Lamkin SINK Putter Grips Review

Between a selection of vibrant colors, a fresh take on the rubber design, and various length options, the Lamkin SINK grips release with plenty of intrigue.  The features listed by Lamkin include feedback, comfort, all-weather, durability, and traction.  This is an indication that golfers should expect an extremely durable all weather grip that tells the story in the hands as much as it does to the eyes.  But can that many useful elements get packed into a single grip without compromise?

From Lamkin

Made with a super lightweight rubber for a more responsive feel, the new SINK putter grips feature a pronounced curved-handle profile to promote proper wrist alignment for a more fluid and consistent putting stroke. Available in a rounded or squared shape, both offered in 11″ and 13″ grip lengths.

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In Hand Thoughts

Out of the package, the first thing that really stands out about the Lamkin SINK grips is the color selection, which highlights some of the more obvious features of the grip.  The SQD 11 and 13 have a combination of orange and yellow, and the RND 11 and 13 have a combination of green and blue.  These color variations draw the eye to distinct thumb alignment areas on the flat side of the grip, and horizontal stripes along the backside of the grip where a golfer would have a majority of their fingertips.  Textured rubber varies throughout the grip, and provides an intriguing, slightly rough yet reasonable response in the hands.  Not unlike many of Lamkin’s grip designs, these are capped with a bright color choice, continuing the trend of turning an otherwise black grip into a unique visual experience.

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The numbering conventions (RND-11, RND-13, SQD-11, SQD-13) represent the length of the grip in inches, and one can assume that the longer the grip, the greater the weight (beginning with SQD-11, RND-11, SQD-13, RND-13).  The instant in hand assumption would be that the ‘11’ length grips would be for the more traditional golfers, and the longer grips would be best suited for players preferring to add some weight or control above the hands by dropping down into the middle of the grip.

Features and Thoughts

From Lamkin: Super lightweight material, 29% lighter than traditional rubber, delivers the proven performance benefits of rubber in optimal putter grip weights.

It is quite difficult to provide an apples to apples comparison when it comes to rubber, other brands, and the weighting provided by Lamkin on the SINK offerings, however the website indicates the weighting to be lightest in the SQD-11, and heaviest in the RND-13.  This is not terribly surprising considering the overall variance in total material used.

What rubber seems to represent in a grip is a nice tack that holds the hands in place, and that is something that is accomplished well by the Lamkin SINK grips.  Rather than having a flat surface, the majority of the grip is texturized by a square or diamond indentation pattern, and that really promotes substantial and positive feedback in the hands.

From Lamkin: Pronounced pistol profile ensures the upper hand is positioned in a more relaxed and stress-reducing angle.

While far more pronounced in the SQD-11 grip, each Lamkin SINK has a notable amount of material extending into that familiar pistol shape at the top end of the grip.  This does a nice job of allowing additional material into the top hand, and supports a comfortable grip.  This can also provide a bit more room to anchor the top hand with the tips of the fingers rather than the base of the palm.

Despite this pistol shape design element, any golfer opting to utilize the RND-13 or SQD-13 due to the length and interest in getting the grip above the hands may miss out on the potential benefits that it offers.  During testing, the added control of having extra grip above the hands accommodated the reduced pistol experience.

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From Lamkin: Precisely designed patterns provide golfers with an effective hand alignment tool for greater putting consistency.

Along the flat top line of each Lamkin SINK are four oval-esque shapes that introduce extremely easy repetition of hand placement, especially on the larger grips where the golfer may not be using the top of the grip as a reference point.  During testing, these alignment elements provided a great deal of confidence in confirming a consistent thumb location regardless of the grip, or the gripping location of the hands.

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From Lamkin: Multiple grip textures offer an ideal surface that feels comfortable and secure in all weather conditions.

The majority of the Lamkin SINK grip incorporates a grid-like surface that does feel intentionally rigid on the hands when sliding up and down, but comfortable when in proper grip position.  The horizontal cut ridges on the back of the grip add a lot more depth over simply flattening out the rubber in that area, or continuing the grid pattern.  This is all complimented by the four circular dots, which are entirely flat rubber inside.  There is a clear understanding of where the thumbs are in relation to the top of the grip based on these elements, providing the brain with non-visual cues to confirm proper hand and thumb location.

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From Lamkin: The squared shape features a flat top and thinner profile, ideal for ‘feel-based’ players looking for maximum feedback and shot control.

Much to be expected with a smaller grip diameter, the SQD-11 represented great control in the hands, making the ability to twist the putter head very obvious and avoidable.  The combination of flat top line and sharp pistol profile really promoted an understanding of how the putter was driving through the contact zone.  Testing confirmed that putters with great control of their wrists and hands will enjoy the balanced offering of the SQD-11, and those who may need some grip/weight above their hands but still prefer the squared shape of a pistol grip will quite enjoy the elements of the longer SQD-13.

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From Lamkin: The rounded shape is a thicker putter grip with a parallel profile designed to minimize excessive hand and wrist action for a pendulum-like putting stroke.

The RND design from Lamkin promotes a sort of ‘casual’ gripping strategy by opening the hands and reducing the golfers’ ability to utilize wrist motion through the stroke.  For many who are pursuing the wider grip designs to support quiet hands during the putting stroke, this grip will accommodate well, without an overly soft outer cover.  The same intriguing texture variance is present as previously discussed, but in this case, a softer grip seems inevitable when testing.  The RND-13 is the heaviest SINK grip at 123 grams, and when experimenting with an inch or two of the grip above the hands, shows a real element of stability in the total stroke pendulum.  For golfers who unintentionally hinge their wrists during the putting stroke, the RND-13 is a great equalizer.

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Parting Thoughts

The Lamkin SINK grip utilized lightweight rubber to provide golfers with a grip that is incredibly responsive to the hands, while including elements that separate locations and provide confidence in grip position.  The decision to create similar grips in multiple lengths is both intriguing and useful when attempting to select the grip that works best for each individual stroke, and provides golfers with options on weight and positioning when preparing for their stroke.  For more information on the Lamkin SINK grips, visit www.LamkinGrips.com.

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Dan E.
Dan Edwards is a THP staff writer that currently resides in southern Ohio. He is a low index player that has a long-held love for taking in and sharing knowledge about golf equipment.
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