Selecting the correct Superstroke putter grip is a fundamental yet frequently overlooked component of a reliable putting stroke. The interface between your hands and the club dictates comfort, control, and ultimately, consistency on the greens. A proper fitting process moves beyond simple preference to address the biomechanics of your setup, ensuring the tool complements your natural motion rather than fighting against it.
Understanding the Mechanics of Grip Feel
Superstroke has disrupted the market by focusing on stability and feedback, which requires a specific approach to fitting. Unlike traditional rubber grips that allow for significant rotation, Superstroke’s textured, often ridged designs promote a fixed axis of the hands. This "trigger" or "stable" mechanism is intended to prevent the wrists from breaking down through impact, but it demands a precise grip size. If the circumference is too large, the hands cannot connect properly with the stability feature, negating the technology. Conversely, a grip that is too small creates excessive pressure, leading to fatigue and loss of control mid-stroke.
The Role of Hand Size and Pressure
Grip fitting starts with acknowledging that hand dimensions vary significantly. A standard male hand might require a different diameter than a smaller female hand to achieve the optimal "trigger" connection. The goal is to find a size where the player can wrap their fingers over the grip with a slight overlap or gap, allowing the thumb to sit comfortably on top without squeezing. Superstroke fitting often emphasizes a lighter overall pressure than one might use with a conventional grip. Since the texture provides traction, the hands do not need to grip as tightly, which reduces tension in the forearms and promotes a smoother, pendulum-like motion.
Matching Grip Style to Stroke Type
Not all Superstroke grips are created equal, and the fitting process must align the specific model with the player’s natural stroke. For instance, the "SuperStroke Pistos" series offers a tapered design that encourages a more vertical release of the putter face, which can benefit players who tend to manipulate the club through impact. On the other hand, the classic "SuperStroke Tour Pistos" provides a straight, uniform diameter that supports a straight-back-straight-through path. During a fitting, an analysis of the player’s backswing and follow-through will reveal whether a tapered or uniform profile will help them maintain the squareness of the clubface through the critical striking zone.
Color and Material Considerations
While aesthetics are subjective, the material and color choices play practical roles in the fitting equation. The soft-touch urethane compounds found on many Superstroke grips provide enhanced feel, allowing the golfer to sense the weight of the putter head during the swing. Lighter colors may show dirt and wear more quickly, which could be a maintenance concern for frequent players. Darker colors or carbon fiber wraps offer durability but might conceal the subtle feedback that some golfers rely on. A fitting session should therefore evaluate how the player interacts with these sensory cues, ensuring the grip not only looks good but also delivers the necessary tactile information for confidence.
The Process of Professional Fitting
To achieve the ideal setup, it is recommended to undergo a formal fitting rather than guessing based on stock sizes. A qualified fitter will measure the length of the current grip and the diameter of the hands to determine the starting point. They will then present various Superstroke options, observing the client’s grip pressure and hand positioning. The fitter looks for signs of discomfort, such as knuckles that bunch up or a thumb that rides too high. The ultimate test is ball-striking; the fitter will watch for a consistent release pattern and a finish where the putter face points down the intended line, indicating that the grip is working in harmony with the player’s mechanics.
