Building up Grips: What Kinds of Configurations are out there?

[HogansSecrets]

1/8 in grips have been more solid for my L Cadet type hand. I am starting to experiment with grips and building up those grips with masking tape as. I was wondering if anyone knew perticular configurations of applying build up tape to the shaft for a better grip. I have some theories but would like info or insight if anyone has any. Thanks. Let the discussion begin

[TheOne]

I think it's just personal preference. I guess try out a bunch of different combinations until you find one you like! I wear a cadet medium glove and I play standard size Golf Pride Multi-Compounds with standard tape, and it seems to be working for me.

[HogansSecrets]

I also understand that there are rules governing the legality of grip proportions.

Can I make my grip illegal my adding build up tape? I know what the rule states but I need to know what the limitations are by a perceptual description: what qualities might an illegal grip have? how was it made? Or can I slap build up tape on in whatever extreme fashion, throw a grip on, and presto? Where is the line?

Please help

[jamo]

Originally Posted by HogansSecrets

I also understand that there are rules governing the legality of grip proportions.

Can I make my grip illegal my adding build up tape? I know what the rule states but I need to know what the limitations are by a perceptual description: what qualities might an illegal grip have? how was it made? Or can I slap build up tape on in whatever extreme fashion, throw a grip on, and presto? Where is the line?

Please help

It really depends on how much, where, and how evenly you place the tape.

From Appendix 3 of the USGA Rules of Golf:

3. Grip (see Fig. VII)

The grip consists of material added to the shaft to enable the player to obtain a firm hold. The grip must be fixed to the shaft, must be straight and plain in form, must extend to the end of the shaft and must not be molded for any part of the hands. If no material is added, that portion of the shaft designed to be held by the player must be considered the grip.

Figure VII.

(i) For clubs other than putters the grip must be circular in cross-section, except that a continuous, straight, slightly raised rib may be incorporated along the full length of the grip, and a slightly indented spiral is permitted on a wrapped grip or a replica of one.

(ii) A putter grip may have a non-circular cross-section, provided the cross-section has no concavity, is symmetrical and remains generally similar throughout the length of the grip. (See Clause (v), below.)

(iii) The grip may be tapered but must not have any bulge or waist. Its cross-sectional dimensions measured in any direction must not exceed 1.75 inches (44.45 mm).

(iv) For clubs other than putters the axis of the grip must coincide with the axis of the shaft.

(v) A putter may have two grips, provided each is circular in cross-section, the axis of each coincides with the
axis of the shaft, and they are separated by at least
1.5 inches (38 mm).

[HogansSecrets]

Nice; ...this:

(iii) The grip may be tapered but must not have any bulge or waist. Its cross-sectional dimensions measured in any direction must not exceed 1.75 inches (44.45 mm).

Is Bulge and Waist (as it is to apply) measured by a cross-sectional excess of 1.75 inches?

How am I to understand this?: How do I measure so that I know what my limitations are?

Last thought: Does 'cross-sectional' have to do with the volume-length of the grip?

[HogansSecrets]

Also :

(i) For clubs other than putters the grip must be circular in cross-section, except that a continuous, straight, slightly raised rib may be incorporated along the full length of the grip, and a slightly indented spiral is permitted on a wrapped grip or a replica of one.

What is 'circular in cross-section'

Main Question: Can I have undulations in my grip? Can I put tape in a specific spot?

[BDMplayer910]

I don't think so if it produces a bulge by reading that post. What are you even planning on doing? Or are you just experimenting?

If you're building your grips up from bottom to top, Duct-tape works good to build it up, although it's a severe pain in the neck if you try to take it off.

[HogansSecrets]

How do I measure the cross-section? Is there a tool?

[TourSpoon]

Here's a great online tool to answer your questions about thickness, how much tape, etc.  I think you will find it very helpful.

http://www.hirekogolf.com/hireko/graphics/orderportal/modules/grip_size.html

The most I have ever heard of as far as "configurations" go is that maybe a seasoned player might have 1 wrap of tape for the top hand and 3 for the bottom hand (or any combination of more on the lower hand) to get rid of any taper and/or to neutralize the right hand.  That gives you a slightly different feel but nothing that is illegal or would cause a bulge.

[HogansSecrets]

I saw this on another site:

Quote:

Hi Guys, I watched a Titleist Tour Van video. The rep was talking to Bryce Molder regarding grip build up tape configurations. ie +3 at 2", 4", 6" or 4",6",8" etc. Most players cant feel such differences but it sure seemed to be a concern to the better player.

Any comments or configuration suggestions?

[jamo]

Originally Posted by HogansSecrets

Also :

(i) For clubs other than putters the grip must be circular in cross-section, except that a continuous, straight, slightly raised rib may be incorporated along the full length of the grip, and a slightly indented spiral is permitted on a wrapped grip or a replica of one.

What is 'circular in cross-section'

Main Question: Can I have undulations in my grip? Can I put tape in a specific spot?

Basically, it can't be shaped like a pistol putter grip.