Is adding overgrips to increase grip size bad?

[macersl]

I want to buy a racquet from a shop here but all they have is 4 1/2". I need a 4 5/8". Are there any downsides to adding a couple overgrips to compensate or should I holdout?

 

[rounick]

You will lose some feel of the bevels and in general.You can use a heat-shrink sleeve instead.Or you can use athletic tape (under the grip).

 

[Rafa's best friend]

You will lose some feel of the bevels and in general.You can use a heat-shrink sleeve instead.Or you can use athletic tape (under the grip).

What athletic tape is that ??? What brand and what kind ?? i have been just adding 2 replacement grips to make my grip bigger.

 

[Redflea]

I run with two Yonex Grap overgrips on my racquets...like the size/feel better than one overgrip on a 4 1/2. Bevels are very much there, never have any sense that I don't know where I am on the racquet.

That being said, I did that intentionally, because I preferred it, not because they were out of my grip size. Unless you're in a hurry, I don't know why you wouldn't wait for the grip size you really want...patience, grasshopper.

 

[jonolau]

A bit of a catch 22 here. The way I see it:

HEAT-SHRINK SLEEVE
Cons of HS:
1. Adds approx 15-20 grams if static weight

Pros of HS:
1. Builds one size exactly.
2. Maintains bevels and grip shape.
3. Addtional mass on handle shifts balance to make the racquet more headlight, thus equating to better maneuverability on volleys.

OVERGRIPS
Cons of OG:
1. Adding 2 or more overgrips will smoothen out the bevels and make the handle feel more like a pipe.
2. If you have a perspiration problem, it will result in more moisture retention making it harder to dry out the grip. Could also result in unwanted microbial growth in the lower layers.
3. Overgrips being soft, will be flattened over time, therefore partially negating the size buildup.

Pros of OG:
1. Does not add significant weight resulting in minimal changes to racquet balance and handling characteristics.

If you do decide to go down the heatshrink path, one way to reduce the weight increase is to only add a sleeve on the lower half of the grip.

Therefore, to answer your question, there is no good or bad nor any right or wrong. It's all a matter of what you're comfortable with.

Good luck and enjoy your tennis.

Jon

 

[Swissv2]

For the most part, racquets are pretty light, so 15-20 grams increase of static weight shouldn't be so bad

 

[jonolau]

Good point Swissv2. But in my experience, it turned my 346gm strung Volkl Tour 10 VE mids from svelte models into 373gm monsters!

 

[aznspongehead]

It's always better to get the right grip size from the start, since no matter how "perfect" methods of increasing grip size may be, they are only attempts to reach what the right grip size already have. If given the option I would just wait for the right size.

 

[SoBad]

It's always better to get the right grip size from the start, since no matter how "perfect" methods of increasing grip size may be, they are only attempts to reach what the right grip size already have. If given the option I would just wait for the right size.

I agree, buy the racquet with the right gripsize, don't let those salespersons trick you with their multiovergrip ravings.

 

[haerdalis]

I dont think overgrips are good for building up size but for finding the right size between gripsizes they are great.

 

[jonolau]

BTW, forgot to add that from experience when trying to build up my grip from 4 1/4 to 4 3/8, I had to put on about 3-4 overgrips.

This made the handle nice and soft, but not a great joy as it felt spongy when gripping hard to hammer a blinding serve or drill a scorching forehand down the line!

 

[slice bh compliment]

I agree, buy the racquet with the right gripsize, don't let those salespersons trick you with their multiovergrip ravings.

Hhhahaha, multiovergripravings, LOL. I think that's one word in German.

Yah, order the size 5 macersl. If you get a size 4 and build it up with a sleeve, you will have to do that exact same thing when you get your second one.
I would just order two of the same, get them strung the same, alternate between them and be happy.

 

[AndrewD]

No!. Crossing the streams would be .... bad, adding overgrips to increase grip size is fine - if you like the feel.

Personally, I don't like it but you mightn't be so picky. Just give it a try and if you don't like it then try a heat sleeve, some athletic tape or another method until you find one that do like.

 

[Starwind]

Doesn't Safin use athletic tape?

For some reason I think he has a 4 and 3/8 that he builds up with athletic tape. If someone can confirm this, I wanna try it.

 

[fastdunn]

Any sort of building up grip process didn't really work for me.
Even with heat sink sleeves, it loses some bevels which makes
the grip shape sorta round and loses senses of where my hands are.
Some people are ok with it, not me...

 

[BiGGieStuFF]

What athletic tape is that ??? What brand and what kind ?? i have been just adding 2 replacement grips to make my grip bigger.

Actually it might be a better idea for you to use that tape on your mouth.

 

[rounick]

Tape works better for me cause:
-No loss of bevels.
-Can be cut exactly as you want it.
-No significant weight increase.
-I can use it in many ways,like use it to change the handle's shape a bit,for example using it only on the sides.
-Easy to place/remove.

 

[meh]

The heatshrink sleeve is a consistent buildup. Overlapping overgrips may produce some unwanted contours.

 

[mhstennis100]

I got a 4 3/8 grip because that was all they had, added another replacement grip on top of the original replacement grip, and added Wilson pro overgrip on top. I don't see what the big deal about feeling bevels is, I prefer not to.

 

[austintennis2005]

why does adding overgrips make the grip rounder and lose the bevels when the heat sleeve does not?
they both mold to the contour of the handle?

 

[jonolau]

why does adding overgrips make the grip rounder and lose the bevels when the heat sleeve does not?
they both mold to the contour of the handle?

A heat shrink sleeve shrinks to fit the contours. Whereas overgrips are still puffy and it's like adding cushions onto the grip. Try it out yourself and you will know the difference.

 

[austintennis2005]

im not trying to argue with you, you may well be correct but when i put on the overgrips i am pulling them very tight against the racquet handle and it seems to me that they are following the contour of the bevels. i have used the heat shrinks as well but not on my personal racquets so i guess i will try one. of them.

 

[jonolau]

im not trying to argue with you, you may well be correct but when i put on the overgrips i am pulling them very tight against the racquet handle and it seems to me that they are following the contour of the bevels. i have used the heat shrinks as well but not on my personal racquets so i guess i will try one. of them.

No worries. I personally don't like heat shrink sleeves as alters the balance of the racquet too significantly, adding between 16-20 grams to the handle.

I've used up to 4 overgrips on one racquet before. This definitely made it quite round! 3 is the max without altering the shape of the bevels too much.

 

[Ross K]

A bit of a catch 22 here. The way I see it:

HEAT-SHRINK SLEEVE
Cons of HS:
1. Adds approx 15-20 grams if static weight

Pros of HS:
1. Builds one size exactly.
2. Maintains bevels and grip shape.
3. Addtional mass on handle shifts balance to make the racquet more headlight, thus equating to better maneuverability on volleys.

OVERGRIPS
Cons of OG:
1. Adding 2 or more overgrips will smoothen out the bevels and make the handle feel more like a pipe.
2. If you have a perspiration problem, it will result in more moisture retention making it harder to dry out the grip. Could also result in unwanted microbial growth in the lower layers.
3. Overgrips being soft, will be flattened over time, therefore partially negating the size buildup.

Pros of OG:
1. Does not add significant weight resulting in minimal changes to racquet balance and handling characteristics.

If you do decide to go down the heatshrink path, one way to reduce the weight increase is to only add a sleeve on the lower half of the grip.

Therefore, to answer your question, there is no good or bad nor any right or wrong. It's all a matter of what you're comfortable with.

Good luck and enjoy your tennis.

Jon

Great post IMO. Very informative and well written. Cheers...

Sidenote to this discussion... I know we're not discussing this but... I'm quickly returning to my older view that playing with a grip size under your actual grip size really helps with topspin, w/wiping and generally getting around the ball better... yeah, you lose a bit in solidity and stability, but for me the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

 

[tom_asdelonge182]

I am actually doing the same thing, kinda experimenting with either using one overgrip with a bigger grip size or using a smaller gripsize and have 2 overgrip. With 2 overgrips you get a more cushioned feel, but at the moment prefer just gettin one overgrip