For years, I was a loyalist to the classic rubber golf grip. They were fine, reliable, but never something I thought much about. That changed when a playing partner insisted I try his wedges, which were fitted with Winn Dri-Tac grips. The moment I held one, I knew my wallet was about to get lighter. After gaming a full set for a season, here’s the full breakdown.
First Impressions & Feel (5/5 Stars)
This is where the Dri-Tac wins you over instantly. It doesn't feel like a golf grip; it feels like a high-end, cushioned steering wheel for your golf club. The polymer material is incredibly soft and tacky right out of the box. Winn describes it as a "cushioned perforated feel," and that's spot on. It’s like a friendly, confident handshake from your club. If you struggle with grip pressure or arthritis, this grip is an absolute godsend. The shock absorption is noticeably better than standard rubber, leaving my hands and wrists feeling fresher after a long range session.
Performance in Dry Conditions (5/5 Stars)
The "Dri" in Dri-Tac is no joke. In normal, dry conditions, the tackiness is exceptional. The club feels locked into my fingers without me having to squeeze the life out of it. This led to an immediate and noticeable improvement in my clubface control. My dreaded over-the-top slice was less pronounced because I wasn't fighting the club as much. The confidence it gives you to make a smooth, controlled swing is, for me, its biggest selling point.
Performance in Wet/Sweaty Conditions (4.5/5 Stars)
This is the true test, and the Dri-Tac passes with flying colors. On that humid morning, my usual rubber grips would have required a constant battle with the towel. The Dri-Tac maintained its tackiness even with sweaty palms. Then, the rain came on the 14th hole. While no grip is magic in a full downpour, the Dri-Tac's performance was remarkable. The water seems to channel away through the perforations, and the tacky surface still provides significantly more traction than a slick, wet rubber grip. I didn't have a single club slip in my hands, which is more than I can say for my old set. I'm docking half a point only because if you get a fully saturated, muddy grip, you'll still need a good towel dry, but the recovery is quick.
Durability (3.5/5 Stars)
Here’s the one known trade-off. The very softness that makes these grips so comfortable also makes them less durable than a firm, corded grip. After a full season (about 40 rounds and numerous range visits), I'm starting to see some wear on my driver and lob wedge—mainly a slight smoothing of the texture in the high-wear areas. They are by no means "worn out," but they've lost that brand-new, super-soft feel. For a golfer who plays frequently, you might be looking at a re-grip every 1-1.5 seasons. For the feel and performance, it’s a trade-off I am 100% willing to make.
The Verdict
The Winn Dri-Tac isn't just a grip; it's an upgrade to your entire interface with the game. It inspires confidence, reduces tension, and performs heroically in less-than-ideal conditions.
You'll love the Winn Dri-Tac if:
You have arthritis or hand fatigue.
You struggle with excessive grip pressure.
You play in humid or variable climates.
You value comfort and feel above all else.
You might want to look elsewhere if:
Maximum durability is your primary concern.
You prefer a very firm, thin, or "connected" feel from your grip.
You're on a tight budget and don't want to re-grip often.
Final Score: 4.5/5 Stars
For me, the improved performance and sheer enjoyment I get from the soft, tacky feel far outweigh the durability concerns. The Winn Dri-Tac has permanently earned a spot in my bag. It’s the closest thing to a secret weapon I’ve found in this maddening, wonderful game.
