TO GRIP, OR NOT TO GRIP; THAT IS THE QUESTION

By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT and Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo

We don’t talk about grips very much. I guess that’s because there isn’t much to say about them; you either have one or you don’t. Right? Wrong! Even my well-informed customers don’t understand the function, concept or life of their grip.

First, I should explain what a grip is. Unnecessary, you say? I don’t think so. A grip is often confused with the handle of the racquet and with OVERGRIP that is very thin, and is added OVER the grip either to change the texture (feel) or to make the grip a little larger. In between the handle and overgrip is the grip. Interestingly (at least to me) as recently as the 1930’s the grip and handle were one and the same. Wood racquets were made with grooves cut from top to bottom to help the player “grip” the racquet. Later, thin strips of leather were used and later yet replaced by thicker strips to give a little cushioning. Word has it that credit for the original synthetic grip goes to Gamma with their “Hi-Tech”. Since then, very little has changed, although new grips enter the market with surprising regularity.

Synthetic grips are quite complex, considering their low price. They are made of two or three layers with beveled edges so they can be wrapped without a lump where they touch. Leather grips are still around, and have a considerable following, especially with some advanced and professional players. This is because they provide very little cushioning to allow a better feel of the edges of the grip. Most of us prefer the extra cushioning which helps slightly when we miss-hit the ball. Racquets come with grips wrapped for right-handers. Replacement grips can be wrapped the other direction to be more comfortable for “lefties.”

Those of you who are still reading this are probably saying, “What’s the point?” Good question. Now that you know what a grip is, you can better understand and appreciate why you should take care of and replace yours regularly.

Leather grips can last for years, but get slippery from dirt, sunblock, etc, and although you can clean them, a new one will help you hold on to your racquet better. Although most people prefer the cushioning and moisture absorbency of synthetic grips, they rarely understand that it’s probably more important to replace their grip than their strings. The top layer of a synthetic grip is very thin and wears off relatively quickly. This means that you no longer have the gripping power you had when it was new. Also, grips get compressed with use and will provide less cushioning and make the grip size smaller. We go through a lot of pains at the shop to make sure customers get the proper grip size. An old, compressed grip could conceivably be a size smaller than a new one. Additionally, just like leather, synthetic grips get slippery with sweat, dirt, etc. not to mention the buildup of germs.

Replace grips regularly, at least every time you string. They really don’t last much more than six months; at the outside, a year, depending on how often you play. A synthetic grip costs much less than $10. Replacing it when it looks worn won’t break the bank, but it will definitely help you play more comfortably with less worry of slippage.

COPYRIGHT 2006

By Vince Chiarelli, MRT, PTR, Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo