JumboMax JMX Pistol Putter Grip
JumboMax established themselves by way of their unconventional oversized golf grips. The brand has gone on to develop grips of all sizes as well as a deep range of putter grips. Their newest offerings are the JumboMax JMX Pistol grip and the JMX Palmbird Pistol grip. The JMX Pistol is available in a “Pro” and “Mid” size, and the JMX Palmbird features a unique ergonomic shape that helps “give 3 putts the bird”. (I love that JumboMax used that phrase on the Palmbird product page!)
The Looks
Both of the new JumboMax JMX Pistol grips are primarily black with multiple textures in the rubber. The JMX is available in three different colors including the black/red/white/blue and black/lime/white pictured here. Not pictured is the “black” colorway which featured a contrasting smoky color for the accents. Should you choose the Palmbird, it’s available in a black and silver colorway only at this time. Additionally, the Palmbird has a somewhat more “teardrop-ish” profile to accommodate the natural “palms facing each other” grip position. That profile is flatter and deeper, and then tapers to a point at the bottom.
How Does it Feel?
Whether you choose to go with the JumboMax JMX pistol grips or the Palmbird, you’ll find them to have a soft and tacky grip. As mentioned previously, there are multiple textures, but it’s not like the differences just scream out at you, which is fine. The JMX Pistol has a “fuller” feeling in your hands. Of course, the Pro will take up less hand space than the Mid will. In fact, fans of the “other” oversize putter grip brand may find the profile similar to their pistol grips. The difference, I’ve found, is that the JumboMax has better traction and seems to be more durable. While there’s no option to mess around with interchangeable counterweights, you also won’t have an issue with the butt end wearing down so the port cover falls off… (Just saying, other brand.)
The JMX Palmbird is deeper from “front to back” and is certainly more non-traditional. Players that are really looking for the feeling of their palms facing each other will really realize the benefits of this grip. Should you be a claw grip player, you can install with Palmbird with the flat side facing toward the target. This creates an interesting claw placement that I’ll talk about more in the next section, but chances are you haven’t experienced this claw feel in other grips.
On-Course Performance
I really liked the JumboMax JMX Pistol Pro grip. Like, a REAL lot. It was similar in size and shape to the same pistol grip I’ve been using for years, but I felt like it did some things better. For instance, the JMX Pistol Pro has a Twist-Resistant “StabilityCore”. I might be crazy, but I felt like this gave me better response and control in my putter. As a result, I was more consistent and just generally had better command of the putter. Maybe it’s just a honeymoon phase, but it’s certainly compelling and has my attention.
The JMX Palmbird was a really interesting experience for me. In the standard position, I was able to see how some players would benefit from it and felt like it accomplished the “palms facing each other” goal for a quieter stroke. While this feel isn’t for me, there’s definitely something to be said for it. However, I had to install the grip with the flat side toward the target to test a claw grip. Now, I’m absolutely not a claw grip putter, but the Palmbird made this putting style feel the best I’ve ever experienced it. Typically, this feeling is really unnatural and hard for me to control. In this orientation, the claw felt functional and I was able to control the putter. If this was the case for me, imagine it in the hands of an actual claw-style putter.
Final Thoughts – JumboMax JMX Pistol Putter Grip
Every now and then a product comes through that’s a big surprise and stops in me in my tracks. The JumboMax JMX Pistol grip was one of those. Let me be clear, I’ve loved my SuperStroke Pistol GTR Tour/Tour/GT Tour for years. In fact, when I got a putter fitting in early 2023, it was the one non-negotiable. But with the JMX Pistol unexpectedly coming across the bench for a review, I’m reconsidering everything! I really like the response and general feeling in my hands along with its stability. Coming out of this review, I’m not 100% ready to pop one on my gamer, but there’s a very good chance it could happen this upcoming season.
As far as the JMX Palmbird goes, I can’t say it’s the grip for me, but there’s certainly something to it. It’s comfortable in the hands and the flat side toward the target is the most that the claw grip has ever made sense for me. I think if enough claw players get their hands on this grip, they’ll definitely like what they’re feeling. In regards to palm-to-palm, the Palmbird’s shape is much more natural than many others I’ve tried with the same intention. I didn’t feel like it was a major departure from my normal putting grip, but it still got the job done.
Depending on your needs, the new JumboMax JMX Pistol grips are very impressive and great putter grips. I highly recommend checking them out the next time you’re due for a putter grip replacement, or even sooner if you’re looking to change it up a bit!
