Why is Tourna the only third-party overgrip that pros seem to use?

[DeeeFoo]

The overgrip is a very personal tennis accessory, since they're what connects the player to the racquet/strings.

A lot of pros use Tourna Grip, or some variant of it. Everyone else just uses whatever overgrip their racquet sponsor has available.

However, you don't see any pros using overgrips from Gamma, Solinco, Kirschbaum, Luxilon, etc, despite some of them producing some popular and high quality overgrips.

Why does it seem like Tourna is the only overgrip that pros use that isn't the same brand as their racquet? This is what I mean by third party, for lack of a better term. Does Tourna also sponsor them or something? How come players who use Wilson racquets don't use Yonex Super Grap, or vice versa?

Hypothetical question: What if someone like Roger Federer decided that he liked Yonex Super Grap more than the Wilson Pro that he's currently using? Would Wilson just let him use Super Grap (except with the Wilson branded finishing tape), or would they try to accommodate him by altering the Wilson Pro to be more identical to Super Grap, or would they just say "too bad, this is all we got".

I realize that my questions might seem silly or naive, but I'm really curious about it.

 

[darklore009]

The company doesnt necessarily is forcing them to use every single product they're sponsored with. Its all about their personal preference as one brand suits them better than the one they're sponsored with. Tourna grip is merely a small part of what the pros can use in their matches, it expands to their string set up, apparel, and shoes. The only thing they cant do is use a different racket from a different brand (theres a lot of cases when players like Marat Safin signed under Dunlop, but really he's using a Head Racket under the paint; which lead to a court settlement between Head and Dunlop) Its up to the players if they want to use what they're sponsored with or find a product that works for them.

Stan is nearly decked out with Yonex gear from head to toe except for his strings; which is Babolat RPM Blast. He has tried Yonex Strings during practice to see it if it works for him, ended up not liking it and continue using RPM Blast as his setup.

 

[moon shot]

John Peers uses Luxilon, Taylor Fritz uses solinco.

 

[tonylg]

I think with the overgrips, it's more a case of that being something you experiment with as a junior. Once you find something you like, that's what you use. It's really only tennis tragics who know what brand of overgrip a pro uses anyway.

 

[moon shot]

Oh, and in the past head licensed Tourna so Andre was fully theirs. I’m not sure what the deal with Thiem’s overgrip is as he used Babolat finishing tape.

 

[ArliHawk]

Nishikori uses Kimony and I think Khachanov may as well.

 

[lidoazndiabloboi]

Nishikori uses Kimony and I think Khachanov may as well.

Nishikori uses Wilson

 

[TagUrIt]

My take on it is that they were using certain over grips as juniors as well. It suits their game and the don’t want to alter that. It’s only after you make it or have the strong potential to make it do you get sponsorship. So often times the players are already using what they like. I think overgrips aren’t as much of conflict as say racquets, apparel and shoes.

 

[Sinner]

Also... when a player uses a "white overgrip", one would assume that if they were playing with a Wilson, it'd be a Wilson Overgrip or if it was a Bab, it'd be a Bab overgrip? Hypothetically speaking, I supposed Rafa's white overgrip could be from any manufacture? Of course, we've seen him regrip with Bab overgrips, I think.

I guess with Tourna, the iconic blue is more noticeable? Ultimately, I think it's the player's preference.

 

[Chadalina]

Wilson perforated < tourna blue < gauze tape on a hot day.

I use the white wilsons mostly. Guaze is amazing if you accept the grip is going to be wet.

 

[beltsman]

Wilson perforated < tourna blue < gauze tape on a hot day.

I use the white wilsons mostly. Guaze is amazing if you accept the grip is going to be wet.

Gauze? Never heard that one before. Good for sweaty hands?

 

[tpro2000]

John Peers uses Luxilon, Taylor Fritz uses solinco.

Fritz uses Gut/Head hawk strings (give or take around 52#), and definitely uses Tourna overgrip. I hit with one of his frames the week after the Us Open...

 

[JW10S]

Fritz uses Gut/Head hawk strings (give or take around 52#), and definitely uses Tourna overgrip. I hit with one of his frames the week after the Us Open...

This is all true regarding Fritz' set up. He may be using the HEAD Pro Grip which is made by TournaGrip and licensed to HEAD. It used to be called 'Agassi Grip' and after he retired the packaging featured pictures of Sharapova and Murray but now it's just called 'Pro Grip'. Earlier packaging used to say on the back 'Made by TournaGrip' but the current packaging does not even though they are one and the same, the only difference being the finishing tape says HEAD.

 

[tpro2000]

This is all true regarding Fritz' set up. He may be using the HEAD Pro Grip which is made by TournaGrip and licensed to HEAD. It used to be called 'Agassi Grip' and after he retired the packaging featured pictures of Sharapova and Murray but now it's just called 'Pro Grip'. Earlier packaging used to say on the back 'Made by TournaGrip' but the current packaging does not even though they are one and the same, the only difference being the finishing tape says HEAD.

Yeah this is true. whatever they want to call it, it's Tourna haha. My buddy that had the racquet (along with the racquet Kokk used in his first rd Us Open win) is with Fritz in Geneva. I was super surprised at how light his actual racquet is (Fritz that is).

 

[JW10S]

Yeah this is true. whatever they want to call it, it's Tourna haha. My buddy that had the racquet (along with the racquet Kokk used in his first rd Us Open win) is with Fritz in Geneva. I was super surprised at how light his actual racquet is (Fritz that is).

To be fair the earlier poster Fritz did at one time use Solinco overgrips but has been using Tourna/HEAD for awhile now. I too have held Fritz' racquets and was also surprised at how comparatively light his racquets were compared to other tourning pros.

 

[wangs78]

I think it's because Tournagrip is pretty unique so players who like it use it due to lack of similar products. In contrast, Wilson Pro overgrip has many copycats, like Yonex supergrap which is nearly identical. So with that type of grip, players just go with whatever the racquet manufacturer has on offer and will get a big supply for free.

 

[moon shot]

It’s been some time since I saw what fritz was using, I thought it might be wrong as I was typing it, fair enough.

 

[Chadalina]

Gauze? Never heard that one before. Good for sweaty hands?

When your drenched its the only thing that works. You have to be wet for it to activate. Not nearly the grip as a wrap, but much better if your underwater.

 

[beltsman]

When your drenched its the only thing that works. You have to be wet for it to activate. Not nearly the grip as a wrap, but much better if your underwater.

Maybe I'll try it out next summer. Thanks!

 

[Sinner]

This is all true regarding Fritz' set up. He may be using the HEAD Pro Grip which is made by TournaGrip and licensed to HEAD. It used to be called 'Agassi Grip' and after he retired the packaging featured pictures of Sharapova and Murray but now it's just called 'Pro Grip'. Earlier packaging used to say on the back 'Made by TournaGrip' but the current packaging does not even though they are one and the same, the only difference being the finishing tape says HEAD.

I've never tried the Head version, but is it basically the same as Tourna? And if so, it appears to be more expensive than the Tourna 3-pack... so why still buy the Head version?

 

[JW10S]

I've never tried the Head version, but is it basically the same as Tourna? And if so, it appears to be more expensive than the Tourna 3-pack... so why still buy the Head version?

It is exactly the same. I'm sure everyone has their own reasons for buying it.

 

[deaner2211]

The overgrip is a very personal tennis accessory, since they're what connects the player to the racquet/strings.

A lot of pros use Tourna Grip, or some variant of it. Everyone else just uses whatever overgrip their racquet sponsor has available.

However, you don't see any pros using overgrips from Gamma, Solinco, Kirschbaum, Luxilon, etc, despite some of them producing some high quality overgrips (Gamma Supreme and Solinco Wonder seem to get a lot of positive feedback).

Why does it seem like Tourna is the only overgrip that pros use that isn't the same brand as their racquet? Does Tourna also sponsor them or something? Why do racquet companies like Wilson, Yonex, Head, Babolat allow their players to use Tourna overgrips, but not overgrips from other companies?

Hypothetical question: What if someone like Roger Federer decided that he liked Yonex Super Grap more than the Wilson Pro that he's currently using? Would Wilson just let him use Super Grap (except with the Wilson branded finishing tape), or would they try to accommodate him by altering the Wilson Pro to be more identical to Super Grap, or would they just say "too bad, this is all we got".

I realize that my questions might seem silly or naive, but I'm really curious about it.

Tourna is not a 3rd party overgrip it is one of the original overgrips. They were around before you were born and used by the great Pete Sampras along with many others.

 

[DeeeFoo]

Tourna is not a 3rd party overgrip it is one of the original overgrips. They were around before you were born and used by the great Pete Sampras along with many others.

When I say third-party, what I mean is it's not made by any of the racquet manufacturers. Sorry, I couldn't think of a better term.

(Also, you don't know when I was born, why are you bringing my age into this?)

If you think I was insulting or taking a dig at Tourna Grip, you're mistaken. I love Tourna Grip, been using it forever.

 

[deaner2211]

If you have been using them forever then you know why they are a great overgrip and there was no need for this thread. Also if you are old enough to remember the great Pete Sampras play with them then again no need for this thread.

 

[Yoneyama]

There is a massive variety of Overgrips used, it is just most of the time if the pro's don't have a distinctive blue Tourna (which can be Head for example), then they are using a white overgrip. It is basically impossible to tell what a white overgrip is without behind the scenes pics.

 

[MRfStop]

I’ve read somewhere Dudi Sela uses white Tournatac

 

[Ruark]

I never saw the big deal about Tournagrip - the blue stuff. It makes the grip bigger (which I don't need) and isn't really sticky or anything. I find the stock black grip on my Babolat to be MUCH better - very soft and sticky. I can't help but wonder if a lot of people use Tourna "because everybody else does."

 

[DeeeFoo]

I never saw the big deal about Tournagrip - the blue stuff. It makes the grip bigger (which I don't need) and isn't really sticky or anything. I find the stock black grip on my Babolat to be MUCH better - very soft and sticky. I can't help but wonder if a lot of people use Tourna "because everybody else does."

It's designed for people that have sweaty palms. It's not tacky (ie sticky), but it's dry and somewhat rough, yet still somehow gets grippy when it absorbs sweat. People that are fortunate enough to not have sweaty palms usually prefer the tacky grips. I have sweaty palms, and I've tried so many different overgrips, but just keep coming back to Tourna. It really does work.

 

[jmacdaununder2]

It's my understanding that some pros still use Tourna as it has better bevel feel, doesn't saturate as quickly as tacky grips and most importantly can be swapped with more consistency than tacky grips which require a little bit of a 'breaking in' period due to being too tacky for some when new. I never really liked it though, and have always preferred the softer and grippier feel of Yonex, Wilson etc. (Having used gauze due to lack of anything else back in the 70s, Gripsy and those sorts of 'new-fangled' overgrips that hit the market felt heavenly, and Tournagrip felt like less of an advancement.)

 

[MRfStop]

I never saw the big deal about Tournagrip - the blue stuff. It makes the grip bigger (which I don't need) and isn't really sticky or anything. I find the stock black grip on my Babolat to be MUCH better - very soft and sticky. I can't help but wonder if a lot of people use Tourna "because everybody else does."

"Stock black grip"...so the replacement grip?

 

[travlerajm]

Wilson perforated < tourna blue < gauze tape on a hot day.

I use the white wilsons mostly. Guaze is amazing if you accept the grip is going to be wet.

Good tip. The ex ATP Pro I played again last weekend in hot and sticky Ecuador was using gauze tape that looked like he hadn’t changed in months.

 

[Chadalina]

Good tip. The ex ATP Pro I played again last weekend in hot and sticky Ecuador was using gauze tape that looked like he hadn’t changed in months.

The older it gets the better, when you first put it on its trash. You have to wash it few times to get the glue out, otherwise its slick

 

[Lefty5]

It definitely comes down to noticing the iconic blue color of Tourna Grip. Pros can really use whatever they want, however that's why paintjobs exist for frames.... and grips are the same, except nobody can tell one white grip from another. Case and point is Thiem. He obviously uses Tourna Grip but sad Babalot forces him and other contract players to put the silver finishing tape, over the Tourna Grip. All of this B.S., from managing grip finishing tape to painting racquets is an elaborate fraud game that racquet companies play to try and be loyal to them.... The one difference is Tourna Grip's color is trademarked so nobody can make the same shade of blue as Tourna Grip. Companies can try to disguise it by making players use their brand finishing tape, but I think it just makes the racquet company look even more silly and desperate.

 

[DeeeFoo]

It definitely comes down to noticing the iconic blue color of Tourna Grip. Pros can really use whatever they want, however that's why paintjobs exist for frames.... and grips are the same, except nobody can tell one white grip from another. Case and point is Thiem. He obviously uses Tourna Grip but sad Babalot forces him and other contract players to put the silver finishing tape, over the Tourna Grip. All of this B.S., from managing grip finishing tape to painting racquets is an elaborate fraud game that racquet companies play to try and be loyal to them.... The one difference is Tourna Grip's color is trademarked so nobody can make the same shade of blue as Tourna Grip. Companies can try to disguise it by making players use their brand finishing tape, but I think it just makes the racquet company look even more silly and desperate.

That's very interesting. So someone like Federer could be using Yonex Super Grap with the Wilson finishing tape, and we'd all be none the wiser?

 

[shapovalovnextgoat]

That's very interesting. So someone like Federer could be using Yonex Super Grap with the Wilson finishing tape, and we'd all be none the wiser?

Absolutely.

Having said that, Federer doesn't actually use the Wilson finishing tape. P1 just uses plain black electrical tape instead.

 

[Alexh22]

I think the pros use whatever brand they want. overgrips rarely have markings but on the tape only. so e.g Novak could use a wilson og with a head tape, just like using a paintjob

 

[Lefty5]

But the question is still interesting...what overgrips do pro's really use. I'm guessing its Wilson Pro, Tourna Grip, and maaabye some Supergrap in there, and even smaller % of Babalot and Head grips (not including the Head Pro Grip that Tourna Grip makes). There's no way a pro is using Pros Pro, Forten, Gamma or Lord knows what else is out there, on their own without a sponsorship.

 

[shapovalovnextgoat]

D

But the question is still interesting...what overgrips do pro's really use. I'm guessing its Wilson Pro, Tourna Grip, and maaabye some Supergrap in there, and even smaller % of Babalot and Head grips (not including the Head Pro Grip that Tourna Grip makes). There's no way a pro is using Pros Pro, Forten, Gamma or Lord knows what else is out there, on their own without a sponsorship.

Dkokovic uses the Technifibre overgrip iirc. He really liked those on Janko Tipsarevic's racquet during their time in the Davis Cup together, and reportedly switched from Wilson Pro Overgrip he was using earlier.

 

[bmd9]

I can't imagine there is much money in overgrip sponsorship, but it also seems like a market that could support a stand-alone product if an enterprising pro wanted to start their own line. Production and packaging costs would be minimal and with enough visibility, you could make a few bucks on it. It still cracks me up that Sampras is the "face" of Tournagrip in 2019.

 

[WestboroChe]

I never saw the big deal about Tournagrip - the blue stuff. It makes the grip bigger (which I don't need) and isn't really sticky or anything. I find the stock black grip on my Babolat to be MUCH better - very soft and sticky. I can't help but wonder if a lot of people use Tourna "because everybody else does."

I use an overgrip because I put a leather grip on my frame to add weight but I don’t like how slick the leather gets. I solved the extra size by switching from 4 1/4 to 4 1/8. I use Kirschbaum overgrips myself.

 

[Lefty5]

I can't imagine there is much money in overgrip sponsorship, but it also seems like a market that could support a stand-alone product if an enterprising pro wanted to start their own line. Production and packaging costs would be minimal and with enough visibility, you could make a few bucks on it. It still cracks me up that Sampras is the "face" of Tournagrip in 2019.

How is Sampras the face of Tourna Grip in 2019? I see a lot of other players on the package, but rarely Sampras. Maybe you're actually buying stuff from 10 years ago? haha

 

[bmd9]

How is Sampras the face of Tourna Grip in 2019? I see a lot of other players on the package, but rarely Sampras. Maybe you're actually buying stuff from 10 years ago? haha

https://img.tennis-warehouse.com/watermark/rs.php?path=TGBL-1.jpg

It is 2019, that is Pete Sampras (and Gasquet) on the package on this very website.

 

[Howard H]

John Peers uses Luxilon, Taylor Fritz uses solinco.

Taylor uses HEAD Pro Grip (made by Tourna)

 

[moon shot]

Taylor uses HEAD Pro Grip (made by Tourna)

yeah, somewhere up there I was corrected, my recollection was old.

 

[Otinis]

There is a massive variety of Overgrips used, it is just most of the time if the pro's don't have a distinctive blue Tourna (which can be Head for example), then they are using a white overgrip. It is basically impossible to tell what a white overgrip is without behind the scenes pics.

Bro are you part of yoneyama family for real?

 

[teachingprotx]

Can you be sponsored by unique ?

 

[kevin qmto]

The weirdest thing is, I’ve never liked Tourna’s blue overgrips. They get super slick when wet, more so than other brands by far.

 

[vsbabolat]

Can you be sponsored by unique ?

Yes, Sampras, the Bryan brothers, and a few others.

 

[mad dog1]

The weirdest thing is, I’ve never liked Tourna’s blue overgrips. They get super slick when wet, more so than other brands by far.

Agreed. I don’t like tournagrip but the tourna tac grip is really good.

 

[kevin qmto]

Agreed. I don’t like tournagrip but the tourna tac grip is really good.

Funnily enough, I love Tourna’s Pro Gel full grips though. Completely different material, and the comfort is unmatched.