Tennis Racket Grips
Tennis racket grips are an essential piece of equipment for most people who enjoy playing recreationally or competing in the sport. With different kinds, sizes, and colors available, these grips come in two different styles: an overgrip and a replacement grip. It is a useful piece of equipment for players because it is shock and sweat-absorbent, allowing players’ hands to avoid slipping in between shots which improves performance.
Benefits of Tennis Racket Grips
Tennis racket grips have several benefits for players and tend to improve their performance when playing tennis both recreationally and competitively. The main benefit of racket grips is their ability to prevent slippage when hitting the ball. When playing tennis, players’ hands can get sweaty and may slip on the handle, but racket grips help absorb sweat and keep players’ hands fixed, which can benefit their performance and give them a firmer grip on their racket. Additionally, the grips provide cushioning, shock absorbance and typically prevent blistering or other potential injuries for players.
Tennis racket grips usually come in a roll and are placed on the handle of a tennis racket and wrapped around as tight or as loose as you prefer. Usually made out of moisture-wicking materials, they are available in various different colors and types. Tennis racket grips need to be replaced fairly often, depending on the frequency of their use.
Things to Consider
When looking for tennis racket grips, you'll want to consider the following:
- How much tackiness would you like your tennis racket grip to have?
- How thick do you prefer your tennis racket grip to be?
- How often do you play tennis?
What Are You Looking For in a Tennis Racket Grip?
- Maximum Tackiness
- Durability
- Thickness
- Added Comfort
- Style
- Easy Application
Types
There are two main types of tennis racket grips that are available for purchase: overgrips and replacement grips.
Tennis Racket Overgrip
Tennis racket overgrips provide cushioning to prevent players from getting blisters and keep rackets from slipping when hitting the ball. They are placed over the replacement grip and help players to keep their hands dry. There are several brands and variations of overgrips, but it is important to look for comfort, durability, and the ability to absorb sweat easily. Additionally, tennis racket overgrips typically come in packs of three, costing between $3 and $9.
Tennis Racket Replacement Grip
Replacement tennis racket grips are usually made of synthetic or leather materials and provide added comfort for players. The covering is both durable and slip-resistant. They are placed on the tennis racket’s handle to ensure optimum performance and provide a long-lasting grip. Tennis racket replacement grips typically come in four types: leather, absorbent, textured, and grooved. They are all offered around the same price, at about $8.
Brands
There are many different brands that manufacture tennis racket grips, but the most popular ones are Gamma, Tourna, and Wilson.
Gamma
Gamma manufactures a large variety of tennis racket grips that come in many different types. Some of their most popular grip types are perforated, ultra-cushioned, or textured, with popular features including shock-absorbing gel and special stitching for traction. Their grips are also known for their high durability as they have a reputation for being long-lasting. Additionally, they are typically thin and allow players to have high control and a good grip when competing or practicing.
Tourna
Tourna is known for being one of the only tennis racket grip brands that offers grips that get tackier the more you sweat. Although the grip is dry at first, with their moisture-wicking technology, the more you sweat, the stronger the grip becomes. Tourna is also affordable and has a variety of different sizes and colors available through retailers.
Wilson
Wilson is a well-known brand for many different types of tennis equipment, and they make very popular and affordable tennis racket grips. Their racket grips are available in many different colors, quantities, and types, including perforated, ultra-gripped, and cushioned. Their thin and high-stretch grips provide players with comfort and a strong grip, which is why many celebrities favor this brand.
FAQ
What is tackiness in a tennis racket grip?
The tackiness of a grip is how sticky it is to touch. When purchasing tennis racket grips, one quality that can make a major difference in terms of comfort and preference is whether the grips are dry or tacky. People who play tennis in hot or humid climates tend to like a tacky grip more, as it prevents their hands from sliding up and down the grip. As you sweat, many tacky grips become tackier and absorb the extra moisture. A tacky tennis racket grip is useful for most players and strengthens players’ grips.
How do you apply a replacement tennis racket grip?
When replacing a tennis racket grip, the first step is to remove the old grip starting from the top of the handle and moving downwards. Next, take off the plastic from the new grip tape, find the tapered end, and remove the backing to expose a small adhesive area. Apply the tapered end with the adhesive at the bottom of the racket and slowly pull and wrap the grip around the handle. It is important to keep in mind that the tighter you pull and wrap, the thinner the grip. Lastly, once you have wrapped the grip around the whole handle, trim off any excess, and apply finishing tape to keep the grip in place at the top of the handle.
How often should I change out my tennis racket grip?
The lifespan of a tennis racket grip depends on both how frequently you play the sport and which type of grip you are considering replacing. If you are someone who regularly plays between two to four times per week, it is a good idea to change it every week or two. Meanwhile, replacement grips have a far longer lifespan. It is recommended that you change out your replacement grip somewhere in the ballpark of one to three times every year. This time frame can vary depending on how often you play.