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What is Genuine Leather? We all see it everyday, a company claims that it only uses "genuine leather" in the manufacturing process of their goods. Of we notice the stamp on our leather goods that state that the item is genuine leather, top-grain leather, or full-grain leather. But what do these stampings actually mean? And is there that a difference between the quality of each leather type. Whether you're buying a golf club head covers, a scorecard holder, or belt, you should know exactly what to look for in your leather: FULL GRAIN LEATHER Considered the most durable, expensive and highest quality grade of real leather is Full Grain. Full Grain is the top layer of the hide, and the only layer to posses the grain appearance. TOP GRAIN LEATHER The second highest quality grade of leather is Top Grain. Top Grain has been split from the top layer of blemished hide, sanded and refinished. Sanding is a common process that tanners use to rid the hide of scars, scrapes and imperfections. GENUINE LEATHER The third highest quality grade is Genuine Leather. Genuine Leather is produced from the layers of hide that remain after the top is split off for the better grades. The surface is usually refinished to resemble a higher grade leather. BONDED LEATHER The fourth quality grade of leather is Bonded. Bonded is referred to as such because it is made from the dust and shavings of other hide layers. These remnants are then collected, glued and pressed together to form a single piece of hide. The hide is then sanded, refinished and often times painted to resemble a piece higher grade leather. But no matter what quality grade, you can be certain that any item made with real leather is made from the hide of an animal, and will produce a durable and long lasting item. Now it's no secret that OEM manufactures in the golf industry almost exclusively use synthetic leather for their golf clubs headcovers, and other "leather" items. The reason for this is purely economical. Synthetic leather is much less expensive than real leather. However, this results in sub-par quality items. SYNTHETIC LEATHER Synthetic Leather is an artificial (man-made) leather. While this leather type may appear to look and feel like real leather, synthetic leather is of much lower quality than real leather. However, it is often used as a substitute for real leather because it is less expensive: POLYURETHANE "PU" LEATHER Polyurethane Leather is made by coating a backing fabric such as cotton, polyester or shredded leather with a flexible polymer and then treating it to look more like animal hide. Polyurethane upholstery is the most realistic imitation of genuine leather, with respect to look and feel. VINYL LEATHER Vinyl upholstery is made from two separate synthetic materials. The fibers of the upholstery are constructed from strong polyester fibers. The fibers are then coated with vinyl, and then melted onto the surface of the fibers, sealing them closed and making a virtually waterproof surface that is still flexible and tough. CONCLUSION Regardless of what material quality is claimed by the manufacturer, or stamped on the item, we hope that this article has provided you with some facts that will make you a better informed consumer. Or, the very least, be better equipped for your next leather purchase. CLICK HERE to view the original article.

SPEED REVIEW BEST GRIPS - MicroPerf Club Grip "Augusta Edition" Written by: Dan Mann NATURAL I had a lot of apprehension about putting these on my new gamers, I wasn't sure if the stitching or the non-tapered built up lower hand would bother me. For one thing I have small hands and often a given companies “standard” just doesn't work for me. Well I'm happy to say neither was an issue and really the MicroPerf's are the most natural feeling grip I've held to date. BestGrips has done a lot to make these feel like an extension of the golfer to link to the club. Now I'll admit these non-tapered grips won't be for everyone and that is why there's a variety of options on the market. But I applaud BestGrips for sticking to their vision and own personal beliefs of what a grip product should be like. Let's face it if they simply went with the popular vote what would differentiate them from everyone else? QUALITY BestGrips puts a lot of research and love into making every grip special. They have their own proprietary mold for hypoallergenic underlasts and a really expensive machine to ensure every piece of leather is rolled to a consistent thickness. Don't forget they're hand making these and sewing every stitch down in the heart of Texas. I'm shocked to not see a bit of fraying on any of the 8 grips or an extra tag or material on the end caps. The end caps show no sign of peeling or bending up either. I've seen other leather grips where the end cap is thin & stressed and sure to peel up going in and out of bags often over time. And most of all these SMELL like genuine leather. MBP's nostrils have perused a bevy of leather grips in the past & a lot of them reek of industrial glue, cheap knock off shoes and purses. BestGrips has also told me they estimate a life expectancy on these at 3-4 years. CONFIDENCE It's called ProTac people and it's a life changing experience. You think I joke, but living in a rain soaked, humid summer region of North America makes holding a golf club difficult at times. Protac simply put is “Tacky”, but in a good way, not a granny doily covered couch kinda way. Man these grips are sticky and the days of wearing gloves are over for me. But do not worry, this doesn't leave any residual residues, marks or stains on your hands. Confidence like this can take one less worry out of your mind standing over the ball and I think I can speak for most when I say we'd love to think less on the course. THE WRAP NATURAL QUALITY CONFIDENCE MBP APPROVES Hey, I'll be the first to admit leather grips aren't for every golfer. Everyone has their own individual preferences and ideas of what feels right to them. But what I do know is that BestGrips makes a damn good golf grip. Are they the end all? Possibly not, but BestGrips should be high up your consideration list when you make your next grip purchase. http://bestgrips.com/product/microperf-club-grip/ *IN FOR REVIEW! BestGrips.com MicroPerf Club Grips - Limited Edition AUGUSTA CLUB GRIP Everyone's favorite genuine leather grip making Texan, is back just in time for my favorite major; The Masters. These limited edition handmade beauts feature the same high quality leather as the standard MicroPerf line, I'm just lucky enough to get my hands on the sexy Augusta themed version. Check back in the future to catch my follow up review. The Augusta Club Grip is the latest Masters themed grip from BestGrips. You will see a lot of Green and Yellow "Limited" products, but none are as superb as the MicroPerf Club Grip. The Augusta Club Grip features a special edition BG Green MicroPerf leather and Yellow thread. - BestGrips The Augusta Club Grip will be available throughout April (in limited quantities). ORDER NOW AT BESTGRIPS.COM