Abstract: A hand held article, such as a golf club, includes an elongated handle with an inner support structure mounted to the handle and a vibration absorbing material mounted around the inner support structure. The inner support structure includes a plurality of spaced rigid projections which extend into the vibration absorbing material to a location inwardly of the outer surface of the vibration absorbing material. In one embodiment the inner support structure is integral with the shaft of the handle. In another embodiment a sleeve is heat shrunk onto the shaft and the inner support structure and vibration absorbing material are mounted over the sleeve.

Abstract: Various tools and devices, such as golf clubs, are improved by the incorporation of a vibration absorbing material having a hardness of less than 40 durometer reading, a coefficient of friction of at least 0.6 and a dampening vibration greater than 55%. When used for a golf club the material can be incorporated in the handle part of the shaft to improve the grip, can be inserted down the inside of the shaft to increase vibration absorption and a more solid contact or can be incorporated in the club head.