Why My Racket Kept Slipping (And How I Fixed It)
My racket literally flew out of my hand mid-smash during a club game. Sailed about 10 feet, almost hit my partner. Embarrassing.
The problem? I'd been using the same grip for 8 months. It was so worn and slippery that my racket was basically covered in plastic wrap.
Grips are cheap ($3), replaceable, and probably the most ignored part of most club players' setup. Here's what I learned after 10+ years of trying different grips.
⚡ Quick Answer: Which Grip?
Synthetic (like Yonex Super Grap): For most players. Tacky, durable, lasts 1-2 months.
Towel grip: If you sweat heavily. Absorbs like crazy but needs replacing every 2-3 weeks.
When to replace: When it feels slippery, smells bad, or looks crusty. Don't wait 8 months like I did.
Why I Switched From Towel To Synthetic
I started with towel grips because a friend recommended them. "They get grippier when wet," he said. True—for about 2 weeks.
Then they got crusty, started smelling like a gym sock, and became slippery when dry. I'd have to lightly mist them with water before playing or they'd feel like sandpaper.
Switched to Yonex Super Grap (synthetic) and never looked back. Stays tacky for 6-8 weeks of regular play, no smell, works whether my hands are wet or dry.
Towel Grips: When They Actually Work
If you're a heavy sweater—like dripping-hands-in-summer level—towel grips are your friend. They absorb massive amounts of sweat.
But you HAVE to replace them frequently (every 2-3 weeks). The moment they feel stiff or crusty, they're done. Don't try to get another week out of them.
Shop Towel Grips on Amazon →Synthetic Grips: My Default Choice
I use Yonex Super Grap on all my rackets now. Tacky right out of the package, thin so it doesn't bulk up the handle, lasts way longer than towel.
The only downside? Gets a bit slippery when my hands are REALLY sweaty (like in summer). Solution: I keep grip powder in my bag for those days.
Shop Yonex Super Grap on Amazon →💡 What Actually Helped: I bought a 3-pack of grips and change them every 6 weeks on my main racket. Mark the date you wrap it with a Sharpie on the handle. When 6 weeks hit, swap it even if it still feels okay.
The Thickness Problem I Didn't Know I Had
I used to stack 2-3 overgrips on top of my replacement grip. Made the handle thicker because I have big hands.
Problem: my wrist snap got slower. The thick handle reduced how fast I could maneuver the racket. Switched to just 1 overgrip and my net play immediately felt faster.
Thin handle (1 overgrip): Faster wrist, better for defense and net play, might give you blisters at first.
Thick handle (2-3 overgrips): More comfortable, reduces vibration, but slower maneuverability.
I settled on 1 overgrip. Took about a week to adjust, but the speed increase was worth it.
Replacement Grip vs Overgrip (Confused Me For Years)
Replacement grip: The thick cushiony grip that comes on your racket. You almost never remove this.
Overgrip: The thin tape you wrap OVER the replacement grip. This is what you replace every few weeks.
I thought they were the same thing for my first year. Tried to wrap a replacement grip as an overgrip. It was way too thick and awkward. Don't make my mistake.
⚠️ Mistake I Made: Never replacing grips. I'd use the same grip until it literally fell off. Your grip should be replaced every 6-8 weeks if you play 2-3x per week. Every 2-3 weeks for towel grips.
The Grip Powder Secret
I resisted grip powder for years. "That's for pros," I thought. Tried it once, wished I'd done it sooner.
It's just chalk (magnesium carbonate). Dust a little on your hands before playing. Your hands stay dry, grip stays tacky. Game changer for summer sessions.
Costs like $10, lasts a year. Keep a bottle in your bag.
Shop Grip Powder on Amazon →How To Wrap An Overgrip (Took Me 10 Tries)
First time I wrapped a grip, it looked like a toddler did it. Bumpy, uneven, finishing tape barely holding on.
The key: Pull TIGHT as you wrap. Keep it taut. Overlap each wrap by about 2-3mm. Start at the bottom, work your way up.
After 10+ rackets, I can do it in 2 minutes. You'll get the hang of it after 2-3 tries.
When To Replace Your Grip
Signs it's time:
- Feels slippery even when dry
- Visible tears or fraying
- Smells bad (especially towel grips)
- Loses tackiness—your hand slides during shots
- Hard or crusty (towel grips)
If you're hitting any of these, replace it TODAY. A $3 grip can save you from a $200 racket hitting the floor.
What Actually Matters
After 10+ years: your grip is the cheapest upgrade you can make. A fresh $3 overgrip makes a $50 racket feel better than a $200 racket with a dead grip.
Start with Yonex Super Grap. If it gets too slippery in summer, try towel grips or add grip powder. Replace every 6-8 weeks. That's it.
The racket-flying-out-of-my-hand incident? Never happened again after I started maintaining my grips properly.