Best Products for Your Bow Grip for Comfort and Control

Let's get real for a second. We’ve all been there. You're at the archery range, or even better, in the woods, and you’re a few yards away from the perfect shot. You draw back your bow, anchor in, and everything feels perfect. But just as you’re about to release, you feel it—a slight, almost imperceptible twist in your hand. Your arrow flies, and it's not where you wanted it to be. What happened? You didn't make a bad shot; you made an inconsistent one. And the culprit? Your bow grip. That small, often-overlooked piece of plastic, wood, or rubber that connects you to your bow is the single most important interface you have with your equipment. A bad grip can introduce torque, cause inconsistent hand placement, and, ultimately, lead to a flawed shot. It’s a frustrating and avoidable problem that can plague even the most experienced archer.

In my three decades of owning a hunting supply store, I've seen countless hunters come in with a brand-new, top-of-the-line bow, only to find that they can’t shoot it as well as they thought they could. They blame the sights, the arrows, or even their own form, but more often than not, the problem is a simple one: their grip. The stock grips that come on most bows are built for a generic hand, not for your specific shooting style, your hand size, or the way you naturally hold the bow. It's like buying a custom-tailored suit and then wearing a pair of generic shoes that are a size too big. It just doesn't work. The good news? The bow grip is one of the cheapest and most impactful changes you can make to your setup. A new grip can completely change the way your bow feels, giving you the confidence and control you need to make a consistent shot every single time.

So, let's talk about what really matters when you're choosing a bow grip. We're going to dive deep into the world of bow grips, from the different materials and textures to the various wrist positions they promote. We’ll look at the essential features that separate a great grip from a bad one, and we'll explore the accessories that can help you customize your grip for the perfect feel. And because I believe in practical, real-world advice, we'll review seven of the best, most trusted, and most effective products on the market today. We'll show you that you can have a grip that feels custom-made for you without having to break the bank.

The Foundation of a Great Grip: Material, Design, and Wrist Position

A truly great bow grip is a combination of design, material, and ergonomics. Understanding these elements is the key to finding a product that will give you the control and consistency you need.

• Material: The material of the grip is a huge factor in its performance. Most stock grips are made from a hard plastic or a generic rubber that can get slippery when your hands are sweaty or cold. Look for a grip made from a material like a high-quality polymer, a smooth wood, or a grippy composite that will give you a consistent feel in all conditions.

• Design & Shape: The shape of the grip is the most important factor in promoting consistent hand placement. Look for a grip that is narrow and has a flat back, which helps to eliminate torque and promotes a repeatable hand position. A grip that is too wide or has a bulky, contoured shape can be difficult to hold consistently.

• Wrist Position: The wrist position a grip promotes is a matter of personal preference, but it can have a huge impact on your shot. The three most common wrist positions are:

  • Low Wrist: This position places the pressure on the narrow part of your bow hand and is generally considered to be the most repeatable and forgiving for most shooters.

  • High Wrist: This position places a very small portion of your wrist on the bow and is great for reducing torque, but it can be difficult to repeat, especially when you're fatigued.

  • Medium Wrist: This is the middle ground and is a combination of a low and a high wrist. It's a good all-around position, but it can be hard to repeat for some shooters.

Product Reviews: Your Perfect Connection to the Bow

I’ve personally handled and sold thousands of bow grips, and these seven products represent the best in comfort, quality, and control.

1. Shrewd Mathews Engage Grip

• Price Range: $40 - $50
  

• Why it's a winner: This is a fantastic aftermarket grip that is a huge improvement over the stock grips on many Mathews bows. The Shrewd Mathews Engage Grip is a narrow, flat-backed grip that is designed to promote a consistent hand position and eliminate torque. It's made from a durable, high-quality polymer that has a slightly tacky feel, which gives you a secure grip even when your hands are sweaty. It’s a simple, affordable upgrade that can completely change the way your Mathews bow feels.

2. Jager Archery Products (Custom Grips)

• Price Range: $60 - $90
  

• Why it's a winner: For the serious archer who wants a truly custom fit, Jager Archery Products is the king of the custom grip world. They offer a wide variety of grips for almost every bow manufacturer, and they are masters at building a grip that is perfectly suited for your hand size and shooting style. They use a proprietary material that is incredibly durable and comfortable, and their grips are known for their exceptional ergonomics and ability to eliminate torque. It’s a premium investment, but it’s a gift that will be used for years to come.

3. Hoyt In-Line Carbon Handle (Carbon Riser Only)

• Price Range: $50 - $70
  

• Why it's a winner: This is a fantastic grip for a Hoyt carbon riser. The Hoyt In-Line Carbon Handle is designed to work with Hoyt's carbon risers, and it's a huge improvement over the stock grips on many of their bows. It’s a narrow, flat-backed grip that is designed to promote a consistent hand position and eliminate torque. The carbon material also helps to insulate the grip from the cold, which is a huge plus for a hunter in a cold climate. It's a great upgrade for a Hoyt carbon bow, and it will give you a level of comfort and control you never thought possible.

4. PSE Full Throttle Grip

• Price Range: $15 - $25
  

• Why it's a winner: This is a simple, no-frills grip that gets the job done. The PSE Full Throttle Grip is a narrow, flat-backed grip that is designed to promote a consistent hand position and eliminate torque. It’s a great option for a hunter who wants to upgrade their stock PSE grip without a huge investment. It’s a durable, reliable grip that will give you a level of comfort and control you never thought possible.

5. R-Core – “The Master” Grip

• Price Range: $60 - $100
  

• Why it's a winner: The R-Core – “The Master” is a great, all-around grip that is trusted by archers all over the world. It’s a comfortable, low-torque grip that is designed to fit a wide variety of hands. It has a slightly textured surface that provides a secure grip in all conditions, and it’s a great option for a hunter who is looking for a grip that they can use for a variety of shooting styles. It's a great investment that will give you the confidence to take a shot at any distance.

6. Bowmar Archery Grip Tape

• Price Range: $15 - $20
  

• Why it's a winner: This isn't a grip, but it's an essential accessory for any hunter who wants a better grip on their bow. Bowmar Archery Grip Tape is a unique, self-adhesive tape that is designed to be used on a bow grip. It has a slightly tacky, non-slip surface that gives you a secure grip in all conditions. It’s a great way to customize your grip and give you a level of control you never thought possible. It’s a simple, affordable upgrade that will make a huge difference in your shooting.

7. Form-A-Grip Custom Bow Grip Kit

• Price Range: $50 - $60

  
  

• Why it's a winner: This is a fantastic option for the DIY hunter who wants to create a truly custom grip. The Form-A-Grip Custom Bow Grip Kit is a two-part epoxy material that you can use to create a grip that is perfectly molded to your hand. You simply mix the two parts, mold it to your bow, and let it cure. It’s a great way to create a grip that is as unique as you are, and it’s a fun project that will give you a level of comfort and control you never thought possible.

The Final Touch: The Perfect Shot

Choosing the right bow grip is a personal decision, but it's one that should be made with careful consideration. The right grip is an extension of your hand, a tool that you can rely on in the most critical of moments. It's a small investment that will pay huge dividends for years to come, and it's a piece of gear that you will carry with pride.

So, take the time to consider your needs. Do you prefer a custom-made grip or a simple, no-frills solution? Do you need a grip that is designed for a specific bow or a universal grip that you can use on any bow? No matter what you choose, remember that the most important thing is that the grip is comfortable, reliable, and gives you the confidence to take a shot at the buck of a lifetime.