Match point. 20-19. Opponent hit a weak lift to the back corner. Perfect smash opportunity.
Jumped. Swung hard. Racket slipped in my hand mid-swing. Shuttle barely cleared the net. Lost 22-20.
My grip was soaked with sweat. The overgrip I'd been using for 6 weeks was slick like plastic. Should've replaced it 2 weeks earlier.
Tested 8 different overgrip brands over 8 months. Here's which ones actually keep your racket from slipping and which ones are a waste of money.
Your racket has a base grip. That's the thin synthetic layer wrapped around the handle at the factory.
An overgrip goes on top. Adds thickness. Absorbs sweat. Provides traction.
Without a good overgrip, your racket will slip during hard hits. You'll grip tighter to compensate. That creates tension in your forearm. Leads to tennis elbow over time.
A $2 overgrip prevents both immediate problems (slipping during matches) and long-term problems (repetitive strain injuries). Cheapest upgrade you can make.
Two main types: towel grips and synthetic grips. They feel completely different.
Towel grips have a terry cloth texture. They absorb sweat like a towel. Stay dry longer during matches.
Synthetic grips are smooth and tacky. They don't absorb much sweat but provide excellent traction when dry.
Played 3 months with only towel grips. Then 3 months with only synthetic grips. Here's what actually matters.
If your hands sweat heavily, towel grips are essential. They absorb moisture and maintain grip even when soaked.
I tested towel grips during summer sessions. 90°F gym with no AC. Hands pouring sweat after 10 minutes.
Synthetic grips became slippery after 15 minutes. Towel grips stayed grippy for the full 90-minute session.
Downside: towel grips wear out faster. Last 2-3 weeks with heavy use versus 4-6 weeks for synthetic.
If your hands stay relatively dry, synthetic grips provide superior feel and control.
The tacky surface lets you hold the racket with a lighter grip. Less tension in your hand and forearm. Better wrist snap on smashes.
Played a tournament in an air-conditioned venue. Hands barely sweating. Synthetic grip felt perfect all day.
But the moment my hands got sweaty, synthetic became useless. Slipping constantly.
Yonex AC102EX Super Grap - $12 for 3-pack
Why it's the best: Perfect balance of absorption and durability. Stays grippy even when soaked with sweat.
I tested these for 4 months straight. Each grip lasted 3 weeks with 4-5 sessions per week. The texture stays consistent until the very end.
Compared to cheaper towel grips, the Yonex actually absorbs sweat instead of just getting wet and slippery. Worth the extra $2.
Best for: Players with sweaty hands, hot/humid conditions, players who want one grip that works everywhere.
Yonex AC106EX Tacky Fit Grip - $10 for 3-pack
Why it works: Ultra-tacky surface provides insane grip in dry conditions. Thin profile maintains original handle feel.
These feel like glue when fresh. I could hold my racket with just my thumb and index finger without it slipping.
The tackiness does fade after 3-4 weeks. Once it starts feeling smooth, replace it immediately or it becomes slippery.
Best for: Players with dry hands, air-conditioned venues, players who want maximum feel and control.
Li-Ning Absorbent Overgrip - $8 for 3-pack
The value pick: Performs 85% as well as Yonex Super Grap for 60% of the price.
Used these when I was going through 2 grips per week during heavy training. Couldn't justify $4 per grip.
Li-Ning grips absorb sweat well. Last about 2 weeks instead of 3. The trade-off is worth it if you're on a tight budget.
Best for: Players who replace grips frequently, beginners, practice rackets.
This is where most players screw up. They keep using the same grip for months until it's completely destroyed.
A grip is done when it starts feeling slick instead of grippy. Usually 2-4 weeks depending on how much you play.
I mark my calendar when I put on a new grip. Three weeks later, I replace it whether it looks worn or not.
Fresh grips cost $2-4. Losing a match because your racket slipped costs your ranking, your confidence, and potentially an injury from over-gripping.
Squeeze your grip firmly and release. If it springs back quickly, it's still good. If it stays compressed, replace it.
Dead grips lose their cushioning and grip. They're compressed and hard from all the sweat and pressure.
I do this test before every match. Takes 2 seconds. Saves me from playing with a slippery grip.
Most people wrap their overgrips wrong. They leave gaps or wrap too loose. The grip slips around the handle during play.
Here's how to do it right:
Your first wrap will probably look messy. That's normal. By your third or fourth grip, you'll get the hang of it.
Watch a YouTube video if you need visual guidance. It's easier to see than to read.
Used overgrips wrong for years before I figured out what actually works. Here are the mistakes I made:
Mistake 1: Stacking multiple overgrips. I thought thicker = better grip. Wrong. It just makes the handle too fat and reduces control. Use one overgrip at a time.
Mistake 2: Keeping grips too long. I'd use the same grip for 2 months because it "still looked okay." Performance dropped way before visible wear appeared.
Mistake 3: Buying the cheapest grips. $5 for 10 grips seemed like a deal. They lasted 5 days each. Ended up costing more than quality grips.
Mistake 4: Not matching grip to conditions. I used synthetic grips in summer heat. Slipped constantly. Should've switched to towel grips for hot months.
Some players use just the base grip to save $3 per month on overgrips. This is stupid.
Base grips are thin and slippery. You'll grip your racket 30% tighter to compensate. That tension travels up your forearm.
I developed tennis elbow doing this for 6 months. Took 3 months of physical therapy to fix. Would've gladly paid $100 in overgrips to avoid that pain.
Overgrips are preventive maintenance. Spend the $10 per month.
I keep both towel and synthetic grips in my bag. Switch based on conditions.
Summer months (May-September): Yonex Super Grap towel grips. Replace every 2-3 weeks.
Winter months (October-April): Yonex Tacky Fit synthetic grips. Replace every 4 weeks.
Practice racket: Li-Ning budget grips. Replace every 2 weeks.
Tournament rackets: Yonex Super Grap, replaced the day before tournaments even if they're only 2 weeks old. Fresh grips for important matches.
If you want one simple answer: buy Yonex AC102EX Super Grap. It works in all conditions. Lasts 3 weeks. Costs $4 per grip.
It's not the absolute best at any one thing, but it's excellent at everything. Towel texture absorbs sweat. Thin enough to maintain feel. Durable enough to justify the price.
If your hands sweat minimally and you want maximum control, get the Tacky Fit synthetic. But know you'll need to switch to towel grips in summer.
If you're on a tight budget, Li-Ning grips perform well enough for 60% of the cost.
Whatever you choose, replace them regularly. Your performance, comfort, and injury prevention depend on it.
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