Lamkin ST+2 Hybrid Calibrate Review by Plugged in Golf

The Lamkin ST+2 Hybrid Calibrate golf grip is a worthy challenger to the top-selling grip in golf.  Calibrate design makes hand placement more consistent.  Excellent traction and durability.

Introduction

Combining a cord grip with a standard rubber grip was a revolutionary idea at one point.  Now they partner as naturally as peanut butter and jelly.  So what does the Lamkin ST +2 Hybrid Calibrate bring that’s new?  Quite a lot, starting with two of Lamkin’s signature technologies – Genesis and Calibrate.

Looks

The Lamkin ST+2 Hybrid has different colors for the upper and lower sections of the grip, similar to the Golf Pride MCC.  An otherwise staid combination of grey and black is given a visual kick by the lime green butt cap, stripes around the middle, and Calibrate ribs on the back.

As with many of Lamkin’s recent grips, the most interesting part of the look is the the tread pattern.  There’s a deep, diamond-like pattern that spans across the entire grip and begs you to pick it up and see what it feels like in hand.

Feel

Looking at the ST+2 Hybrid, you’d think that the upper and lower portions felt totally different.  And they do…sorta.  The upper portion is clearly firmer, but in the grand scheme the two sides are fairly similar.  The top isn’t a rock and the bottom isn’t a sponge.  Both are comfortably in the middle, but the bottom does have more give.

The cord in the upper section is noticeable, but it’s not harsh.  As a longtime cord player, I’d rate it as a very comfortable cord.  If you want to try cord, this could be a great introduction.

Performance

Let’s start with the namesake technology, Calibrate.  This design, now in its second year, is essentially a supersized rib meant to make your hand placement more consistent [we tested the efficacy of ribbed grips HERE].  I find Calibrate to be the most effective “reminder” grip, and once I got comfortable with it (I don’t normally play ribbed grips), I did like the sense of being “locked in.”  If you’re intrigued by this grip but don’t want Calibrate, Lamkin has you covered with the standard ST+2 Hybrid [review HERE].

As with the original ST+2 Hybrid, this grip felt very comfortable to me as a longtime MCC player.  There is more tack here than on an MCC, but not so much that it’s off-putting.  Lamkin’s Smooth Tack Genesis material is genuinely impressive in the way that it “refreshes” its tack after a cleaning.  Even more important is its durability – Genesis will definitely outlast standard rubber grips.

Unless the grip was fully drenched, the combination of light cord and light tack provided ample traction.  Additionally, the lighter cord plus the softer material was a bit easier on my hands.

Finally, it’s important to note that this grip uses Lamkin’s +2 design which reduces the taper of the grip.  This larger lower section is becoming more common as it allows for uniform grip pressure.  It also makes it more comfortable to adjust your hands down the grip to hit touch shots.

The Lamkin ST+2 Hybrid Calibrate grip is available in both standard and midsize.  Each grip weighs 53 and 57 grams, respectively.

Conclusion

There are plenty of reasons to consider the Lamkin ST+2 Hybrid Calibrate when you’re regripping your clubs for 2021.  I find Calibrate Technology to be excellent at locking in a consistent hand placement, and the Genesis material will outlast most other grips on the market.  Additionally, the combination of tack and cord provides great traction without tearing up your hands.