsenal: You’ll need a vise with a shaft clamp (super important), a sharp utility knife, dedicated golf grip solvent, double-sided golf grip tape, and a few rags. A rubber mallet can be handy too.
• Shaft Prep: Inspect the putter shaft. It needs to be clean and free of any old tape residue or gunk. A smooth surface is key for the new tape to stick.
• Workspace Ready: Find a spot where you can make a bit of a mess. Grip solvent can get everywhere, so a garage or outdoor area is ideal.

Step-by-Step Plan for Installing a SuperStroke Putter Grip

Alright, let’s get this done. It’s a pretty straightforward process once you’ve got the hang of it. I’ve done this a bunch of times in my garage, and it always feels good to dial in the putter yourself.

1. Gather Your Tools and Materials. Before you even think about touching the putter, lay out everything you need. This means the new SuperStroke grip, grip solvent, double-sided grip tape, a utility knife, rags, and your vise with a shaft clamp. Mistake to avoid: Starting the process and realizing you’re missing a key item. Trust me, that’s a mood killer and breaks your flow.

2. Secure the Putter in the Vise. This is where that shaft clamp comes in. Clamp the putter shaft firmly in the vise. You want it solid enough that it won’t move, but not so tight that you risk crushing or cracking the shaft. The clamp is your best friend here. Mistake to avoid: Overtightening the vise or clamping directly on the shaft without a clamp. This is a fast track to a damaged putter shaft, and nobody wants that.

3. Remove the Old Putter Grip. This is the messy part. Use your utility knife to carefully cut along the top side of the old grip, from butt to tip. Once you’ve made a good slit, use more grip solvent to help loosen the grip’s adhesive. Peel it off. If it’s really stubborn, make another cut. Mistake to avoid: Trying to force the old grip off without solvent or making clean cuts. This can lead to gouges or scratches on your putter shaft, which you definitely don’t want.

4. Clean the Putter Shaft Thoroughly. After the old grip is off, you’ll likely have some old tape residue. Use your utility knife to carefully scrape away any remaining bits, and then use some grip solvent and a rag to get the shaft completely clean and smooth. Mistake to avoid: Leaving any old tape residue behind. This will create bumps under your new grip and prevent it from lying flat and feeling right.

5. Apply the Double-Sided Grip Tape. Take your double-sided golf grip tape and wrap it around the shaft where the grip will go. Start at the bottom and overlap the tape by about a quarter-inch as you work your way up to the butt of the grip. Make sure it’s smooth and secure. Mistake to avoid: Not overlapping the tape enough, or leaving gaps. This can lead to the grip slipping or not adhering properly.

6. Prepare the New SuperStroke Grip. Now, grab your new SuperStroke grip. You need to get grip solvent inside it to act as a lubricant. Pour a generous amount of solvent into the butt end of the grip. Rotate the grip to coat the entire inner surface. You want it nice and slick. Mistake to avoid: Using too little solvent. If the inside of the grip isn’t well-lubricated, you’ll struggle to get it onto the shaft.

7. Lubricate the Shaft Tape. While the inside of the grip is still wet with solvent, give the shaft tape a good spray of grip solvent as well. This creates a slippery surface that will allow the grip to slide on easily. Mistake to avoid: Not lubricating the shaft tape. Even with a slick grip, dry tape will cause friction and make installation difficult.

8. Slide the New SuperStroke Grip On. This is the moment of truth. Line up the butt end of the grip with the butt end of the shaft and start sliding it on. Use a slight twisting motion as you push. It should slide on relatively easily. If you encounter resistance, don’t force it hard. Add a bit more solvent to the shaft or inside the grip and try again. Keep pushing until the grip is fully seated all the way down the shaft. Mistake to avoid: Forcing the grip on if it’s not sliding. This can tear the grip or create air bubbles. The key is lubrication and a gentle, consistent push. I always give it a little wiggle and tap to make sure it’s all the way down.

How to Install a SuperStroke Putter Grip Like a Pro

Getting the feel right on your putter is crucial, and a new grip can make a world of difference. SuperStroke grips are popular for a reason – they offer a stable feel and can help smooth out your stroke. The process of installing one isn’t complicated, but like anything in golf, attention to detail makes the difference between a job well done and a frustrating mess. Understanding the nuances of how to install a SuperStroke putter grip can save you time and money, and give you that confidence that your equipment is dialed in just right.

When you’re working on your putter, you’re essentially aiming for a seamless, wrinkle-free installation. This means ensuring the shaft is prepped and that you’ve got the right lubrication. Think of it like setting up for a perfect putt – the groundwork is everything. The grip solvent acts as your temporary lubricant, allowing the rubber of the grip to slide over the tape on the shaft without sticking prematurely. Once the solvent evaporates, the tape adheres to the grip, creating a permanent bond. It’s a simple chemical reaction, but it’s the magic behind a successful re-grip.

Beyond just getting the grip on, there’s a bit of art to it. You want the grip to be perfectly aligned, with no twists or turns. This is where taking your time and making sure everything is smooth comes into play. If you rush this step, you might end up with a grip that feels off-center, which can subtly affect your alignment and confidence on the greens. I’ve seen guys with grips that looked a little crooked, and they always seemed to be fighting their putter.

The choice of grip tape is also more important than it might seem. Standard masking tape or even duct tape just won’t cut it. Golf grip tape is specifically designed to be double-sided and to adhere well to both the shaft and the grip material, without leaving a sticky residue when you eventually need to re-grip again. It also provides a slight cushioning effect and helps build up the shaft to the correct diameter for the grip.

Finally, the drying time is a critical part of the process. Rushing to putt with a grip that hasn’t fully cured can compromise the bond. Patience here pays off. You want that grip to feel solid and secure, ready for countless putts. It’s about building confidence in your equipment, and that starts with a proper installation.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Not using enough grip solvent.
• Why it matters: This is probably the most common mistake. If you skimp on the solvent, the grip will fight you tooth and nail. It won’t slide on smoothly, you’ll end up using excessive force, and you might even tear the grip or get it on crooked. It’s frustrating and can ruin the experience.
• Fix: Be generous with the grip solvent. You want to thoroughly coat the inside of the grip and the double-sided tape on the shaft. Think of it as creating a slip ‘n slide for your grip. It’s better to use a bit too much and wipe it away than not enough.
• Mistake: Using the wrong type of tape.
• Why it matters: Standard household tapes like masking tape or electrical tape aren’t designed for golf grips. They might not stick well, could leave a sticky residue on your shaft, or might not create the right thickness for the grip to seat properly. Dedicated golf grip tape is formulated for this specific job.
• Fix: Always use double-sided golf grip tape. It’s readily available at golf shops and online, and it’s specifically made to adhere to both the club shaft and the grip material, ensuring a secure and long-lasting bond.
• Mistake: Overtightening the vise or using the wrong clamping method.
• Why it matters: Putter shafts, especially graphite ones, can be brittle. Clamping the club too tightly or directly on the shaft without a proper shaft clamp can easily lead to cracks, dents, or even a snapped shaft. This is an expensive mistake.
• Fix: Always use a rubber shaft clamp in your vise. This distributes the pressure evenly and protects the shaft. Tighten the vise just enough to hold the club securely without distorting the shaft. You don’t need to Hulk out on it.
• Mistake: Not cleaning the shaft thoroughly after removing the old grip.
• Why it matters: Old tape residue, dirt, or adhesive left on the shaft will create an uneven surface. This means your new grip tape won’t adhere properly, and the new grip might feel lumpy or not sit flush. It compromises the entire installation.
• Fix: After removing the old grip, use a utility knife to carefully scrape off any remaining tape or adhesive. Then, use grip solvent and a clean rag to wipe down the shaft until it’s perfectly smooth and clean.
• Mistake: Not aligning the grip correctly before sliding it on.
• Why it matters: Once the grip starts sliding, it’s hard to adjust. If you don’t take a moment to align the grip’s logo or alignment features before you start, you might end up with a crooked grip that affects your feel and aim.
• Fix: Before you start sliding the grip onto the shaft, hold it up to the shaft and visually align any logos, textures, or alignment aids with how you want them positioned on the clubface. Once you start sliding, try to maintain that alignment.

FAQ

• What tools are essential for installing a SuperStroke putter grip?

You absolutely need a vise with a rubber shaft clamp to hold the putter securely without damaging the shaft. A sharp utility knife is crucial for removing the old grip. You’ll also need dedicated double-sided golf grip tape and plenty of golf grip solvent. Rags are handy for cleanup.

• How much grip solvent should I use?

Don’t be stingy! You need enough solvent to thoroughly coat the inside of the grip and the double-sided tape on the shaft. This lubrication is what allows the grip to slide on smoothly. It’s better to use a bit too much and let it drip out than to use too little and struggle with installation.

• Can I use water instead of grip solvent?

No, it’s highly recommended that you do not use water. Water won’t provide the necessary lubrication for the grip to slide on easily, and it can also interfere with the adhesive properties of the grip tape, potentially leading to the grip not adhering properly or even coming loose over time. Grip solvent is specifically formulated for this purpose.

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

Most grip solvent-based installations require about 24 hours for the solvent to fully evaporate and the grip to cure properly. It’s best to let it sit undisturbed in a temperature-controlled environment. Avoid using the putter or even touching the grip too much before it’s fully dry, as this can affect the bond.

• What if the grip doesn’t slide on easily?

If the grip isn’t sliding on smoothly, it usually means you need more lubrication. Stop pushing, remove the grip slightly, and add more grip solvent to both the inside of the grip and the shaft tape. Give it a few more twists and pushes. Avoid forcing it with excessive pressure, as this can damage the grip or shaft.

Sources

• How to Install a SuperStroke Putter Grip