Golf Pride Align Max Grip
As a vintage golf club collector, one interesting observation I’ve made is how pronounced the early “grip reminders” were on some of these clubs. Many old sets from brands like Wilson, MacGregor, and Hogan feature grips that almost feel like a number 2 pencil runs the length of the grip, helping you “index” the club consistently with every shot. Were these vintage grips a bit too extreme? Probably. While the concept of grip reminders has remained prevalent over the decades, it’s clear that they have become more subtle over time. That is, until the arrival of the new Golf Pride Align Max grip.
Golf Pride first introduced their Align technology in 2017, adding an elevated ridge along the outside of the grip. Based on feedback from Tour players, Golf Pride recognized the demand for a more pronounced ridge, resulting in the new Align Max profile featuring a 25% higher ridge that runs the full length of the grip. This design promotes more consistent hand placement by aligning with the natural contours of the hand. Additionally, the Align Max is available in Golf Pride’s “Plus4” model, designed for players who prefer less taper and more buildup in their bottom hand. Both grips feature Golf Pride’s MultiCompound technology, with a corded upper half and a full rubber lower half. They are also available in both standard and midsize.
The Looks
Designed for stability and control, the Golf Pride Align Max grip has a black lower section and a textured gray upper section, highlighting its MultiCompound construction. A key feature is the raised red Align strip along the back, which enhances consistency in hand placement. The hybrid design blends rubber and cord, with the upper portion featuring a firmer, corded texture for superior traction in all weather conditions. Completing the look, the “Golf Pride” logo is prominently displayed on the lower half, adding a sleek, professional touch.
How Does it Feel?
The Golf Pride Align max still delivers that signature hybrid MultiCompound feel, combining corded traction with soft rubber, but with two key upgrades. First, the Align Max features an even more pronounced, firmer alignment ridge along the back, giving you a heightened level of feedback for consistent hand placement. This ridge helps reinforce a repeatable grip, making it easier to square the club face at impact. I personally feel that the Align ridge is much more noticeable and plays a more significant role in indexing the grip in your hands than its predecessor. Of course, this feel will be a subjective preference so it’s up to you to determine if that’s what you’re looking for.
On-Course Performance
Like in the Feel section, the larger ridge was the standout feature in the Golf Pride Align Max’s performance. It noticeably impacts how you grip the club, and dare I say, I found it more comfortable. Maybe it’s just a placebo effect, but the more time I spent with it, the more confident and familiar it felt. While I can’t say for certain that it physically helped me square the club face better, it definitely gave me a greater sense of reassurance. Even if that’s purely a mental advantage, I’ll take it.
As for the MultiCompound design, it maintains the familiar balance of stability and softness seen in past models. There’s enough firmness for control and feedback, while the softer lower hand enhances comfort. If you prefer a more cushioned feel with extra shock absorption, the Tour Velvet might be a better fit. The corded upper half also makes it easier to hang onto when dealing with moisture.
Final Thoughts – Golf Pride Align Max Grip
The Golf Pride Align Max grip takes the concept of grip reminders to the max (it’s in the name!). This design offers a more pronounced ridge for those who want even more consistency in their hand placement. The MultiCompound design still delivers the reliable mix of corded traction and rubber softness, making it a solid choice for players who value both control and comfort. Whether the benefit is physical or psychological, anything that helps promote a repeatable grip and better club face control is a win in my book.
