50 Words or Less
The Lamkin Sonar Tour grip is a firmer version of last year’s Sonar with a traditional shape. A great all-weather grip.
Introduction
Last year, Lamkin released the Sonar golf grip to wide acclaim. It hit a sweet spot in terms of feel, look, and features that few other grips can get quite right. For 2019, Lamkin is adding to the Sonar family with the Sonar Tour, built with feedback from the Tour.
Looks
The Lamkin Sonar Tour has a more staid appearance than the original Sonar. Available only in gray with a blue butt cap, there’s very little in the way of decoration. There are five black semi circles which serve as very subtle reminders for hand placement.
One notable aesthetic feature is that it’s designed to be installed logo down, in accordance with the preference of Tour players.
Feel
There are two important differences that I noticed between the Sonar and the new Sonar Tour. First, the Sonar Tour is slightly firmer than the Sonar. The original Sonar had a little bit of “squish” to it, but the Sonar Tour has none. It’s not an overly firm grip, but it’s definitely not a “comfort” grip.
Another change is that the Sonar Tour has a uniform texture across the entire grip. The Sonar had numerous patterns to guide hand placement. The Sonar Tour, designed for the better player, provides the same feeling under both hands no matter where you place them.
Performance
In 2018, all of the new Lamkin grips featured their “Plus” profile with reduced taper. The Sonar Tour is a bit of a throwback as it has a traditional tapered profile. This means that the grip is thicker near the butt, thinner toward the club head. For some players, this shape will make it easier to close the club face and produce a draw.
Beyond the profile, two things about the Sonar Tour stood out to me. First, it has a consistent, very slight amount of tack that most similar grips lack. I’m not a fan of extremely tacky grips, but the Sonar Tour had just enough that I felt I could hold the club more gently. The other impressive feature is the durability. The primary reason I play corded grips is that rubber grips can get slick in a short time. Lamkin’s Sonar Tour still feels new after a month of being gripped and swung daily.
As of this writing, the Lamkin Sonar Tour is only available in standard size.
Conclusion
For the player who likes a traditional shape and feel but wants greater durability and all-weather performance, the Lamkin Sonar Tour is a great choice. This rubber grip gives you strong control of your club without tearing up your hands.
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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10 Comments
Too bad it only comes in standard size. I’d be willing to try it if they offered a midsize.
I know you were a fan if the UTx how would you compare these vs the UTx? I’m looking for something slightly easier on the hands than the UTx.
Kenny,
UTx but easier on the hands is a good description of the Sonar Tour. This doesn’t have any cord, which makes it more comfortable.
Best,
Matt
I tried this grip on my driver, 3 wood and 4 hybrid. It was a little larger than my standard grip the GP Super tac.
I liked it initially, feeling it was slightly softer and has a great hand feel. But over time I felt that it was a little too rubbery.
Now, that is a totally subjective and total feel assessment – but hey, grips are all about feel.
I have now gone back to the GP Super Tac on most of my clubs.
This feel change may be due to the my hands becoming tougher as the season progresses – in the beginning, I am looking for something softer, but as my hands toughen up, I am looking for something firmer.
You mentioned it’s a great all weather grip. Were the original sonar grips not? Particularly interested about rainy conditions. Thanks!
Mike,
No, I meant that more in contrast to more traditional grips that can get slick in the rain and don’t have great durability. The material Lamkin is using the last couple years is excellent.
Best,
Matt
I’m interested in this Lamkin golf grip. Is it available in the Philippines? Or can you order this online?
Joey,
I would expect that a major retailer would be happy to ship grips to the Philippines for you.
-Matt
Hi Matt,
When testing the Sonar Tour, did you remember if you built the grips up at all with any extra layers? Just curious if you did so and how that worked out, as I’ve noticed you play midsize.
I wish these came in midsize, but I’m intrigued enough by them that I may consider trying them with some extra layers. I’ve been impressed with the Sonar+ original and wrap versions, but like the sounds of these as something a little bit firmer.
Thanks!
Matt D
Matt,
No, when I’m testing grips I install them with just one wrap.
-Matt