SPY VIP Tony Covey MGS Posted June 11, 2012 SPY VIP Share Posted June 11, 2012 About this time last year I wrote that if the major American grip companies didn't start offering a selection of colored grips soon, Japanese companies like IOmic and NO1, with their assortment of bright grips, were going to start gobbling market share like my almost 2 year old gobbles blueberries (seriously…kid has a $10 a week habit…it's totally out of control. I blame her mother). Here's the thing…black is boring. Sure…black grips hide dirt a hell of a lot better than say Electric Blue, but there not much fun to look at. Yeah…I know some of you don't care. And I know that some of you are put off by guys like me with my multi-colored ferrules, and multi-colored grip, but things are changing out there on the golf courses of this country. Grips don't have to be black any more…in fact, I'd go so far as to say your grips shouldn't be black any more, and with established companies like Lamkin jumping onboard the rainbow bandwagon (and offering a selection of colored grips below $7.00 each), you no longer have to pay a premium to add a splash of color to your golf bag. Lamkin REL 3GEN A couple months ago, my PR contact at Lamkin (who happens to be my original industry contact) sent me a selection of grips from the 2012 Lineup. For the most part, I got one of everything, and perhaps I'll talk about the putter grip, or the unique Tour White Full Cord, and even the ultra-compelling 3GEN wedge grip at a later time. Fortunately, what I did receive multiple samples of what I think is the showpiece of Lamkin's 2012 grip lineup, the new R.E.L. 3GEN Color Series. Here's how Lamkin describes the new grips: With a collection of 11 new, non-fading color options and a complete assortment of sizes, the R.E.L. 3GEN provides golfers with an unrivaled selection of grip choices. For 2012, the R.E.L. 3GEN is available in four sizes: undersize, standard, midsize and oversize; and in 11 new colors: white, gray, blue, purple, yellow, green, red, orange, neon pink, neon purple and electric blue. The grip's distinctly minimal surface pattern helps maximize surface area contact with a golfer's hand, providing extra comfort and reducing the amount of grip pressure needed to maintain control throughout the swing. R.E.L.'s 3GEN synthetic rubber compound adds superior tackiness and reduces impact jolts without dulling shot feel. Don't get too excited just yet. If you take a midsize or oversize grip, color options, at least for now are limited. Specifically, you can get R.E.L. 3GENs in black or…well, I suppose that's it. If you take an undersized grip you can get your R.E.L. 3GENs in black, or neon purple, or neon pink. And, if you're fortunate enough to be a standard sized guy, all options, except the two neon colors (which are my personal favorites) are on the table. Looks One of the knocks on previous generations of colored rubber-based grips is that the colors simply weren't that vivid. Everything was noticeably duller than what the Japanese companies were producing with their non-rubber-based products. It looks like those color issues have been largely resolved as my samples are (mostly) as vivid as anything I've seen. The Electric Blue for example is probably the best rendition of a sky or Carolina blue that I've seen in any grip. The neon colors (undersized only) are as saturated as anything on the market today, and while perhaps the orange isn't quite as bright (neon) as the R.E.L. 3GEN Lamkin produces exclusively for Cobra, the standard orange isn't half bad either. The one letdown from a color perspective is the yellow. It's not bright, it's not vivid. It's a dirty mustard color that simply doesn't do it for me. As long as I'm talking about disappointing colors, Lamkin does offer the R.E.L. 3GEN in a 360 model. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's a logo-less grip with a consistent tread pattern that allows the grip to be used with those adjustable drivers where the shaft orientation changes when the shaft is adjusted (basically everybody's driver except Callaway and Titleist). Not surprisingly that 360 performs as well as standard R.E.L. 3GEN, but it's only available in black, which is totally cramping my style. Not cool, Lamkin. Not cool. Feel For a number of years I was a dedicated Crossline user. In many respects I see the R.E.L. 3GEN as the evolution of that classic grip (although the original is still available, as it should be…this isn't one of those New Coke debacles or anything). The tread pattern is noticeably different from the Crossline, and, surprisingly, is shallow compared to much of the other rubber grips on the market today. While nothing like a cord, the R.E.L. 3GEN is moderately firm. It's got some squish to it, but doesn' feel squishy, or give you the impression that the grip might have come loose from the shaft. It's probably only slightly firmer than those $18 Japanese grips that I have on my irons right now. Because I needed to write this review, and because I needed to build a couple of wedges, and because the R.E.L 3GENs provide an excellent match for my ferrules, I through one each on a Miura K-Grind, and Miura C-Grind wedges that I just assembled. Once the grips were installed what I found must surprising was the tackiness of the grip. Again, as a guy who plays a more expensive Japanese grip, I was basically blown away that a rubber grip with shallow tread could provide anything remotely close to the same level of playable firmness and tackiness. Color me (oh that was bad) impressed. Performance It's not like I have any of equipment necessary to do an exhaustive torque study on the grip. For me it's pretty simply. Either I like the way the grip feels or I don't…and even then, the thing better damn sure perform well when it's raining, or when it's excessively humid. The first part is easy. With a firm, yet comfortable feel the R.E.L 3GEN provides excellent feedback on full shots and those little touch shots around the green. I'm sure the same is true for Lamkin's wedge grip, but it's only available in black, and as petty or nonsensical as it may sound, that's a deal breaker for me these days. Where rubber grips have always disappointed me is when, with a little bit of moisture, the go from perfectly tacky to unplayably slick. After playing the 1st day of my Spring Member/Member in the rain I can report that the Lamkin R.E.L. 3GENs were as easy to hold on to as anything else in my bag. Granted, I did have to go to the rain gloves for the better part of 9 holes, but regardless of whether I had a single standard glove, or was completely gloved up, I never struggled to keep my grip, and I never felt like I had to dial it back at all. Cleaning and Durability One thing I love about my high-end, snobby, Japanese grips is that they're incredibly easy to clean. Just a touch of solvent and the dirt, grease, and grime comes off, tackiness is restored, and there's zero deterioration of the material. Incidentally, I've found that acetone works well, but evaporates quickly. WD40 also works well, but takes a bit more elbow grease. GolfWorks grip solvent however cleans them up like a champion. Try any or all of the above with a rubber-based grip, and you're going to get a towel full of color, which I'm sure isn't great for the grip. I've tried cleaning the R.E.L. 3GEN with warm soapy water. Most of the dirt came off, but I had to spend as much time on one grip as I'd spend cleaning my entire bag. I've only about 6 rounds in on the 3GENs right now, so it's far too soon to make any definitive comment on durability. I can say that there is currently no visible wear. While I would tell you that after six round there should never be any visible wear, there are some grips I've tried in the past that were virtually destroyed by this point. Let's call it so far, so good, and plan for a follow up in a few months. Final Thoughts If I'm being perfectly honest, my plan for the Lamkin R.E.L. 3GEN was to leave them on my wedges just long enough to write this review, then rip them off and then regrip with my grip of choice. While there is an OCD part of me that struggles with the grips on my wedges not matching those on my irons, I'm liking the R.E.L 3GENs enough that I've decided to ride them out for the season, or however long they last. They offer a firm, but soft, but not too soft feel that I like, and a tackiness that's as good as anything I've used to date. You could easily spend better than twice as much for similar performance. Durability is certainly a consideration, but I don't have enough info to make any distinctions in that regard. The bottom line is that for now, the R.E.L. 3GENs aren't broke…so I ain't gonna fix ‘em. They're staying on my wedges. MyGolfSpy is only major golf site that refuses advertising from large golf companies. With your support we can keep it that way. Donate Today Follow @GolfSpyT Subscribe to the MyGolfSpy Newsletter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RookieBlue7 Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 I'm playing the black midsize on my irons, got them on sale for $2 per grip and like them. Like the Performance Plus 3gens better because they taper slightly less, but these are good grips. In The BagDriver: TaylorMade M2 (2017) w/ Project X T1100 HZRDUS Handcrafted 65x Strong 3 wood: Taylormade M1 15* w/ ProjectX T1100 HZRDUS handcrafted 75x3 Hybrid: Adams PRO 18* w/ KBS Tour Hybrid S flex tipped 1/2"4 Hybrid: Adams PRO 20* (bent to 21*) w/ KBS Tour Hybrid S flex tipped 1/2"4-AW: TaylorMade P770 w/ Dynamic Gold Tour Issue Black Onyx S400 SW: 56* Scratch Tour Dept(CC grooves) w/ Dynamic Gold SpinnerLW: 60* Scratch Tour Department (CC grooves) w/ Dynamic Gold SpinnerXW: 64* Cally XForged Vintage w/ DG X100 8 iron tiger steppedPutter: Nike Method Prototype 006 at 34"Have a ton of back-ups in all categories, but there are always 14 clubs in the bag that differ depending on the course and set-up. Bomb and gouge. Yes, I'm a club gigolo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moecat Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Ever get a chance to see how these stack up against the NDUR models? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPY VIP Tony Covey MGS Posted June 11, 2012 Author SPY VIP Share Posted June 11, 2012 Ever get a chance to see how these stack up against the NDUR models? I bought a couple of NDURs when they first came out. They weren't for me. I found them a bit too firm for my tastes, and it's really weird, but the standard-sized ones felt just a hair oversized to me. MyGolfSpy is only major golf site that refuses advertising from large golf companies. With your support we can keep it that way. Donate Today Follow @GolfSpyT Subscribe to the MyGolfSpy Newsletter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skihippy Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 +1 to rookieblue... I have had the 3Gen midsize white on my irons for two years now.. I get to play about twice a month. If you want me to share some pics I can, these grips still feel great, not new but great! Whats in the bag: Titleist 910D2 10.5 Graphite Design Y7-S Adams 1600 proto 14.5 Graphite Design AD DJ Titleist 910F 17 Ust Tour Black Titleist 910H 22 Diamana Kali Adams Idea Pro A12 4-9 KBS C Taper Titleist Vokey SM4 46 degree w/ DG Spinner Mizuno MP R12 50-54-58 DG spinner Ping Redwood ZB Ball Nike 20XI-X Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RookieBlue7 Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 +1 to rookieblue... I have had the 3Gen midsize white on my irons for two years now.. I get to play about twice a month. If you want me to share some pics I can, these grips still feel great, not new but great! I had the whites on the last 3-4 sets before these and bought 30 of the midsize Blems. Ran out and caught these on sale and have maybe 6 left. Waiting to find more PP 3gens in white. My favorite grip in a while for irons and wedges. Not soft and not firm. These are my second favorites. They're a touch softer. I wish they'd release these in a midsize cord version. They'd be perfect then, IMO. A good midsize cord is hard to find, and I think this rubber compound would be good with a cord. In The BagDriver: TaylorMade M2 (2017) w/ Project X T1100 HZRDUS Handcrafted 65x Strong 3 wood: Taylormade M1 15* w/ ProjectX T1100 HZRDUS handcrafted 75x3 Hybrid: Adams PRO 18* w/ KBS Tour Hybrid S flex tipped 1/2"4 Hybrid: Adams PRO 20* (bent to 21*) w/ KBS Tour Hybrid S flex tipped 1/2"4-AW: TaylorMade P770 w/ Dynamic Gold Tour Issue Black Onyx S400 SW: 56* Scratch Tour Dept(CC grooves) w/ Dynamic Gold SpinnerLW: 60* Scratch Tour Department (CC grooves) w/ Dynamic Gold SpinnerXW: 64* Cally XForged Vintage w/ DG X100 8 iron tiger steppedPutter: Nike Method Prototype 006 at 34"Have a ton of back-ups in all categories, but there are always 14 clubs in the bag that differ depending on the course and set-up. Bomb and gouge. Yes, I'm a club gigolo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GolfSpy Barbajo Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 Need to regrip my backup set -- somehow I don't think these would work on a set of Hogan's. Ole Ben would be spinnin' in his grave.... What's in the bag: Driver: TSR3; DynaPWR Carbon FW Wood: DynaPWR 3-wood; TSR 2+ Hybrids: PXG Gen4 18-degree Utility Irons: ZX MkII 20* Irons:; 699/699 Pro V2 Combo; D9 Forged; MT86 (coming soon!); VIP 1025 V-Foil MB/CB; Wedges: RTX6 Zipcore Putter: HB Soft Milled 10.5; Newport Special Select; Willamette, BB8; 8802; MATI Monto Ball: Tour B RXS; Z-STAR Diamond; Triad Stat Tracker/GPS Watch: Follow @golfspybarbajo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdGolf Posted August 17, 2012 Share Posted August 17, 2012 How does this grip feels when it's wet? Been having a lot of golf session in raining weather lately. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skihippy Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 Edgolf these grips actually do better in the wet. If you check the description on Lamkin.com it explains how we you start to feel that the grip is getting a little dry just take a damp cloth to them and they tack right back up. I had them in a pretty good down pour and never had a concern about loosing traction. Great question.. Whats in the bag: Titleist 910D2 10.5 Graphite Design Y7-S Adams 1600 proto 14.5 Graphite Design AD DJ Titleist 910F 17 Ust Tour Black Titleist 910H 22 Diamana Kali Adams Idea Pro A12 4-9 KBS C Taper Titleist Vokey SM4 46 degree w/ DG Spinner Mizuno MP R12 50-54-58 DG spinner Ping Redwood ZB Ball Nike 20XI-X Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gkatshoots69 Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 I've got these on every club in my bag but the putter. I've got 25-30 rounds with them this year and can't find a single negative about them, love the feel, look, and durability of these grips. Great review T. and I totally agree with you about the yellow grip! I put that one on my hybrid because I don't hit that club much so I don't have to look at it. Driver: Ping G410 10.5* w/Hazrdus Blk 6.0 (S) Fairway W: Ping G400 3 Wood w/stock (S) Hybrid: Taylormade Gapr Lo 3 w/stock (S) Irons: Ping i210 4-PW w/Dynamic Gold 120 (S) Wedges: Callaway Jaws 48, 52, 56 w/Dynamic Gold 120 (S) Putter: Odyssey 3T Ball: Taylormade TP5 X Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdGolf Posted August 22, 2012 Share Posted August 22, 2012 Edgolf these grips actually do better in the wet. If you check the description on Lamkin.com it explains how we you start to feel that the grip is getting a little dry just take a damp cloth to them and they tack right back up. I had them in a pretty good down pour and never had a concern about loosing traction. Great question.. Looks like it's time to change out my Iomic to those.... thanks !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revkev Posted August 22, 2012 Share Posted August 22, 2012 Loved the review - I have the crossline on everything but it's been so flippin wet that even they aren't working - it's either wet because it's hot and humid or wet because it's raining. I might give one of these a try on a club just for kicks - but it will be black. Taylor Made Stealth 2 10.5 Diamana S plus 60 Aldila R flex - 42.25 inches SMT 4 wood bassara R flex, four wood head, 3 wood shaft Ping G410 7, 9 wood Alta 65 R flex Srixon ZX5 MK II 5-GW - UST recoil Dart 65 R flex India 52,56 (60 pending) UST recoil 75's R flex Evon roll ER 5 32 inches It's our offseason so auditioning candidates - looking for that right mix of low spin long, more spin around the greens - TBD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ice Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 Every golfer should have the wedge grips on their wedges. Nothing is better. It's changed my wedge game. What's In The Bag: Adams 9064LS Ben Hogan Edge CFT Ti Ben Hogan Apex Edge 4-PW TaylorMade ATV 50* 54* Mizuno Bettinardi BC3 Tour Issue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skihippy Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 Spyers I will be honest I had all of my Irons with these for the two years.. and I keep GP new decades on my wedges because I get a better feel for my shots. These are some Awesome grips that add that little bit of comfort if you need it and grip when you want it (always) now after a couple of months you are going to start noticing that they are drying out. Just take a damp cloth and wipe them down before your round and they will be just as tacki as the day you put them on... Glad everyone likes them, a lot cheaper than Iomics Whats in the bag: Titleist 910D2 10.5 Graphite Design Y7-S Adams 1600 proto 14.5 Graphite Design AD DJ Titleist 910F 17 Ust Tour Black Titleist 910H 22 Diamana Kali Adams Idea Pro A12 4-9 KBS C Taper Titleist Vokey SM4 46 degree w/ DG Spinner Mizuno MP R12 50-54-58 DG spinner Ping Redwood ZB Ball Nike 20XI-X Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPY VIP The Dansome Posted December 1, 2012 SPY VIP Share Posted December 1, 2012 I asked T to surprise me with grips for my RocketBladez. Well he picked 3Gen's and I couldn't be happier. Excellent feeling grip with the right amount of tack for wet weather. Yo #JustPlayBetter Follow @GolfSpyMBP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Divothead Posted September 10, 2017 Share Posted September 10, 2017 I`ve just moved to these grips and so far so good.The feed back from my wedge shots is fantastic. I`ve been a fan of tour velvet but these are nice and tacky.and provide great feed back from the shot. rouge subzero Fujikura Evo 2 shaft F2 3 wood Mitsubishi rayon 818.21 hybrid Even flow black Ben Hogan irons apex 4 shafts S18 wedges 50/54/58 Cameron and Crown M1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STUDque Posted September 10, 2017 Share Posted September 10, 2017 I`ve just moved to these grips and so far so good.The feed back from my wedge shots is fantastic. I`ve been a fan of tour velvet but these are nice and tacky.and provide great feed back from the shot. I've had orange ones on my wedges. You really have to clean them often to keep the tackiness. I find that they hang on to oils and dirt much worse than any other grip I've had before and tend to get very slick. The color stays strong but I've been shopping to find another grip for my wedges that won't require so much cleaning. Sent from carrier pigeon using MyGolfSpy In my Pisa, riding on a 3.5+ G410+ EXS 5W King F7 Hy i500 5-GW Equalizer 56/60 Heppler Ketsch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Divothead Posted October 3, 2017 Share Posted October 3, 2017 I've had orange ones on my wedges. You really have to clean them often to keep the tackiness. I find that they hang on to oils and dirt much worse than any other grip I've had before and tend to get very slick. The color stays strong but I've been shopping to find another grip for my wedges that won't require so much cleaning. Sent from carrier pigeon using MyGolfSpy I have a nice rubber cleaning solution that keeps all my grips tip top and super tacky rouge subzero Fujikura Evo 2 shaft F2 3 wood Mitsubishi rayon 818.21 hybrid Even flow black Ben Hogan irons apex 4 shafts S18 wedges 50/54/58 Cameron and Crown M1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigtazzGolf Posted October 4, 2017 Share Posted October 4, 2017 I have a nice rubber cleaning solution that keeps all my grips tip top and super tackyFancy lolI just wet a towel and wipe them down after a round. Hit the grips and club faces then put them away. Love these grips. Can't go wrong with lamkin imo BigTazz Grip in Rip it Chicks dig the LONG ball! Grip n Rip it Chicks dig the LONG ball In my staff bag King F7+ Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro White 60 - Graphite Tour X-Stiff CBX 13.5 3 Wood Atomic Irons 4-AW (reviewing) CG16 Satin 52* 588 RTX 2.0 56* and 60* Sentio Sierra 101-M Putter Proud tester of the Tommy Armour ATOMIC Irons Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
null Posted October 4, 2017 Share Posted October 4, 2017 Dish soap works great. As do the Lamkin gripes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Divothead Posted October 5, 2017 Share Posted October 5, 2017 The rubber cleaner I use is called trinity death grip. Yes soap and water does a nice job and scores a birdie. But the death grip bags an eagle everytime for less than £10 and last for ages. rouge subzero Fujikura Evo 2 shaft F2 3 wood Mitsubishi rayon 818.21 hybrid Even flow black Ben Hogan irons apex 4 shafts S18 wedges 50/54/58 Cameron and Crown M1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Z Posted October 6, 2017 Share Posted October 6, 2017 Fast Orange hand cleaner is cheap and it works great in cleaning grips. WITB:Driver Ping Anser 8.5 deg Diamana 'ahina X3 Wood Adams LS Stock S or TM 14 deg MiniDriver stock SIrons Ben Hogan FW 15 KBS Tour V SWedges Ben Hogan TK 15 KBS Tour V SPutter Nike Method ConceptLaunch Monitor: SkyTrak Play Right-handed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.