Grip size DOES matter !

[Hicham]

Hello,

After several weeks of experimenting, I have come to this conclusion: grip size does matter a lot !

I have 2 racquets that I have used for the experiment:

1. Prestige Tour 600 with SG grip size 3 + Wilson pro overgrip (white)
2. Prestige Classic 600 grip size 4 (no overgrip)

I have found that when I play with the grip size 3, I use my wrist a little bit more and I can make some crazy cross-court shots with some good spin.

When using the grip size 4, I seem to "lock" my wrist and I'm only able to move in a trajectory as allowed by my forehand/elbow. Which results in less spectacular shots.

I don't know if I should at all continue to play with a grip size 4 as the racquet becomes les manoeuverable in my hand. Too bad for the PC600 !

Have you experienced a similar situation ?

 

[AndrewD]

4 5/8 is, I'd say, my correct grip size but if I drop down in size (3/8 is as small as I can go) it does allow me to use a bit more wrist which is a bonus on serve. However, I end up using a bit more on my groundstrokes and volleys. That gives me a bit more power on groundies and I can generate great angles by being a bit 'wristy' on shots but, overall, I end up being far less consistent and, on volleys, experience too much twisting of the racquet.

 

[Dennis From Madison]

When my grip size is too small I wind up putting too much stress on my wrist and wind up with some physical problems. Being more wristy just isn't worth it to me.

 

[MrAWD]

It seem to be opposite for me regarding the grip size and pain. I am just fighting with a bit larger L2 and when wrapped with overgrip it gets too large and my wrist is suffering. By going smaller, I guess you do have an ability to use a bit more wristy actions, but it seem to give me overall better stability and less pain. Go figure…

Fedja

 

[NoBadMojo]

Old rule of thumb is that larger grips are best for groundstroking and volleys and smaller for serve and creating spin/angles. Unless a consistently good ball striker, people are best served by using the appropriately sized grip otherwise injuries become quite likely. Likely with the nature of thegame these days, more advanced backcourters are usng smaller grips as well, but I dont have any quantitative info on this, and am speculating

 

[mistapooh]

Grip type matters too. I can't use the square ones like Head, but I love my roundish Prince grip.

 

[astra]

Old rule of thumb is that larger grips are best for groundstroking and volleys and smaller for serve and creating spin/angles. Unless a consistently good ball striker, people are best served by using the appropriately sized grip otherwise injuries become quite likely. Likely with the nature of thegame these days, more advanced backcourters are usng smaller grips as well, but I dont have any quantitative info on this, and am speculating

Really true info. I tried racquets of two 5.5-6.0 players, they have extermely small grips compared to their hand size.
I tried the same, it provides exceptional feel, but I ended up with wrist pain. I had to return to my standard (thick) grip to play without pain.

 

[Hicham]

I played again today with my PC600 with grip size 4 and it's just killing my hand....I have blister filled with blood at the base of my ring finger and 2 blisters on my thumb....

I think this is the last time I play with it....next time, I'll be hitting out with my PT600 grip 3 + wilson pro overgrip.

 

[semangka2000]

I usually use 4 1/2 grip size.
But when it turns out 4 3/8 is better for heavy spins. (semi western to western forehand grip, wipping and wristy action)

The 4 1/2 is nice for flat, textbook strokes. (continental to eastern forehand grip)

 

[byealmeens]

I have known stronger players that have switched to smaller grip sizes, but even in those cases, they have developed wrist and/or arm issues. I personally don't think it's ever a good idea.

As far as the pros, they are younger and are not in it for the long run. They are more interested in better short-term results and less concerned about future physical issues...

 

[jackofromalsager]

if u dont hav the right grip size u get tennis elbo

 

[marcus_alsager]

i think i need a bigger grip i got grip 2.... but nadal uses dat so doesnt he have tennis elbow?

 

[seaducer67]

if u dont hav the right grip size u get tennis elbo

I'll second that, I messed around with grip sizes. My POG OS I played with for 20 years was a 5/8. Last 2+ months I tried the O3 tour in sizes 1/4 and 3/8, I agree the smaller grips gave better spin on the strokes, but play against a big hitter with flat heavy strokes, and in time you'll get a nice wobble and shock that will resinate up your arm on mishits. Building up a 3/8 to 1/2 also I felt didn't feel as comfortable. You'll really have to weigh how important getting more spin is to your game, if your wrist or elbow gives you a warning, you'll at least know why, and can play with the grip that really fits you.