Recently, we posed a question to the THP Community about the cost of golf grips. What does one typically spend on a golf grip versus what they would potentially invest should something special come along? Not simply some cool graphics or licensed imagery, but something different, something unique.
Today marks the introduction of one such golf grip stateside. An absolute sensation in both the Korean and Japanese markets, WellMXS now sets its sights here in the U.S.
Ready to learn about a golf grip which really is something different? Then you have come to the right place.
Roots of WellMXS
There is nothing quite like a good origin story, and that of WellMXS is among the more interesting ones that we have heard in a some time.
The brand was founded by Kim Hwon, who was then a 24 year old with a family background and legacy of material science within the healthcare industry. In golf, she found not only a blooming passion, but the realization that this crazy game which we are all so enamored with is one for a lifetime that can promote activity, health, and wellness regardless of age.
When those worlds of passion and roots combined, Kim Hwon saw the potential to create something which could blend wellness and golf together even more. How? Through the true physical connection we all have within every single shot on the course, the grip. That is where the basis for the brand name and logo for WellMXS also come from, the blending of wellness mixing with sport. It is at that intersection that innovation was born.
After putting together a team with over thirty years of experience in material sciences and advanced manufacturing, the plan was put forth to create something different, a grip that they believe redefines the player and club connection. All focus here is on the materials and the processes. When it comes to their lofty goals, WellMXS knew that every single part of the design needed to elevate performance and aesthetics.
The Education Zone
Before we get into just what makes these grips by WellMXS different, it is worth understanding that this is not some sort of start-up. This is a brand which has seen rapid growth as well as massive successes first in the Korean and then Japanese markets. Though most here aren’t familiar with the ebbs and flows of golf equipment in those regions you should know this, they are known for premium grips as well as brands, so the growth and popularity that WellMXS has found in an area is big time. Will it translate here? Let’s get into what makes them different and you can decide for yourself.
With the teams knowledge of manufacturing and background in the medical industry, a unique approach was developed where designs are concerned. By bringing true precision via precise textures, consistent weights, and insanely long lasting materials both grips from WellMXS strive to find a better way within a segment that has more or less been doing much of the same time and again. Here, it all starts at the core.
As mentioned, there are some notable grip brands in the Japanese and Korean golf world which have themselves made their way to the United States on the merits of their unique rubber material. WellMXS is bringing similar, but they are addressing a critical issue the others struggle with, balancing stability and feel. You see, torque and twisting is the devil when it comes to golf grips, and until now it has meant there always had to be a sacrifice of choosing soft feel with less stability or minimal torque at the cost of feel.
You might think that the solution has to lie in the textures, but they will only get you so far. Though WellMXS is implementing unique textures in both grips, it is the fact that these are multi-layer constructions that is the magic. The grips have a firm/solid inner-layer which is the key to resisting torque, but that is then blended with a softer outer that keeps the feel of their specific elastomer material.
By using their “Advanced Polymer Science” which includes four or six step injection molding process they have created grips that test to show extreme durability with the potential to last multiple seasons. More than durability though, they have also cut out waste and inconsistencies thanks to the injection molding. In fact, their processes mean there is no secondary surface finishing, the more simple version being every grip is spot on in specs, tolerances, shape, and texture every single time without any additional work.
If that wasn’t enough, they have also taken into consideration the nature of adjustability in golf clubs and ensured that both models have a “360° Consistent Feel”. So no matter how you manipulate them or what orientation they might be installed in, you get a consistent texture and feel.
WellMXS Grips – SUPER
Kicking it off is the SUPER, this is a single-color design which uses two different textures on the outside but still the firm inner layer underneath. The texture in the lower-hand is a very familiar groove pattern similar to other high-end grips but the upper-hand used a high traction diamond pattern.
The SUPER is created via a four-step injection process, it will initially be offered in undersize (58 Round – 36g) and Standard (60 Round – 50g). There will be eight colors available upon release, from mild to bold. Pricing on these will be $20/grip.
WellMXS Grips – HYPER
The star of the WellMXS stateside debut is the HYPER. The grip is a lot of fun visually with its two-color design that is intended to make an even softer finish. They also use an entirely unique texture named “continuous wave pattern”. This specific pattern improves grip by traction and through “moisture flow channels” which improve performance in all conditions.
Using a six-step injection takes things to another level of precision but more importantly makes the pattern and structure of the HYPER possible. Also of note, HYPER grips are created using no paint or chemicals during the manufacturing process.
WellMXS will be starting with twelve different color combinations to begin with, though more are planned and the potential is truly limitless. The HYPER are available in undersize (58 Round – 36g) and Standard (60 Round – 50g), they will be priced at $25/grip.
The Details – WellMXS Grips
Right away, yes these are premium prices for a golf grip. Obviously, there will be those who balk immediately at that and reference all sorts of things as to why. However, three staff members here at THP have been lucky enough to put the grips into play prior to the official release and everything they claim, is very real.
No, they won’t be for everyone whether by looks or price, but there has never been a grip of this type material with this level of engineering. The combination of looks, resistance to twisting, impeccable feel, and much extended durability WellMXS has created lay the baseline for something special. They are high-end and with that there often times comes a cost.
There are future plans for a putter grip concept to make its way into production soon, as well as getting both current grip models in the hands of THP for a full review, so stay tuned for much more to come.
For more information visit their website at www.wmx-usa.com.
