Replacement Grips & Overgrips

They can change the size of the handle, and therefore the playability of a racquet. Page down to read "About Grips & Overgrips" at the bottom of this screen.

Grips & Overgrips

	BABOLAT Syntec Replacement Grip Code: 9540-01 Price: $5.95 Quantity in Basket: none
	BABOLAT Natural Replacement Grip (leather) Code: 9540-02 Price: $15.95 Quantity in Basket: none
	BABOLAT Woofer Replacement Grip Code: 9540-03 Price: $6.95 Quantity in Basket: none
	BABOLAT Pro Team Overgrip Code: 9540-04 Price: $5.45 Quantity in Basket: none
	BABOLAT VS Grip Original Overgrip Code: 9540-05 Price: $6.95 Quantity in Basket: none
	BABOLAT Syntec Overgrip Code: 9540-06 Price: $5.95 Quantity in Basket: none

About Replacement Grips & Overgrips

Changing grips and/or adding overgrips to a tennis racquet can have a significant impact on the grip size and, therefore, on the playability of the racquet. Many people like the feel of an overgrip, plus it can be replaced easily when it wears out. So, when purchasing a racquet, it is important to plan ahead regarding the handle size, especially if overgrips will be used. Below are a few topics that will help to understand grips and overgrips.

Grip Sizing

The grip sizes of tennis racquets have two units of measure -- European and American. The European sizing ranges from L1 to L6 in increments of one unit (L1, L2, L3, etc.). The equivalent American sizes range from 4-1/8" to 4-3/4" in increments of 1/8 inch. The American sizes represent the circumference of the handle, which can be measured with any flexible tape measure. Handle sizes on beginner junior racquets can also go below the range listed in the conversion table below:

L1 = 4-1/8 inches
L2 = 4-1/4 inches
L3 = 4-3/8 inches
L4 = 4-1/2 inches
L5 = 4-5/8 inches
L6 = 4-3/4 inches

Replacement Grips, Overgrips & Sizing

Replacement Grips: The thickness of replacement grips can vary, but most fall in the same tiny range of thickness. Thus, when replacing a grip, as long as the new grip is about the same thickness as the old grip, which is usually the case, the grip size of the racquet should remain the same. However, there are some thicker, higher moisture absorbing grips, or thicker grips with more cushioning, that can increase the grip size of a racquet handle when replacing a standard grip. So, be attentative to changing grip sizes when changing grips since it will affect the playability of the tennis racquet.

Overgrips: Most overgrips are 1/16 of an inch thick. Obvious by the name, they are wrapped over the top of the regular grip. Thus, by adding one overgrip, the grip size will increase by 1/2 size (1/16 inch). By adding two overgrips, the handle size will increase by 1/8 inch, or one full handle size (e.g., from 4-3/8" to 4-1/2", or L3 to L4). Some people like to use two overgrips since, together, they offer more cushioning, more moisture absorbing, and a larger handle size.

Choosing the Right Grip Size

There is a simple test to determine the proper size of a tennis racquet handle. Hold the racquet in an eastern forehand grip (first knuckle on the side bevel of the handle, which is the same bevel as the string face). When squeezing the handle, the tip of the ring finger should come about the width of a little finger from the palm.

If the handle is too small, the racquet will tend to twist more easily at ball impact, and therefore requires more muscle strength. If the handle is too large, it becomes more difficult to change stroke grips and get the right feel. If the handle is either too large or small, it can contribute to tennis elbow.

When purchasing a racquet and choosing the right handle size, be sure to factor in the use of overgrips. It is always possible to increase the size of a handle (with overgrips and double overgrips), but it is difficult to reduce the handle size.