As the popularity of IOMIC grips continues to grow, I felt I owed it to the readers of eSouthernGolf.com to look into this new line of grips. I must admit, after giving them a try, I’m sure glad I did.
These grips are manufactured in Japan and are unique in their five layer construction. The top layer is soft rubber, followed by a layer of microfiber, a layer of firm rubber, another layer of microfiber, and a final layer of firm rubber. The thinking behind this is that the soft rubber provides soft feel while the firm rubber creates maximum adhesion to the shaft, hence, less twisting. The microfiber layers add increased strength to the construction and reduce torque. Because of this, IOMIC grips offer a very soft feel without seeming mushy and just the right amount of tackiness.
The main focus of IOMIC is on grip technology. This area of the golf club seems to be taken for granted when you compare it to the research and development put into club heads and shafts. IOMIC has developed a revolutionary approach to grip technology, including the development of a new grip material called “IOMAX.” IOMAX gives golfers great feel and control. IOMIC grips are made from a specially formulated elastic polymer that will not crack or get hard. IOMIC grips will last much longer than conventional rubber grips and offer tackiness and incredible feel, even in environments with continually high moisture. The weight of the Sticky 2.3 grip is 50 grams +/- a 2 gram tolerance.
The grips I tested and installed on my Miura CB-501 irons were the Sticky 2.3, which is the standard size grip in the Sticky series. The designation of 2.3 comes from the outer diameter of 22.3mm (measurement taken 5cm from the grip end). IOMIC grips have an ergonomic design and super soft touch for exceptional feedback, while a unique compound creates superb water-proof capability and a more stable handle on the club in high humidity. I found the grips to be incredibly soft, with great traction, and low torque. The Sticky 2.3s also provide great feedback. After striking a shot, you could tell right away where you hit the ball on the clubface. They absorbed the shock and vibration of my (not so occasional) mishits quite well.
When you combine all of these attributes with the fact that IOMIC grips are available in a variety of colors and designs, you will quickly see that they are on to something here. All IOMIC products are suitable for all playing styles, from beginners to top ranked tour professionals. They are highly praised by professional golfers, and are used in professional tournaments worldwide.
I recently installed a set of IOMIC Sticky 2.3 grips on my Miura CB-501 irons and have been very pleased with the results. I probably use irons that are better than my ability which is probably why I tend to hit a few shots each round that send jolting vibrations through my hands and arms. I find that the IOMIC grips tend to dampen these vibrations. I also tend to sweat more than the average person and I find that these grips do not slip. In fact, they are the first grips I have had in years that I am able to ply without a glove. If you choose white or colored grips (for me this was a big reason to get them in the first place) be prepared to clean them more often than usual. I guess the good thing is that you can actually see the dirt!
IOMIC grips are available at most of the better golf shops in the USA and abroad, or online at such sites as RockBottomGolf.com and regripit.com. They sell for about $15 apiece so you’re looking at close to $200 to regrip an entire set. My advice is to try one or two first and see what you think. For more information on this or any other IOMIC product including their full line of putter grips, give them a call at (714) 558-3091 or visit them online at www.iomicusa.com.
