Grip sizes - too small?

[graycrait]

I see a lot grip sizes for sale that are 4&1/4, what is the deal? I am an average 5'10.5" with a legitimate 4.5" grip. When I look at the for sale forums I see a preponderance of smaller grip sizes. Am I giant among current tennis players? I don't think so. I think lots of folks are "trying to be Rafa" with smaller grips using extreme Western forehand grips. No wonder there are so many threads about elbow issues among rec players. "Get a grip people."

 

[akatim]

I'm 5'10" medium size hands and a 4 1/4 is my correct size. Yonex 4 1/4 is slightly large. My ex also used a 4 1/4. It has always seemed to me that there were more used 4 3/8 racquets.

 

[Power Player]

I use 4 1/4 and have no elbow issues. What is the deal? I don’t know, but I’m not trying to be like Rafa, its just what I prefer.

 

[Sander001]

Grip strength is declining through the generations.

“In a 2016 study, the average 20- to 34-year-old man could apply 98 pounds of force with a right-handed grip, down from 117 pounds by a man of the same age in 1985.”

I remember the nCode Tour 90 still had grip size 6 available (4 7/8) and now you can hardly find size 5 (4 5/8)!

 

[nvr2old]

Meh I have racquets with grips from 1/8 to 5/8. I have no issues playing with any of them. I’m 5’8” and average hand size. No issues with TE etc. can get spin etc and use any type of swing with them all. Get a grip (any size) people!

 

[toby55555]

I settled on size 4 and overgrip years ago for stability but would get more racket head speed with a smaller grip.

 

[TforTommy]

grip size 2.5 for me. (between 1/4 and 3/8ths) I feel like I get abit more leverage and torque compared to a bigger grip. Just something I prefer now. Used to play with a 1/2 grip but it really depends on the frame tbh

 

[Guardian]

Although I prefer larger grip sizes myself I do understand that a lot of people use the smaller sizes.

What does frustrate me though, is that many manufacturers don't offer size 5 anymore (and it would have been good with an option to buy size 6!)

 

[Irvin]

I’m 5’ 11” and have played around with my grips from time to time and always end up with a 4 1/2” and put on an overwrap which brings it up to 4 5/8”. I’m also a one handed player and move my grip depending on whether I’m hitting a forehand or backhand. I also don’t like round grips that started at under 4 1/2” then gets wrapped up to a larger size and lose the bevels.

 

[McLovin]

I think most of it is generational. Many (but not all) people my age and older (50+) tend towards the lager grip sizes. I'm only 5' 9", and have effectively used nothing less than 4 1/2" (used 4 5/8" in college). But many of the younger guys I play against (who are normally taller than me) use 1/4" or 3/8".

However, what I do now is purchase a lighter frame in a 4 3/8", then add a leather + extra overwrap. This gets me close enough to 4 1/2", but also makes the frame easier to sell down the road as everyone else leans towards 3/8".

 

[Crocodile]

I have always been a 5/8's user and find it difficult getting this grip size here in Australia. With Volkl I am lucky that I have access to grip 5 pallets but most offer brands I need to order from the U.S. as they won't bring them in here. Yonex have grip 5 in the V Pro 97 330 and Head have pallets. Even with tennis only here in Australia will only stock Prince frames up to 1/2 and won't bring the 5's in even though they have them in the US.
The advantage of using grip 5 for me is that it's better for arm health.

 

[tata]

I have always been a 5/8's user and find it difficult getting this grip size here in Australia. With Volkl I am lucky that I have access to grip 5 pallets but most offer brands I need to order from the U.S. as they won't bring them in here. Yonex have grip 5 in the V Pro 97 330 and Head have pallets. Even with tennis only here in Australia will only stock Prince frames up to 1/2 and won't bring the 5's in even though they have them in the US.
The advantage of using grip 5 for me is that it's better for arm health.

For some reason they brought in size 5 for the tour 100p. Very close to ordering one but my resistance remains strong. I find smaller grips give me better RHS but also makes me more erratic. Larger grips slow my swings down a bit but i get better consistency and i get better racquet face awareness.

 

[n8dawg6]

I use 4 1/4 and have no elbow issues. What is the deal? I don’t know, but I’m not trying to be like Rafa, its just what I prefer.

your grip strength must suck, haha

 

[weelie]

Found the racket I played with as kid in the 80s. It was size 4 and two overgrips. But for some reason, I've bought size 3 since then. Always used an overgrip.

But since I got tennis elbow, I added a sorbothane grip (which is really thick and heavy). So now my grips are more like 4+ with an overgrip or two.

I tried a 2 + overgrip for a while, as I happened to find a racket cheap with a 2. My fingers started hurting.

Just last week, I discussed with a really experienced tennis coach who realized I carry a thick shtick . He said he adds a flare (a bit like Söderling, Gasguet). So now I have that too (cut a piece of overgrip, folded it and taped around the butt end of the racket, then put an overgip on). Feels good!

 

[Wonie88]

your grip strength must suck, haha

How can you possible deduce that? He/she just likes that size grip. It’s a personal preference. Grip strength is such an overrated part of this conversation.

I like a 4 3/8 leather grip plus overgrip. Tried 4 1/2 but it feels slower through contact.

 

[Rabbit]

I'm 5'7" (in shoes) and growing up playing with wood, I always used a 5/8. And mind you, back in the day, we didn't have over grips save for that gauze stuff that didn't provide much tack until it was nearly worn out. So I played a 5/8 with leather only. I don't think I swapped over to 1/2 until college. Since then, I've pretty much stayed with 1/2 grips. I did try the smaller grips, 1/4, but 1/2's always wind up feeling best.

 

[stapletonj]

style has also changed. Back in the day of the average mens grip being 4 5/8, these whippy strokes (ridiculous spin) and graphite frames and poly strings were unheard of.

I think the smaller grips help with the holding the butt end of the racket in your palm like many do today, as well as the whippy action on the stroke.

 

[max]

I used to use 4.5 many years, then 20 years ago went to 4 5/8------the secret advantage is that the larger size firms up groundstrokes----now I'm trying out a 4.5 again, chiefly to whip serves a bit more. But the tiny stuff? nah.

I see the pros, with modern strokes, with massive thick handles on their racquets, by the way.

 

[n8dawg6]

How can you possible deduce that? He/she just likes that size grip. It’s a personal preference. Grip strength is such an overrated part of this conversation.

I like a 4 3/8 leather grip plus overgrip. Tried 4 1/2 but it feels slower through contact.

bc i know PP. his grip strength is pathetic. thats why he uses an L2 even though he has gorilla hands. t-rex arms and gorilla hands

 

[McLovin]

growing up playing with wood

Honestly, does anyone ever stop 'playing with wood'?

 

[t_pac]

I'm the same height as OP, and same grip size (+ OG).

Tested a Phantom from TW recently that was grip 3, and started getting blisters at the 2 hour mark.

Guess it's personal preference, frustrating though as I'd love to pick up more 2nd hand frames from the classifieds but it's very rare to find the right grip size.

 

[n8dawg6]

Honestly, does anyone ever stop 'playing with wood'?

thats what sheeee saaaaiiiid

 

[PBODY99]

I reduced my grip size as I moved from standard size frames to oversized to manage twistweight.

 

[Rabbit]

Honestly, does anyone ever stop 'playing with wood'?

I don't know....when I get that old, I'll let you know!

 

[bleno567]

I'm 5'10" medium size hands and a 4 1/4 is my correct size. Yonex 4 1/4 is slightly large. My ex also used a 4 1/4. It has always seemed to me that there were more used 4 3/8 racquets.

Yup. Yonex 4 1/4 is borderline acceptable for a normal 4 3/8 user.

 

[tpro2000]

I'm 6'1, and use a 3/8 with a half sleeve build-up and 1 overgrip and it fits what I like perfectly (plus adds weight). If I get a 1/2 plus an overgrip it's too big, and I need an overgrip personally lol.

From some of the reps that come by, companies are also making/selling less racquets in a 5/8 grip because they don't see a large enough base to make a profit off of. Primarily this is more in the 110 sqin head size and above, but still.

 

[[d]ragon]

I didn't think it really mattered what other people were using

 

[Wonie88]

Old heads get so riled up about “these darn small grip sizes! It’s not the tennis I grew up with! Don’t get me started on pickle ball!!”

 

[n8dawg6]

im 5’8” with small hands and a huge deck on the back of my house

 

[moon shot]

I don't know....when I get that old, I'll let you know!

Would that thread go in Other Equipment or Former Player?

 

[Wonie88]

im 5’8” with small hands and a huge deck on the back of my house

Is that a euphemism?

 

[markwillplay]

Not sure if I believe in euthanasia or not.....what?

 

[haqq777]

 

[Wonie88]

Not sure if I believe in euthanasia or not.....what?

Yep. All words that start with E mean the same thing. Good work

 

[superdave3]

Most pro players with more conventional strokes (which is greatly diminishing) use larger grip sizes. From what I have heard, both Connors and Mac, plus the Williams sisters all use(d) 5/8. I don't know if it is accurate, but I heard Serena actually uses a 5/8 with 2 over wraps. Once again, this is only what I have heard, so please let me know if this is incorrect.

 

[travlerajm]

I just bought a Wilson racquet for first time in a few years, a Juice Pro. It says 4-3/8, but I swear it is a 4-1/2.

 

[Holdfast44ID]

When I first hit a tennis ball, I was about four or five (1970-71). It was a wood racquet with 4 5/8 grip. I could barely swing the thing and was frustrated. My family were hippies and not too into sports at the time. I didn't take up tennis seriously until I was about 13-14. I still used a 4 5/8 grip, not having been told to go smaller. It was kind of hard swinging the Donnay Borg Pro sticks with 4 5/8 grips. I went down to 4 1/2 for many years and then down to 4 3/8. The trend has been to go smaller due to the change in racquet tech starting in the 90's. Plus, you can always build up your grip. I just don't like overgrips though.

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk

 

[Nostradamus]

Why is it that if you go up a Grip size to bigger size,, the racket will feel heavier and more sluggish ?? does anyone know the reason ?

 

[travlerajm]

Why is it that if you go up a Grip size to bigger size,, the racket will feel heavier and more sluggish ?? does anyone know the reason ?

Maybe because overgrips add weight.

 

[Nostradamus]

Maybe because overgrips add weight.

No,, I meant even without overgrip. If I go from 1/2 to 5/8 grip size ,, racket feels heavier and feel more sluggish... I definitely notice it. I used 3/8 grip size today and I felt like my racket head speed increased

 

[n8dawg6]

No,, I meant even without overgrip. If I go from 1/2 to 5/8 grip size ,, racket feels heavier and feel more sluggish... I definitely notice it. I used 3/8 grip size today and I felt like my racket head speed increased

girl, you GOTTA try a 1/4

 

[fjcamry]

girl, you GOTTA try a 1/4

Do you think the 43/8 feels better than 41/4?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Shroud]

I’m 5’ 11” and have played around with my grips from time to time and always end up with a 4 1/2” and put on an overwrap which brings it up to 4 5/8”. I’m also a one handed player and move my grip depending on whether I’m hitting a forehand or backhand. I also don’t like round grips that started at under 4 1/2” then gets wrapped up to a larger size and lose the bevels.

kudos Irvin for getting the memo that an og adds one whole grip size!

 

[Shroud]

girl, you GOTTA try a 1/4

TWSS

 

[Shroud]

No,, I meant even without overgrip. If I go from 1/2 to 5/8 grip size ,, racket feels heavier and feel more sluggish... I definitely notice it. I used 3/8 grip size today and I felt like my racket head speed increased

odds are the racquets are not identical. Most manufactures have large tolerances so a 1/2 and 5/8 probably measure a bit differently.

 

[Shroud]

I see a lot grip sizes for sale that are 4&1/4, what is the deal? I am an average 5'10.5" with a legitimate 4.5" grip. When I look at the for sale forums I see a preponderance of smaller grip sizes. Am I giant among current tennis players? I don't think so. I think lots of folks are "trying to be Rafa" with smaller grips using extreme Western forehand grips. No wonder there are so many threads about elbow issues among rec players. "Get a grip people."

I agree. fWIW its a fact that Nadal uses a size between 1/4 and 3/8. Its a custom handle. Also he does have an og which makes it bigger- probably 3/8 if you measured it. And well the tape. If you actually measured the circumference including the tape and og its probably more like 1/2 or more. But the stupid reporters just report 1/4 without looking into it or thinking about it. And stupid rec players just try to be like him and probably skip the tape.

You though ARE a giant among TT posters.

But come on. Think of the RHS with a 2 1/4 racquet! 6,000 rpm!

 

[Shaolin]

I see a lot grip sizes for sale that are 4&1/4, what is the deal? I am an average 5'10.5" with a legitimate 4.5" grip. When I look at the for sale forums I see a preponderance of smaller grip sizes. Am I giant among current tennis players? I don't think so. I think lots of folks are "trying to be Rafa" with smaller grips using extreme Western forehand grips. No wonder there are so many threads about elbow issues among rec players. "Get a grip people."

Sorry it's not 1950 anymore.

Going by the old timer way of calculating grip size (one finger width between your fingers and heel of palm) I should technically be using way larger than a 5/8. Yet I've been using a 1/4 for a long time and like it. I find it easier to get wrist snap and hit certain shots with. Grip is a personal preference not trying to be like some pro player or sign of manliness. I'm 6' 200 built like a rugby player so could care less what someone thinks of my grip size. Just annoying to read these threads from people that are living in the times of Don Budge still.

Btw, I'm 47, on court every day either playing or coaching (sometimes both), full bed poly 1/4 grip, NO elbow problems.

Cheers

 

[Shroud]

Sorry it's not 1950 anymore.

Going by the old timer way of calculating grip size (one finger width between your fingers and heel of palm) I should technically be using way larger than a 5/8. Yet I've been using a 1/4 for a long time and like it. I find it easier to get wrist snap and hit certain shots with. Grip is a personal preference not trying to be like some pro player or sign of manliness. I'm 6' 200 built like a rugby player so could care less what someone thinks of my grip size. Just annoying to read these threads from people that are living in the times of Don Budge still.

Btw, I'm 47, on court every day either playing or coaching (sometimes both), full bed poly 1/4 grip, NO elbow problems.

Cheers

No overgrip??

 

[Shaolin]

No overgrip??

I do use an overgrip so its prob more like 3/8.

 

[Shroud]

I do use an overgrip so its prob more like 3/8.

See that is the biggest reason for the “small grip craze”. Ogs became popular but rarely do people factor that in. People wanting to be like Shaolin already rushed out to buy their 1/4.

Its like me saying I play with a 4 3/8 because the stock handle is 4 3/8...