Worst grips on a new racket ?

[ferrari_827]

I have to say the worst grips I've gotten on a new racket are....surpisingly, the Head Iprestige and LM Prestige.

Despite the high quality of the racket itself, the grip is a *joke*, a perforated, squishy feeling, rubbery grip which doesn't absorb shock well. Just awful. As soon as I got the IPrestige and LMPrestige I ripped off the grip in disgust. The LM Prestige grip was worse than the IPrestige, similar perforated design and material, but incorporating tacky metallic filaments.

The good news is that there are very good synthetic grips (not overgrips) available for $5-9. Prince seems to make the best synthetic grips for primary and overips in my opinion. The Prince grips are high quality, shock absorbing, and last a long time. The Duratec overgrip, for me, lasts 2-3 times longer than Tournagrip/Wilson/Head which tend to fray and fall apart.

 

[b.]

I spat some more $ for leather grips for my beloved sticks. I use overgrips, but like the feel of leather underneath (or I'm just imagining?) :?

But the shape!? for holding racquet and adoring it, LM has good grip shape. But for quick changing, especially on backhand side - bad. Empty hand. (sorry for changing the subject. Somehow it is related)

 

[BiGGieStuFF]

I like prince duraperf. Feels and looks nice

 

[BreakPoint]

I agree that Head racquets have the worst stock grips these days. Wilson Pro Staff racquets with box beams like the PS 6.0 85/95, and n6.1 Tour are the best because they still come with leather grips. Some PK PSE and Heritage racquets also still come with leather grips.

I also agree that the Prince Duratred is a very good and long lasting overgrip. The Wilson Superthin is also a very good overgrip with great feel.

 

[moosryan]

for head, are you talking about the actual grip that comes on the racquet (hydrocontrol for the radical) or the handle itself?

 

[kv581]

the grip (eg. hydrocontrol)

If the said Head grips are so inferior, what are some good non-leather REPLACEMENT grips then?

 

[babar]

The worst grip on new rackets come with Cayman racquets. It is a slick and bumpy nightmare.

 

[james_R]

Always get blisters with Yonex grips. Best 'stock' grip is the one on the Slazenger X1, very much like leather, extremely comfortable.

I replace my Yonex grips with Wilson Cushion Aire Perforated grips. I like these, not too soft, great traction but also thick enough to be comfortable. Never experienced blisters with them.

 

[Prestigious]

I have to agree with ferrari. The grips on my LM Prestige were practically worthless. I prefer the Head SoftTac perforated, but they don't last very long. The Prince Duratac or Cushion are good alternatives. They're nice and tacky and last longer than any Head grip I've used.

 

[Ryoma Kun]

the head racquets do have the worst grips, that intelligence grip on the prestiges is horrible!

my fav grip thgats been on a new racquet is prince duratac.

 

[kv581]

For those who like Prince Duratac or Head SoftTac or Wilson Cushion Aire, is this because of their durability? I always use overgrip, so durability is not a big factor for me. On the other hand, having good feel. Do Duratac, SoftTac perforated, or Cushione Aire have good feel to them? I like a comfortable, cushioned feel (ie. no leather), but not too much that everything is deadened.

Does SoftTac perforated feel different from SoftTac Traction? I have experience with the latter, and I found it to be a pretty thin replacement grip.

 

[Seraphic]

The grip that came with my LM Radical Tour is decent for feel but totally rubbish for everything else. I was too afraid to use it until I put an overgrip on there in case it flew out of my hand.

 

[Ronaldo]

Best stock grip IMHO is/was the Gamma Hi-Tec on my F 9.0. Love the feel/smell of Babolat leather in the morning, feels like butter. Head leather grips are nice too

 

[bcaz]

I'm only familiar with the grips on two Head racquets, the PC Classic 600 and the i.Prestige mid. The PC Classic has a leather grip, and I like leather grips, and it's nice, but not as nice as the Wilson PS originals or the PK's, or the Volkl replacement grip. Nicer than the POG mid, but almost as short. The i.Prestige has an awful grip, a real detraction and an embarassment to what is otherwise a fine racquet.

 

[Kalin]

I second the Gamma Hi-Tec as a great stock or replacement grip. Firm and durable, with good feel and traction.

 

[SamBruin]

The grip on the n-Code 95 (Wilson Micro Dry) totally sucks. It doesn't abzorb any sweat and the racket feels like it's going to fly out of your hands. I couldn't play with the racket until I put an overgrip on it because it was so slippery.