Does a new grip help, or is it my imagination?

Recently I switched from a Cobra AMP Cell Offset to a Ping G25 Driver.  On the Cobra I was using a Lamkin Crossline Mid-size grip and had a really bad hook.  That is why I switched to the G25.  I played my first round with the G25 (Ping grip) and found that now I was slicing the ball.  I had bought the G25 used from Golfsmith so I was due a free grip, so I had the G25 re-gripped with a Winn Dri-Tac Mid-size, which really feels great.  My next two I hit the fairway with 80% of my shots.

Were these two rounds coincidence?  Or could a new grip make that much of a difference?

I love mid-size grips and don't have really big meat hooks or anything.  I think a lot of people would like them if they gave 'em a try, but I don't think they would significantly change your shot shape unless you unconsciously gripped them differently than normal size grips.  I'm guessing the slices on the first round were the anomaly based on having a new club in your hands.  Are the shafts the same length, same flex?  Did you practice some with the new driver, or just hit the course?  Whatever the case, glad to hear you're having better luck now!  Keep hittin' 'em straight.

Size:

I have (or tape up to) jumbos.  I have regular sized hands, maybe long fingers.  strong hands from climbing.  It just works better for me.

The size chart is a recommendation .  YMMV - one more thing to try out for some, not a big deal for others.

Grip type:

That can be very significant for many.  I like the multi-compounds a lot

Old vs new:

Lastly, before comparing current 'old' grips with new and different types of grips - IMHO...  It is VERY worth your time to CLEAN your old grips and hitting them to see if that matters.  For me, cleaning the grips is a HUGE improvement and shows up immediately in my swing.

Grips connect you to your clubs, it can be a big deal.

I did notice one thing almost immediately, and that is it feels like I am not gripping the club as tightly as I am used to.  The new grip is one of those soft rubber types, so maybe it just feels that way.

I'm not overly picky about the size of grips although I prefer mid-size. If hit a club with a different size grip it may take me a few balls to adjust (and I do often get a slightly different ball flight at first).

I am overly picky (maybe even obsessed) about the traction I get with a grip and probably change my grips much more than average. I would say about 90% of the time when I pick up someone else's club I wonder to myself how they could possibly stand to play using that grip.

I've yet to use soap of any kind.

Even just water and a good scrubbie can do wonders.

Perhaps soap next time.  At worst, maybe it'll make that tackiness last longer than my normal wash cycle.

A different size grip will usually affect your swing a little bit.  A larger grip usually takes some of the wrist action out of the swing.  That can be either good or bad depending on how you hit the ball.

Great point Dave40! A larger grip, normally leads to quieter hands, better control. May take a bit to get used to, but should notice an immediate benefit in your short game. I also find that with less wrist, it forces you to make a better turn at the top. Less whippy!

Really..? I also wear a ML. A couple of months ago I had my 3W and driver re-griped with the same Winn grips, only in mid size, and at first I liked them, but over a period of a couple weeks, it seemed I couldn't "feel" the club, and I was hanging on to much, so I went back to standard Decades with 2 wraps. Different strokes, for different folks..Glad you like yours.