Increase Yonex grip size

[fpsanti]

Hi all,

I have the following dilemma.
My hand works ok with a grip size L5 (4-5/8 inches) although according to all websites I checked I'd need even a bigger grip size.
E.g. when I measure my hand with this method http://protennistips.net/tennis-racquet-grip-size/ I get more than 150mm or 6 inches.
In the past I used Head racquets which seems to be the only vendor still selling size 5.
Not sure why there's this trend to go with smaller sizes. The racquet handle keeps moving in my hand (especially on volleys), causes blisters and have to apply extra strength which fatigues my forearm and leads to elbow problems.

Now I switched to Yonex Vcore 98 305g L4 (the biggest they make).
I tried to replace the base grip with a bigger one (MSV Soft 2.0 mm) but that was not enough.
Then I started using 2 OG (Gamma supreme + Tourna Megatac). A bit better in term of size but that changed the grip bevel feeling, the racquet balance and static weight.

I am thinking to go for a thicker base grip (Karkal x-gel 2.6mm) or apply a heat sleeve to increase 1 full size.
However that will dramatically add weight and change the balance and static weight even more.
I was thinking to then buy the 285g racquet and apply thick grip or heat sleeve and lead tape to balance it like the 305g version.
Does it make sense? Any other idea?

Thank you,
Francesco

 

[bob vdr]

Try to build up the flare at the base of the handle (search here or on youtube how to steps, it's very easy).
Yonex doesn't have much of a flare and that may compound the issue with the smaller grip.

Personally, I can play quite comfortably with a size down grip if I build up the flare a bit (I use an L4 usually, or a built up L3) .

 

[fpsanti]

Tried that and helped a bit with ground shots and serve.
However, volleys are still an issue because the grip keeps slipping off my hand twisting the racquet.
Megatac OG also helped a bit but still a sub-optimal solution.

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[rider4ever]

I have used the heat sleeve to increase the grip size on a Head Radical MPA. While it does a good job of increasing the size, you kinda loose the bevel feel with the heat sleeve. It adds about 12 to 14 gms to the handle but I feel that was ok for me since I was looking to increase the weight of my racquet anyway

 

[esgee48]

If you are in Europe, look up the product Siz-Up by Lorow. If you are in the USA, you can use the heat sleeve or 1/16" balsa wood. Balsa wood is soft and easy to trim with a sharp knife or razor. Use double sided tape if needed.

 

[DeeeFoo]

I have a Yonex racquet, and I just wrap additional overgrips.

 

[Ultra 2]

I have a Yonex AI 98 in L2.. I swear it feels bigger than a L3.

 

[Strawbewwy]

just for science and to make sure you didn't measure incorrectly, can you post picture for 6 inch measurement? that's freakishly large and i can't even imagine how a hand would look like measuring like that

 

[fpsanti]

There you go. 2nd Pic is with 2 OG on L4 yonex grip. I cannot insert my index finger in the space.

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[Strawbewwy]

ok that's why, you're measuring from the tip of your middle finger down to the crease

look closely at the website you linked, you should measure from the tip of your ring finger down to the crease (it might be a second crease not the third crease for some people)

you should not be measuring a 6 inch measurement if you do it that way, looking at your picture with a L4+2 OG you're slightly smaller than "nominal" (one finger rule)

you can do some additional math here too:

Let's Gather All Grip Specs (Weight & Thickness) Into One Thread

Hi All, 1. We have grip specs scattered all over the board in roughly 70-80 threads, dated all the way back to 2004. Seems like somebody is always asking what is the lightest, heaviest, or thinnest grip. I've gotten us started with my own records and by compiling info from most all posts on the...

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

on average (based on the number of listing there), replacement grips are 1.8mm thick and overgrips are .5 to .6mm thick

generally an overgrip increases ~half size up to close to a whole size...

although i'm not sure if your 2 OG is with the thicker replacement grip or the original

i imagine if you have access to the 2.6mm and also go with a thicker .7mm-.8mm overgrip that should more than enough cover for you

as far as going with a lighter racquet goes, i personally believe it's not as simple as "weight decreases", different layup can cause different playing characteristic but then again generally we're recreational players who might not notice (in)significant changes like that

 

[fpsanti]

ok that's why, you're measuring from the tip of your middle finger down to the crease

look closely at the website you linked, you should measure from the tip of your ring finger down to the crease (it might be a second crease not the third crease for some people)

you should not be measuring a 6 inch measurement if you do it that way, looking at your picture with a L4+2 OG you're slightly smaller than "nominal" (one finger rule)

you can do some additional math here too:

Let's Gather All Grip Specs (Weight & Thickness) Into One Thread

Hi All, 1. We have grip specs scattered all over the board in roughly 70-80 threads, dated all the way back to 2004. Seems like somebody is always asking what is the lightest, heaviest, or thinnest grip. I've gotten us started with my own records and by compiling info from most all posts on the...

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

on average (based on the number of listing there), replacement grips are 1.8mm thick and overgrips are .5 to .6mm thick

generally an overgrip increases ~half size up to close to a whole size...

although i'm not sure if your 2 OG is with the thicker replacement grip or the original

i imagine if you have access to the 2.6mm and also go with a thicker .7mm-.8mm overgrip that should more than enough cover for you

as far as going with a lighter racquet goes, i personally believe it's not as simple as "weight decreases", different layup can cause different playing characteristic but then again generally we're recreational players who might not notice (in)significant changes like that

LOL
I've always measured the middle finger.
I thought I could read English!
Thank you!

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[fpsanti]

Using the ring finger and second crest I get indeed approx a real size L5

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[fpsanti]

It seems that with Karakal X-gel grip and one Tourna Megatac I've got a decent grip size without screwing up the weight and balance too much.
Cannot wait to test it on court.

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[1HBHfanatic]

@fpsanti
I know some people use popsicle sticks on their handles
I personally would find some kind of moldable plastic (like on a school plastic folder/3/4" 3 ring binder)
cut it into strips and use double sided scotch tape

 

[Deleted member 369227]

Google: "Tennis Grip Enlarger"

Tennis Grip Enlarger increases the racquet handle by either half a grip size or a full grip size, using a specially formulated heat shrink tubing. Instructions included with each purchase.
Simply apply heat using a hairdryer to accurately increase the grip size.
As an example, if you wish to go from grip size 3 (4 3/8") to grip size 4 (4 1/2"), opt for the one grip size increase. If you are looking for something in between, select the half size grip increase option.
Weight: 15g (per one grip size increase)
Length: 22cm [cut to length needed]

 

[1HBHfanatic]

@fpsanti
found a readily available plastic source!! as per my post on #14
the 10nis ball cans!!
cut the top/bottom, and you have plastic just thick enough to be similar to the sleeves
if you need thicker, you can layer it,,