Golf Pride V55 Grip Life Tested Review

To celebrate its 55th anniversary, Golf Pride originally released the V55 (the V is for Victory) grip in 2004. Now, as the 20-year anniversary of that 55th anniversary approaches, Golf Pride has released a limited edition run of the V55 grip, which launched Nov. 9, 2023, available exclusively in North America through Golf Pride. 

The design on the grip all but comes with instructions on where exactly to place each hand on the club, with a target for the thumb of your top hand and a landing pad for the V of your bottom hand.

The V55 grip blends everything golfers love about Golf Pride’s Tour Velvet grip with the cult-classic design of the V55. It’s available in standard size only, in both rubber and cord options.

I got my hands on the new Golf Pride V55 grips, and this test couldn’t have come at a better time. 

I got the grips just days after I sent video of my swing to a brutally honest friend of mine who happens to be a PGA Professional and golf instructor, seeking advice for an off-season tune-up. The first thing he told me to do was fix my grip. 

When I wrapped my hands around the V55 grip, it matched exactly the grip my instructor friend wanted me to implement. 

That’s all a long-winded way of saying that yes, the V55 grip does effectively guide your hands to the proper golf grip. 

Of course, not every golfer employs this exact version of the proper golf grip, and some golfers may utilize a grip that’s perfectly functional but doesn’t line up with these guides.

Pros:

• Guides your hands to the proper grip, which increases your chances of a good shot before you even move the club
• Tour Velvet grip itself is one of the most sought-after grips in golf
• If you install one or two and practice with those clubs regularly, you don’t need an entire set to improve your grip and consistency
• Available in rubber or cord options

Cons:

• Tinkerers beware: not ideal for adjustable clubs
• Only one color scheme and one size
• Golfers who stray from this “proper” grip in functional ways might not benefit

I didn’t even own a set of golf clubs the first time the V55 grips were released, but after testing them, I can see why there’s a bit of a cult following behind them – sets of 10 go for about $200 on eBay – between the high-quality Tour Velvet grip and the confidence of having consistent hand placement. 

If your grips aren’t ready for replacement, you can get the benefits of the V55 by putting it on one or two clubs and practicing with those regularly to stay on top of your grip fundamentals without investing in an entire set or replacing otherwise good grips.

The drawbacks of the V55 grips are minor, but there are a few. While I personally love the black and yellow color scheme (which may be related to the fact that it’s my alma mater’s colors), it is the only option, and I’d understand if not every golfer is as infatuated with it as I am. 

Second, given the limited nature of this release, the fact that they’re only available in standard size won’t jive with some players.

Finally, if you use a driver or fairway wood with an adjustable hosel, and frequently take advantage of your right to adjust said hosel, this is not the grip to have on the end of that club, as the pattern will only line up with a square club face in one setting.

I don’t know too many golfers who couldn’t use a little more consistency in their game. Any golfer who is interested in adding some consistency to their grip – and increasing their odds of a successful shot every time they swing the club – could benefit from the Golf Pride V55 grips.

We’ll see how long this limited edition release lasts, and what’s next from Golf Pride as its 75th anniversary approaches.