Thick Synthetic Replacement Grips
- Thread starter PigPen
- Start date
Brando
Professional
Hi, @PigPen. I used a Babo Xcel Gel grip to build up the handle of a frame for a 6' 6" player. The handle didn't feel as squishy as I thought it would, particularly if you cover it with an overgrip. Here are my notes on building up an L5 grip to an L8. Hope this helps:
4⅝ [L5] handle w/ Babolat Xcel Gel grip & overgrip adds 1mm thickness [2.6mm – SkinFeel’s stock 1.6mm = 1mm] + 0.6mm = 1.6mm.
If 1mm = 0.04”, then 1.6mm = 0.064”
Starting Diameter = C ÷ π = 4.625” ÷ 3.14 = 1.47”
Diameter w/ Xcel grip & og = 1. 47” + 0.13” [0.064 x 2] = 1.60”
New circumference = 1.6 x 3.14 = 5.02” = grip size L8
KEY: 0.6mm thick OG + 0.4mm above stock Syntec Pro = 1mm: x 2 = diameter added
WEIGHT
Xcel Gel’s 2.6mm grip adds 3.3g [20g – 16.7g SkinFeel = 3.3g]
4⅝ [L5] handle w/ Babolat Xcel Gel grip & overgrip adds 1mm thickness [2.6mm – SkinFeel’s stock 1.6mm = 1mm] + 0.6mm = 1.6mm.
If 1mm = 0.04”, then 1.6mm = 0.064”
Starting Diameter = C ÷ π = 4.625” ÷ 3.14 = 1.47”
Diameter w/ Xcel grip & og = 1. 47” + 0.13” [0.064 x 2] = 1.60”
New circumference = 1.6 x 3.14 = 5.02” = grip size L8
KEY: 0.6mm thick OG + 0.4mm above stock Syntec Pro = 1mm: x 2 = diameter added
WEIGHT
Xcel Gel’s 2.6mm grip adds 3.3g [20g – 16.7g SkinFeel = 3.3g]
kevin qmto
Legend
Tourna Pro gel (the one with tire tread on it) is my favorite.
Thank you! How does the grip feel?
The tourna is a little thinner I believe.
JustTennis76
Hall of Fame
Couple of thicker ones I tried are the Head Hydrosorb Comfort(2.1 mm) weighs almost close to a leather grip at around 23 grams, and builds the grip one size up. Feel is very neutral, almost no need for an overgrip.
The other one I have tried is Wilson shock shield a while ago. It felt very squishy, lost bevel feel and did not like it, but it did offer great comfort though.
Brando
Professional
That's good intel, @JustTennis76. XCel Gel weighs about 20-grams, so 3 grams less than Head Hydrosorb Comfort while also adding a grip size.
To answer your question, @PigPen, I'd say XCel Gel feels solid under an overgrip but a bit squishy on its own.
To answer your question, @PigPen, I'd say XCel Gel feels solid under an overgrip but a bit squishy on its own.
Do you have any information regarding the weight and thickness for those grips?
EggSalad
Hall of Fame
I believe the Gamna is 1.9mm and the Diadem is 1.80mm.
For weight, the Diadem is basically the same as leather: 21-24g. The Gamma is between a regular synthetic and leather grip in weight, so around 19-21g.
