Leather vs. Synthetic

[JB]

I want to make my racquet more head-light. Was going to add lead tape under the grip but now am thinking of just replacing my synthetic grip with a leather grip. I read that fairway adds about 1/2 an ounce. Any clue about Volkl leather grips?

What are the disadvantages of leather grips?

 

[Michael Musok]

JB - If your thinking about using a leather grip on your Tour 10 Mid Plus, there are no disadvantages that I can think of. I use a Fairway on my Tour 10 Mid Plus's with a Prince duratac overgrip. It will make your racquet a little more head light which a few will agree that the Tour 10 MP needs. The Tour 10 is also accused of being a little soft and muted feeling. The leather grip helps to transmit a little more feel. And if you stretch the leather grip a little when installing it, you will bring out the bevels on the handle, another plus when switching forehand to backhand grips and so on.

 

[JB]

Mike - Where did you buy your fairway grip?

 

[Michael Musok]

JB - I stocked up on them when they were plentiful and so glad that I did. I guess they are pretty hard to find now. They are such a popular grip that I would think someone would produce and market them. I think that someone was selling some on the Classifieds/For Sale or Trade board. I wouldn't be afraid of buying used ones, they should last forever, especially if overgrips were used with them.

 

[Kirko]

I see only advantages using leather grips . Mike said it all . I use Tacky Fairways on my POG oversize.

 

[Ronaldo]

Kirko, you remember the bad old days of leather grips, gauze overwraps, taped fingers, blisters, and bowler's hand powder for wet, slippery grips? Like to forget them. Great overwraps allow the use of leather. At least they last a long time. Sort of like a bad pr. of shoes you wish would wear out.

 

[Kirko]

Ronaldo you mk. a very good point ; I remember all those things ; I tried over grips once it just was not my thing.

 

[Camilio Pascual]

If you really want the bevels to be prominent or want to put an overwrap on without increasing the grip size much, wrap the leather grip on while it is wet. Then dry it out quickly (hair dryer) so it won't rot. The leather will shrink and be very tight.

 

[Larry Baldridge]

Interesting post by Camilio. I am not sure I would recommend soaking the leather. You should be able to pull it tight enough to properly install it tight enough without resorting to soaking the grip.

 

[Jerry Seinfeld]

JB...

I have some Fairway leathers that I am willing to sell. Contct me directly if you are interested.

Jerry

cokebear5@yahoo.com