Lamkin ST+2 Hybrid Grip
Lamkin has offered multi-material grips before, but the new ST+2 Hybrid grip is their most traditional to date. By using their “Smooth Tack” (ST) Genesis material throughout the whole grip, Lamkin makes sure your hands will be comfortable and your grips durable. The addition of cord to the upper half gives your top hand more traction in all conditions. Additionally, Lamkin utilized a “+2” design to take some taper out of the bottom hand.
The Looks
There are two distinctive zones on the Lamkin ST+2 Hybrid which are designated by two different colors. The upper corded half is grey while the full rubber bottom half is black. Though a distinct color pattern, it’s tastefully modest and practical. If you choose to get the Calibrate (spine/reminder) version, it will have a neon yellow line down the back with some other neon yellow accenting woven in.
How Does it Feel?
For players that are not big cord fans, the ST+2 Hybrid shouldn’t scare you away. As mentioned earlier, Lamkin used their Smooth Tack Genesis material which is very easy on the hands and has good tack. The cord added in the upper half is noticeable, but nowhere near rough on your hands. Now, that may change after further use, but over my testing period, the cord has been mild. That said, there is a noticeable added traction from the cord. I liked that it felt like I had a better grip on the club without being too hard on my oh so sensitive hands!
On-Course Performance
I can’t honestly realistically speak to durability of the Lamkin ST+2 Hybrid, but it’s held up real well for me so far. Through quite a few weeks of use on my clubs, the ST+2 Hybrids feel virtually brand new. Nice and fresh. The feedback is precise and the reduced taper in the lower hand makes the club subtly easier to control. Players needing some help with “moisture management” will find this grip more beneficial than a normal rubber grip. That said, if you’re really bad with the least bit of moisture on your grip like I am, you might prefer a more “aggressive cord” as found in the Lamkin UTx or Crossline Full-Cord. Overall, the Lamkin ST+2 Hybrid is a strong all-around performer with the feedback and control good players demand from their gear.
Final Thoughts – Lamkin ST+2 Hybrid Grip
The Lamkin ST+2 Hybrid is an all business, versatile grip. The Smooth Tack Genesis material is both durable and comfortable, and the cord in the upper hand gives you critical control with added traction. I imagine the ST+2 Hybrid will catch the attention of many Lamkin loyalists who will, at the least, throw a few of these on their clubs with a strong consideration of switching over from their beloved REL Ace 3GEN (their horded inventory HAS to be dwindling by now, right?!). Overall, it’s a well-rounded grip that efficiently gets the job done and I anticipate becoming a favorite in the Lamkin lineup.
