What Is a Reverse Taper Golf Grip? (And Why It Might Change the Way You Play)
If you've never heard of a reverse taper golf grip, you're not alone. Most golfers have been using the same standard grip design for decades — without ever questioning whether it's actually helping their game.
Here's the thing: it might not be.
The problem with standard golf grips
A standard golf grip is thicker at the top (where your lead hand sits) and tapers down toward the bottom (where your trail hand sits). This design puts more grip in your palms — and that's where the problem starts.
When your palms control the grip, your forearms tighten. When your forearms tighten, your swing speed drops, your release is restricted, and the clubface is harder to square at impact. The result? Less distance, less consistency, and more hooks and slices.
So what is a reverse taper grip?
A reverse taper grip flips the design. It's thinner at the top and thicker toward the bottom — putting more grip in your fingers and less in your palms.
This encourages a lighter, more natural grip pressure. Your forearms stay relaxed. Your wrists hinge more freely. And your hands release through the ball the way they're supposed to.
The result is more clubhead speed, a squarer face at impact, and a more consistent swing — without changing your technique.
The science behind it
Grip pressure is one of the most overlooked fundamentals in golf. Research consistently shows that excess grip pressure is a swing killer — it reduces clubhead speed, restricts the natural release of the club, and increases tension through the arms and shoulders.
Reverse taper grips work by making it physically easier to hold the club lightly. The thicker lower section fills your fingers naturally, reducing the instinct to squeeze with your palms.
Want to go deeper? Read The Science Behind Feel Grips Reverse Taper Technology →
What our customers say
"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. Long lasting, too. Great customer service with quick delivery."
"These grips make a consistent swing so much easier. They straightened out my hook/over-draw! Thanks!"
"I love these grips! They are very durable and feel great. My distance and flight have improved. I have ordered multiple times and the company makes me feel appreciated each order."
Feel Grips and the Reverse Taper difference
Feel Grips was built around this single idea: that the grip is the only point of contact between you and the club, and most golfers are getting it wrong.
The Feel Grips range — Gen1, Gen2, and Gen3 PU Series — all use a Reverse Taper profile, but each is tuned for a different feel and playing style:
- Gen1 Pro Release — firm, responsive, preferred by lower handicappers who want maximum feedback
- Gen1 Wrap Style — softer feel with the same Reverse Taper profile, ideal for players who prefer a more cushioned grip
- Gen2 Series — combines the Reverse Taper profile of the Wrap Style with the tactile dimple pattern of the Pro Release, available in Blue, Red, and White
- Gen3 PU Series — premium polyurethane construction for a softer, tackier feel in all weather conditions
All Feel Grips are USGA & R&A conforming, so you can use them in any competition.
Is a reverse taper grip right for you?
If any of these sound familiar, the answer is probably yes:
- You grip the club too tightly under pressure
- You struggle with hooks, slices, or an inconsistent ball flight
- You feel tension in your forearms during or after your swing
- You've tried swing fixes but nothing seems to stick
The grip is the last thing most golfers change — but for many, it's the first thing that should.
Try before you commit
Not sure which grip is right for you? The Feel Grips Sampler Packs let you try multiple styles across your most-used clubs before committing to a full set.