about Grip..

[Ten_is]

My grip is 4 1/2. When I was 15 I started playing with a Wilson 4 1/4 grip (underwrap, overwrap). I always used to get blisters even though my hands were perhaps smaller. Is this due to the grip size not being large enough to my hand?

Also, question: Is it better to have no underwrap at all, but 2 or 3 overwraps to get better feel?
Like should I maybe buy a 4 7/8 and just have 2 overwraps to get the 4 1/2 feeling? I know I hate playing with grip that's too thick for my hand.

Take a look at fed's racquet and sampras raquet. you can see the stick itself seems like there's almost no thickness to the grip itself just overwrap.

 

[FiveO]

The more layers you put on under and/or over the grip, the more the edges of the bevels will be rounded off and for most players will result in some difficulty in quickly locating on grip changes during play. And taken to the extreme can make a grip feel more of an oval than an octagon.

I believe in the adage "less is more", proper factory grip size and one layer of overwrap, in that my personal grip size "sweet spot" works out to be 4 9/16ths. But, it comes down to personal preference.

 

[Ten_is]

yeah no kidding. I don't usually prefer the stock underwrap and need more feeling. Can anyone suggest any types of grips for under / over that are thin and effective? Thanks.

 

[Bagumbawalla]

Why do some people get blisters and others not?

Blisters are mostly the result of rubbing.

Try to minimize the twisting/rubbing of the handle in your hand.

Sweating caused a less secure grip and allows the handle to twist more.

Putting exaggerated spin on the ball (excessive topspin) makes the handle rub more.

Hitting off center caused the handle to wiist in your hand.

A smaller grip size has less surface area and is (slightly) more apt to twist.

As mentioned above, a harder surface with pronounced ridges is more apt to blister.

Holding the handle with the cap in the palm is more likely to rub.

Not having developed calouses may contribute to the problem.

Changing rackets-- to a racket with different pressure points may blister areas where you have not built up calouses.

What to do. If the blisters are on the fingers-- wrap with tape.

Hold racket more firmly, develop a stronger grip.

Hit in center of strings.

Reduce excessive spin.

Wear a glove???

Try to build up some calouses.

 

[FiveO]

yeah no kidding. I don't usually prefer the stock underwrap and need more feeling. Can anyone suggest any types of grips for under / over that are thin and effective? Thanks.

Were I to change a stock grip out I would be more inclined toward leather "Fairway" or similar as they make me feel more in touch with the frame than the "comfort" grips as those are the grips I used from the beginning. My overwraps are Tournagrip or Yonex Super Grap, as they feel most similar to the plain non-stick white cotton surgical gauze I used way back when, thin and effective.

 

[Ten_is]

Awesome, thanks! I once read a thread that some guy just uses 2 overwraps and nothing underneath and he says it's made a huge difference in the feel of the grip. So looking at the pics above of Fed and Sampras it made me think. hmmm... Thanks guys.

 

[FiveO]

You can also do a search in the "Other Equipment" forum for overgrips or overwraps, here:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/forumdisplay.php?f=16

There are more choices. I tend to stick with what I like rather than going on a "neverending quest" for what the "best" is.