Equipment

SwitchGrips allow golfers to change putter grips quickly with no mess

Published

9 years ago

Feb 5, 2015

Over the past several years, golf equipment companies have been pushing on-the-go customization of equipment, with adjustable drivers and moveable weights to make sure your club is exactly how you want it, when you want it.

Miami-based SwitchGrips is applying this same line of thinking to putter grips, giving the golfer the ability to quickly swap out putter grips without any of the elbow grease that has always been required. If it’s any indication, their recent selection as one of the top three “Best New Products” at the 2015 PGA Merchandise Show, means they may be on to something.

The concept behind SwitchGrips is that once you have replaced your current putter grip with the inner sleeve of the SwitchGrips putter system, then it never has to come off again. The actual grip that makes contact with your hands is an interchangeable outer sleeve that should allow a litany of combinations of look, weight and feel. The process of changing the grip is simple and can be done in less than a minute. Golfers simply need to remove a screw at the butt of the putter, slide the outer sleeve off, slide the new one on and replace the screw. That’s it.

While plenty of golfers can replace their own grips in their garage without much headache, the fact is, most golfers have never changed them without the help of a professional, let alone considered doing their own work. No work bench, no vise and no messy mineral spirits required. The SwitchGrips process allows golfers with zero technical proficiency to try all different putter grip combinations without the usual hassle.

The entry level offerings from SwitchGrips include a rubber line, The Player ($27), and a leather option ($55) with an option in color, sizes and possibly shapes to be soon to come.

A first purchase from SwitchGrips will cost golfers an extra $10 bucks and includes the inner sleeve, weight and Torx key tool. The headline grabbing group of SwitchGrips is an array of exotic animal hides that likely won’t make any friends with the PETA crowd, but will certainly peak some curiosity among those looking for the finer touch on their putter, with lines that include Stingray, Crocodile and Snake grips ($190).

Sam Snead’s famous advice about gripping a golf club as if ”you were holding a bird in your hand” earns new meaning with their unusual line of Ostrich grips.

With the recent prevalence of thicker grips both on tour and at clubs around the world, SwitchGrips gives golfers the opportunity to easily switch back and forth between different sizes until you find what’s right for you.

Weekend golfers, hackers, and single-digit handicappers alike always seem to be trying to find that elusive magic with the flatstick, whether it is experimenting with different heads, lengths or lies. SwitchGrips may just be the start of a new revolution in adjustability, allowing players everywhere to find that perfect putter feel to help trim those few extra strokes off their round.

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Alex Dickson

D.C. area golf addict and founding editor of BeltwayGolfer. Sinking three-putt pars since the late-80's. Best hole always seems to be the 19th. Worst club is between my ears.

25 Comments

Anna Simon

Nov 5, 2015 at 11:49 am

Hi Alex,
I am currently working with a company that is building a new product that helps golfers improve and analyze their golf swing, taking a multi-sensor approach to the swing analyzers products on the market. The product’s Kickstarter will be launching later this month. Would you like us to get in touch with you to test the product? If so, please send me your email to [email protected].
Many Thanks,
Anna Simon

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Pingback: GolfWRX.com – SwitchGrips allow golfers to change putter grips quickly with no mess | SwitchGrips USA
Welby

Feb 11, 2015 at 12:09 pm

Or just use an air compressor and no grip tape to swap as often as you like. (Just please never EVER do it to match your outfit.)

Reply Report comment
Lowell Madanes

Feb 8, 2015 at 12:15 pm

This is similar to when Winn grips came out and all you had to do was purchase the wrap to replace the grip. Interesting concept. Not sure if the price point will gain many buyers but you never know.

Reply Report comment
Stan

Feb 8, 2015 at 1:57 am

I have to agree on what they go by on the best products awards. It should be the
best gimmick award. There is so much more to a product then just being at the
PGA show and being best in show kind of like a dog contest. Oh that’s right it’s
not like it’s free to be there they have to pick somebody. It’s not legit unless it’s
tour proven!

Reply Report comment
- John
  
  Sep 26, 2015 at 8:01 pm
  
  Looks tour proven to me. Switchgrips had a top 5 finish with Stewart Cink at the Canadian Open and reached near the top at the British Open. We’ve seen 6 different guys using it on tour …thinking it’s not a gimmick.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Joke of a grip
    
    Jul 6, 2016 at 8:24 am
    
    6 different guys. What guys . And if Cink loves it so much why is he not playing it now.
    
    Reply Report comment
John Lefebre

Feb 8, 2015 at 1:16 am

WHAT A JOKE!!

Reply Report comment
John Lefebre

Feb 8, 2015 at 1:15 am

I Agree with you Butch,
A complete dud.. By the way is this crap approved
by the USGA ?I see nothing about that anywhere.
People have been cutting grips off for ever I don’t
see this as the next best thing it’s the newest FLOP!!!!

Reply Report comment
Butch

Feb 8, 2015 at 12:59 am

This is a complete joke. What do you mean no mess!
I have to install the sleeve first first right? This is a
complete overpriced DUD!!! Will it match my dirty socks.

Reply Report comment
- John Lefebre
  
  Feb 8, 2015 at 1:17 am
  
  I AGREE WITH YOU BUTCH…….
  
  Reply Report comment
paul

Feb 6, 2015 at 2:43 pm

there has been a few times when I have wanted to try a different grip on my putter but the cost of this system is too much. $37 for a bare bones start with $55 to $190 for a grip? c’mon man. the golfing assoc. wants to get more people playing the game but the vendors jack the price sky high on equipment and if it’s not right for you, then what? it’s hard to sell a used grip for a system that very few people have. in all fairness the concept is good, but it is just to expensive for most average golfers to try out. IMHO paul

Reply Report comment
mike

Feb 6, 2015 at 1:07 pm

YEA I KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN ITS SEEMS COOL AND ALL THAT. I TRIED THESE AT THE PGA SHOW
AND I WAS NOT IMPRESSED. FIRST OFF THE GRIP IS TO SHORT NOT THE STANDARD SIZE AND THE
END CAPS WERE REALLY ANNOYING THE TOP ONE DUG INTO MY PALM AND THE FEEL WAS KIND OF DEAD. IMO

Reply Report comment
Scooter McGavin

Feb 6, 2015 at 12:54 pm

I don’t understand how some of these “top product” awards are decided. I mean, yeah, the idea is cool, but once you think any further beyond that, I can’t think of a level where this is practical. I know it may not be possible, but a system that allows you to install ANY grip (not just this brand) would be much more valuable. For the price of their grips, you can have pretty much any non-leather grip professionally installed. Labor at my local store is only $3. I can see a certain limited use for fitting, like for fitting to the correct size, but even then, most customers will want other brands and models of grip. Top all of that off with the fact that you shouldn’t be changing your grip that frequently anyway, because you need to give one some time for you to adjust to it before you can know if it will work for you. Maybe I’m missing something, but please let me know if I am neglecting a valuable use for this system as it is, at the price that it is.

Reply Report comment
Todd

Feb 6, 2015 at 12:16 pm

You got that right every HACK! No serious golfer would even think about wanting to match
their outfit.

Reply Report comment
Jeff Smith

Feb 6, 2015 at 10:41 am

I bet every pampas cigar smoking hack will go for this lame idea

Reply Report comment
Todd

Feb 6, 2015 at 9:56 am

What happens if you want to change putters? You have to buy a whole new system?
This could get a bit pricey.

Reply Report comment
- John
  
  Sep 26, 2015 at 8:04 pm
  
  I just had to buy another inner sleeve when I changed liters it was only about $10
  
  Reply Report comment
- John
  
  Sep 26, 2015 at 8:05 pm
  
  Was only $10 when I changed *putters
  
  Reply Report comment
Ryan

Feb 6, 2015 at 12:50 am

Switch Grips have been a thing in Tenpin Bowling for AGES now.. Was waiting for them to attack the Golf scene… I’d prefer to see these being used for people who excessively wear-out grips.

Reply Report comment
Kerry Corcaran

Feb 5, 2015 at 7:03 pm

Maybe I can match my underwear!

Reply Report comment
Mitch Robbins

Feb 5, 2015 at 2:57 pm

Are you serious? Wow like I really want to match my putter grip to my outfit…

Reply Report comment
Golfraven

Feb 5, 2015 at 2:15 pm

I like the idea. Maybe I would’t go as far as trying to match the grip color with my outfit but would be keen to try different sizes and shapes of grips. Playing the SuperStroke Flatso now but it was a risky and time consuming change from previous pistolero grip. If I didn’t like it it would be money thrown out of the window. Wonder why not all OEM offering such option especially when going through putter fitting. should be an easy thing to have separate heads and set of different shafts and grips.

Reply Report comment
Jay

Feb 5, 2015 at 1:58 pm

And add extra weight to it on the days I’m feeling fat!!!

Reply Report comment
Ryan Stewart

Feb 5, 2015 at 12:51 pm

Perfect, now i can finally match my putter grip with my outfit!

Reply Report comment

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Equipment

A shocking Backstryke putter appearance + 7 interesting gear photos from the Zurich Classic

Published

12 hours ago

Apr 25, 2024

Andrew Tursky

Welcome to New Orleans, where TPC Louisiana plays host to the 2024 Zurich Classic. In between breakfast beignets and nightly Creole feasts, PGA Tour players are also competing in the unique two-man format at the Zurich this week.

Although the vibes in Nawlins are a bit lighter-fare than the recent back-to-back competitions the Masters and the RBC Heritage signature event), the gear news was no less serious this week.

We spotted some recent changes from Rory McIlroy, a very rare Odyssey Backstryke putter, dove into the bag of legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and spotted Patrick Cantlay continuing to test new equipment.

Get your beads out and crack your crawfish, because it’s time for an equipment rundown from The Big Easy (meaning New Orleans, of course, not Ernie Els).

See all of our photos from the Zurich Classic here

Rory’s on-and-off lob wedge

Since the end of 2023, Rory McIlroy has had an on-again, off-again relationship with a Titleist Vokey K-Grind lob wedge. In his last start, it was on, and the wedge is back in the bag again this week. We got a great look at the complicated grind that McIlroy uses.

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A full look into McIlroy’s bag above also shows that he switched out of the TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper that he used at the RBC Heritage, and he’s back into the Qi10 core 3-wood. As we discussed last week, McIlroy will likely keep the BRNR around as a course-specific club, trading it in and out for the 3-wood.

See Rory McIlroy’s full 2024 WITB from the Zurich here

Turning Back the clock

Unless Tommy Gainey is in the field, it’s unlikely you’ll ever see Odyssey’s Backstryke technology make an appearance on the PGA Tour.

But then, when you least expect it, Russ Cochran shows up.

For more than a decade – since the 2013 Sony Open in Hawai’i – Cochran has been stuck on 599 PGA Tour starts. This week will be his 600th.

Cochran is in the field at the Zurich this week playing alongside Eric Cole, whose regular caddie is Reed Cochran, Russ’s son.

The Backstryke putter was first released back in 2010, and its unique design helps shift the axis point of the putter closer to the CG of the head. And, the putter is getting a nod this week at the Zurich Classic, thanks to Cochran’s 600th career PGA Tour start.

The putter is certainly awesome, but don’t forget to check out Cochran’s full WITB from this week.

Drew Brees with a Super Bowl winning Scotty Cameron putter

Drew Brees, a legendary retired quarterback for the hometown New Orleans Saints, made an appearance at the Zurich’s Wednesday Pro-Am, playing alongside Zach Johnson, Ryan Palmer, and current Saints QB Derek Carr.

Brees’ bag included a TaylorMade Stealth2 Plus driver, a BRNR Mini 13.5-degree, a Stealth 5-wood, a mixed set of P-790 and P-760 irons, Milled Grind Hi-Toe wedges, and a custom Scotty Cameron “New Orleans Saints” putter, which Scotty made for Brees following his Super Bowl MVP-winning performance in 2010.

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It should also be noted that Brees has his Venmo QR code as a bag tag.

If you’re gambling with Brees on the course, just know that not having cash won’t work as an excuse.

Brilliant.

See Drew Brees’ full WITB from the Zurich here

Stricker’s unrecognizable putter

Steve Stricker has made numerous upgrades to his bag recently, including a new TSR3 driver and T100 irons, but his longtime Odyssey White Hot No. 2 putter is still going strong. It’s the most recognizable unrecognizable putter ever.

Here’s a better look at Stricker’s flatstick, which he started using back in 2007.

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Patrick Cantlay has opened the equipment-switching floodgates

Over on the PGA Tour’s Equipment Report this week, we covered Cantlay’s recent switch into Ping Blueprint S irons, and a Titleist TSR2 driver.

Cantlay hadn’t switched irons for about seven years, so the iron switch he made at The 2024 Masters came as a shock to the norm. He simply isn’t one to change gear very often, so anytime Cantlay makes a switch, it’s news.

It seems the floodgates of equipment testing have opened up a bit for Cantlay, who was also spotted testing a custom Scotty Cameron blade putter on Tuesday this week. By Wednesday, Cantlay was back practicing with his familiar Scotty Cameron T5 Proto mallet, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on going forward.

Daniel Berger’s custom Jailbird site lines

Berger, who’s currently using Odyssey’s Ai-One Mini Jailbird mallet putter, has a unique 3-dot, 2-line alignment on the crown of his navy-white-navy-white mallet putter. Looking down at the putter, it’s easy to see why this alignment system would help; it just seems impossible to set up to the ball off-center, or misaligned to the target.

Also, for anyone worried, you can rest easy. Yes, he’s still playing the 2013 TaylorMade TP MC irons, which we highlighted in our recent “Modern Classics: Old vs. New” video testing series.

FitzMagic teams back up

Brothers Matthew and Alex Fitzpatrick are teaming up once again at the Zurich this year, and Bettinardi Golf hooked them up with some festive “FitzMagic” headcovers to match this week.

See what else is in Alex Fitzpatrick’s WITB here

And, with that, we say goodbye to the Zurich Classic in New Orleans. Don’t forget to check out all of our photos from this week, including 30 unique photo galleries full of equipment photos.

We’ll see you next week in Texas for the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson!

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