Lamkin Sonar Grip
The Lamkin Sonar grip combines new textures and materials to create a comfortable grip that performs in all conditions. Additionally, Lamkin utilized a “reduced-taper” shape to promote a smoother swing. All of these elements combined make for a great grip that’s beneficial to a variety of golfers.
The Looks
From afar, the Lamkin Sonar grip is a fairly inconspicuous grip. The basic look is a black base with minor white and blue details. As you get closer though, you will see there is quite a bit more detail than you realized. First, the variety of patterns from the “Fingerprint Technology” micro-textures makes for an interesting look up close. Then you might notice the white and blue details resemble the sonar pattern of the grip’s namesake. Is this intentional, or am I just looking for that to be the case? Only Lamkin can tell us!
Feel
A major feature of the Lamkin Sonar is its new Genesis hybrid compound, which is the fancy way of saying “its new rubber formula.” The purpose of the Genesis compound is that it will maintain its feel and tackiness in all conditions. So far I’ve only tested it in wet and dry conditions, but the Sonar’s grip has been excellent. We’ll see how the Sonar does in the Chicago winter we’re about to play in! The Sonar is also a bit softer which will be appealing to more golfers. Those of you that like a firmer rubber may be more interested in the TS1.
The reduced-taper shape is notably different if you don’t already play a built-up grip. It was nice for me to just throw a couple full-length wraps of tape on the shaft and not have to add some build-up wraps for my bottom hand. The end result was a smooth, even feel in my hands. This is something you have to decide on your own if you’re comfortable with, but I’m a big fan and supporter of reduced taper in my grips. Lamkin believes this reduced-taper design reduces tension in the hands and produces a more fluid swing.
On-Course Performance
Fingerprint Technology plays a major role in the performance of the Lamkin Sonar grip. Not only does Fingerprint make the grip more comfortable, but it also makes it easier to hold onto the club. As a result, you have much less slip and better control. Also, the softer material does a great job dampening some of the vibration in your hands, but still has good feedback on your shots.
Let’s revisit the reduced-taper shape from the “Feel” section above. In addition to giving you a more even feel in the hands, the reduced-taper shape of the Lamkin Sonar will help you with a smoother swing. The theory is that you hold the grip with less tension and therefore make a more consistent and smoother swing. Now, I can’t tell you I’m all of the sudden super consistent, but I do feel I have a smoother swing with the taper taken out of the grip. I don’t have a death grip on the club and have a great reduction in “rolled-wrists duck hooks.”
Final Thoughts
It’s not a coincidence that your local golf shop has such a wide range of grip options to choose from. The reason is because golfers are so particular about their grips and have such a wide range of preferences to cater to. Creating a one-size-fits-all grip is nearly impossible. Well, I think Lamkin got pretty close with the Sonar grip. The Fingerprint Technology creates great traction and the Genesis compound holds up great in all sorts of conditions. While the reduced-taper design will likely come down to personal preference, I think it’s a great feature in a grip. Of course, like any grip, it will come down to what you’re comfortable with and what gives you confidence in gripping your club. That said, put the Lamkin Sonar on your radar. It’s a great grip that’s worth giving a shot.
