Grip size

[Deleted member 793875]

So I've been playing with a 4 3/8 grip forever now. But just recently tried the test of fitting one finger and also measuring my grip size and seems like 4 1/2 might be the better way to go...

Of course I should go try out a 4 1/2 grip size, but what if I just put multiple overgrips on the 4 3/8? Is that going to mess up the feel or connection or anything?

 

[naturalexponent]

So I've been playing with a 4 3/8 grip forever now. But just recently tried the test of fitting one finger and also measuring my grip size and seems like 4 1/2 might be the better way to go...

Of course I should go try out a 4 1/2 grip size, but what if I just put multiple overgrips on the 4 3/8? Is that going to mess up the feel or connection or anything?

With multiple overgrips you will get less defined bevel feel compared to one or no overgrip and add marginal weight to the handle.

 

[Deleted member 793875]

Gotcha, I don't really have big hands or meaty hands either though, pretty slim 5'10" guy with average hands, so really figure the 4 3/8 should be good but I'll try the 4 1/2, maybe I'll be squeezing the grip less.

 

[jimmy8]

So I've been playing with a 4 3/8 grip forever now. But just recently tried the test of fitting one finger and also measuring my grip size and seems like 4 1/2 might be the better way to go...

Of course I should go try out a 4 1/2 grip size, but what if I just put multiple overgrips on the 4 3/8? Is that going to mess up the feel or connection or anything?

yonex and babolat 3/8 is about the same as head and wilson 1/2. 3/8 with one overgrip is 1/2. if you use 3/8 with an overgrip and want to move to 1/2 with an overgrip, then 3/8 with 2 overgrips is the same. you will feel the bevels a little less and it will add 5 grams or so to the handle. if you're rich, or good at finding deals, then buying a 1/2 would be easy. try 2 overgrips and see if you are ok with it. if not, buy a used one and sell yours for the same price.

 

[naturalexponent]

Gotcha, I don't really have big hands or meaty hands either though, pretty slim 5'10" guy with average hands, so really figure the 4 3/8 should be good but I'll try the 4 1/2, maybe I'll be squeezing the grip less.

I personally go back and forth between 4 3/8 and 4 1/2 without much issue. I think it's often racquet- and balance-dependent for whichever is more comfortable or effective. Grip shapes and your personal forehand/backhand grips will influence which feels right to you as well, as some manufacturers use a more circular or square shaped grip and others are known for a more rectangular shape.

 

[stephenpinkus]

I’ve done a lot of tinkering with grips and over grips during the last several years. I play with Volkl V1 MP VSense and VCell in a 5/8. While I don’t have big hands, I measure slightly less than 3:4. First of all, I love the Volkl grip shape. I used to add a gamma half size heat sleeve, but have stopped because added too much weight to the handle. I started experimenting with different OGs and settled on two - Wilson Sensation and Babolat VS. what I found was it depends how much they are stretched and overlapped when installed. It is an art and not a science, and very frustrating. Now I have began experimenting with different replacement grips and found the optimum to be grips 180 mm thick with a slight overlap. Bottom line, there are lots of ways to modify grip size, all it takes is patience, time and an open pocket book.

 

[jxs653]

Fitting a finger is an old way to measure grip size I think. These days most people seem to play with smaller grip than is supposed to be by that measure. Even manufacturers don't produce 5 size grip these days.

 

[Crocodile]

Everyone is different according to how they play and grips are a very personal and individual thing - I use a grip 5 plus an over grip and have done so for many years. At times when I have had to try a racquet that only went to a grip 4 I had to put two over grips on top and I can get used to it and if I decided to go just one over grip I could get used to it as well, however I just have this idea that if a company is charging me an expensive price for their product then I should able to get it in the right grip size from the start rather than stuff around with over grips all the time,
So unless I can get the right grip size I’m not spending the big bucks to then have to modify the racquet,
Yes I accept that many young players use smaller grip sizes but as an older guy who plays S & V you needed a larger grip to give you stability when you are volleying. The larger grips are also better for arm health,

 

[Konik_1982]

Just use a combination of thicker/thinner base grip + overgrip if you want to go up/down with the grip size I have a standard 4 3/8 size and have racquets with 4 1/4 and 4 1/2 as well. If I want to go up a size I use a thicker base grip - e.g. from Babolat, cause they have this information on the grip itself. Like the Xcel Gel is 2,6mm thick so if you use this one, you have a size up. I´m not a fan of putting 2 or more OG on...

 

[billsedd]

So I've been playing with a 4 3/8 grip forever now. But just recently tried the test of fitting one finger and also measuring my grip size and seems like 4 1/2 might be the better way to go...

Of course I should go try out a 4 1/2 grip size, but what if I just put multiple overgrips on the 4 3/8? Is that going to mess up the feel or connection or anything?

If I measure, I could use a 1/2 but I have just been using 3/8 in everything. It’s fine for me. I have 1/4 as well.

In short, I’d just stick with what you have and maybe add a regular overgrip or use a thicker grip instead (like Wilson shock shield). I’d only think about changing if you felt the grip felt awkward or you were having pain gripping it too tightly or something

 

[GoArmyTennis]

I recently switched from 3/8 to 1/2 and I love it. Much more comfortable and stable. No issues generating racquet speed or wrist action. Serves and volleys are much better.

Glad I moved up to 1/2 and won’t be looking back.

 

[stephenpinkus]

I agree with Crocodile - if a company chooses not to provide racquets in my size (5/8), I’m not going to do business with them. I find it astonishing to see big guys using small grips - great for orthopedists and hand and arm surgeons. There are still manufacturers that produce 5/8 grips such as Volkl and ProKennex, both of which are noted for their arm friendly racquets. I have tried smaller grips and find that after a few hits, I start to add multiple over grips. I’ve also tried the thick replacement grip that one of the commentators mentioned - I felt I was holding a marshmallow. I like to feel the bevels.

 

[Deleted member 793875]

What can I expect when changing from 3/8 to 1/2 grip size in terms of arm comfort, feel, and performance?

I do have some tennis elbow issues and that's what got me thinking about grip size, I try to keep a lose relaxed grip, but maybe the grip is just too small for me to do that and I end up squeezing too tight without realizing. I just tried a 1/2 grip and must say, it definitely felt bigger, but like I could also just hold it easier, but also just felt off and a bit clunkier, but easier to hold... So I don't know what to do... I also tend to be super sensitive in terms of sensory reception and how I notice changes, and also can overthink sometimes, so that doesn't help this decision. Especially when I am trying to stock up on a few rackets I like.

 

[AmericanTwist]

Rule of thumb for me is 3-7mm gap which is less than a finger. As long as you can grip the frame and turn the face over during the stroke then you'll be fine.

 

[Steve Huff]

1) what kind of racket do you use? If you're using a Yonex, they have bigger handles and thinner grips. You could just put on a different manufacturer's grip. you can look them up and most tell you the thickness. Pro's: better control, more comfort, probably a better volley. Con's: smaller grip may give you a little more spin.

 

[tele]

What can I expect when changing from 3/8 to 1/2 grip size in terms of arm comfort, feel, and performance?

I do have some tennis elbow issues and that's what got me thinking about grip size, I try to keep a lose relaxed grip, but maybe the grip is just too small for me to do that and I end up squeezing too tight without realizing. I just tried a 1/2 grip and must say, it definitely felt bigger, but like I could also just hold it easier, but also just felt off and a bit clunkier, but easier to hold... So I don't know what to do... I also tend to be super sensitive in terms of sensory reception and how I notice changes, and also can overthink sometimes, so that doesn't help this decision. Especially when I am trying to stock up on a few rackets I like.

i would definitely get the grip right before you stock up on multiple racquets. you could try building up the buttcap of the 3/8 a little.

 

[Deleted member 793875]

Mostly use a Head Speed Pro and Blade v8 18x20. Throw in the Gravity Pro here and there, because while it's my favorite racket, I can't handle the weight right now.

 

[tele]

Mostly use a Head Speed Pro and Blade v8 18x20. Throw in the Gravity Pro here and there, because while it's my favorite racket, I can't handle the weight right now.

if you are in europe and dont mind a little DIY work, head pallets are available from TWE

 

[Deleted member 775640]

I'm of the personal opinion that grip size isn't that important. I use a 4 1/2, but I'm comfortable playing with a 4 1/4 with no overgrip. I wouldn't choose to, but it doesn't make me hit the ball differently.

Switch if your fingies hurt or you can't find your grip after serve.

 

[TwinCinema]

I have long fingers and need a bigger grip than a 4 1/2, but since it's hard to find a 5/8, I just use two overgrips. I had no trouble locating the bevels, really not a big change in that department. I did have some wrist soreness after the first session I played with the double overgrip, but it was only because I wasn't used to it and was gripping too tight. Once I loosened up the next time, my wrist was fine and the racket was easier to play with than with the single grip, where my fingers wrapped around it like a pencil.

 

[Deleted member 793875]

Gonna try out a 2nd overgrip on the 4 3/8 tomorrow. Just put them on and for my Head rackets, which are head heavy, it actually feels nice, kinda balances it out. But for my Wilsons which are very headlight, the 2nd overgrip just make it feel really off.

 

[Deleted member 793875]

Honestly don't know what to do now having played with 4 1/2 and 4 3/8. I definitely feel like the 4 1/2 lets me keep a looser grip while still having good control of the racket, but the 4 3/8 I kind of like have a fuller grasp around the handle. My arm long term will probably like the 4 1/2 better, and I don't have a crazy whippy swing either, I hit with a eastern forehand and pretty flat, and performance didn't suffer either way.

Question: What impact does it have on the racket, balance, and weight, having a 4 1/2 with 1 overgrip, versus a 4 3/8 with 2 overgrips?

 

[tele]

Honestly don't know what to do now having played with 4 1/2 and 4 3/8. I definitely feel like the 4 1/2 lets me keep a looser grip while still having good control of the racket, but the 4 3/8 I kind of like have a fuller grasp around the handle. My arm long term will probably like the 4 1/2 better, and I don't have a crazy whippy swing either, I hit with a eastern forehand and pretty flat, and performance didn't suffer either way.

Question: What impact does it have on the racket, balance, and weight, having a 4 1/2 with 1 overgrip, versus a 4 3/8 with 2 overgrips?

assuming both racquets have the same specs, the racquet with the 2 overgrips will be 5 grams heavier and a bit more headlight.

 

[Shroud]

So I've been playing with a 4 3/8 grip forever now. But just recently tried the test of fitting one finger and also measuring my grip size and seems like 4 1/2 might be the better way to go...

Of course I should go try out a 4 1/2 grip size, but what if I just put multiple overgrips on the 4 3/8? Is that going to mess up the feel or connection or anything?

Can you measure the circumference? Use a tailors tape and I think you may be surprised on the actual sizes of the handles

 

[Deleted member 793875]

Can you measure the circumference? Use a tailors tape and I think you may be surprised on the actual sizes of the handles

The 4 1/2 with one overgrip measures 4 5/8 or 4 10/16
The 4 3/8 with two overgrips measures 4 9/16

But I like how I can feel the bevels better with just one overgrip, so 4 1/2 it is.

 

[Shroud]

The 4 1/2 with one overgrip measures 4 5/8 or 4 10/16
The 4 3/8 with two overgrips measures 4 9/16

But I like how I can feel the bevels better with just one overgrip, so 4 1/2 it is.

Cool. Thanks for measuring. Just another data point that shows overgrips add one whole size and not the 1/2 size the internet says.

Also if you take a replacement grip and cut it into bevel sized strips you can customize the 3/8 to bring back the bevels or at least if you have a sw or western grip you can get a favorable shape. Heck one guy who hit an eastern liked the handle with strips placed on every even numbered bevel

 

[danbrenner]

So I've been playing with a 4 3/8 grip forever now. But just recently tried the test of fitting one finger and also measuring my grip size and seems like 4 1/2 might be the better way to go...

Of course I should go try out a 4 1/2 grip size, but what if I just put multiple overgrips on the 4 3/8? Is that going to mess up the feel or connection or anything?

You already know the answer to this. Is that you simply have to try both when this is a question in your mind. That being said, for minor adjustments, you can experiment with grip thickness. And you should know different replacement grips. For example, a Babolat syntec feel is 1.5 mm. For example, a Tennis warehouse leather grip covers in a 1.3 mm on their small size. Then there’s a Babolat syntec pro which comes in a 1.9 mm. So, by knowing these thickness is you can make a minor adjustments to a grip. But nevertheless you really should try both three eights and a2. Also bear in mind that head makes the smallest grip shape.

 

[danbrenner]

Forgot to mention that this is a frame of reference I used to use three eights when I first started playing tennis, and then overtime realized that I was a half