What happens when a grip is replaced with one that is lighter than the original?

When a grip is replaced with one that is lighter than the original, it has a direct effect on the swing weight of the club. Swing weight is essentially a measurement of how the weight of the club is distributed and how heavy it feels during a swing. When you install a lighter grip, the overall weight of the club reduces, which in turn can lead to a decrease in swing weight—making the club feel lighter and potentially allowing for faster swings.

This reduction can contribute to an undesirable outcome for many players, as a heavier swing weight is often preferred for better control and stability. Consequently, having a lighter grip may cause the club to feel unbalanced and result in a swing that lacks the necessary feedback during the impact phase.

Maintaining appropriate swing weight is critical for achieving desired performance and feel. This is why the outcome of using a lighter grip leads to an increased or heavier swing weight condition as compared to the intended weight distribution prior to the grip change.