Golf Pride Reverse Taper Pistol putter grip buyers usually have one big question: should they choose Pistol, Flat, or Round?
Golf Pride Reverse Taper grips are designed with a slimmer upper-hand section and a wider lower-hand section. That reverse shape is intended to stabilize the lower hand and help the putter face return more squarely through impact. The key decision is which shape gives your hands the most natural control.
Pistol is best for golfers who want a more traditional lead-hand lock. Flat is best for players who like a palm-to-palm feel and strong thumb alignment. Round is best for golfers who prefer a more neutral feel, arc-style release, or feel-based putting stroke.
This guide focuses only on the Golf Pride Reverse Taper Pistol vs Flat vs Round decision. For the broader comparison between Reverse Taper and Zero Taper, read our Golf Pride Reverse Taper putter grip review. If you are also tuning your putter feel, see our lead tape golf putter guide.
Quick Verdict
Choose the Golf Pride Reverse Taper Pistol putter grip if you like a traditional putter grip shape and want the top-hand “kick” to help lock the lead hand into place.
Choose the Golf Pride Reverse Taper Flat putter grip if you want stronger thumb alignment, a wider front surface, and a more palm-to-palm putting feel.
Choose the Golf Pride Reverse Taper Round putter grip if you want the reverse taper concept with the most neutral hand shape, especially if you use an arc stroke or rely heavily on feel.
The simplest rule: Pistol is for traditional hand placement, Flat is for face awareness, and Round is for neutral feel.
Golf Pride Reverse Taper Pistol vs Flat vs Round Comparison
| Reverse Taper Shape | Best For | Main Feel | Main Trade-Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pistol | Traditionalists and lead-hand control | Locked-in upper hand with more familiar shape | Less neutral than Round and less face-focused than Flat |
| Flat | Palm-to-palm strokes and thumb alignment | Wide front surface with strong face awareness | Can feel too boxy for some golfers |
| Round | Arc strokes and feel-based putting | Most neutral hand shape in the Reverse Taper family | Less defined hand placement than Pistol or Flat |
| Medium size | Most first-time Reverse Taper users | Balanced feel and stability | May not quiet very active hands enough |
| Large size | Golfers who want maximum hand quieting | More stability and less wristy feel | Can reduce touch on long putts for some players |
Why Reverse Taper Shape Matters
The Reverse Taper idea helps explain the grip family, but the shape decides how your hands actually interact with the putter. A pistol shape can make the lead hand feel more secure. A flat shape can make the face easier to sense. A round shape can feel less restrictive for golfers who release the putter naturally.
This matters because many putting misses are not caused by distance alone. They come from face angle, grip tension, hand dominance, pressure changes, and the way the putter releases through impact.
A grip shape will not magically fix poor aim or green reading, but the right shape can make your preferred stroke feel easier to repeat.
Why the Lightweight Design Matters
One reason the Reverse Taper line is interesting is weight. Compared with many large foam-style putter grips, the Reverse Taper family stays relatively light. Independent reviews and product listings commonly place the line around the low-to-mid 60-gram range, with the six original Medium and Large options roughly around 61 to 64 grams depending on model.
That matters because a very heavy grip can change how the putter head feels. Some golfers like that counterbalanced sensation, but others lose touch on lag putts. A lighter modern grip gives you a shape change without automatically making the putter feel completely different.
Still, any putter grip change can affect feel. After installation, test short putts, mid-range putts, and long lag putts before deciding whether the shape is helping.
Best Golf Pride Reverse Taper Shapes
These are the three Reverse Taper shapes and how to choose the right one for your putting stroke.
1. Golf Pride Reverse Taper Pistol Putter Grip
Best for: Traditionalists, lead-hand control, and golfers moving from a classic pistol putter grip.
The Golf Pride Reverse Taper Pistol putter grip is the best starting point if you want Reverse Taper technology without abandoning a familiar putter grip feel. The pistol-style “kick” at the top back of the grip helps the heel pad of the upper hand sit more securely.
That makes Pistol a strong fit for golfers who like to feel the lead hand guide the stroke. If your upper hand feels lost on straight or round grips, the Pistol shape gives you a more defined position.
This is also the safest choice if you are nervous about switching to a very different shape. It still gives you the wider lower-hand Reverse Taper profile, but the top section feels more traditional.
Pros
- Most familiar shape for traditional putter grip users.
- Pistol kick helps lock in the upper hand.
- Good bridge between classic feel and modern hand stability.
- Strong choice for golfers who like lead-hand structure.
- Less extreme-feeling than a boxy or oversized jumbo grip.
Cons
- Not as neutral as the Round shape.
- Not as face-aware as the Flat shape for some golfers.
- The pistol kick may feel too defined if you prefer soft hand placement.
Buy it if: You want Reverse Taper stability with the most traditional lead-hand feel.
Avoid it if: You dislike pistol-style putter grips or want a completely neutral round profile.
2. Golf Pride Reverse Taper Flat Putter Grip
Best for: Palm-to-palm strokes, thumb alignment, and golfers who want stronger face awareness.
The Golf Pride Reverse Taper Flat putter grip is the shape to consider if you like a wide front surface under your thumbs. It is designed to encourage a palm-to-palm stroke, where both hands feel more matched and the front of the grip gives a clearer reference for face direction.
This can help golfers who want to reduce twisting or steering through impact. If you like putting with both thumbs running down the front of the grip, the Flat model gives you the clearest surface to organize that feel.
The trade-off is that it can feel more rectangular or structured. Some golfers love that. Others feel like the grip is telling their hands where to sit too aggressively.
Pros
- Best Reverse Taper option for thumb alignment.
- Wide front surface can improve face awareness.
- Good for palm-to-palm putting feels.
- Helpful for golfers who want less face rotation.
- Strong option for structured, mechanical putting routines.
Cons
- Can feel too boxy for golfers who like soft hand placement.
- May not suit players who prefer a flowing arc release.
- Less traditional feel than the Pistol shape.
Buy it if: You want a wide front paddle feel, better thumb alignment, and clearer face awareness.
Avoid it if: You dislike rectangular grips or prefer a more natural arc-style release.
3. Golf Pride Reverse Taper Round Putter Grip
Best for: Arc-style strokes, feel-based putters, and golfers who want the least restrictive Reverse Taper shape.
The Golf Pride Reverse Taper Round putter grip is the most neutral-feeling option in the family. It still uses the slimmer upper hand and wider lower hand, but the rounder back lets your hands sit more naturally around the grip.
This is a good fit for golfers who do not want a strong pistol kick or a very defined flat front dominating the feel. If your stroke has a natural arc and you rely on touch, the Round shape may preserve more freedom in the hands.
The main trade-off is face awareness. Because the shape is less directional than Flat and less hand-locking than Pistol, you may need to rely more on your normal setup and alignment habits.
Pros
- Most neutral Reverse Taper hand feel.
- Good for arc-style putting strokes.
- Works well for golfers who rely on touch and release.
- Less restrictive than Pistol or Flat.
- Good option if you dislike strong hand-placement features.
Cons
- Less face-direction feedback than Flat.
- Less lead-hand lock than Pistol.
- May feel too neutral if you want a grip that guides hand placement.
Buy it if: You want Reverse Taper technology with the most natural and least restrictive hand shape.
Avoid it if: You need strong thumb alignment or a defined upper-hand pistol kick.
Medium vs Large: Which Reverse Taper Size Should You Choose?
Shape is the first decision. Size is the second. Golf Pride Reverse Taper models are commonly found in Medium and Large sizes, and some newer product listings also include Small in certain shapes or markets. For most golfers comparing the original shape lineup, Medium and Large are the two key choices.
Medium is the safer starting point if you want stability without making the putter feel too different. Large is better if your hands are very active or you like a more substantial grip, but it can reduce feedback for some golfers.
| Size | Best For | Feel | Trade-Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium | Most first-time Reverse Taper users | Balanced stability and feedback | May not quiet very active hands enough |
| Large | Golfers who want more hand quieting | More substantial lower-hand stability | Can reduce touch or head feel for some players |
| Small, where available | Golfers who dislike oversized putter grips | Most feedback and least bulk | Less hand quieting than larger models |
Which Reverse Taper Shape Fits Your Miss?
Use your miss pattern to choose the shape. Do not choose only by what looks best in product photos.
| Your Putting Pattern | Best Shape to Try First | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You pull short putts with the lower hand | Pistol or Flat | Pistol helps lead-hand structure; Flat helps face awareness |
| You push putts from steering or guiding | Flat or Round | Flat may improve face feel; Round may reduce forced hand tension |
| You grip too tightly with both hands | Round or Flat Medium | Less extreme sizing may help pressure feel calmer |
| You lose the putter face at setup | Flat | Wide front surface can make the face easier to sense |
| Your lead hand feels unstable | Pistol | The pistol kick can help lock in the upper hand |
| You like an arc-style release | Round | Neutral shape allows a more natural release feel |
| You use left-hand-low | Flat or Round | Flat supports alignment; Round supports comfort |
| You use claw grip | Flat or Round | Both can support non-traditional hand placement |
Best Reverse Taper Shape by Stroke Style
Your stroke type can also guide the decision. Pistol, Flat, and Round are not “better” or “worse” in general. They suit different feels.
| Stroke Style | Best Shape | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional reverse overlap | Pistol | Most familiar lead-hand structure |
| Palm-to-palm stroke | Flat | Wide front surface supports matched hands |
| Straight-back-straight-through feel | Flat | Face awareness can help alignment through impact |
| Moderate arc stroke | Round or Pistol | Round allows release; Pistol adds structure |
| Strong arc / feel-based stroke | Round | Least restrictive hand shape |
| Left-hand-low | Flat or Round | Choose Flat for structure or Round for comfort |
| Claw grip | Round or Flat | Works better for non-standard trail-hand placement |
Reverse Taper vs Heavy Foam-Style Putter Grips
Many golfers compare Reverse Taper grips to larger foam-style putter grips because both are often used to quiet the hands. The difference is feel and weight profile.
Large foam-style grips can dramatically change how the putter feels in your hands. That can be helpful if you want a very stable, almost counterbalanced sensation. But if you like your current putter head feel, a lighter Reverse Taper grip may be less disruptive.
This is why the Reverse Taper family is interesting for golfers who want a shape-based hand-control change without automatically moving to a very bulky grip.
| Feature | Golf Pride Reverse Taper | Heavy Foam-Style Jumbo Grip |
|---|---|---|
| Main change | Shape and lower-hand stability | Size, weight, and hand quieting |
| Typical feel | Modern but still relatively connected | Very stable, sometimes muted |
| Best for | Golfers who want hand control without extreme bulk | Golfers who want maximum hand quieting |
| Head feel impact | Usually less dramatic | Can be more noticeable |
| Touch on lag putts | Often easier to preserve | Can feel muted for some golfers |
How to Test the Right Shape Before Buying
The best grip shape is the one you can repeat under pressure. Before choosing Pistol, Flat, or Round, test how your hands react.
- Hold a pistol-style grip and notice whether your lead hand feels more secure.
- Hold a flat-front grip and check whether your thumbs and putter face feel easier to align.
- Hold a rounder grip and notice whether the stroke feels more natural or less restricted.
- Hit short putts and track whether the face starts more online.
- Hit lag putts and check whether distance control still feels natural.
- Pay attention to grip pressure in both hands.
- Choose the shape that calms your miss without making the stroke feel forced.
Common Buying Mistakes
Choosing the Shape by Looks Only
The shape that looks best online may not fit your hands. Pistol, Flat, and Round each create a different feel, so choose based on stroke and miss pattern.
Buying Large Too Soon
Large can quiet the hands, but it may also reduce feel. If you are unsure, Medium is usually the safer first test.
Only Testing Short Putts
A grip can feel excellent from four feet and awkward from forty feet. Always test lag putting before deciding the shape is right.
Ignoring Your Stroke Type
A palm-to-palm player may love Flat. A feel-based arc player may prefer Round. A traditionalist may prefer Pistol. Your stroke should guide the choice.
Expecting a Magic Fix
A putter grip can improve comfort, stability, and face awareness, but it cannot replace green reading, aim, tempo, and practice.
What Not to Buy
Avoid the Flat shape if you hate boxy or rectangular putter grips. The wide front surface is helpful only if it feels comfortable in your hands.
Avoid the Round shape if you need strong hand-placement guidance. It is the most neutral option, but that also means it gives less structure.
Avoid the Pistol shape if you dislike a defined upper-hand kick. It is the most traditional-feeling option, but not every golfer wants that locked-in lead-hand sensation.
Avoid changing grip shape right before a tournament. Install it early enough to practice short putts, start-line control, and lag distance.
Hidden Costs to Consider
The grip is not always the only cost. A shape change can add a few extra expenses or setup decisions.
- Installation: A golf shop may charge labor if you do not install the grip yourself.
- Grip tape and solvent: DIY installation requires supplies.
- Re-testing: If the first shape feels wrong, you may need another grip.
- Putter feel changes: Even a lighter grip can change how the head feels slightly.
- Practice time: You need reps before trusting a new shape under pressure.
- Grip wear: Hand oils, sunscreen, and dirt can reduce tack over time.
Best Putting Upgrade Bundles
A Reverse Taper shape change works best when paired with better putting feedback and practice tools.
- Reverse Taper Pistol plus putting mirror for lead-hand setup checks.
- Reverse Taper Flat plus alignment gate for start-line practice.
- Reverse Taper Round plus indoor putting mat for distance control.
- Reverse Taper grip plus regripping tape and solvent kit.
- New putter grip plus lead tape for putter head-feel tuning.
- Putter grip upgrade plus magnetic poker chip ball marker for on-course routine.
How to Care for a Reverse Taper Putter Grip
Reverse Taper grips use a tacky modern texture, but dirt, sweat, sunscreen, and hand oils can still change the feel. Clean the grip regularly so the shape and texture perform consistently.
- Wipe the grip with a damp towel after hot or humid rounds.
- Use mild soap and water when the grip feels slick.
- Dry the grip fully before storing the putter.
- Avoid harsh solvents that can damage the surface.
- Keep bug spray and sunscreen residue off the grip when possible.
- Replace the grip when the texture feels smooth, slick, or inconsistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Golf Pride Reverse Taper shape is best?
The best shape depends on your stroke. Pistol is best for traditional lead-hand structure, Flat is best for palm-to-palm strokes and face awareness, and Round is best for neutral feel and arc-style putting.
Who should use the Golf Pride Reverse Taper Pistol putter grip?
Use the Reverse Taper Pistol if you like a traditional putter grip feel and want the top-hand pistol kick to help lock in your lead hand.
Who should use the Golf Pride Reverse Taper Flat putter grip?
Use the Reverse Taper Flat if you want a wide front surface, stronger thumb alignment, palm-to-palm feel, and clearer putter-face awareness.
Who should use the Golf Pride Reverse Taper Round putter grip?
Use the Reverse Taper Round if you prefer a neutral hand shape, a feel-based putting stroke, or an arc-style release without a strong pistol kick or boxy flat feel.
Is Medium or Large better in Golf Pride Reverse Taper?
Medium is usually better for most first-time users because it balances stability and feel. Large is better for golfers who want more hand quieting and do not mind a bigger grip feel.
Does Reverse Taper change putter balance?
Any grip change can affect putter feel, but the Reverse Taper family is relatively light compared with many larger foam-style grips, so the balance change may be less dramatic for many golfers.
Is a flat putter grip good?
A flat putter grip can be very good if you want thumb alignment and face awareness. It may not be ideal if you dislike boxy shapes or prefer a natural arc-style release.
Is a round putter grip good?
A round putter grip can be good for feel-based players and arc strokes because it allows a more neutral hand position. It gives less face-awareness feedback than a flat-front grip.
Final Recommendation
If you want the safest Golf Pride Reverse Taper Pistol putter grip choice, start with Pistol Medium. It gives you the Reverse Taper lower-hand stability while keeping the upper-hand feel closer to a traditional putter grip.
If your priority is face awareness and thumb alignment, choose Flat. If your priority is neutral comfort, arc-style release, and feel, choose Round.
The best Reverse Taper shape is the one that quiets your hands without making your stroke feel forced. Match the shape to your putting style first, then choose Medium or Large based on how much grip size you actually want.