Less Tapered Grips - Everything You Need to Know
Less tapered or "reduced taper" grips aren't necessarily a new development in golf grip design, as they've been around for several years along with non-tapered grips. However, the benefits of a larger diameter grip for the lower hand are coming to light as more and more tour players have proven (with manufacturers following suit to provide more options). With a larger lower hand to guide the club, players can experience reduced grip pressure which allows for better control. Here's a breakdown of this seasons most talked about less tapered golf grips, and everything you need to know about them:
Golf Pride MCC Plus4 Grip
One of the first manufacturers to break ground with less tapered golf grips is Golf Pride. The MCC Plus4 uses outer hybrid covering (cord+rubber) and adds the equivalent of 4 extra wraps of tape to its lower hand region. The result is what many players call the ideal pressure reducing grip in a combo firm+soft feel. Available in Standard, Midsize, Jumbo, and Undersize, the MCC Plus4 offers a versatile option for players of all levels. There's also an alignment version for players that prefer hand placement reminders.
Golf Pride Tour Velvet Plus4 Grip
If you like the reduced-taper idea but prefer an all-rubber grip over cord, the Tour Velvet Plus4 is the one to try. It pairs Golf Pride's classic Tour Velvet rubber texture with the same "PLUS4" larger lower hand — the equivalent of 4 extra wraps of tape — so your bottom hand sits on more diameter for lighter grip pressure. It's a straightforward, soft-feeling way to get the Plus4 benefit without the cord. Available in Standard and Midsize.
Winn Dri-Tac LT Grip
The Winn Dri-Tac LT (refers to "Less Taper) is a soft composite grip that incorporates a reduced taper diameter. With a more uniform profile, players will find less of an urge to over-grip, thereby allowing the tacky Dri-Tac surface to help maintain constant contact with the club.
Want to see the whole range in one place? Browse all non-tapered and reduced-taper grips to compare feels and sizes side by side.
Tapered vs Non-Tapered: What "Taper" Actually Means
Taper describes how a grip's diameter changes from the top (butt) end down to the lower end where your bottom hand sits. It's the single feature that separates a traditional grip from a reduced-taper or non-tapered one.
Tapered Grip
The standard build. The grip is wider at the top and narrows toward the bottom, so your lower hand wraps around a smaller diameter than your top hand. Most grips on the market are tapered.
Less or No Taper
The lower portion is built up so the bottom hand sits on a larger diameter — closer to, or matching, the top hand. A reduced-taper grip narrows less; a non-tapered grip keeps a near-uniform diameter top to bottom.
Why the lower-hand diameter matters
On a traditional tapered grip, the narrow bottom can encourage the lower hand to squeeze, and extra grip pressure there is a common cause of inconsistency. Adding diameter under the bottom hand lets it relax, which many players feel as smoother tempo and steadier face control. That's the whole idea behind the reduced-taper and non-tapered models above — the "+4" or "+2" naming refers to roughly how many extra wraps of build-up tape the lower-hand diameter is equivalent to.
Reduced & Non-Tapered Grip FAQ
What is the difference between tapered and non-tapered golf grips?
Taper refers to how a grip's diameter changes from the top down to the lower hand. A traditional tapered grip is wider at the top and narrows toward the bottom, so your lower hand sits on a smaller diameter. A non-tapered grip keeps a near-uniform diameter from top to bottom, giving the lower hand more to hold. A reduced-taper grip sits in between, narrowing less than a traditional grip but not as uniform as a fully non-tapered one.
What does "+4" or "reduced taper" mean on a grip?
It describes how much larger the lower-hand portion is compared with a standard tapered grip. A label like "+4" means the bottom-hand diameter is roughly equivalent to adding that many extra wraps of build-up tape under a normal grip, while "reduced taper" simply means the grip narrows less from top to bottom. The result either way is a larger, more uniform surface for the bottom hand.
What are the benefits of a less tapered or non-tapered grip?
The main benefit is more even grip pressure between your hands. A larger lower-hand diameter discourages the bottom hand from squeezing, which is a frequent cause of tension and inconsistency. Players who switch often report a more relaxed hold, smoother tempo, and steadier face control. The trade-off is feel: a uniform diameter plays differently from a traditional taper, so it's worth trying before regripping a full set.
Who should use a reduced taper or non-tapered grip?
They suit players who tend to over-grip with the lower hand, fight tension, or want lighter, more even pressure through the swing. They're also worth a look if you've added extra wraps of tape under your grips in the past to fatten the lower hand — a reduced-taper or non-tapered model does that by design. If you prefer the feel of a traditional taper and your hand pressure is already even, a standard tapered grip is perfectly fine.
Find Your Reduced-Taper Fit
Browse the full range of reduced and non-tapered grips to compare feels and sizes side by side — or check your ideal size first if you're not sure where to start.