Yonex Grip Codes Explained: How to Measure Your Hand for G4, G5, and G6 Handles
Quick Answer
Yonex grip sizes: G4 (largest), G5 (medium), G6 (smallest). Most adult men use G4, most adult women and teenagers use G5, and juniors or players with very small hands use G6. Measure from your ring finger crease to the bottom of your palm—if it's 4 inches or more, use G4. If it's 3.75-3.9 inches, use G5. Under 3.75 inches, use G6.
If you have ever picked up a racket and felt like the handle was either too thick to grip properly or too thin and slippery, it was probably the wrong grip size. Yet most beginners have no idea that badminton rackets come in different handle sizes—let alone how to choose the right one.
This guide will decode Yonex's G4, G5, and G6 sizing system, show you how to measure your hand properly, and explain why choosing the wrong size can hurt your game.
Understanding Yonex Grip Size Codes
Yonex uses a "G-code" system for handle sizes. The number represents the circumference of the handle in millimeters, divided by a constant. Here is what you need to know:
| Grip Code | Circumference | Handle Thickness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| G4 | 89mm (3.5 inches) | Thickest | Adult men, large hands |
| G5 | 86mm (3.4 inches) | Medium | Adult women, average-sized hands |
| G6 | 83mm (3.3 inches) | Thinnest | Juniors, small hands |
Important: The difference between each size is only 3mm in circumference, but it makes a huge difference in feel and control.
How to Measure Your Hand for Grip Size
đź“Ź The Ruler Method (Most Accurate)
- Open your dominant hand and extend your fingers straight up
- Locate the crease at the base of your ring finger (where it connects to your palm)
- Place a ruler from this crease down to the bottom horizontal crease of your palm
- Measure in inches (or centimeters)
Results:
- 4.0 inches (10.2 cm) or more → G4 (Large)
- 3.75 - 3.9 inches (9.5 - 10 cm) → G5 (Medium)
- Under 3.75 inches (9.5 cm) → G6 (Small)
The "Finger Gap" Test (Quick Method)
If you do not have a ruler, try this:
- Hold a racket with a standard forehand grip
- Wrap your fingers around the handle naturally
- Check the gap between your fingertips and the base of your thumb
Ideal fit: There should be about 5-8mm of space (roughly the width of your pinky finger). If there is no gap, the handle is too small. If you can fit two fingers in the gap, it is too large.
G4 vs G5 vs G6: Which Should You Choose?
G4 (Large Grip) - 89mm Circumference
Best for: Adult men (5'8" or taller), players with large hands, power players
Pros:
- More control during powerful smashes—thicker handle prevents twisting
- Reduces wrist strain because you do not have to squeeze as hard
- Better for players who use a lot of wrist power
Cons:
- Slower wrist snap for deceptive shots
- Can feel bulky if you have small or medium hands
- Less precise control for net play
G5 (Medium Grip) - 86mm Circumference
Best for: Adult women, teenage boys, men with average-sized hands, all-around players
Pros:
- Perfect balance between control and power
- Faster wrist rotation for deceptive net shots
- Most versatile size—works for 70% of players
Cons:
- May feel slightly thin for very large hands
- May feel slightly thick for very small hands
đź’ˇ Pro Tip: When in Doubt, Go Smaller
If you are between sizes, choose the smaller grip. You can always add an extra overgrip layer to increase thickness (adds ~1-2mm). But you cannot make a too-thick grip thinner without removing the base grip entirely.
G6 (Small Grip) - 83mm Circumference
Best for: Juniors (under 14), adults with very small hands, doubles specialists
Pros:
- Maximum wrist flexibility for fast net play
- Easiest to maneuver for quick reactions
- Ideal for defensive and control-based players
Cons:
- Less stable during powerful smashes (can twist in hand)
- Requires stronger grip strength to prevent slipping
- Can cause hand fatigue during long sessions
What Happens If You Choose the Wrong Size?
Grip Too Large (e.g., using G4 when you need G5)
Symptoms:
- Hand cramps after 30 minutes of play
- Slow wrist movement—your deceptive shots become predictable
- Difficulty changing grips quickly (forehand → backhand)
- Blisters on the base of your palm from gripping too hard
Grip Too Small (e.g., using G6 when you need G5)
Symptoms:
- Racket twists in your hand during smashes
- You have to squeeze excessively hard to maintain control
- Blisters on your fingers from friction
- Forearm fatigue—tennis elbow symptoms
How to Adjust Grip Size with Overgrips
If your racket's handle is slightly too thin, you can customize it using overgrips:
Standard Setup: 1 Overgrip
Most rackets come with a replacement grip (1.5-2mm thick). Adding one overgrip (0.5-0.75mm) on top is the standard setup. This is what 90% of players use.
Thick Setup: 2-3 Overgrips
If you have a G5 racket but need it closer to G4 thickness, add 2-3 overgrips. Each additional layer adds ~1mm of circumference. Two overgrips can turn a G5 into approximately a G4.
Thin Setup: No Overgrip or Very Thin Overgrip
If you want the thinnest possible handle, remove the replacement grip entirely and wrap a single overgrip directly on the wooden handle. This is common among professional doubles players who prioritize wrist speed.
Victor and Li-Ning Sizing vs Yonex
Other brands use different sizing systems. Here is how they compare:
| Yonex | Victor | Li-Ning | Circumference |
|---|---|---|---|
| G4 | G3 | S2 | 89mm |
| G5 | G4 | S3 | 86mm |
| G6 | G5 | S4 | 83mm |
Common Mistakes When Choosing Grip Size
Mistake 1: Assuming "Bigger = Better Control"
Many beginners think a thicker grip gives more control. This is wrong. The ideal grip size depends on your hand size, not your skill level. A too-thick grip will slow your wrist and cause fatigue.
Mistake 2: Never Testing Before Buying
If possible, visit a badminton shop and hold rackets with different grip sizes. The difference between G4 and G5 might seem small on paper, but it feels massive in your hand.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Your Playing Style
Even if your hand measurement says G5, you might prefer G6 if you play fast doubles at the net. Conversely, if you are a power smasher, you might prefer G4 even with medium hands.
What the Pros Use
- Viktor Axelsen (Men's Singles): G4 - He is 6'4" with large hands and plays a power game
- An Se-young (Women's Singles): G5 - Standard for elite female players
- Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik (Men's Doubles): G5 with thin overgrip - Prioritizes wrist speed over power
Our Recommendations
Best Default Choice for Most Players:
G5 (Medium) - This is the "goldilocks" size. It works for 70% of players and can be customized with overgrips if needed.
For Adult Men (5'8"+):
G4 if you have large hands or play a power game. G5 if you have average hands or play fast doubles.
For Adult Women and Teenagers:
G5 for most players. G6 only if you have very small hands (under 3.75 inches measured).
For Juniors (Under 14):
G6 is the standard. Upgrade to G5 when they turn 13-14 or when their hand measures over 3.75 inches.
Final Thoughts: Test Before You Commit
Grip size is personal. The measurements and guidelines above work for 90% of players, but the only way to know for sure is to try different sizes. If you are buying your first racket, start with G5 and adjust with overgrips.
If you are buying a premium racket like the Yonex Astrox 100ZZ, make absolutely sure you get the right grip size. A $200+ racket with the wrong handle size is useless.
And remember: you can always make a grip thicker with overgrips, but you cannot make it thinner without major modifications. When in doubt, go smaller.
Complete Your Equipment Setup
Now that you understand grip sizing, make sure you are using the right overgrips too. Check out our complete grip guide to learn about towel vs synthetic grips and when to replace them.