Why do so few use 4 1/2" gripsize?

JackB1 · 12-09-2012, 02:30 PM

I use a 4 1/2 grip because I go by the old rule that says while gripping the racquet, you should be able to fit 1 finger in the remaining space between your thumb pad and finger tips. I wear a "large" size Men's glove, but I don't think I have unusually large hands. I just wonder why I seem to be in the minority of people that use anything larger than 3/8?

Is there a benefit to going down to a 3/8 when your proper gripsize shows 4 1/2? Does it allow you to hold the racquet looser? Maybe get more wrist action on serves? I just never understood why 4 1/2 is such a rarely seen gripsize when I know there are many guys with hands at least as big as mine?

DustinW · 12-09-2012, 02:37 PM

I use a 4-1/2 but the measurement rule says I should be using a 5+ grip. With a 4-1/2, my finger tips just barely touch my thumb pad. I used to use a 4-5/8 but I find a 4-1/2 more comfortable now for some reason.

etd · 12-09-2012, 02:39 PM

Yes, a smaller grip size allows for more wrist action on all shots. Also, it is easier to use a smaller grip size with today's lighter racquets. Back in the 80s, when racquets were heavier, bigger grip sizes were the norm.

I used a 4 5/8 grip when I played with a 12 oz racquet. Now that I play with a 11 oz racquet, I've gone down to a 4 1/2. I find that going down to a 4 3/8 is too much for me, but I am old school (or just plain old).

sargeinaz · 12-09-2012, 03:27 PM

Long live the 4 1/2 grip!

Fuji · 12-09-2012, 04:13 PM

I've used 4 1/2 for almost my entire playing days. I'm not sure my hands have changed in size over the years, but it's what I'm most comfortable with.

That being said, I did try 4 1/4 the other day and I really liked the way the racket whipped through the hitting zone. I'm not sure I'd be comfortable using it full time however.

-Fuji

mbm0912 · 12-09-2012, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackB1

I use a 4 1/2 grip because I go by the old rule that says while gripping the racquet, you should be able to fit 1 finger in the remaining space between your thumb pad and finger tips. I wear a "large" size Men's glove, but I don't think I have unusually large hands. I just wonder why I seem to be in the minority of people that use anything larger than 3/8?

Is there a benefit to going down to a 3/8 when your proper gripsize shows 4 1/2? Does it allow you to hold the racquet looser? Maybe get more wrist action on serves? I just never understood why 4 1/2 is such a rarely seen gripsize when I know there are many guys with hands at least as big as mine?

I've wondered the same. I'd say my hands are average. I'm currently going off the same rule with the finger you are referring to. If anything, I've considered going larger, to help minimize racquet turn in my hand.

prjacobs · 12-09-2012, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackB1

I use a 4 1/2 grip because I go by the old rule that says while gripping the racquet, you should be able to fit 1 finger in the remaining space between your thumb pad and finger tips. I wear a "large" size Men's glove, but I don't think I have unusually large hands. I just wonder why I seem to be in the minority of people that use anything larger than 3/8?

Is there a benefit to going down to a 3/8 when your proper gripsize shows 4 1/2? Does it allow you to hold the racquet looser? Maybe get more wrist action on serves? I just never understood why 4 1/2 is such a rarely seen gripsize when I know there are many guys with hands at least as big as mine?

Jack, I can't believe that you've tried a zillion racquets and haven't tried a smaller grip

. Where have you been? It's been a trend for quite a while

.
etd is right about the increased wrist action.

Headshotterer · 12-09-2012, 05:19 PM

i remember getting a 4 1/2 head microgel. the grip felt way too big for my hand, uncomfortable, unmaneuverable. 4 3'8 is a good compromise. i am also 6'5 so my hands arent small.

Winners or Errors · 12-09-2012, 05:22 PM

I've gone as small as 4 1/4, but have had much more success with larger grip sizes. I really think it's what you're used to, because so many people start out now with smaller grips. 4 5/8 with an overgrip feels most natural to me, though I can go down to bare 4 1/2. I think it's a matter of taste, but I feel like I'm in more control of the racquet at that size - probably because I'm trying to over-muscle the racquet. Still, when I use a smaller grip, I find it even harder to relax my grip.

JackB1 · 12-09-2012, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prjacobs

Jack, I can't believe that you've tried a zillion racquets and haven't tried a smaller grip

. Where have you been? It's been a trend for quite a while

.
etd is right about the increased wrist action.

I always stuck with what I thought was "correct". Of course I have used 3/8 many times...most demos are only in 3/8. I just got used to 1/2 so 3/8 felt "too small". I think I will try 3/8 for the time being and see how it goes. I also started with 4 1/2 because I had some TE when I started 3-4 years ago and heard bigger was better than too small for TE.

Passion4Tennis · 12-09-2012, 05:41 PM

Yes, Jack, I've followed the same "rule" as you do. It does surprise me when I see guys with hands larger than mine using grips as small as 4 1/4. I've used a 4 1/2 grip for the majority of my playing days. I feel like I have much better control over the racquet with a larger grip.

prjacobs · 12-09-2012, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackB1

I always stuck with what I thought was "correct". Of course I have used 3/8 many times...most demos are only in 3/8. I just got used to 1/2 so 3/8 felt "too small". I think I will try 3/8 for the time being and see how it goes. I also started with 4 1/2 because I had some TE when I started 3-4 years ago and heard bigger was better than too small for TE.

Jack, I also started using 3/8 on demo sticks. I found I liked the smaller grip so much, I now use it.

MikeHitsHard93 · 12-09-2012, 06:59 PM

Whenever I play with anything smaller than 3/8, I tend to squeeze tighter which causes forearm and finger fatigue.

Anton · 12-09-2012, 07:43 PM

I used to play with 4 1/2 because according to "finger rule" that's the size I should play with, but eventually found that 4 3/8 gives me more wrist motion range, so I can whip the racket better

rafafan20 · 12-09-2012, 08:00 PM

1/2 all the way, although I've thought about starting w/ 3/8 and go from there.

MikeHitsHard93 · 12-09-2012, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rafafan20

1/2 all the way, although I've thought about starting w/ 3/8 and go from there.

I generally like 3/8 for this reason as well. I like over grips unless its a head hydro sorb grip. That's fine on its own at 1/2

vegasgt3 · 12-09-2012, 08:34 PM

Grip tape. I play with a 4 1/2, but like to use grip tape, so I order 4 3/8

Litespeeds · 12-09-2012, 09:02 PM

From what I've heard, if you hit with a lot of spin or with fast racquet speed, smaller grips are better. If you are a flatter hitter or swing slower, then you will prefer a larger grip. Please correct me if I am wrong. Thanks.

NLBwell · 12-09-2012, 09:28 PM

Hard to believe that anyone other than children and smaller women use 4 3/8 grips. It seems to be pretty common now, though.
Just so much extra stress on the wrist and arm with the smaller grip. It does allow a more wristy stroke, though.

Ross K · 12-09-2012, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by etd

Yes, a smaller grip size allows for more wrist action on all shots. Also, it is easier to use a smaller grip size with today's lighter racquets. Back in the 80s, when racquets were heavier, bigger grip sizes were the norm.

I used a 4 5/8 grip when I played with a 12 oz racquet. Now that I play with a 11 oz racquet, I've gone down to a 4 1/2. I find that going down to a 4 3/8 is too much for me, but I am old school (or just plain old).

I'm with etd. Have long preferred playing with smaller grip sizes.

12-09-2012, 02:30 PM	#1
JackB1 Legend Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 8,450	Why do so few use 4 1/2" gripsize? I use a 4 1/2 grip because I go by the old rule that says while gripping the racquet, you should be able to fit 1 finger in the remaining space between your thumb pad and finger tips. I wear a "large" size Men's glove, but I don't think I have unusually large hands. I just wonder why I seem to be in the minority of people that use anything larger than 3/8? Is there a benefit to going down to a 3/8 when your proper gripsize shows 4 1/2? Does it allow you to hold the racquet looser? Maybe get more wrist action on serves? I just never understood why 4 1/2 is such a rarely seen gripsize when I know there are many guys with hands at least as big as mine? __________________ Wilson Black Blade 104 (since 5/1/13) - NXT Tour / Copoly at 55/51

12-09-2012, 02:39 PM	#3
etd Rookie Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 152	Yes, a smaller grip size allows for more wrist action on all shots. Also, it is easier to use a smaller grip size with today's lighter racquets. Back in the 80s, when racquets were heavier, bigger grip sizes were the norm. I used a 4 5/8 grip when I played with a 12 oz racquet. Now that I play with a 11 oz racquet, I've gone down to a 4 1/2. I find that going down to a 4 3/8 is too much for me, but I am old school (or just plain old). __________________ TW Head Pro Tour 280 Club Member #16

12-09-2012, 05:22 PM	#9
Winners or Errors Professional Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 1,037	I've gone as small as 4 1/4, but have had much more success with larger grip sizes. I really think it's what you're used to, because so many people start out now with smaller grips. 4 5/8 with an overgrip feels most natural to me, though I can go down to bare 4 1/2. I think it's a matter of taste, but I feel like I'm in more control of the racquet at that size - probably because I'm trying to over-muscle the racquet. Still, when I use a smaller grip, I find it even harder to relax my grip. __________________ I have come to the conclusion that I simply don't know what I don't know.

12-09-2012, 05:41 PM	#11
Passion4Tennis Rookie Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 241	Yes, Jack, I've followed the same "rule" as you do. It does surprise me when I see guys with hands larger than mine using grips as small as 4 1/4. I've used a 4 1/2 grip for the majority of my playing days. I feel like I have much better control over the racquet with a larger grip. __________________ Feats don't fail me now

12-09-2012, 06:59 PM	#13
MikeHitsHard93 Hall Of Fame Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,042	Whenever I play with anything smaller than 3/8, I tend to squeeze tighter which causes forearm and finger fatigue. __________________ 3.5 baseliner trying to transition to a more all-court game. Currently on a seemingly endless racket search...