Golf Pride Reverse Taper putter grip technology is built for golfers who want quieter hands, better face control, and a more stable putting stroke without jumping straight into an oversized jumbo grip.
The big difference is shape. A traditional putter grip usually tapers from a thicker top hand to a thinner lower hand. Golf Pride Reverse Taper flips that idea with a slimmer upper section and a wider lower section, helping stabilize the trailing hand through impact.
The newer Golf Pride Zero Taper putter grip takes a different path. Instead of getting larger at the bottom, it uses a parallel-style shape so both hands feel more even. That can help golfers who want balanced pressure, less grip tension, and a smoother release.
This guide compares Reverse Taper vs Zero Taper, explains which miss each grip may help, breaks down the best size and shape options, and shows when you should choose a Reverse Taper, Zero Taper, pistol, flat, round, straight, or larger putter grip.
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Quick Verdict
The Golf Pride Reverse Taper putter grip is the better choice if your lower hand gets too active, you flip the putter face, pull short putts, push putts from hand manipulation, or feel twitchy under pressure.
The Golf Pride Zero Taper putter grip is the better choice if you want the same feel in both hands, more even grip pressure, a straighter parallel profile, and a smoother release without one hand feeling dominant.
The simplest rule is this: choose Reverse Taper to quiet an overactive lower hand; choose Zero Taper to make both hands feel equal and reduce pressure imbalance.
Golf Pride Reverse Taper vs Zero Taper Comparison
| Feature | Golf Pride Reverse Taper | Golf Pride Zero Taper |
|---|---|---|
| Main shape | Slimmer upper hand, larger lower hand | Parallel-style shape from top to bottom |
| Best for | Active hands and face-flipping strokes | Even pressure and consistent hand feel |
| Main benefit | Helps quiet the trailing hand | Helps both hands feel balanced |
| Stroke feel | More lower-hand stability | More uniform grip pressure |
| Miss it may help | Pulls, pushes from hand action, short-putt yips | Tension, jerky release, inconsistent pressure |
| Face awareness | Depends on shape: pistol, flat, or round | Flat front paddle helps face awareness |
| Best golfer profile | Player who wants the lower hand to calm down | Player who wants both hands to feel equal |
Why Putter Grip Shape Matters
The putter grip is the only part of the putter you actually hold. That means shape, size, texture, weight, and hand placement can influence how much your hands control the face through impact.
Some golfers miss putts because their stroke path is poor. Others miss because the putter face opens, closes, flips, or gets manipulated by the hands. Grip shape cannot fix every putting problem, but it can change how much your hands want to dominate the stroke.
Reverse Taper and Zero Taper are both designed around hand control, but they solve different problems. Reverse Taper changes hand dominance by making the lower section wider. Zero Taper promotes a more even feel from top hand to bottom hand.
What Is the Golf Pride Reverse Taper Putter Grip?
The Golf Pride Reverse Taper putter grip uses a larger lower-hand section and a slimmer upper-hand section. The goal is to help stabilize the lower hand and reduce excessive wrist or hand action during the stroke.
This matters because many right-handed golfers let the right hand take over through impact. That can shut the face, open the face, flip the putter, or add a small hit motion that ruins distance control and start line.
With Reverse Taper, the wider lower section gives the trailing hand more surface area and can make it feel calmer. The grip does not automatically fix a bad stroke, but it can make it easier for the hands to work together without the lower hand grabbing control.
Reverse Taper is available in different shapes, commonly including pistol, flat, and round profiles, so the best version depends on whether you prefer more traditional hand positioning, stronger face awareness, or a neutral shape.
What Is the Golf Pride Zero Taper Putter Grip?
The Golf Pride Zero Taper putter grip uses a parallel-style shape. Instead of narrowing toward the lower hand or reversing the taper dramatically, it is designed to give both hands a more consistent feel.
This can help golfers who feel uneven pressure in the hands. If one hand squeezes harder, releases faster, or changes pressure during the stroke, a more uniform shape may make the grip feel calmer.
Zero Taper also uses a flat front paddle shape to help face awareness. That can be useful if you want to feel where the putter face is pointing without using a bulky grip that removes too much feedback.
Think of Zero Taper as the grip for golfers who want balance and consistency. Think of Reverse Taper as the grip for golfers who specifically want to quiet the lower hand.
Which Miss Does Each Putter Grip Help?
No putter grip guarantees better putting, but the right shape can match your miss pattern better.
| Your Putting Problem | Better Grip to Try First | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Right hand gets too active | Reverse Taper | Larger lower hand may calm the trailing hand |
| You pull short putts | Reverse Taper | May reduce lower-hand face closure |
| You push putts from steering | Reverse Taper or Zero Taper | Depends whether the push comes from hand action or tension |
| You grip too tightly | Zero Taper | Even hand feel may reduce pressure spikes |
| You feel twitchy under pressure | Reverse Taper | Can quiet small hand movements |
| You want equal top-hand and bottom-hand feel | Zero Taper | Parallel profile promotes uniform pressure |
| You lose face awareness | Zero Taper or Reverse Taper Flat | Flat front shapes can help you feel the face |
| You dislike jumbo grips | Reverse Taper Small or Zero Taper Medium | Modern shape without extreme oversize feel |
Best Golf Pride Putter Grip Options for This Comparison
These are the main grip styles to consider if you are deciding between Reverse Taper, Zero Taper, and related Golf Pride putter grip shapes.
1. Golf Pride Reverse Taper Pistol Putter Grip
Best for: Golfers who like a traditional pistol feel but want more lower-hand stability.
The Reverse Taper Pistol is likely the best starting point for golfers who already like pistol-style putter grips. It keeps a more familiar upper-hand shape while using the Reverse Taper concept to make the lower section more stable.
This is a strong choice if you pull short putts, feel the right hand release too quickly, or want the trailing hand to feel more passive without losing all traditional grip feel.
The pistol profile can also help golfers who like to feel the grip sit naturally in the upper hand. That makes it less shocking than moving straight into a large straight grip or oversized non-tapered model.
Pros
- Best Reverse Taper option for golfers who like a classic pistol feel.
- Helps quiet an overactive lower hand.
- Can feel more familiar than a straight jumbo grip.
- Good option for short-putt nerves and face flipping.
- Works well for golfers who want stability without losing all feedback.
Cons
- May still feel unusual if you have only used traditional tapered grips.
- Not the best choice if you want a completely parallel hand feel.
- Can change swing weight and feel depending on size and model.
Buy it if: Your lower hand gets too active but you still want a pistol-style putter grip.
Avoid it if: You want both hands to feel exactly the same from top to bottom.
2. Golf Pride Reverse Taper Flat Putter Grip
Best for: Golfers who want Reverse Taper stability plus stronger face awareness.
The Reverse Taper Flat is a strong option if you like to feel the putter face through the front of the grip. A flatter front section can make face orientation easier to sense, especially on short putts where a slightly open or closed face changes the start line quickly.
This grip makes sense for golfers who want to quiet the lower hand but still want the front surface to remind them where the face is pointing.
If you use a straight-back-straight-through feel, claw grip, left-hand-low style, or a more mechanical putting routine, the flat shape may give you more alignment feedback than a rounder model.
Pros
- Good face-awareness option within the Reverse Taper line.
- Helps lower hand feel quieter.
- Flat front can help with alignment feel.
- Useful for golfers who miss from face rotation.
- Works well for structured putting routines.
Cons
- May feel too boxy for golfers who prefer rounded grips.
- Flat shape can feel distracting if your grip pressure changes often.
- Not as traditional-feeling as a pistol model.
Buy it if: You want Reverse Taper stability and a clearer sense of the putter face.
Avoid it if: You dislike flat or rectangular grip shapes in your hands.
3. Golf Pride Reverse Taper Round Putter Grip
Best for: Golfers who want the Reverse Taper concept with the most neutral hand shape.
The Reverse Taper Round is the better option if you want lower-hand stability but do not want a strong pistol ridge or flat-front feel. It gives the hands a more neutral wraparound profile while still using the reverse shape to calm the bottom hand.
This can work well for golfers who use non-traditional grips, light grip pressure, or a feel-based stroke. It may also appeal to players who dislike being forced into one specific hand position.
The trade-off is face awareness. A rounder profile may feel more natural, but it may not give the same face-orientation feedback as a flat front or pistol shape.
Pros
- Most neutral-feeling Reverse Taper option.
- Good for golfers who dislike strong flat or pistol shapes.
- Still helps stabilize the lower hand.
- Works for different hand placements.
- Can feel more natural for feel-based putters.
Cons
- Less face-awareness feedback than flatter designs.
- May feel too neutral if you want defined hand placement.
- Still may take time to adjust from a traditional taper grip.
Buy it if: You want the Reverse Taper lower-hand concept with the least forced hand shape.
Avoid it if: You need a flat front or pistol shape to feel the putter face clearly.
4. Golf Pride Zero Taper Putter Grip
Best for: Golfers who want even pressure, consistent hand feel, and a parallel-style grip shape.
The Golf Pride Zero Taper putter grip is built around a different idea than Reverse Taper. Instead of making the lower hand noticeably larger, it uses a straight, parallel-style shape so the upper hand and lower hand feel more similar.
This is a smart option if your putting problem is tension rather than an obviously overactive lower hand. If you squeeze harder with one hand, struggle with a jerky release, or feel like the grip pressure changes during the stroke, Zero Taper may be the cleaner fit.
The flat front paddle is also useful for golfers who want face awareness without a dramatic Reverse Taper lower-hand feel.
Pros
- Parallel-style shape creates a more even feel in both hands.
- Good for golfers who fight grip tension.
- Flat front paddle can improve face awareness.
- Better choice if you dislike the larger lower-hand feel of Reverse Taper.
- Works well for players who want consistency across short and long putts.
Cons
- May not quiet the lower hand as much as Reverse Taper.
- Parallel shape can feel unfamiliar if you like traditional taper.
- Not the most targeted fix for golfers who flip the face with the trailing hand.
Buy it if: You want both hands to feel equal and you struggle with pressure changes during the stroke.
Avoid it if: Your main problem is a very active lower hand that needs stronger stabilization.
5. Golf Pride Pro Only Putter Grip
Best for: Golfers who want a more traditional Golf Pride putter grip feel.
The Golf Pride Pro Only line is worth comparing because not every golfer needs Reverse Taper or Zero Taper. Some players putt best with a more traditional shape that provides clear feel, familiar feedback, and less grip-shape intervention.
If you already release the putter naturally, do not fight hand tension, and simply want a reliable putter grip with strong feel, a Pro Only style may be enough.
This is the safer choice for traditionalists. It may not solve an active-hand issue the way Reverse Taper can, but it also will not change the feel of the putter as dramatically.
Pros
- More traditional feel than Reverse Taper or Zero Taper.
- Good feedback for feel-based putters.
- Less dramatic change from standard grips.
- Good option if your current stroke is already stable.
- Works for golfers who dislike modern oversized shapes.
Cons
- Less targeted help for active lower hands.
- May not reduce grip tension as much as a parallel-style grip.
- Not as modern-feeling as Reverse Taper or Zero Taper.
Buy it if: You want a familiar putter grip and do not need a major hand-control change.
Avoid it if: You are specifically trying to quiet the lower hand or balance both hands evenly.
Golf Pride Reverse Taper Size Guide
Reverse Taper grips can feel very different depending on size. Do not choose the largest option automatically. Bigger can quiet the hands, but too big can reduce feel and distance control.
| Grip Size | Best For | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Golfers who want modern shaping without a jumbo feel | More feedback and less extreme hand change |
| Medium | Most golfers testing Reverse Taper for the first time | Good balance of stability and feel |
| Large | Golfers with very active hands or yip-style tension | More hand quieting but less traditional feel |
If you are unsure, medium is usually the safest starting point. Choose small if you dislike oversized grips. Choose large only if you strongly prefer more hand stability and do not mind a bigger grip feel.
Best Grip by Putting Style
| Putting Style | Best Grip to Try | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional reverse overlap | Reverse Taper Pistol | Familiar top-hand feel with lower-hand stability |
| Left-hand low | Reverse Taper Flat or Zero Taper | Can support face awareness and balanced pressure |
| Claw grip | Reverse Taper Flat or Round | Lower-hand shape may support passive trail-hand placement |
| Straight-back-straight-through feel | Zero Taper or Reverse Taper Flat | Flat front and even pressure can help face control |
| Arc stroke | Reverse Taper Pistol or Pro Only | Allows more natural release feel |
| Feel-based lag putting | Reverse Taper Small or Pro Only | Preserves more feedback than very large grips |
| Short-putt yips | Reverse Taper Medium or Large | May reduce lower-hand twitch and face flipping |
How to Test Before Switching Putter Grips
A putter grip change can feel dramatic. Before you install a new grip, test the problem you are trying to solve.
- Hit ten short putts from three to five feet and track pulls, pushes, and face contact.
- Hit ten medium putts from ten to fifteen feet and watch start line.
- Hit ten lag putts and notice whether distance control gets worse with larger grips.
- Pay attention to which hand feels dominant during the stroke.
- Try holding a Reverse Taper and Zero Taper in-store if possible before installing.
- After installation, give the new grip several practice sessions before judging it.
- If the putter head suddenly feels too light or too heavy, consider swing weight and total feel.
Common Buying Mistakes
Buying Reverse Taper for the Wrong Miss
Reverse Taper is most useful when hand action is part of the problem. If your misses come mainly from poor aim, bad green reading, or speed control, a grip change may not fix the root issue.
Choosing a Grip That Is Too Large
A larger grip can quiet the hands, but it can also reduce feel. If you struggle with lag putting, be careful before choosing the largest model.
Ignoring Putter Head Feel
Grip weight can change how the putter head feels. If the head feels different after regripping, give yourself practice time before making a final judgment.
Copying Another Golfer’s Grip
A grip that fixes your friend’s pull may not fix your push. Choose based on your stroke pattern, hand pressure, and face control, not only because another player likes it.
Only Testing Short Putts
A grip can feel great from four feet and awkward from forty feet. Test short putts, mid-range putts, and lag putts before deciding whether the change is working.
What Not to Buy
Avoid buying the biggest putter grip just because you have putting nerves. Bigger is not automatically better if you lose distance feel.
Avoid Zero Taper if your main goal is specifically to make the lower hand feel much larger and more passive. Reverse Taper is the more targeted option for that problem.
Avoid Reverse Taper if you hate the feeling of different upper-hand and lower-hand sizes. Zero Taper or a traditional Golf Pride grip may feel more natural.
Avoid changing putter grips the night before a tournament. Install and practice first so the new shape does not surprise you under pressure.
Hidden Costs to Consider
A putter grip is a small upgrade, but the full cost can include more than the grip itself.
- Installation: A golf shop may charge for regripping if you do not install it yourself.
- Grip tape and solvent: DIY installation requires supplies.
- Experimentation: You may need to try more than one size or shape.
- Swing weight feel: A heavier or lighter grip can change how the putter head feels.
- Practice time: A new grip needs adjustment before tournament play.
- Replacement cycle: Tacky putter grips can wear down with hand oils, sunscreen, and weather exposure.
Best Putting Upgrade Bundles
A new putter grip works better when paired with practice and better putting feedback. These bundles make sense for golfers trying to improve face control.
- Reverse Taper grip plus putting alignment mirror.
- Zero Taper grip plus indoor putting mat.
- Reverse Taper Flat plus magnetic poker chip ball marker.
- Golf Pride grip plus regripping tape and solvent kit.
- Putter grip upgrade plus lead tape for putter feel tuning.
- Practice mat plus scorecard binder for tracking putting rounds.
How to Care for a Golf Pride Putter Grip
Putter grips last longer when kept clean. Oils, sunscreen, dirt, and sweat can reduce tack and change the feel in your hands.
- Wipe the grip with a damp towel after rounds in hot weather.
- Use mild soap and water when the grip feels slick.
- Dry the grip fully before putting the putter back in the bag.
- Avoid harsh solvents that can damage texture or tack.
- Keep sunscreen and bug spray residue off the grip when possible.
- Replace the grip when the texture feels smooth, slick, or inconsistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Golf Pride Reverse Taper putter grip?
The Golf Pride Reverse Taper putter grip is a putter grip with a slimmer upper section and a wider lower section. It is designed to help stabilize the lower hand and reduce excessive hand action during the putting stroke.
What is the Golf Pride Zero Taper putter grip?
The Golf Pride Zero Taper putter grip uses a parallel-style shape that gives the top hand and bottom hand a more consistent feel. It is designed for golfers who want even grip pressure and a smoother stroke feel.
What is the difference between Reverse Taper and Zero Taper?
Reverse Taper has a larger lower-hand section to help quiet the trailing hand. Zero Taper has a parallel-style profile to make both hands feel more equal from top to bottom.
Can Reverse Taper help with putting yips?
Reverse Taper may help some golfers who feel the lower hand twitch, flip, or take over during short putts. It is not a guaranteed yips cure, but the larger lower-hand shape can make the trailing hand feel more stable.
Which grip is better for active hands?
Golf Pride Reverse Taper is usually the better first choice for active hands because the wider lower-hand section is specifically designed to help stabilize the lower hand during the stroke.
Which grip is better for even grip pressure?
Golf Pride Zero Taper is usually the better choice for even grip pressure because its parallel-style design is intended to create the same feel in both hands.
Should I choose flat, pistol, or round Reverse Taper?
Choose pistol if you like a traditional upper-hand feel, flat if you want more face awareness, and round if you want the most neutral hand shape inside the Reverse Taper family.
Can a putter grip affect distance control?
Yes. Larger or heavier putter grips can change how much head feel you sense during the stroke. Some golfers gain stability, while others lose touch on long putts. Test lag putting after any grip change.
Final Recommendation
If you want the best Golf Pride Reverse Taper putter grip option for active hands, start with the Reverse Taper Pistol or Reverse Taper Flat in a size that gives you stability without killing feel.
If your main issue is grip tension, uneven pressure, or wanting both hands to feel more equal, the Golf Pride Zero Taper putter grip may be the better fit.
The best choice depends on your miss. Reverse Taper is the targeted hand-quieting option. Zero Taper is the balanced-pressure option. Choose the grip that matches your stroke problem, then give it enough practice time before judging the results.