Grip Redux on Babolat PD Roddick

JerodT

Banned
I have a PDR that I bought in 4.5. I didn't realize of large Babolat's grip sizes are. I have a AP Control but the 4.5 doesn't seem as large as the PDR.

I have read that the most common way to adjust down is to remove the original grip and just use a few overgrips. My question is would a leather grip reduce the grip size. I have a Babolat leaher grip, it appears to be thinner than the original grip. Currently I have one Babolat Pro Team directly on the hadle and a Head Control on top of the Babolat. I really don't want to use 3 overgrips and was thinking that the leather grip may ive me the slight redux in grip size I'm looking for. I have since bought 2 more in 4 3/8 but use Sybio overgrip on them.

How close would the leather with Symbio be to a 4 3/8 compared to usig 3 overgrips??
 

Kevo

Legend
If you stretch the leather when putting it on, it will probably work fairly well. The drawback would be that the feel of the grip would change since the tight leather grip would give a lot more raw feedback which you may or may not like.
 

JerodT

Banned
Kevo-

I applied the leather grip and pulled as tight as I could and it is slightly larger but playable. I actually prefer leather grips (Prince Graphite), althought this will take some getting used to since I have been playing 3/8 factory grip with an overgrip.

It still has a little more heft in the handle than I would prefer. The frame I put it on I had been stringing with NRG2 (torn rotator cuff last year). I hit with it this AM and it felt fine. The other 2 frames are strung with Bab Pro Hurricane Tour (which I am in love with). I felt the increased shock on my arm playing with the leather grip and will probably not string with PHT.

Any suggestions on compensating for the increased vibe in the handle?? Maybe lowering string tension??
 

Richie Rich

Legend
you can reduce the grip size on your babolats. i've done it in the past and it takes some patience.

remove the grip and butt cap so you are just left with the exposed handle. color all sides with a black marker. sand down the grip until you sand away the black marker on all sides of the grip and you are left with the natural color again.

it's not 100% perfect but i've never been able to notice any difference in the handle after I've done this. you may have to do it twice to get the size you want.
 
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