It is hard to dispute that leather is, in many ways, the definition of luxury. But in golf, where leather head covers are in vogue these days due to a fairly recent renaissance, and leather grips continue inch their way back into the mainstream, it has been somewhat forgotten. As technology continues to affect almost every wrinkle of the golf business, Best Grips is doing its part to keep leather relevant in the modern game of golf.

Located near Houston, Texas, Best Grips has been making leather grips since 2003. In 2010, Best Grips ceased acting as the U.S. distributor for The Grip Master and started manufacturing its entire line of grips within the confines of the State of Texas. For those around in 2014, GolfWRX reviewed some of the then-available products developed by Best Grips, highlighting both the pros and cons of those products.

Currently, one of the highlights of Best Grips’ Club Grips is its use of ProTac, which provides increased tackiness when wet. The downside being that upon application of ProTac into the leather, its color changes, limiting its use to certain color grips (i.e., black and tan). While there is arguably nothing quite like ProTac otherwise utilized in the leather grip industry, its application limited Best Grips’ ability to offer color in its grip line.

Fast-forward to 2016 and Best Grips has solved its color dilemma, at least with respect to head covers, putter grips (be on the look-out for a new midsize pistol grip in the near future), and putter covers (available soon) through its introduction of the GT-L line of products. Designed with the intent to push the boundaries of “stock” options, Best Grips is now able to offer 10 plus leather colors (with more coming) and what amounts to thousands of custom options (all handled in-house, even embroidery and laser engraving).

Consistent with its tenants to (1) sell only what they would play, and (2) never pay anyone (including, playing professionals) to endorse its products, Best Grips continues to focus on the consumer. Incidentally, Best Grips does offer “Tour Issue” products at a discounted price for those regular golfers proud to openly represent Best Grips at their local club. Generally, you have to grab them quick because Tour Issue offerings are only available once a year and while supplies last, unless Best Grips decides to extend their run (which can happen).

For those still wondering if leather might be right for you, keep in mind that despite upfront costs that exceed its comparable rubber counterparts, you will get your money’s worth. The reason being, with proper care such as regular cleaning after use, leather grips have a longer shelf life then rubber. Whereas, rubber immediately begins to deteriorate upon production, leather can last.

As a whole, the GT-L line was developed in response to customer demand for color and its GT-L headcover is a best seller for the company. In discussing Best Grips generally and the GT-L line further with Albert “Zach” Sewill, President of Best Grips, it was evident that the future is bright for the company. Beyond the pursuit of success, however, Zach made it clear that it remains important to Best Grips to continue pushing the concept of customization at a price point that challenges other companies to keep pace in order to benefit players such as you and me.

You can learn more about Best Grips on its website. Best Grips offers a monthly/semi-regular newsletter to keep up on not only the company, but other golf-related topics as well as a blog known as the “Grip Life Blog.”