We've found the thing about heat shrink sleeves is that it's best if you use it once on a racquet. So going from a 4 3/8 to 4 1/2 is fine because one shrink sleeve will do the job but if you have to go from a 4 1/4 to a 4 1/2, you'll need 2 sleeves on top of each other. That's when I start loosing the feel of the bevel and the grip gets rounder and rounder; but yes, we are big fans of shrink sleeves when building up grips and trying to find the right size that works best for you -- great video as always!!! - Munish
@@Tennisnerd I am for a thin over grip using Howie's Hocky grip in the black cloth version 1 inch width and using going from top after an overlap a spiral with a 1/4 overlap and some Loctite Ultra Gel Control on bottom end. I am using a 4 & 1/4 inch grip on my main 4 racquets old ProKennex Jr Ace Pro Power Contour red & blue, which is also called a grip 1 or 2 but also have 2 of same model in a later version matte yellow & black that had a 4 inch grip or a 0 or 1 (deepening on if brand has a 3 & 3/4 inch grip) for a 0 for when my hands get tired because the grip is easier doing a different grip I can't do as easy on the 4 & 1/4 grip, a 1 or 2 depending on brand. Now once I am done putting on my over grip, my grip will have a bad sticky issue when using tape that I need to get rid of and I use dirt/soil then brush off and use a fully damp paper towel/rag and work in inner dirt/soil last bit while removing easy to remove last bit of easy to remove and grip feels worked in like I have used enough hours removing sticky grippy issue. I love this cloth tape because of how it has a micro grippy texture yet does not want to fall apart quickly from my hand oils like rubber and vinyl or need upkeep like leather needing a special treatment after X hours and let fully dry before using becuse the oil/tanning material in leather becomes worked out.
I can't play with Head or Prince grips. I like Babolat grips but I think the buttcap is too small and I feel the racket could fly out of my hand. But the solution is easy, simply fold the overgrip in two at the beginning. There's a video on this on tennispin by coach Chris.
Thanks Jonas for helping me with my game! Your advice to choose racquets that accentuate my strengths vs helping with weaknesses, has helped a ton. Plus I always appreciate your level headedness - for example, about how ultimately switching racquets all the time is detrimental to your game
Spoken very well. I think there are certain racquets that are better for your game than others. However, I find that I tend to play well if I stick to the same racquet and strings for at least like 2-3 weeks. And it really doesn’t matter the racquet or strings, I just adjust to it. 😀
On my Yonex Perception H i took off the leather grip and placed a new thin stripe grip on the epoxy handle. Feels harder but also a better feeling while hitting the balls. So not a soft grip but rather a hard firm one.
Lately in my 2 -3 rackets i choose grip 2 and i change main grip with babolat play whitch is thick and comfort to the arm ,gives 4-5 grams more to the handle that i like ,and end up with grip 2,5 which it allows me to rotate easily the racket on the net.I was in grip 3 before rhat.
I found Yonex grip 2 is a bit too big compre to other brand and I actually use kimoni thin leather and its just right now. It is however lighter than yonex grip and changes the balance a little bit. Overall still very happy with the results.
One important aspect is to buy your racquet with a size smaller than what you think you need. Adding an overgrip is highly recommended to maintain tackiness, freshness and increase the comfort of the grip (much cheaper to replace than replacing the whole grip), but it adds almost a full size. E.g., grip 2 + overgrip = grip 3, so if you buy a racquet with grip 3 because you prefer a grip 3, then the overgrip makes the grip too big.
L4 on 2HBH gives me an unreal connection to a frame & extended frames give me better ball spacing by allowing me to spread my hands apart (at times in a pinch on 2HBH) making my stroke flow/feel easier
Can relate to the grip preference with Yonex Supergrap as the overgrip of choice, on top of a Gamma Leather grip. So many different variables depending on personal preference!
For something so quantifiable, very interesting to see how subjective it is to each person. I find babolat and Yonex. The smallest of the bunch especially compared to Wilson. I think the butt cap flare has much to do with it. I’m about to put a Wilson butt cap to my Aero 98 to see if that helps my grip pressure. For the first time ever I’ve developed golfers elbow since switching to the PA98.
Interestingly the new pure strikes come with babolats syntec base grip, which they market as a thinner option and reduces the grip size by half a level. Curious about why they chose to do this - it works great for me since I like size 3, and other babolats as you said feel a little bigger.
Found a great overgrip on amazon , Alien pro light tacky ( also do a dry version ) 9.99 for 6 , lasts really well and not too tacky for quick grip changes etc , also tapered on both ends and good length to cover whole handle ,great value and performance but dont ever hear anyone else mention them , really like the blue version
Great topic and nice discussion! I'm personally fighting between a smaller grip (just my size without any overgrip) to get a lot of easy topspin, and a larger one (my grip with a thick overgrip) to feel a more solid impact and more control. I think I'll go bigger... let's see 🤞🏻
Thanks Jonas, really enjoying the series with Daniel. You guys apply common sense to whatever aspect of gear you’re covering. The feel of the grip is such a personal thing. Agree about Babolat grip size so I’ve found a sweetspot with my size 3 PS 98 of removing base grip and updating with the Wilson feather thin followed by adding 2 x overgrips. May be odd but it works for me.😂
I experimented with L2 and it absolutely leads to wrist and arm injuries. Solved this problem by adding 3 overgrips. At first I didn't like the round feeling but now I'm used to it. Next time I'll probably get L3 with just 1 or 2 overgrips
Great video, a novel topic. It would be interesting to see your video on which grip size suits single handed backhand players more. I have heard going down a size helps but not sure that works
Took us months - trying to figure out why my kid was hitting a bunch of frames. Finally we took a few slow-mo videos from different angles and what we found was very surprising: her contact point was / is spot on, however, the slightest off-center shot would cause the racquet to literally twist out of her hand. Additionally, she had been complaining about hand (back of the hand) and fingers fatigue and wrist discomfort. Based on the traditional grip size test, her fingers easily touched her palm so we figured the grip was too small. Well, we ended up jumping 2 sizes by purchasing 3 new racquets. I didn’t want to mess with the shrink sleeves because her racquet (2024 Babolat Pure Strike 97) was already 8PT headlight at around 332grams so instead, we just bought new sticks. Additionally and, based on the slow-mo videos we figured she wasn’t getting enough pocketing on the string bed so we started out by dropping tension 2lbs - then 2 more, then a few more lol! Went from 52 average down to 40/43 using RPM Rough 125 gauge (orange. We tried the yellow but it is definitely more rigid than the orange) For time being this is my kid’s golden setup however, we are now experimenting with different pallet shapes and sizes. The ultimate goal is to have leather grip with just 1X overgrip and still be between 6-8PT HL under 332 grams. Great content thanks!
Yep, RUINED ME, unfortunately. (🤣🤣comment Jonas, but so true) The racquet companies should be bending over backwards for TN. You brought all this insight to the rec players and "encouraged" experimentation, racquet testing and switching. I'm sure it's quantifiable how much you've increased sales... not for one brand but but overall. I have over 20 frames, and I'm not even a collector. I'm thinking of creating an RA channel for Racquetholics and undo some of this damage you've caused. ❤
@@Tennisnerd Your passion is infectious.I spent way too much money trying rackets/ strings before I need to settle down on one for the sake of my game.😂
@@Tennisnerd No don't be, It's been great. It's just knowing to stop while you're ahead. Even this grip video helped me modify my ISO 305 grip further... game changer. 🤯 You're a step ahead of me.
Great video! Great topic. Absolutely overlooked, it feels like. Been experimenting a lot with replacement grips, overgrips, shrinking sleeves, to get the right size, and the right weight in the handle. A jungle! Been measuring also in cm; seems to differ sometimes, even though both rackets have the same grip size (it says). Im at size 4 now. But they get rarer!
I use the equivalent of an L16. Every handle is custom. Normal hands and should use an L4. Disagree with the “too big you can’t grip tight” idea. Also the industry reporting on grip size is way off. Its just the stock with no accounting for over grips. A pro could use a stock L2 and add 5 og and it would be reported as L2. Common wisdom is overgrips only add 1/16th. In reality it oftens adds 1/8”. And no one takes into account Nadal’s finger tape. If that was added to his grip it would probably be an l4. And check it. Rafa is using a custom grip between L2 and L3. Parnell has said that a few times but industry doesn’t want to get that info out.
Great video! I've been on a grip journey myself. Lately felt that my L3 on my PA98 is a bit too small, but I purchased a PS100 16x20 recently in L4 and it feels a bit big 🤔 ... Also the throat of the PS100 is shorter and smaller in diameter which makes the racket less comfortable for 2HBH grip, and also has a less pleasing tactile feel of the area where the grip ends and the throat begins (too big of a difference in thickness between the grip and the throat)... I might go back to L3 but with the ultra thick Xcel Gel base grip.. have you tried it?
Pro tip to avoid buying a heat gun for a strink sleeve: turn on your stove/hob and hover your racket over the heat coming off it. It sounds dangerous but it's really not. Just keep the racket moving and don't go too close.
i startet with L2 and playing now a 3D printed handle in L5 with 2 overgrips! i dont have big hands at all, but if the grip is too small, i grip it to hart! i only can swing loose with a big grip!
We've found the thing about heat shrink sleeves is that it's best if you use it once on a racquet. So going from a 4 3/8 to 4 1/2 is fine because one shrink sleeve will do the job but if you have to go from a 4 1/4 to a 4 1/2, you'll need 2 sleeves on top of each other. That's when I start loosing the feel of the bevel and the grip gets rounder and rounder; but yes, we are big fans of shrink sleeves when building up grips and trying to find the right size that works best for you -- great video as always!!! - Munish
Thanks Munish! 👊🏻
@@Tennisnerd I am for a thin over grip using Howie's Hocky grip in the black cloth version 1 inch width and using going from top after an overlap a spiral with a 1/4 overlap and some Loctite Ultra Gel Control on bottom end. I am using a 4 & 1/4 inch grip on my main 4 racquets old ProKennex Jr Ace Pro Power Contour red & blue, which is also called a grip 1 or 2 but also have 2 of same model in a later version matte yellow & black that had a 4 inch grip or a 0 or 1 (deepening on if brand has a 3 & 3/4 inch grip) for a 0 for when my hands get tired because the grip is easier doing a different grip I can't do as easy on the 4 & 1/4 grip, a 1 or 2 depending on brand. Now once I am done putting on my over grip, my grip will have a bad sticky issue when using tape that I need to get rid of and I use dirt/soil then brush off and use a fully damp paper towel/rag and work in inner dirt/soil last bit while removing easy to remove last bit of easy to remove and grip feels worked in like I have used enough hours removing sticky grippy issue. I love this cloth tape because of how it has a micro grippy texture yet does not want to fall apart quickly from my hand oils like rubber and vinyl or need upkeep like leather needing a special treatment after X hours and let fully dry before using becuse the oil/tanning material in leather becomes worked out.
I can't play with Head or Prince grips. I like Babolat grips but I think the buttcap is too small and I feel the racket could fly out of my hand. But the solution is easy, simply fold the overgrip in two at the beginning. There's a video on this on tennispin by coach Chris.
Thanks Jonas for helping me with my game! Your advice to choose racquets that accentuate my strengths vs helping with weaknesses, has helped a ton. Plus I always appreciate your level headedness - for example, about how ultimately switching racquets all the time is detrimental to your game
Spoken very well. I think there are certain racquets that are better for your game than others. However, I find that I tend to play well if I stick to the same racquet and strings for at least like 2-3 weeks. And it really doesn’t matter the racquet or strings, I just adjust to it. 😀
This topic was gripping.
On my Yonex Perception H i took off the leather grip and placed a new thin stripe grip on the epoxy handle. Feels harder but also a better feeling while hitting the balls. So not a soft grip but rather a hard firm one.
Lately in my 2 -3 rackets i choose grip 2 and i change main grip with babolat play whitch is thick and comfort to the arm ,gives 4-5 grams more to the handle that i like ,and end up with grip 2,5 which it allows me to rotate easily the racket on the net.I was in grip 3 before rhat.
I found Yonex grip 2 is a bit too big compre to other brand and I actually use kimoni thin leather and its just right now. It is however lighter than yonex grip and changes the balance a little bit. Overall still very happy with the results.
the company house of tennis based in austria, can print any shape of grip and but it on any racket!
sick new intro! congrats
One important aspect is to buy your racquet with a size smaller than what you think you need. Adding an overgrip is highly recommended to maintain tackiness, freshness and increase the comfort of the grip (much cheaper to replace than replacing the whole grip), but it adds almost a full size. E.g., grip 2 + overgrip = grip 3, so if you buy a racquet with grip 3 because you prefer a grip 3, then the overgrip makes the grip too big.
L4 on 2HBH gives me an unreal connection to a frame & extended frames give me better ball spacing by allowing me to spread my hands apart (at times in a pinch on 2HBH) making my stroke flow/feel easier
I like a 4 5/8" grip size (aka, 5) but many manufacturers are discontinuing this size. I just don't have very strong hands.
Heat shrink can be applied by putting it over a stove top electric burner and rotating it at a safe distance. You don't really need to buy a heat gun.
Can relate to the grip preference with Yonex Supergrap as the overgrip of choice, on top of a Gamma Leather grip. So many different variables depending on personal preference!
For something so quantifiable, very interesting to see how subjective it is to each person. I find babolat and Yonex. The smallest of the bunch especially compared to Wilson. I think the butt cap flare has much to do with it. I’m about to put a Wilson butt cap to my Aero 98 to see if that helps my grip pressure. For the first time ever I’ve developed golfers elbow since switching to the PA98.
Interestingly the new pure strikes come with babolats syntec base grip, which they market as a thinner option and reduces the grip size by half a level. Curious about why they chose to do this - it works great for me since I like size 3, and other babolats as you said feel a little bigger.
Found a great overgrip on amazon , Alien pro light tacky ( also do a dry version ) 9.99 for 6 , lasts really well and not too tacky for quick grip changes etc , also tapered on both ends and good length to cover whole handle ,great value and performance but dont ever hear anyone else mention them , really like the blue version
Great topic and nice discussion! I'm personally fighting between a smaller grip (just my size without any overgrip) to get a lot of easy topspin, and a larger one (my grip with a thick overgrip) to feel a more solid impact and more control. I think I'll go bigger... let's see 🤞🏻
Thanks Jonas, really enjoying the series with Daniel. You guys apply common sense to whatever aspect of gear you’re covering. The feel of the grip is such a personal thing. Agree about Babolat grip size so I’ve found a sweetspot with my size 3 PS 98 of removing base grip and updating with the Wilson feather thin followed by adding 2 x overgrips. May be odd but it works for me.😂
Thanks Anthony! Whatever works
I experimented with L2 and it absolutely leads to wrist and arm injuries. Solved this problem by adding 3 overgrips. At first I didn't like the round feeling but now I'm used to it. Next time I'll probably get L3 with just 1 or 2 overgrips
Great video, a novel topic. It would be interesting to see your video on which grip size suits single handed backhand players more. I have heard going down a size helps but not sure that works
Took us months - trying to figure out why my kid was hitting a bunch of frames. Finally we took a few slow-mo videos from different angles and what we found was very surprising: her contact point was / is spot on, however, the slightest off-center shot would cause the racquet to literally twist out of her hand. Additionally, she had been complaining about hand (back of the hand) and fingers fatigue and wrist discomfort. Based on the traditional grip size test, her fingers easily touched her palm so we figured the grip was too small. Well, we ended up jumping 2 sizes by purchasing 3 new racquets. I didn’t want to mess with the shrink sleeves because her racquet (2024 Babolat Pure Strike 97) was already 8PT headlight at around 332grams so instead, we just bought new sticks. Additionally and, based on the slow-mo videos we figured she wasn’t getting enough pocketing on the string bed so we started out by dropping tension 2lbs - then 2 more, then a few more lol! Went from 52 average down to 40/43 using RPM Rough 125 gauge (orange. We tried the yellow but it is definitely more rigid than the orange)
For time being this is my kid’s golden setup however, we are now experimenting with different pallet shapes and sizes. The ultimate goal is to have leather grip with just 1X overgrip and still be between 6-8PT HL under 332 grams. Great content thanks!
Thanks for sharing - good luck!
I like the new logo but will miss the classic one and intro jingle!
Have learned so much watching your videos! Keep them coming!
Thanks! They will
I think in the old days 40 plus years ago, the pros used to play with L6 size grips.,
Solinco Hyper Grip is a pretty awesome over grip.
I was between L2 and L3 and ended up with the L3. :) nice video :)
Great video Jonas! What grip shape does Dunlop use and which other brand is most similar? Thanks!
Always helpful! 🙏
Yep, RUINED ME, unfortunately. (🤣🤣comment Jonas, but so true) The racquet companies should be bending over backwards for TN. You brought all this insight to the rec players and "encouraged" experimentation, racquet testing and switching. I'm sure it's quantifiable how much you've increased sales... not for one brand but but overall. I have over 20 frames, and I'm not even a collector. I'm thinking of creating an RA channel for Racquetholics and undo some of this damage you've caused. ❤
Sorry about imposing my racquet switching syndrome on you, David! I had good intentions, I promise
@@Tennisnerd Your passion is infectious.I spent way too much money trying rackets/ strings before I need to settle down on one for the sake of my game.😂
What ra have you settled on?
@@Tennisnerd No don't be, It's been great. It's just knowing to stop while you're ahead. Even this grip video helped me modify my ISO 305 grip further... game changer. 🤯 You're a step ahead of me.
@@chrisburke9932 RA = Racquetholics Anonymous
Great video! Great topic. Absolutely overlooked, it feels like. Been experimenting a lot with replacement grips, overgrips, shrinking sleeves, to get the right size, and the right weight in the handle. A jungle! Been measuring also in cm; seems to differ sometimes, even though both rackets have the same grip size (it says). Im at size 4 now. But they get rarer!
Thanks! Yes, you are right. It is a jungle!
I use the equivalent of an L16. Every handle is custom. Normal hands and should use an L4. Disagree with the “too big you can’t grip tight” idea. Also the industry reporting on grip size is way off. Its just the stock with no accounting for over grips. A pro could use a stock L2 and add 5 og and it would be reported as L2.
Common wisdom is overgrips only add 1/16th. In reality it oftens adds 1/8”. And no one takes into account Nadal’s finger tape. If that was added to his grip it would probably be an l4. And check it. Rafa is using a custom grip between L2 and L3. Parnell has said that a few times but industry doesn’t want to get that info out.
Great video! I've been on a grip journey myself. Lately felt that my L3 on my PA98 is a bit too small, but I purchased a PS100 16x20 recently in L4 and it feels a bit big 🤔 ... Also the throat of the PS100 is shorter and smaller in diameter which makes the racket less comfortable for 2HBH grip, and also has a less pleasing tactile feel of the area where the grip ends and the throat begins (too big of a difference in thickness between the grip and the throat)... I might go back to L3 but with the ultra thick Xcel Gel base grip.. have you tried it?
Pro tip to avoid buying a heat gun for a strink sleeve: turn on your stove/hob and hover your racket over the heat coming off it. It sounds dangerous but it's really not. Just keep the racket moving and don't go too close.
You can also use a Hairdryer.
You can also hold it directly into fire for half an hour
yonex grip are so big... my L3 vcore 95 is more like a L4 wilson, i hate it.
The finger measurement trick doesn't work me, as I end up with too large a grip
Nooo I thought it was going to be about what forehand/ backhand grip to use!!!
FYI: My wife's hair dryer worked fine for the shrink sleeve that I bought from Tennis Warehouse.
Nice! She has a good taste in hair dryers 👍🏻
i startet with L2 and playing now a 3D printed handle in L5 with 2 overgrips! i dont have big hands at all, but if the grip is too small, i grip it to hart! i only can swing loose with a big grip!
Head and Wilson do Not have the same grip shades.
No but style, not exactly same