If you’re searching for the best putters for claw grip, I’ll save you some time: it’s not the putter head that will make or break your stroke. It’s the grip. I learned this the hard way after three rounds of fighting, my bottom hand sliding off a standard pistol grip.
The claw technique demands a specific shape, non-tapered, parallel sides, and enough texture to hold light pressure. After testing five of the most recommended options, here’s what I found works, what doesn’t, and why one grip stands above the rest.
Why Your Current Putter Is Sabotaging Your Claw Grip
Before I get into the grips themselves, let me explain why most putters feel wrong with a claw grip. The standard pistol grip is tapered, wider at the top, narrower at the bottom. That taper works fine for a traditional grip where your bottom hand sits on the thinner part.
But when you switch to the claw, your bottom hand sits on a section that’s supposed to be small. You end up squeezing to keep it stable. That tension kills distance control and amplifies the yips.
I noticed this immediately during my first few rounds with a claw grip. My left hand (I putt right-handed) would constantly slide down toward the shaft, and I’d have to regrip after every putt. The fix isn’t a different putter head; it’s a grip designed for parallel hand placement. Here are the three non-negotiables I’ve come to rely on.
The Three Non-Negotiables for a Claw Grip
No taper. The grip needs to be the same thickness from top to bottom. That way, your bottom hand sits on the same diameter as your top hand, and you can hold it with a light, consistent pressure. If the grip tapers, your bottom hand will try to squeeze harder to match the top hand’s feel.
Flat sides or ridges. The claw grip relies on palm indexing — your bottom hand rests against a flat plane so the putter face stays square. Without a flat side, your hand can rotate the grip mid-stroke. That’s why grips like the SuperStroke Zenergy Claw and Garsen Ultimate have embossed ridges or three flat sides.
Length and texture. A longer grip (at least 10.5 inches) prevents your bottom hand from touching the shaft. And for light grip pressure, you need tacky, not slippery. Slick rubber makes you hold tighter. A slightly tacky surface lets you relax your hands.
The Best Grip for the “Standard” Claw (Palm Against the Side)
If you’re like most players who adopt the claw, bottom hand palm pressed flat against the side of the grip, this is where you should start.
SuperStroke Traxion Claw
- Length: 11 inches
- Width: 2.0 inches (jumbo)
- Shape: Parallel, no taper
- Texture: Traxion advanced surface
This is the grip that finally made the claw click for me. The parallel design means my bottom hand sits on the same width as my top hand, and I don’t have to squeeze. The Traxion texture is slightly tacky, not sticky, so I can hold it with a light grip and still feel in control.
What I noticed during the first round was how stable the face stayed on short putts. My left hand wasn’t twisting as it did with a standard pistol grip. The 2-inch width fills the palm nicely, but if you have smaller hands, it might feel a bit bulky. I’ve got medium-sized hands, and it felt just right.
Is it perfect? No. The Tech-Port at the butt end is useless for claw users. I never added a weight or sensor, and it didn’t affect performance. But the core design is solid. For someone new to the claw, this is the most forgiving option.
SuperStroke Zenergy Claw
- Length: 10.6 inches
- Width: 1.21 inches (standard)
- Shape: No taper, parallel with SPYNE ridge
- Texture: Multi-zone texturing
The Zenergy Claw is a close second, and for one specific reason: the SPYNE ridge. That embossed line running along the top of the grip gives you a tactile reminder to square the face.
Suppose you struggle with leaving the face open at impact. which is common with a claw grip, this ridge makes a real difference.
I tested it side by side with the Traxion Claw for two rounds. The Zenergy felt slightly narrower (1.21 inches vs 2 inches), which might be better if you prefer a less bulky feel. I also liked the multi-zone texturing on the sides, which gives a subtle feedback zone for your palm.
But here’s the truth: the Tech-Port is still a gimmick for claw users. And the price is noticeably higher than the Traxion without a huge performance gap. For the average player, the Traxion Claw offers better value. The Zenergy is best for those who specifically need face-angle help and don’t mind spending a little more.
The Best Grip for the “Pencil” or “Saw” Claw (Fingers Down the Side)
Not everyone uses the standard claw. Some players (like Chris DiMarco) curl their fingers down the side of the grip in a “pencil” or “saw” hold. That requires a different shape — something with flat planes for the fingers to index against.
Garsen Golf Putter Grip “Ultimate”
- Length: Not specified, approx 10.5 inches
- Width: 1.15 inches
- Shape: 3 flat sides, no taper
- Material: Semi-tacky polyurethane
If you curl your fingers down the side, the Garsen Ultimate is the best grip I’ve found. It has three flat sides, one on top, two on the sides, so your bottom hand locks onto a consistent plane.
I tested this with a “pencil” claw hold, and the stability was immediately noticeable. The face stayed square without me thinking about it.
The semi-tacky polyurethane feels different from SuperStroke’s rubber. It’s softer, with a bit more vibration dampening. I appreciated that on longer putts where I wanted a softer feel. The green color is a bit loud, but performance-wise, it’s excellent.
One thing to note: this grip is slightly heavier than average (about 60 grams), which can affect swing weight. On a putter with a light head, you might feel the grip’s weight more. But for the price, it’s a steal. If you’re on a budget and you use a pencil-style claw, this is the best value.
The Best “Jumbo” Option for Maximum Stability
Some claw users want to eliminate all wrist movement. They lock the bottom hand against the grip and rock the shoulders. For that, a jumbo-sized grip can help fill the palm and reduce tension.
Winn 2020 VSN Jumbo Lite Pistol
- Length: 11 inches
- Width: 1.5 inches (jumbo)
- Shape: Pistol with slight taper
- Material: Excel Polymer with hexagon pattern
The Winn Jumbo Lite is the grip I reach for when I want to take my hands completely out of the stroke. The jumbo diameter fills my palm so fully that I can’t hinge my wrist even if I tried. It’s great for the “claw-lock” style, where you keep the bottom hand rigid.
But here’s the catch: it has a pistol shape, which means there is a slight taper. It’s not a true parallel grip. For traditional claw users who rest the bottom hand on the side, that taper can cause the hand to slide down.
I found myself regripping more often than with the Traxion Claw. The tacky Excel Polymer helps, but the taper is still there.
This grip is best for players who already have a stable claw-lock technique and want maximum size. For beginners or standard claw users, I’d look elsewhere.
The Best “Skinny” Option for Claw Users Who Hate Bulk
Oversized grips aren’t for everyone. Some claw users prefer a slim profile that allows more finger sensitivity. But finding a skinny grip that works with a claw hold is tough — most skinny grips are tapered pistol shapes.
Lamkin 101493 Sink Fit Blue Skinny Pistol
- Length: Not specified
- Core: .600
- Weight: 70 grams
- Shape: Pistol (tapered)
I’ll be honest: this grip is an outlier. It’s a traditional pistol shape with a clear taper — which goes against everything I said earlier. So why include it? Because some advanced claw users prefer a skinny grip that lets them hinge their bottom hand slightly for feel. I tried it on a lark, and I can see the appeal for a very specific player.
The rubber is firm and responsive, giving good feedback on center strikes. The skinny profile allows your fingers to wrap around and feel the putter face better. But the taper means you have to constantly adjust your bottom hand position to avoid sliding down.
It’s not beginner-friendly. For most claw users, I’d skip this one. Only consider it if you’ve been using the claw for years and want to experiment with a thinner option.
The Verdict | Which Grip Should You Buy?
After testing all five, here’s my honest ranking based on performance, value, and how well each serves the claw technique.
Best for most claw users: SuperStroke Traxion Claw. It’s the most forgiving, the parallel design is flawless, and the Tacky Traxion texture lets you hold it lightly. If you’re new to the claw or want one grip that works for any variation, start here.
Best for face angle issues: SuperStroke Zenergy Claw. The SPYNE ridge is a real help if you tend to leave the face open. It costs a bit more, but the feedback is worth it.
Best value for pencil/saw claw: Garsen Ultimate. Unbeatable price for a three-flat-side design. Great for finger-down-style putters.
Jumbo option: Winn Jumbo Lite. Solid for claw-lock, but the taper hurts its universal appeal.
Skinny option: Lamkin Sink Fit Skinny. Only for advanced users who want a specific feel. Not a general recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a standard pistol grip with a claw grip?
Technically, yes, but it’s not ideal. The taper forces your bottom hand to squeeze harder, leading to tension and inconsistency. A non-tapered, parallel grip is much better for the claw technique.
Do I need a new putter or just a new grip?
Just a new grip. The putter head itself doesn’t change the claw experience nearly as much as the interface between your hands and the club. Swap the grip first before considering a new putter.
Is the claw grip better for short putts?
Yes, because it eliminates wrist breakdown and encourages a shoulder-driven stroke. But it only works well if the grip allows light pressure. A non-tapered grip with a tacky texture helps prevent the yips on short putts.
What grip length is best for the claw?
At least 10.5 inches. This ensures your bottom hand stays on the grip material and doesn’t touch the shaft. Most dedicated claw grips are 10.5 to 11 inches.
If you’re ready to stop fighting your putter, grab the SuperStroke Traxion Claw and feel the difference on your next round. That’s the grip that finally made the claw click for me, and I think it’ll do the same for you.