Reverse Taper vs Conventional Golf Grips: What's the Difference?
If you've been playing golf for any length of time, you've probably never given your grips a second thought. You regrip when they wear out, you pick whatever the pro shop has in stock, and you move on.
But grip design — specifically the taper profile — has a bigger impact on your swing than most golfers realise. Here's a straight comparison between conventional grips and reverse taper grips, so you can decide which is right for your game.
What is a conventional golf grip?
A conventional grip is thicker at the top (where your lead hand sits) and tapers down toward the bottom (where your trail hand sits). This has been the standard design for over a century and is what you'll find on virtually every grip in a pro shop.
The thicker top section encourages your lead hand to take control — which sounds logical, but in practice it often leads to palm gripping rather than finger gripping. And palm gripping creates tension.
What is a reverse taper golf grip?
A reverse taper grip flips the profile. It's thinner at the top and thicker toward the bottom — the opposite of conventional.
This design encourages your trail hand fingers to do more of the work, which naturally reduces grip pressure across both hands. Less pressure means less tension in your forearms, more freedom through the swing, and a more natural release through impact.
Side-by-side comparison
Grip pressure
Conventional: Encourages palm gripping, which increases tension
Reverse taper: Encourages finger gripping, which promotes a lighter, more relaxed hold
Forearm tension
Conventional: Higher tension, especially under pressure
Reverse taper: Reduced tension, allowing freer arm swing
Clubhead speed
Conventional: Tension restricts the natural release, limiting speed
Reverse taper: Relaxed grip promotes faster, more uninhibited release
Consistency
Conventional: Grip pressure can vary shot to shot, especially under pressure
Reverse taper: More consistent grip pressure leads to more repeatable swings
Learning curve
Conventional: Familiar — what most golfers have always used
Reverse taper: Takes a few rounds to adjust, but most golfers notice a difference quickly
Weather performance
Conventional: Can feel slippery in wet conditions, leading to tighter gripping
Reverse taper: The Feel Grips PU Series maintains tack in all conditions
Who benefits most from reverse taper?
Reverse taper grips tend to make the biggest difference for golfers who:
- Grip the club too tightly, especially under pressure
- Struggle with hooks, slices, or inconsistent ball flight
- Feel tension or fatigue in their forearms during a round
- Have tried swing lessons but can't make the changes stick
- Are looking for a performance upgrade without changing their technique
That said, even low handicappers who already have good grip pressure often notice improved feedback and feel with a reverse taper profile.
What our customers say in our Google Reviews...
"I ordered the sample set first and felt a huge difference in my swing. Turned around and bought the 13 pack right after."
"I love the feel of them. They never slip, and I think they won't really let you grip too tight."
"These are fantastic grips, the reverse taper design improves my grip stability and adds speed to my swing as you can fully release the club through impact due to the thicker bottom hand diameter.
Also great if you want to choke down for specialty shots like with wedges or hybrids around the green."
Is there a downside to reverse taper?
Honestly, the main adjustment is psychological. Golfers who have gripped a club the same way for 20 years can find the thicker lower section unfamiliar at first. Most adapt within a round or two — but if you're unsure, the Feel Grips Sampler Packs let you try multiple styles before committing to a full set.
The Feel Grips range
All Feel Grips use a reverse taper profile, but each series is tuned for a different feel:
- Gen1 Pro Release — firm and responsive, maximum feedback for lower handicappers
- Gen1 Wrap Style — softer feel, same reverse taper profile
- Gen2 Series — combines the wrap feel with a tactile dimple pattern, available in Blue, Red, and White
- Gen3 PU Series — premium polyurethane, softer and tackier in all weather conditions
All are USGA & R&A conforming for competitive play.
Want to understand the science behind why reverse taper works? Read The Science Behind Feel Grips Reverse Taper Technology →