Throw a leather grip on it! The benefits of using leather replacement grips (& everything you need to know about them)!

[TW Staff]

Have you always wondered what adding a leather grip to your racquet will do? Or wonder why people love leather replacement grips? Curious what benefits it might provide? But also, maybe you've been intimidated to try it out? If that is the case, this podcast is for you! Two leather grip aficionados, Chris and Troy, join Michelle to talk about all the ins and outs of using a leather grip on your racquet. They talk through basic benefits as well as installation process and their favorite brands of leather grips!

Shop Leather Grips: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Leather_Replacement_Grips/catpage-LEATHERRGRI.html

Happy Hitting!

 

[Pumpkin]

Do you ever get vegans protesting outside because of leather grips ? I'm attracted to the charm of leather grips and I like the look of them. I have a vintage racquet and I put a fairway on it and I use it without an overgrip. Generally though sorry I prefer the functionality of synthetic grips. I prefer the bevels to be less defined as I feel I can switch from a forehand to backhand to volley grip easier if it is less defined.

 

[TW Staff]

Do you ever get vegans protesting outside because of leather grips ? I'm attracted to the charm of leather grips and I like the look of them. I have a vintage racquet and I put a fairway on it and I use it without an overgrip. Generally though sorry I prefer the functionality of synthetic grips. I prefer the bevels to be less defined as I feel I can switch from a forehand to backhand to volley grip easier if it is less defined.

@Pumpkin

I can't remember if I brought up the vegan thing in the pod, but I would say not really "protesting" persay but yes, people who would use one that it does not align with their beliefs. Luckily, it isn't like you HAVE to use a leather grip, so finding a synthetic option works almost as good -- sort of like vegan cheese

Michelle, TW

 

[WestboroChe]

I replaced the stock leather grip on some old Black Aces with a super thin Kominy leather grip then added my preferred over wrap. Shaved a whole handle size down and reduced the overall weight by around 20 grams too. Made the whole stick a much better fit for me both dimensionally and SW wise.

 

[Nate7-5]

Also, you guys should carry the Diadem Vintage Feel hybrid replacement grip.

Its a leather/synthetic hybrid (some leather bevel feel but not as hard) much like the Prince RexiTex Tour but I think the Diadem weighs a little bit less.

 

[McLovin]

I can't remember if I brought up the vegan thing in the pod

You did.

And I agree from the pod that 'slapping a leather on it' is the best way to add tail weight, especially if you're squeamish about using lead. My target 'unstrung' spec is 315g, 9pts HL. So with many frames being in the 300-305g range, replacing the base grip w/ a leather gets me almost there, then a little lead in the hoop balances me out.

 

[2nd Serve Ace]

I used to be committed to leather grips due to the enhanced bevel feel and the HL balance they created. At some point I left them, mainly I guess due to finger blistering?

I'm willing to tape up the digits and give leather another go.

Edit: also, I hate this term "throw" or "slap" on a leather grip. A LG needs to be applied in a very precise manner.

 

[Dedans Penthouse]

I used to be committed to leather grips due to the enhanced bevel feel and the HL balance they created. At some point I left them, mainly I guess due to finger blistering?

I'm willing to tape up the digits and give leather another go.

Edit: also, I hate this term "throw" or "slap" on a leather grip. A LG needs to be applied in a very precise manner.

Precisely....now do it . NOW!!!

 

[TW Staff]

Guys, we were just being cheeky and it's a common thing said around our office or even in our playtest reviews. Obviously it takes care and time, I even talk about that and say if you aren't comfortable installing it yourself, we can do it on our end and make sure it is done correctly but it can be intimidating as it isn't just as easy as installing an overgrip or replacement grip

I can edit it the title to: "Please consider installing a leather grip on your racquet with care," if that would make everyone feel better!? (kidding as I am assuming we are speaking in jest here).

Michelle, TW

 

[pfchang]

Also, you guys should carry the Diadem Vintage Feel hybrid replacement grip.

Its a leather/synthetic hybrid (some leather bevel feel but not as hard) much like the Prince RexiTex Tour but I think the Diadem weighs a little bit less.

Just curious if you've come across other sort of hybrid grips before? One I used to use was Wilson Pro Hybrid, but those have long been discontinued. Feel like these sort of grips are best of both worlds as they save your hands a bit more.

 

[christovw66]

Where do you guys source the 'masking tape-like' double sided tape that Troy referred to? I'm not seeing anything that fits that description. Thanks, and I realize I'm very late to this video and thread. Giving it a shot.

 

[TW Staff]

Where do you guys source the 'masking tape-like' double sided tape that Troy referred to? I'm not seeing anything that fits that description. Thanks, and I realize I'm very late to this video and thread. Giving it a shot.

The one we typically use, I believe you can buy online like Amazon or what not. The tape I have been using is about 1 inch wide, and when I searched it online it looks like it is listed as, double sided adhesive sticky tape for arts and crafts, scrap-booking, card making, etc..

Troy, TW

 

[christovw66]

Thanks so much Troy ..I appreciate you responded so quickly to my question. Really enjoy y’all’s reviews and info

 

[SinneGOAT]

I’ve been using the TW private label leather grip for years, great quality. I’ve tried a few like Babolat, Head, TF, but it’s the best.

 

[Better_Call_Raul]

I’ve been using the TW private label leather grip for years, great quality. I’ve tried a few like Babolat, Head, TF, but it’s the best.

Been using the TW leather grip with overgrip on top. Feels and works great.

But the leather grip alone (with no overgrip on top) feels way too slippery.