Dark's Overgrip Review

C

corners

Legend
Nostradamus said:
I sure hope this is safe to use and has no side effects.
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Dry_Grip_-_Antiperspirant_Lotion_2_oz_Tube/descpagePYTHON-DRYG.html
Click to expand...

Yeah, I have my doubts about that. I don't have time to double check if this is the one, but I remember that one of the hand antiperspirants I looked at online was saying that their drying agent was some kind of nano-particle. Nano-particles are potentially dangerous. That's the reason I haven't just bought some already - I'd like to take the time to check out the safety. (There are more than a few brands of hand antiperspirant - apparently they are all the rage with pole dancers.)

Until then, I think the Prince stuff that TW carries is a safe bet - not an antiperspirant, but an effective drying agent combined with alcohol. One of the reasons grips loose their tack is because oils from our hands build up on them, making them greasy. The alcohol should cut that oil and keep the grips cleaner as a result.
 
darklore009

darklore009

Hall of Fame
Prince Tacky Pro

Was the test grip easy to apply (any wrinkles during install, did the grip lay down nicely?): This grip was a breeze when wrapping this grip. Didnt encounter any wrinkles and did lay done nicely.

Was it sized appropriately (e.g., was it long enough?): This grip is long enough to full wrap my racket handle. this is also long enough for those rackets that have long handles. I tried this on a baseball bat and it worked well. (took it after)

Level of tackiness (did your hand stick/slip too much?): The level of tackiness slightly above wilson, but not as tacky as the solinco wonder grip.

Thickness: this grip is on the thinner side. its rivals wilson surprisingly on how thin this grip is. not like sensation thin, but pretty close to the pro overgrip.

Longevity of Tackiness: The tackiness lasted me the same amount as the wilson/yonex grips. Totally feels like a clone of these two popular grips

Level of sweat absorption: I would put this as average for sweat absorption. would compliment in cooler weather to make this grip last longer. it would hamper in humid weather/ hot weater.

Would you consider using this overgrip?: This got me thinking that is it a clone of wilson, but rebranded? Also $1 cheaper than wilson? not sure about that, but this grip could stack up on those top overgrips that TT members uses. Some people will or not agree with me in this grip, but its worth a shot that prince is releasing new stuff to the market after their bankruptcy
 
Rozroz

Rozroz

G.O.A.T.
darklore009 said:
do U-sweat? For one thing I aint a sweater. lol. But I'll give this a try when i have the time.
Click to expand...

it's not because I sweat, it's because we have a crazy humid summer,
so ANY good sweat grip is welcomed.
until now i haven't found one that was extra good in this weather.
 
darklore009

darklore009

Hall of Fame
i assume viper dry isnt working for you. If the weather gets hot or humid around my area, i might go try out some dry grips.
 
L

liam1

New User
Wouldn't recommend Viper Dry at all. I have sweaty hands and it didn't work for me. Having much more success with Yonex Supergrap.
 
Rozroz

Rozroz

G.O.A.T.
darklore009 said:
i assume viper dry isnt working for you. If the weather gets hot or humid around my area, i might go try out some dry grips.
Click to expand...

It was the best option last summer.
But I didnt say it was perfect.
Lot of hassle wiping it dry every game.
Just thought there might be a better summer grip with the U sweat.
 
darklore009

darklore009

Hall of Fame
just got the grip today. the initial impression is that its on the thicker side. also has a dry feel to it. not a tourna dry. hope to give a full review soon
 
darklore009

darklore009

Hall of Fame
Dunlop U-Sweat

Was the test grip easy to apply: The grip didnt prove any difficulties installing this grip.

Was it sized appropriately: The length was enough to reach to the top of the handle. Also, cut the excess to make it a clean finish.

Level of tackinessDoesnt have that much tack because this is a dry grip. It isnt as dry as a tourna grip. I'll have say it doest have slight tac to this grip, but dont expect that tack to grip you back.

Thickness: It was on the thicker side of the grips. It did rounded the bevels up a bit.

Longevity of Tackiness: At the start, it has the bare minimum tack on this grip. However, after awhile, the tack begins to get tacky a bit. Just enough that it works well for me. Although have to apply slight amounts of water to keep this up since im not a heavy sweater

Level of sweat absorption: I would say it absorb better than a typical overgrip. It was try throughout the play test. It held out for 2 weeks before i see a tear.

Would you consider using this overgrip?: Didnt like this grip, not for it's performance. But its a personal preference in choices of grips. This grip could be some alternative for those who doesnt like that tourna feel or wanted to try a new dry overgrip. Sorta reminded me of a Wilson Advantage overgrip because of the feel
 
Rozroz

Rozroz

G.O.A.T.
darklore009 said:
Was the test grip easy to apply: The grip didnt prove any difficulties installing this grip.

Was it sized appropriately: The length was enough to reach to the top of the handle. Also, cut the excess to make it a clean finish.

Level of tackinessDoesnt have that much tack because this is a dry grip. It isnt as dry as a tourna grip. I'll have say it doest have slight tac to this grip, but dont expect that tack to grip you back.

Thickness: It was on the thicker side of the grips. It did rounded the bevels up a bit.

Longevity of Tackiness: At the start, it has the bare minimum tack on this grip. However, after awhile, the tack begins to get tacky a bit. Just enough that it works well for me. Although have to apply slight amounts of water to keep this up since im not a heavy sweater

Level of sweat absorption: I would say it absorb better than a typical overgrip. It was try throughout the play test. It held out for 2 weeks before i see a tear.

Would you consider using this overgrip?: Didnt like this grip, not for it's performance. But its a personal preference in choices of grips. This grip could be some alternative for those who doesnt like that tourna feel or wanted to try a new dry overgrip. Sorta reminded me of a Wilson Advantage overgrip because of the feel
Click to expand...

hey man, HUGE thanks for this review!
i cannot get a sample here otherwise i would have tried it.
after your info i'm not so sure.
depends on how long it stays "useful" VS Viper Dry for instance.
 
Rozroz

Rozroz

G.O.A.T.
i might go for a pack of Gamma's React..
you gave a "rave" review ;)

is that still your "to-go" grip?
 
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darklore009

darklore009

Hall of Fame
i do like this grip. I still have to go through a batch of gamma supremes that i bought. Once thats down, going to buy the 30pk of react. It really works well for me because the weather is cool and doesnt ruin the grip entirely. Also, it doesnt add a bulkiness to the leather grip that im wrapping over. To answer your question, yes its my go-to grips.

Everyone have a preference in the choice of grips. One grip that might work for one person wouldnt transition nicely to another person. Me giving a high rating on one grips doesnt always mean its the very best. just word of caution.
 
Rozroz

Rozroz

G.O.A.T.
darklore009 said:
i do like this grip. I still have to go through a batch of gamma supremes that i bought. Once thats down, going to buy the 30pk of react. It really works well for me because the weather is cool and doesnt ruin the grip entirely. Also, it doesnt add a bulkiness to the leather grip that im wrapping over. To answer your question, yes its my go-to grips.

Everyone have a preference in the choice of grips. One grip that might work for one person wouldnt transition nicely to another person. Me giving a high rating on one grips doesnt always mean its the very best. just word of caution.
Click to expand...

thanks.
yea of course that if i had a choice here in Israel i would have tested many grips.
but all the good less known grips can only be ordered personally, so i got to take some chances.
 
darklore009

darklore009

Hall of Fame
Its been awhile that I visited this thread, I just finished with my last final in college. Now, I have somewhat free time to play tennis. So, this whole summer i will try to post as many reviews as i can before I go back to college. cheers!
 
Rozroz

Rozroz

G.O.A.T.
darklore009 said:
Its been awhile that I visited this thread, I just finished with my last final in college. Now, I have somewhat free time to play tennis. So, this whole summer i will try to post as many reviews as i can before I go back to college. cheers!
Click to expand...

that's good! :D
 
darklore009

darklore009

Hall of Fame
Babolat Pro Tour

Was the test grip easy to apply: It was easy to install this grip onto my racket handle. The adhesive was enough to hold the grip in place while wrapping it around the handle.

Was it sized appropriately: Was a bit longer than expected, but I can cut the excess off the handle to make it perfect clean finish.

Level of tackiness: The level of tackiness is comparable to a Solinco Wonder grip, Gamma supreme, genesis marka. More tackier than wilson and yonex.

Thickness: It was on the thicker side, but it does have that cushion for those who wants to make their racket handle a pillow. Fairly comfortable to hold once in awhile.

Longevity of Tackiness:: It last usually the same as the other grips that i describe the level of tackiness. last me a good 2 weeks before switching them out.

Level of sweat absorption: The level of absorption depends on the weather, like all of the grips. If you playing in cooler weather, these will last longer compared to a hotter weather.

Would you consider using this overgrip?: These would be the last grip that i would prefer if the other grips that i love is gone for some reason. Its on the pricer side because of the brand name. i would only use these indoors/ cooler weather because they last pretty long and maintain their tackiness fairly.
 
Rozroz

Rozroz

G.O.A.T.
rios76 said:
Its been awhile that I visited this thread, I just finished with my last final in college. Now, I have somewhat free time to play tennis. So, this whole summer i will try to post as many reviews as i can before I go back to college
Click to expand...

wtf is going on here?
 
darklore009

darklore009

Hall of Fame
Wilson Advantage

Normally I wont try dry overgrips because i dont like the feel of it. However, due to the California weather is making me reconsider my grip choices. Until the weather turns back to the cooler weather, gonna try out some dry overgrips that can meet my expectations.

Installing: Installing was a breeze, it was the same with most of the trip that i tried out (excluding tourna grip because of the lack of an adhesive side and the tape doesnt work well). It didnt wrinkle while installing it and it overlap fairly well. The length was enough for me to cut the excess away.

Feel: This grip is like a replica of tourna. The signature dry feeling that all of us are familiar with. For those who wants a different color besides "the light blue grip that does not slip", this one is a contender that wants a black color.

Absorption and Durability: For sure, this one is more durable than tourna. It doesnt sheds easy. Absorption was good, on par with tourna and stays dry for awhile. It can survive the hot california weather and continues to live on. After the third week, i begin to notice some shedding of the grip, exposing the fiber part of the grip after the PU layer is off.

Overall Thought: This caught my attention when i started trying the dry overgrips. First it was there in my local shop so I can simply take, pay, then play. I just begin trying out dry overgrips, but sooner or later I will find a favorite dry overgrip that I can switch to easily when playing in hot weather later in the future.
 
darklore009

darklore009

Hall of Fame
Prince Dry Pro

Installing: It was easy to install this grip. It comes with a tampered end and a decent finishing tape. I couldnt stretch the grip to make it thinner.

Feel: It feels like the rest of the dry grips that i tried so far. However, this one has a "slight tack" feel to it, but dont expect a yonex/wilson tack.

Absorption and Durability: It absorbed my sweat pretty well. However, it went behind the wilson advantage or Solinco heaven grip in terms of durability. It started to break apart around the second week of the playtest.

Overall Thought: Felt like the same thing as other brands, however this one is more pricey than the other grips that I tried so far. It isnt the worst nor the best. If you want a green colored, dry overgrip, this one would fit that criteria.
 
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darklore009

darklore009

Hall of Fame
Tourna XL

Installing: Installing it was kinda bother some. One, it doesnt come with the adhesive end that most brands have. Second, the finishing tape didnt secure the grip well. I ended up getting some electric tape as a substitute. After that, it went pretty well. The length was good enough to finish wrapping the handle. i dont know why the make a grip that short on the non-xl version. but they should have done it a long time ago.

Feel: It has a feel of a dry towel. Also it has some specs of fiber that is sticking on to the palm of your hands. The feel I had a hard time adjusting to since im used to a smooth surface that i would get from a tacky grip.

Absorption and Durability: As the packaging says, it does absorb my sweaty hands well. After a couple of days later, it started to shred and the grip was peeling. I can describe the same situation with the babolat VS grip. It played very well at first, but begins to break down the second day.

Overall Thoughts: Glad I tried this popular grip. It was like a bandwagon telling us people to try this grip because the pro uses it and it absorbs sweat pretty well. It did what it does, but it has a short life.
 
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darklore009

darklore009

Hall of Fame
Gamma Rzr Dri

Installing: Felt the same way as install all gamma overgrips. I didnt encounter any issues when wrapping the grip around the handle. It doesnt have any stretch what so ever.

Feel:: It feels like a mixture between a rough towel witout that texture of it. The feel was foreign for me and had to spend some time getting used to the feel. However, I got used to it and able to proceed with the playtest.

Absorption and Durability: This grip holds very well. Absorbs my sweat pretty well. It last a lot longer than the tourna grips. It passed the third week and still going well. I didnt see any layers that are peeling off. This grip could last as long i sweat on it often.

Overall Thoughts: I guess this grip could be a contender. It preformed very well and lasted a lot longer than grips that I tried so far. Doesnt mean its the absolute best grip out there, but it worth a shot for those that want to break away from the Tourna grip bandwagon.
 
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Rozroz

Rozroz

G.O.A.T.
thanks darklore,
so what about Pro's pro grips?
did you try them all?
if there's at least one good grip, it might be worth it..
 
R

rios76

Rookie
darklore009 said:
Its been awhile that I visited this thread, I just finished with my last final in college. Now, I have somewhat free time to play tennis. So, this whole summer i will try to post as many reviews as i can before I go back to college. cheers!
Click to expand...

You could try Pacific X-tack pro overgrip, in my opinion it's very good.
 
McLovin

McLovin

Legend
rios76 said:
You could try Pacific X-tack pro overgrip, in my opinion it's very good.
Click to expand...

Have not tried X Tack Pro, but on a whim I grabbed some xTR and was pleasantly surprised. It's on the order of a Tournagrip, but lasts much, much longer.

For someone who sweats buckets (and that is not an exaggeration), this seems to be the best grip for me during the summer.

I'll go back to Wilson Pro/Yonex Supergrap in the winter months as xTR is too dry for those conditions, but for these humid days, its holding up quite well.
 
darklore009

darklore009

Hall of Fame
its been awhile since i visited this thread. havent been playing tennis due to injury and work. by next week i hope, i hope i can be back on the courts hitting again and demoing overgrips.
 
darklore009

darklore009

Hall of Fame
Pacific X Tack Pro

Installing: This grips is on the stiffer side when it comes to wrapping it. Doesnt have any stretch when trying to make this thin. The finishing tape works fine and kept the grip secured.

Feel: Its on the thicker side of grips. When comparing it to the standard width that i usual test: "Yonex Supergrap", its a thicker than that. But its really comfortable to hold once you break it in after a few minutes. It has a rough layer, but once you worn through that part it feels fine.

Absorption and Durability: In this catagory, it comes down to the conditions that your playing. If you play in a cool air, this grip should last a good 2 weeks before breaking down. Play in a hot, humid weather the performance severally hampers the performance. Cant holds it's tack for a week in the hot California weather.

Overall Thoughts: This grip is ok. Nothing really stood out for me compared to grips like Tecnifibre Pro Contact or ****. Only comes with either orange or white. Unless you have the radical or one of the pacific frames, the orange wouldnt appeal to anyone's taste in terms of appearance. if your looking for a new grip, would skip this one unless you want to try something that isnt a big brand.
 
darklore009

darklore009

Hall of Fame
Kirschbaum Touch It Ultra Thin Overgrip

Saw this grip in TW and claimed that its the thinnest in the market of of 0.35mm. While Wilson pro sensation is around 0.30~0.35mm. $3 for one thin grip already scared me. I'll stick it up and try this self-proclaimed grip.

Installing: Once I lay my hands on the grip it self, I already notice that width is like paper like width. Thats how thin that I would word it as. Its tempted me to not stretch it at all. If i would, it would be on the verge of ripping apart and waste the $3 that I spent on one grip. Taping it with the finishing tape was fine.

Feel: Like in the previous comment, its really thin and its recommended for those players that doesnt want to build up a grip size. You might not notice that it isnt there till you look at it. The grip is fairly tacky and doesnt damped the feel as much as a Yonex. The response that you get from the impact from the ball is pure and that feel would depend which frame you use. While tweener frames will give you a stiff, modern feeling, the player's frame or traditional frame will give you a clean, soft response. That response depends on you.

Absorption and Durability: It preformed fairly well in hot weather. helds it's absorption for a 1.5 weeks 1/2. which is good for a tacky grip. in cooler weathers would improve it's performance. Although i had some times that i felt that i might have thrown my racket from my serve or a hard forehand.

Overall Thoughts: I could put this as another grip that can be described like a Nike Vapor performance. really thin, you can feel what your hitting, but doesnt last for too long. On the pricey side, so its optimal to use it in tournaments. Would love to use this, but this grip would burn my wallet and wont have funds to try other grips.
 
McLovin

McLovin

Legend
Pacific X Tack Pro

darklore009 said:
Absorption and Durability: In this catagory, it comes down to the conditions that your playing. If you play in a cool air, this grip should last a good 2 weeks before breaking down. Play in a hot, humid weather the performance severally hampers the performance. Cant holds it's tack for a week in the hot California weather.
Click to expand...

I got a sample pack of this. Agree with everything you said, but want to add to the 'Absorption' comment: If you sweat, and you live in an area that is at humid, don't bother. Seriously, while it is tacky, the minute it becomes wet it is almost impossible to hold on to.

I'll give it another go when I head indoors.
 
darklore009

darklore009

Hall of Fame
Pro's Pro Super Tacky

After many recommendations from fellow TT members, i ordered some pro's pro overgrips to try out. Many of them told me if they can be a potential alternative that all of us use like Yonex, Wilson, Solinco, etc. Now, here's the first review and expect to see more. First up, Super Tacky

Installing: No issues when it comes to installing. there is a tampered side to make griping a breeze. could stretch if you wanted to, but its feels fine as it is.

Feel: This caught me by suprise, it has a nice, soft, tacky feel. Similar to the bigger brands like Babolat, Wilson, you name it. The feel might make me want to switch to this grip.

Absorption and Durability: Another suprise, it held up pretty well on both conditions. 2 weeks is the max for these overgrips and will be willing to switch them every 2 weeks. Although there was some tear of the top layer of the grip where it makes contacts with other rackets that have tacky grips.

Overall: I finally know why all are bragging that pro's pro carry quality stuff for a low price. Performed like a big brand, but something that we can all afford on. Best to keep this a secret and let their product speak for themselves. This got me thinking about switching to this grip, but its too soon to decide since i have other PP grips to try out. For now, im satisfied :)
 
Rozroz

Rozroz

G.O.A.T.
Hey dark,
I just got a 30 reel of React,
And after using it nowadays with extreme humidity i must report its totally useless :(
Seems that i need a new option for summer and i need it quick!!

Any of Pro's Pro will fit for summer??
What about that Pacific XTR Mclovin liked?
Damn i need to order a "safe bet" one quickly...
 
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darklore009

darklore009

Hall of Fame
React wouldnt last in extreme humidity, it was my go to for awhile because the weather around my area is cool and not as humid. As for as i know pro's pro aquazorb 55. like Lukhas has mentioned 4 months ago. I have to admit what he said, you dont sweat a lot, it will be extremely dry. I had to pour a bit of water to get it working.
 
Rozroz

Rozroz

G.O.A.T.
darklore009 said:
React wouldnt last in extreme humidity, it was my go to for awhile because the weather around my area is cool and not as humid. As for as i know pro's pro aquazorb 55. like Lukhas has mentioned 4 months ago. I have to admit what he said, you dont sweat a lot, it will be extremely dry. I had to pour a bit of water to get it working.
Click to expand...

it's not that React cannot last a long time,
it's just don't fit humidity. it's prefect for dry weather.

i just ordered Aquazorb 55. let's hope it's also decent and durable, apart from absorbing.

* btw, Pro's pro grips are around the same price as all other grips..
 
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McLovin

McLovin

Legend
Rozroz said:
What about that Pacific XTR Mclovin liked?
Click to expand...

Still liking it. It can get quite humid here in VA, and add to that the fact that I sweat like no other (just ask mikeler), and its tough to find something that will hold up.

All the tacky over grips are useless after 3-4 games (Wilson Pro, Yonex Grap, Gamma Supreme, etc.).

The best is still Tournagrip, but its toast after 1 match (and then you flip it over for a 2nd match). Pacific xTR is a good alternative, and it lasts for 5-6 matches. Its not good for indoors/dry climates. For that, stick w/ the tacky stuff.
 
Rozroz

Rozroz

G.O.A.T.
McLovin said:
Still liking it. It can get quite humid here in VA, and add to that the fact that I sweat like no other (just ask mikeler), and its tough to find something that will hold up.

All the tacky over grips are useless after 3-4 games (Wilson Pro, Yonex Grap, Gamma Supreme, etc.).

The best is still Tournagrip, but its toast after 1 match (and then you flip it over for a 2nd match). Pacific xTR is a good alternative, and it lasts for 5-6 matches. Its not good for indoors/dry climates. For that, stick w/ the tacky stuff.
Click to expand...

thanks. i'll see how's this Aquazorb behave.
 
Rozroz

Rozroz

G.O.A.T.
^^^^^^^

glad to report i really like Pro's Pro Aquazorb 55.
in 75% humid night, 30c, it preformed excellent.
easy to wrap, and dealt with a 2 hour sweat hell with ease.
it has a velevety feel, and the stuff in it make your hands feel really dry.
hope it'll keep it up for at least 4 hours more.
 
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