to any Leather Grip Expert/Users

[mt89]

1) Have any of you used the Kimony Leather Grip- How does it feel on the handle/ bevel def/tackiness/durability- Especially with an overgrip compared to other leather grip/OG options.

2) The TW reissued Fairway (NOS??) - are they similar to older ones in feel-tackiness? I understand they are around 1.46mm in thickness which is fine and the trimmed weight falling around ~18g?? If so that is quite suitable for a light leather grip- How does it compare with **** pro leather being around similar spec range in terms of feel-- In this case how would they play without an overgrip. i've known the older fairways actually aren't as harsh to the hands (not really a hand sweater).

3) TW Private Label can someone explain to me the width differences in 22/25mm in comparison to the above grips- what is standard?

4)finally Of all the branded leather grips- where do you guys rank in Feel/Softeness/Tack (Wilson, Head Leather Tour etc..)

Thanks!!! Sorry for the bunch of questions trying to figure out a not too hefty leather replacement am fine with around ~18/24g trimmed but trying to retain my grip size does contemplating +/- with an OG

 

[mt89]

No one :/ ?

 

[mctennis]

I like the Fairway leather grips as well as the Roman Pokes leather grips I use from him. Other than that I have tried a few others but do not like them as well. These two just feel better to me when I play. The only downside is playing is extremely hot or humid weather. They tend to get slick and I use an overgrip when this type of weather occurs.

 

[Dags]

1) Have any of you used the Kimony Leather Grip- How does it feel on the handle/ bevel def/tackiness/durability- Especially with an overgrip compared to other leather grip/OG options.

The Kimony is very thin. And very light. Bevel definition is extraordinary because of this, so much so that I almost found it too much! The biggest benefits of this grip come if you are trying to reduce the stock grip size, or want a leather grip plus overgrip without really increasing the size. The weight also makes it more versatile, as you can always add, but never take away.

2) The TW reissued Fairway (NOS??) - are they similar to older ones in feel-tackiness? I understand they are around 1.46mm in thickness which is fine and the trimmed weight falling around ~18g?? If so that is quite suitable for a light leather grip- How does it compare with **** pro leather being around similar spec range in terms of feel-- In this case how would they play without an overgrip. i've known the older fairways actually aren't as harsh to the hands (not really a hand sweater).

I got a batch of Fairways directly from Balmforth a few years ago, which I assume are the same as the ones now being sold by TW. They feel really similar to me compared to the ones of yesteryear, but I don't have a direct comparison so that could be the rose tinted spectacles (particularly when you consider that I paid quite a lot for mine due the the rarity at the time!). I play with an overgrip now, so it's hard to say. They're more supple than the TW grips, but not as much as the Head Finest Calfskin. The Kimony is probably more supple than the Fairway due to thickness, but the Fairway would likely be more kind to the skin - my Kimony leathers have a certain roughness about them.

3) TW Private Label can someone explain to me the width differences in 22/25mm in comparison to the above grips- what is standard?

Kimony is definitely on the narrower side, probably less than 22mm. Fairways depend which ones you bought - they have various widths.

4)finally Of all the branded leather grips- where do you guys rank in Feel/Softeness/Tack (Wilson, Head Leather Tour etc..)

Of the ones I've played with:
Softness: Head Finest Calfskin -> Fairway -> TW (I think it's the 1.5mm I had) -> Kimony (n.b. that Kimony only ranks at the bottom because it's so thin)
Tack: This is guessing based on just holding them. How they play when sweat adjusted I don't know! Fairway -> Head -> TW -> Kimony
Feel: My personal preference was probably for the Head. You could certainly argue that Kimony provides the most feel though, if your definition is predominantly around the bevels.

Thanks!!! Sorry for the bunch of questions trying to figure out a not too hefty leather replacement am fine with around ~18/24g trimmed but trying to retain my grip size does contemplating +/- with an OG

Based on this statement, of the ones I've tried I'd steer you towards the Kimony if you want to use an overgrip, probably Fairway if you don't. The Head Finest Calfskin are a pain to get hold of - mine came on some Pro Stock racquets - and whilst I think the TW grip is excellent value for money, it probably requires an overgrip.

 

[mt89]

Thanks mctennis and especially Dags for answering each question!! This is exactly what I was looking for before I spent some money on getting grips online without having them to try first.

 

[hrstrat57]

I've used/use TW and Babolat extensively.

Get the thin TW if you want the grip to play a bit smaller like a 4 5/8 closer to a 4 1/2.

Babolat natural are my favorite, love, love love. I do not use an overgrip ever with these. Cannot imagine anyone being disappointed with those. I have not however tried the new black version would also like to see some comments on those.

Agree with above, on a hot day the TW can get a bit trickly without an overgrip, thus my second choice. I eventually will replace all those in play on some of my frames with Babolat.

Played Fairway extensively in the past on PS85's and 200G's but no experience with the reissues sorry.