Corded vs Rubber Golf Grips: Which Should You Choose?
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- admin
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- October 04, 2026
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Choose a corded grip if your hands sweat or you often play in rain or humidity — the cord gives extra traction when things get wet. Choose an all-rubber grip if you want a softer, more comfortable feel and mostly play in dry conditions. Hybrid grips, which put cord under the top hand and rubber under the bottom hand, sit in between.
Corded vs rubber at a glance
| Corded | All-rubber | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Firmer, more textured | Softer, more cushioned |
| Wet or humid weather | Better traction | Can get slippery |
| Comfort on the hands | Can feel rough without a glove | Gentler on the hands |
| Typical golfer | Sweaty hands, wet climates, firmer-feel preference | Dry conditions, comfort-first golfers |
Corded grips
Corded grips have cotton cord woven into the rubber. The cord creates a rougher, more textured surface that stays grippy when your hands or the grip are damp. The trade-off is feel: corded grips are firmer and can be harsh on bare hands, especially for golfers who play without a glove.
All-rubber grips
All-rubber grips are softer and more forgiving on the hands. The Golf Pride Tour Velvet is one of the best-known examples. They give good traction in dry conditions but can become slick when wet or when they start to wear, so they need regular cleaning and replacement.
Hybrid grips: the middle ground
Hybrid grips such as the Golf Pride MCC combine brushed cotton cord in the upper-hand section with softer rubber in the lower-hand section. You get traction where your top hand controls the club, and a softer feel under your bottom hand. Many golfers who find full-cord grips too harsh prefer this balance.
Which should you choose?
- Your hands sweat, or you play in the UK winter or humid summers: corded or hybrid.
- You want maximum comfort and mostly play in dry weather: all-rubber.
- You’re not sure: a hybrid grip is a safe first choice.
We stock both styles as full-bag sets: the all-rubber Golf Pride Tour Velvet Align (set of 14) and the hybrid Golf Pride MCC (set of 13). Not sure about size? Read our golf grip size guide.
FAQs
Do corded grips wear out faster?
All grips wear with use, sweat and weather. Whatever the type, check them roughly once a year or every 40 rounds — Golf Pride’s general guideline.
Do pros use corded grips?
Both styles are widely used at every level. The right choice depends on your hands, the conditions you play in and the feel you prefer.
How do I clean corded grips?
Scrub the corded section gently with a soft brush, warm water and mild soap, then rinse and let it air-dry.