Get a grip! Replace old or worn-out grips. There are a range of great overwraps available on the market today.
Benefits of regripping
If you cannot grip it, you cannot rip it!
Old, or worn-out grips (and overwraps) prevent you from being able to consistently hit with proper technique and fluidity. A player using a worn-out grip will tend to over-tighten their grip on the racquet to compensate for the lack of grip, and this can lead to wrist and elbow problems. A worn out grip also means that the racquet will twist in your hand when facing a fast-moving ball. Worse still, a bad grip can lead to losing the racquet completely - especially on serve, potentially causing a cracked frame! (I’ve done it!).
Apart from the obvious, a replacement grip or overwrap has the following benefits:
- Better grip
- Better feel
- Looks better
- Funky colour may help you win more matches
Types of grips
There are many types of grips available on the market today.
Overwraps
Overwraps are by far the most popular type of “regrip” that players use. Most players (including the pros) will just use a thin over-wrap that is designed to wrap over the top of the existing factory grip that is shipped with the racquet. These thin overwraps are designed to give maximum grip and playability for a relatively short period of time. Overwraps can also be wrapped over another overwrap to increase grip size.
Overwraps come in 2 distinct types:
- Tacky overwrap
- Dry overwrap
Tacky overwraps give a spongy, grippy feel. They feel “tacky” and “sticky” when new, and give a super responsive feeling. Fantastic for dry conditions. In high humidity, or for players that sweat a lot, they can feel a little “slimey” - even slippery! Over time they lose their tackiness, and may start wearing down physically.
Popular tacky overwraps include the Yonex Supergrap and the Wilson Overwrap.
Dry overwraps have a dry papery feel to them. They are absorbant and are great for playing in high humidity, or if you have sweaty hands.
By far the most popular dry overwrap is the Tournagrip, used famously by Pete Sampras and many touring pros.
Replacement grips
Replacements grips are designed as a total replacement grip for an old and word original grip. A replacement grip applied by first removing the existing grip (usually the factory grip), and then wrapping the new replacement grip directly to the base pallet of the racquet. A replacement grip is more substantial that an overwrap. It’s thicker, heavier and has a lot more padding. There are many different styles and textures of replacement grips.
It is common to put an overwrap over the top of a replacement grip - even when brand new.