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[racketwiz]

hi, racketwiz. how are you doing these days? i'm francis (the other francis from atpexers ) and i played with you when you visited manila last january. so when are you coming back?

i have a question about my racket's grip size...

i am a size 5 but my racket's size is 4 and what i do is add 2 overgrips to get the grip size i want. it feels good and i actually like the cushioned feel on my hand. is this ok or should i consider increasing the grip size aside from adding extra overgrips? i hear some uses lead tapes to increase grip size. is this a better alternative?

TIA!

If the size 4 + 2 overgrips feel good and it’s working for you, then stick with it. How did you figure that you’re a size 5?

In my case, according to the usual “ruler” method, I am a size 5. However, I use a size 4 grip because that works better for me. This is not unusual as many touring professionals actually have grip sizes that are smaller than their measured size.

Unless your current grip setup is affecting your strokes or bothering you, I’d say keep it as it is.  One tiny issue I have is the 2 overgrips. While it enlarges the grip size, it also tends to round off the bevels. I know that a lot of players depend on the bevels to “feel” their grip.  I would like you to try using just 1 overgrip. To compensate for the other missing overgrip, you can try this:

Install a new grip, preferably the “cushion” type (ex. Wilson Cushion-Aire Sponge). While wrapping the new grip, avoid pulling and stretching it to much. Stretching the grip makes it thinner. Just kind of lay it on the handle. The adhesive backing will keep it in place. Once installed, you may wrap 1 overgrip preferably the thicker blue Tournagrip (or any other blue felt-type overgrip) if available. Whatever overgrip you use, try not to stretch it too much when wrapping. Let me know how this works out.

[Francis]

There was this template available in one tennis store where you aligh the bottom of your palm then to the end of your middle finger and you'll determine your size. Based on that, i found out that i'm size 4 and 5/8 which is also equivalent to size 5, correct?

Thank you so much for the answer you provided. I will try your suggestion and install a cushioned type grip. I'll let you know how it goes.

Regards!

[racketwiz]

Ah, must have been a Wilson template. One thing I'd like to add regarding grip size measurements, bear in mind that these measurements whether by templates, ruler, or the "finger gap" method are merely guides to help determine a starting point. If you're lucky, the measured size will be spot on, but a lot of times the feel-good size will either be a size or half a size above or below (mostly below) the measurement. My advice is, hold and feel the racket handles of (1)your measured grip size, (2)the size below it and (3)the size above it. Swing the racket around and see how these three grip sizes feel. Eliminate the size that is least comfortable. if you're between sizes and/or you're unsure which one to pick between the two sizes, always go with the smaller size. It's easier to build up a grip.

I forgot to address the issue of the "lead tapes to increase grip size".  This is absolutely false. Lead tapes are placed on the handle for custom weight and balance purposes, not for increasing grip size.

One thing I also forgot to mention was that I believe your feel-good grip size is a tweener, that is, between a 4 and a 5.  I do grip upsizing here as a part of my service, and I use half-size or full-size shrink tubes to enlarge the grip. This is a better way because it maintains the bevel geometry. I don't know if grip upsizing shrink tubes are available there, but if they are, have them do a half-size grip enlargement. If they don't, I'll remember to bring a half-size shrink tube when I make my return trip to Manila in a few months and we'll take care of your grip thing.

[Francis]

Yes, exactly, a wilson template. It's a good thing then that i didn't purchase a size 5. Pag nagkataon pala at malaki sa akin e problema ang pag-reduce ng grip size nito.