Impact of grip size on racquet spec

[TheLambsheadrep]

Let me preface this by defining "grip" as the foam or pallet over the handle region of a racquet. A base grip and over grip are not included in the definition.

Since we know there is objectively more material (foam or pallet) used in a larger grip size vs a smaller grip size, and if we assume (or know) the same type of material is used for all the grip sizes, then a larger grip would make the racquet heavier and more head light to some degree. The same could be said conversely about a smaller grip.

So if a line of racquets are produced to single spec, and all of these racquets are produced with grip sizes 1-5, what production method, if any, is used to compensate for the different grip sizes so that racquets with different grip sizes meet the same spec?

Do racquet manufactures base their line of racquet's spec off of the middle grip size and the difference in balance, weight, etc. caused by larger or smaller grip sizes are designed to fall within QA/QC limits? Is the material in a larger or smaller grip somehow different to cancel out the more/less material being used? Something else?

 

[5point5]

None

Let me preface this by defining "grip" as the foam or pallet over the handle region of a racquet. A base grip and over grip are not included in the definition.

Since we know there is objectively more material (foam or pallet) used in a larger grip size vs a smaller grip size, and if we assume (or know) the same type of material is used for all the grip sizes, then a larger grip would make the racquet heavier and more head light to some degree. The same could be said conversely about a smaller grip.

So if a line of racquets are produced to single spec, and all of these racquets are produced with grip sizes 1-5, what production method, if any, is used to compensate for the different grip sizes so that racquets with different grip sizes meet the same spec?

Do racquet manufactures base their line of racquet's spec off of the middle grip size and the difference in balance, weight, etc. caused by larger or smaller grip sizes are designed to fall within QA/QC limits? Is the material in a larger or smaller grip somehow different to cancel out the more/less material being used? Something else?

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[Tommy Haas]

I think some manufacturers' specs are based on the average across all the grip sizes, some may spec on the middle L3 size, and some compensate for the grip size weight difference in the post mold assembly process. I don't know who does what though.

 

[TheLambsheadrep]

I think some manufacturers' specs are based on the average across all the grip sizes, some may spec on the middle L3 size, and some compensate for the grip size weight difference in the post mold assembly process. I don't know who does what though.

The spec being on the L3 with acceptable spec variance on other grip sizes is what I'm leaning towards. It's the easiest option for the manufacturer. How would they compensate post mold assembly process?

 

[Big Bagel]

I assume it would be pretty minimal for most racquets, although it would be different.

However, I know Pacific has their PGS (Precise Grip System) where all their sizes weight the exact same. It's a fantastic system, easily the best on the market and the easiest to work with.

 

[redmini]

I assume it would be pretty minimal for most racquets, although it would be different.

However, I know Pacific has their PGS (Precise Grip System) where all their sizes weight the exact same. It's a fantastic system, easily the best on the market and the easiest to work with.

Don’t know the answer but I observe that my size 4.5 grip Yonex Dual g100 is heavier than the 3/8 one I demoed. About 5g.

Also I was once told by the owner of Angell Tennis that the RA is affected by grip size with larger grips reducing the RA more relative to the RA of the base hairpin. He said that manufacturers take an average and quite that. He would know I imagine !


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[tegg96]

Head racquets pallets are changeable. There is a weight difference between sizes.
Pallets and butcaps TK82S from Speed Line. Just did a quick weigh.
4-1/8 25g
4-1/4 26g
4-3/8 30g
4-1/2 33g
4-5/8 35g

On the 1 1/8 and 1 1/4 models from the factory there is often about 3 to 4 grams of lead strip under the pallet to bring up closer to spec.
The 1 3/8 models appear to be the middle ground where the measured specs are taken from.
The 1 1/2 and 1 5/8 usually are a few grams over spec.

Although there can be a variance in identical grip sized racquets of often more than 5 grams. Quality control of mass produced tennis racquets you are rarely going to get identical. I believe TW does have a matching service.

 

[TheLambsheadrep]

Thanks for the numbers tegg!

10 grams between the smallest and largest conventional sizes is pretty big in my opinion because a leather base grip vs a synthetic base grip doesn't even add that much weight.

Since the weight between grip sizes is still always going to be in the handle region I would imagine this impacts the balance more than the SW.

 

[Big Bagel]

Yes, balance and static weight will definitely be much more noticeable than swingweight. I still think the average player won't be able to notice much of a difference, but it also doesn't matter much because usually you just stick with the same grip size, and if you don't like the weight you can customize it.

But like I said, if you want consistent handle weight, Pacific is the way to go.

 

[TheLambsheadrep]

This is more of a thought that crossed my mind and not a concern I have or a solution I'm looking for. I was just thinking that if a racquet line has a single spec, yet there are differences between racquets in the line (e.g. grip size), then there either has to be a way to compensate for those differences or those differences are within an acceptable limit of the spec.