Babolat & Yonex Grip Sizes.

[Bobo Lat]

I'm seriously considering adding either a Yonex RDX-500 and/or a Yonex Ti-80 to my line-up. Currently, I'm using Babolat raquets. As far as I understand, Babolat raquet grip sizes are a half a size larger than "standard" (whatever that is) and Yonex raquets are half a size smaller. I like Babolats in size 3; does this mean I should a get a Yonex in size 4? I think that's what I should do, but would appreciate if those of you, who have used both brands, can confirm this to me. Thanks.

 

[Skppr05]

.....>_<.....babolat grip sizes are only a half size larger because people measure them with the cardboard and plastic still on the handle......>_<....

 

[Bobo Lat]

.....>_<.....babolat grip sizes are only a half size larger because people measure them with the cardboard and plastic still on the handle......>_<....

Hummm. Don't think the TW reviewers would do something stupid like that.

Edit: Typo correction.

 

[Bobo Lat]

Come on, I need to know this...

 

[larrhall]

First, I doubt seriously that it's half a size difference.

Second, Yonex grips tend to be round, therefore feel smaller than they are. Squarer or rectangular grips feel bigger, even if they're the same.

I don't remember the Bab grips too well, but I think they're Wilsonesque. A Wilson grip of the same size will probably feel larger than a Yonie.

Best advice is to get the same size, then get a thick grip and/or use an overwrap.

 

[splink779]

My Yonex had an abnormally large grip, and I used a babolat before it.

This whole thing is confusing as all hell.

My Bab Pure drive had a normal 3/8 grip, and it felt on the small side, my rdx had a bigger grip than that but still 3/8. And I've felt an aeropro drive 1/4 and it feels as big as my pure drives 3/8.

I know this doesn't really help you but my point is all racquets seem different so either try it first, or go a size smaller becaues you can build it up.

 

[goosala]

With the original grip on my RDX500 it felt like a 4 1/2 instead of 4 5/8. Now that I have replaced it with a Tecnifibre replacement grip the size is now a standard 4 5/8. The original grip was too thin and flat.

 

[jck01]

Bobo Lat, any chance you can try out a Yonex racquet before you buy it? If you can try it out first, you might be able to get a better feel for it.

My experience has been that the Yonex grips are slightly smaller (RD Ti-50 Long, RD-7, RD-8, MP-Tour 5) and Babolat grips are slightly bigger (Babolat PD). I used the Babolat PC but it felt like the right grip size.

However, there are truths to what larrhall and goosala have said. The grip shape may give the illusion that the grip is slightly smaller or bigger. In addition, after thinking about it, the Yonex racquets that I used all had original Yonex synthetic permanent grip on them and it did feel rather thin. Hmm. . .

 

[Steve H.]

Bobo Lat, from my experience what you are saying is correct. My RDX 500 5/8 grips feel about the same as a 1/2 grip in Wilson, Babolat, or Pro Kennex.