You have noticed visible wearing and cracks on your grips, and they no longer have that same feeling they used to.
Finally, the time has ripened to reward your golf clubs with new grips. But you are considering using a masking tape instead.
So you are just there. Thinking to yourself:
Is it possible? Can you use masking tape for golf grips?
Of course, you can use masking tape to restore the lost traction of your club’s grip. But it won’t be as efficient as a grip tape.
Therefore I wouldn’t recommend it. Barely any golfer talks about refitting the golf grips with masking tape —it seems out of character.
Is Golf Grip Tape Just Double-Sided Masking Tape?
Of course not!
Golf grip tape is no doubt double-sided. However, it is not a masking tape. Masking tape and golf grip tape are two different tape products.
Golf grip tape is waterproof and more robust in adhesive glue. Meanwhile, masking tape shares similar properties for miscellaneous joining and holding uses.
But it is nothing compared to the high adhesion and holding power of a golf grip tape to your metal club shaft that is SAFE and LONG-LASTING.
It definitely blows masking tape out of the water.
Can You Use Masking Tape For Golf Grips?
Masking tapes can secure your golf grips. But it is more of a cheaper alternative compared to an actual golf grip tape.
And cheap is not always the best.
However, using grip tape will ensure the longevity of your grips while providing optimal performance upon each swing.
But many golfers find it tedious to completely re-gripping one club. Instead, they choose to reach out for regripping services, which is sensible.
Rather than burning calories only to flop it and regrip all over, it is better to spend a penny and get it done by a certified fitter. Golf Galaxy is the name that ALWAYS pops up whenever golfers need such services.
They wear out quickly. At some point, the grip starts to slip and slide on the club, preventing you from hitting a decent shot.
Even though you are smart enough to glue around the top of the club shaft after wrapping a layer of masking tape, it won’t be as effective as grip tape.
YES, it will help pad the grip and give you a thicker feel around the club while absorbing shock from the shaft. But it is nothing compared to the perks and privileges a grip tape can offer.
You can check out this post where we shared some of the best golf grip tapes you can use.
Can You Put Golf Grips On Without Tape?
Absolutely!
Re-gripping with a golf grip tap can be a long-drawn-out job. A new golf grip takes about two to twenty-four hours to dry.
You can check out our article on ‘How Long Does It Take To Regrip Golf Clubs.’
But the quick fix is not to use a grip tap. Instead, try using an air compressor. It is pocket-friendly, straightforward to use, and accelerates drying time more than the use of tape or solvent.
However, you would be sacrificing some stack on the club without the firm hold of a grip tape.
How To Grip A Golf Club Using An Air Compressor
I get it using grip tape, and the solvent feels old-school. If you are interested in using a much quicker, cleaner, time and money-saving method like an air compressor, here is how to do it:
First, you have to strip the old grip from your club. Ensure the metal shaft is clean off all the tape and leftover adhesive. Then allow the club to dry.
Next is to assemble the proper equipment for the installation procedure.
- Up to 70 psi of Air Compressor: Almost any air compressor can handle the job, even small 1-gallon tanks.
- Golf-Specific Vice: Although this one is optional, I would NEVER re-grip without it. The reason is the built rubber jaws that grip the graphite gently so it doesn’t break it.
- Pure Grips Air Gun Attachment
- Grips: I use Pure grips made 100% from rubber and are designed explicitly for air application.
8 Simple Steps To Install Golf Grip
1. Put your golf club in the vice and Clamp it down. It should be secured and not able to move.
2. Uncover the grip, dressing it up from the butt end of the shaft.
3. Once on the shaft. Grab the grip and install the gun.
4. Lightly hold the grip in your left hand.
5. Maintain that level of grip and fire the air with the gun. The grip should go on smoothly.
6. As you give a burst of air with constant pressure, Slightly push forward.
7. After the grip is fully seated, you MUST maintain a firm in your left hand so the air doesn’t shoot the grip off.
8. Lastly, examine if the grip is lined up correctly and fully seated.
How Many Layers Of Tape Would Be Enough?
At least a layer of group tape would get the job done. A layer of golf grip tape will go around but won’t overlap the grip. Although the fewer wraps, the sturdier connection you will feel whenever you hit the ball.
This is why most golfers prefer to wrap the club more. Beginners fond of fat shots benefit from wrapping more than one layer of tape.
The massive wrap will absorb the shock of hitting the ground before the ball.
On the contrary, the more wraps you put on, the more challenging it is to put the grip on the club. Again, these tapes are costly. Doubling it up on your grip will cost you more money.
Conclusion
In summary, a thick club grip would need about six layers of tape around the club shaft. That amount will provide the desired soft feel to the club.
Three or four wraps are more fitting and lightweight. It gives the perfect feedback that is neither soft; nor hard.
And for a more realistic impact, one to two wraps would bring you closer to that. Mind you; this can get uncomfortable as you process in tee time.