50 Words or Less
The Star Grip STX grips offer excellent traction in all conditions. Unmatched three year warranty. Weight varies substantially by color, so choose carefully.
Introduction
In many things, costs are going up while quality is going down. New grips cost more than ever but can feel worn and slick way too soon. If you’re sick of changing your grips, you need to get wise to Star Grip. With an unmatched three year warranty, these grips are built to keep you on the course rather than in your club builder’s shop. Their newest model is the Star Grip STX, designed for golfers who want maximum grip on their clubs.
Looks
Each Star Grip STX grip is monochromatic which allows the aggressive texture to be the focus. The majority of the grip is covered in a bold, sandpaper-like texture meant to offer increased grip. Only the bottom of the grip is smooth, the backdrop to the “STAR” branding. Separating the segments of texture are five Vs – three point-down, two point-up – which serve as aids for proper hand placement and a way to precisely choke down on the club.
The Star Grip STX is available in three colors: white, black, and grey.
Feel
I’d like to pull an UNO reverse and tell you that these grips feel like silk sheets, but I can’t. The Star Grip STX grips feel exactly like they look. There’s a ton of grit and traction in each hand. The rubber itself is medium – not hard, not soft – with modest tack.
If you prefer a softer grip or one with less grit, check out my review of Star Grip’s other options HERE.
Tape-Free Installation
In addition to selling grips, Star Grip sells a variety of gripping accessories. Their Air Installation Guns retails for $30 or $50, depending on whether you choose the standard or pro model. They also sell a high quality build up tape, hook blade, and tape remover.
One of the key selling points of Star Grip golf grips is their tape-free installation. And before the “Well, actually” crowd gets to the comments section, yes, technically any grip can be installed like this.* What sets Star Grip apart is the high rubber content of their grips. This makes the grips more elastic so there’s less risk of stretching or tearing. The inside of the grip is also very tacky, keeping it in place. Finally, the manufacturing consistency of these grips is second to none.
*While I love Golf Pride grips, if they wanted their grips installed with air, I don’t think they would have created the Concept Helix [review HERE].
To install a grip with air, you need an air compressor and the grip installation tool. Set the pressure to at least 60 psi and simply slide the grip into place. You can do the same to remove the Star Grip STX.
The benefits of this method are numerous. First, there’s no mess. Second, the grip is immediately ready to play – no waiting for the solvent to dry. Third, you can adjust the grip at any time. Fourth, this method has no consumables – tape or solvent – so it’s cheaper in the long run. Finally, air installation allows you to try a variety of different grips without destroying them. You can start with Grip A, switch to Grip B, then go back to Grip A.
So, yes, you can install Star Grip grips with tape and solvent, but why would you?
Performance
I reviewed several Star Grip models last year and was very impressed with the quality. However, I love texture and traction, so I stuck with my corded gamer. The new Star Grip STX feels like it was built just to make me a full-time convert.
The STX (StarTack Xtreme) has as much traction as any grip I’ve used. I play without a glove, which is part of why I value traction so much. With the STX, I never felt like I had to squeeze the club to keep it under control. I also like the fact that there’s a ton of traction under both hands – I don’t want my bottom hand to feel like it’s just along for the ride. Additionally, the Star Grip STX performed brilliantly when wet. I sprayed the grips with water and had no significant change in my hold on the club.
While it’s not the focus of these grips, another thing I really liked about the STX is the series of Vs. I like choking down on my clubs to hit different shots, and these markings help me to be more consistent with that. Even if you hit every shot at full length, these markings can help you to keep your hand placement more consistent.
Finally, as I mentioned in the intro, every Star Grip comes with a three year warranty. If the grip becomes “hard, dry, slick, or lose their tackiness” the company will replace them free of charge. This is a huge differentiator from other grip companies, as many other grips barely last three months. If you play a lot of golf or simply hate the hassle of changing your grips, the long-lasting Star Grip should be high on your list.
The Star Grip STX grips come in standard and midsize. Interestingly, the weight varies significantly depending on the color you choose. Black is the lightest – 54 grams in standard, 60 in midsize. Grey is only one gram heavier in each size. White, however, is substantially heavier at 60 and 67 grams, respectively. If you’re trying to hit a specific swing weight, choose your color accordingly.
Conclusion
If you like a lot of traction in your grips, it’s hard to find a reason not to play the Star Grip STX grips. In any condition, these will give you a firm hold of your club. They’re priced at or below most big name grips, and Star Grip’s unmatched three year warranty makes them a tremendous value.
Visit Star Grip HERE
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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17 Comments
From the looks, it looks like a reduced taper design. What did you see in that regards from your testing?
That’s interesting. They’re not advertised as reduced taper, but now that you mention it, I didn’t notice a big difference when switching from my gamer (the MCC +4) to the STX. Without measuring them, I’ll hypothesize that they have less taper than “normal” but not zero taper.
Best,
Matt
While I haven’t tried the STX yet, I have been using STAR grips for several years and have in fact toured their Chandler, Arizona production facility. This is a top notch grip and company. For those of you that change your own grips, or would like to, I highly recommend the. They deliver.
Hey Matt, I have tried a sidewinder 360,How rough were the STX on the non glove hand ? Thanks Bruce
Bruce,
Yes, I tested the Sidewinder in the previous review, which is linked above.
The STX is no tougher on the hands than a fresh cord grip.
Best,
Matt
is it alot rougher than the sidewinder ? Im currently playing golf pride tour velvet
360
Bruce,
Yes, substantially.
Best,
Matt
These look very similar to the Puregrips I have been using for years. Maybe they have been bought out? I have yet to wear out my Puregrips, and they never get less tacky. If I get a new club, I use my air compressor to blow the grip off my old club and onto my new one. The best thing is not having to apply grip tape and waiting for the solvent to dry. I am surprised that very few people I know use these, and you don’t see them on the pro tour.
Ian,
At one point I knew the connection between Pure and Star Grip, but it’s escaped my increasingly spotty memory.
Pros don’t care about grip longevity – they get fresh sets whenever they want them. But I sure do!
Best,
Matt
Not that it should matter to the everyday golfer if the pros use these (so long as they work for them), but it does appear that Freddie Couples likes the Sidewinders
Matt, what was your sense as to how the actual dimensions of Star STX’s midsize compared to Golf Pride MCC Plus4’s midsize? (Was the Star STX essentially the same diameter or noticeably smaller/larger than GP’s MCC Plus4?) Thanks and be well!
Ian,
The difference wasn’t significant for me, both are in my range of comfort.
Best,
Matt
Many thanks, Matt. If your sole criterion was effectiveness in wet conditions/no slipping, then would you favor Star STX or another grip? The aggressive texture looks/sounds great on the Star STX and you noted their strong performance after being sprayed with water, but part of me can’t get over the fact that the Star STX is rubber rather than cord like Golf Pride’s Tour Velvet Cord or the upper half of the MCC collection.
Ian,
I’d probably choose the STX.
Best,
Matt
Thanks, Matt, and I appreciate your insight and help!
These seems similar to the Royal Sand grips. Have you ever used those to confirm or clarify the assumption?
Harry,
No, I haven’t used Royal Sands.
Best,
Matt