Lamkin TS1 Grip
2018 has been a big year for Lamkin Grips and two of the big reasons both relate to the new TS1 grip. Not only is the new Lamkin TS1 an innovative Tour-inspired grip but it was also used by the winner of the 2018 Open Championship. With a new rubber compound and a reduced taper, the TS1 excels in both feel and performance.
The Looks & Design
At first glance, the Lamkin TS1 is a fairly unassuming grip. Sure, the dash of red around the middle catches your eye, but otherwise it’s just a black grip. With a closer look, you’ll notice more detail on the TS1 grip. The first thing that caught my eye was the mix of textures. This is the new “Fingerprint Technology” micro-texture surface that helps create a more secure grip on the club.
The concept of reduced taper is nothing new, but it has become much more popular in the retail market. As many pros utilize a “reduced taper build” in their grips, grip manufacturers have started to manufacture more grips this way. This avoids possibly having to go through the arduous process of building up grip tape underneath the grip. Lamkin believes this reduced-taper design reduces tension in the hands and produces a more fluid swing.
Feel
Lamkin‘s new Genesis hybrid compound is designed to provide a tacky feel no matter the conditions. Admittedly, I can’t say I’ve played the TS1 in raging rain storms, but I have played it in wet conditions that could certainly make a grip slick. The Lamkin TS1 does maintain a fairly tacky feel when wet, but if you’re more of a cord player, you’re likely to still prefer something with cord in it for wet conditions. In normal conditions, the TS1 is very grippy and easy on the hands.
Another key characteristic of the TS1 is the feedback in your hands. As one might imagine, Tour pros put a premium on a finely-tuned feel. With that in mind, Lamkin utilized the aforementioned Genesis compound and different textures on the grip to provide excellent response while at the same time maintaining a smooth feel at impact. While this is a major demand from professionals, amateur golfers will certainly benefit from the same excellent responsiveness of the TS1 grip.
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.
On-Course Performance
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 TS1 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.”
From a general performance standpoint, the TS1 grip was great. Most of a grip’s performance is based on how well it feels in your hands. The second variable is your ability to control the golf club and feel like you can consistently repeat your swing. With the TS1, I had the feel I was looking for and always felt like I was in total control of the golf club. Well, at least as far as the grip is concerned.
Final Thoughts
Look, so much about golf grips comes down to personal preference, but the Lamkin TS1 has some really great things going for it. Frankly, I think the TS1 has some of the best feedback and response I’ve felt in the past few years of grip testing. In addition to the response, the TS1 is very comfortable in the hands and an all around great grip. I would highly recommend having the TS1 on your radar the next time your clubs are due for some new grips.
