Grip size. What's yours?

[Cheung]

Looked back with the search function but couldn't find any threads addressing this particular issue with any depth.

Just like to do a quick survey on people's preferences on size of grip.
What do you prefer? Thick or thin.

Since grip size will vary with each different person let's take the following as a reference point; by gripping the racquet, can your third finger touch the fleshy bit underneath your thumb.
Is your grip bigger than this or smaller than this or about this size?

Importantly, why do you have your particular size?

[Matt]

I use G 4.5 and put a single overgrip and wrap it like a double layer.

[Don]

I use a G4 and put 4 overgrips over it. I like it this way because it resembles my squash racquet very much. In case you are wondering, I can touch the fleshy part of my thumb with my middle finger with no problem.

[Eric]

G4.5 with single layer of yonex super grap (note i only use half the yonex grap though) or G4 with standard factory grip if i need to replace grip i rip off the one that came gripped by the factory and put on a new one (but when i grip it again i grip it with the whole piece of grip). Just to let you know i dont have small hands, from the base of my palm to the tip of my longest finger its 7.75 inches.

[Cheung]

Is that the thin grip or the thick spongy grip?

[Cheung]

That's a small grip for a big hand!

[Matt]

No no, G4.5 stock grip, and then overgripped with a Black Knight grip which make the grip close to a G3.

[Eric]

thats just the way i like it though i find that its easier to drive with a small grip and its easier to switch to backhand and back with the smaller grip.

[BaMBaM]

G3 for me is just perfect, not too big and not too small when you add an extra layer of overgrip. With one layer of overgrip, there is no loss in the handle's octagonal shape.

[Cheung]

Why is it perfect for you? And what's the size of your hand?

[BaMBaM]

From my wrist to the tip of my middle finger, it measures about 19.5 cm. As for your way of measuring grip, my middle finger touches the fleshy bit just under my thumb IF I grip the handle harder. Otherwise they do not touch when relaxed and there is about a half a centimeter of free space in between.

[cooler]

G3 for me too but i cover it with a thinner type overgrip. I also have G4 rackets but i buildup the grip with more overgrip. At relax state, my 3rd finger is about 3mm from the thumb bottom but touching when smashing. Hey cheung, what grip you r using?

[kwun]

i like G4 with two thin grips.

this beg for the question. is G3 + 1 grip better, or G4 + 2 grips better?

anyone experimented with this?

[Brett]

I suspect that I may be gripping my racquet too tightly, which I understand decreases flexibility of the wrist and thus decreases power - is that correct? (I have had this same problem in golf for years). Over the weekend I demoed a Pointfore racquet (very nice incidentally, see my post in the equipment forum) that had a much softer and more padded grip than normal racquets, feeling like I had several sponge overgrips on it. I think it was the same G4 size as my Cab, on which I have a single layer of Prince DuraTred tennis racquet grip tape. I felt like I not only could get more wrist action into my shots with this racquet but that the racquet almost compelled me to use more wrist. Do you think the softer grip had anything to do with that sensation?

[Calvin]

Just use what you are most comfortable with....there's no specification depending on the size or your hand or weight of the racket.

[BaMBaM]

I did try it Kwun G3 + 1 grip is better than G4 + 2 grips.

G4 + 2 grips made the handle too soft and cushiony for me. I like it better when I can feel the wooden handle underneath. You lose a bit of sensitivity when playing I react a tad slower because the grip compresses before the racquet moves(I don't notice it much but In the back of my mind I do know I do).

[cooler]

that would be my point too.
kwun, i would recommend the following:
single: g3 + 1 overgrip
doubles: g4 + 2 overgrip

ok?

[Cheung]

So what about yourself Calvin? What do you define as comfortable?

[Mag]

My Carltons all have the same grip size, I think it's 3 1/2.
My MP100 has a G3 grip.

I just use a single layer of some tacky Prince tennis overgrip. Being I'm 6ft 5in tall I have quite big hands so this would be considered a pretty small grip for me. I like it like that, plus I like to "feel the wood" through the grips... Towel grips never really worked for me. It just feels clumsy and impairs finger power.

[Cheung]

In the end I was hoping for a few more people's input.

Have you noticed Peter G and Eng Hian's grip? It looks really huge. Yet how do these players manipulate the racquet so well.

When I first started playing in UK, lots of people had way bigger grips to those I now see in HK/M'sia. Just why is that so?

Many of the replies seem to have quite small grips relative to the hand size.

The reason for my question was because I think I had been increasing the size of my grip unconciously to a point that was too large but hadn't realised it fro quite a long time.
Strange, eh.

Only after a series of recent events did I realise something was wrong. (Wont' bore you with the details)
Now that I have gone back to a smaller grip (G4 grip with the original leather grip ripped off, one thin grip and then a spongy grip on top), the racquet manipulation with the fingers and extra power are made easier. I may have to even take off the thin grip later.

Just my two cents to maybe help other people! Thanks for all replies.

BTW, I'm supposed to get more power. Playing singles last night, the clears seem to have extra bite and I didn't need so much effort in to get in a good whack of the shuttle. My arm can stay more relaxed until the critical impact point. Now I'm just itching to get into a doubles game................

[TG]

Does grip size have any effect on power or control?

[Yogi]

The very reason that there are various grips sizes should emphasise the fact that it actually affects the balance of the racket, which in turn affects your power and control.

I dont think that manufacturers alter the balnce point according to the size of teh grip.Let u stake an example.

How many of us actually buy a G3 or a G2 grip here!Most of us settle for a G4 or a G5 grip size.(yonex)

The graphite part of the racket is made and then the grips are added.The balance point of the rackets are not Changed according the grip that is going to be added. Thus Bigger grip sizes might make an offensive racket into a more well balanced racket then a head heavy racket.

So i guess each racket feels diff with diff grip sizes.

[Matt]

Yes it does affect yoru style of play and the way you feel about the racket. Power, some what becuase it depends how big the grip is. I would use a G 4.5 grip and build on grips from there.

[Matt]

Well I use G 4.5 rackets becuase they fit my hand very well and I put a single layer grip to make it better =)

[cooler]

A 40 ish tall (5'10) and 210lb caucasian dude newly joined our local indonesian badminton club. He surprised me by playing reasonably well (powerful smashes, clears and no fear of intercepting smashes near the net) for a white dude. After the second night, i ask him where he's from and he told me he moved back to canada after working many years in indonesia. Ahhh, no wonder i said, u must watched and played some badminton over there and he said oh ya, I have to, not much else. I look at his racket and dont even recognize the brand, it looked like an older version of a 1 piece graphite racket ( i have some recognition of how graphite and resin were binded in older racket). Then i said, why are you using such a small grip(probably a g5 with a thin over grip) with your large hand. He said that's all he could buy, everybody have small hands over there. I :lol: my head out.

[zero]

haha........is this really true cooler?.......lol...(how do u do those faces???)

[cooler]

of course it's true.

go do a search under general forum
search under Kelvin as author
he uses smiley alot

[clive]

My understanding was always that a larger grip was beter for power, and a smaller grip for control.

I have a ProAce racket which have some of the smallest base grips, with the wonderful Karakal Ripple grip, and it's a great combination for my hand size, which is long fingers, but not a very large hand.

Most of the players I play with have their grips built up much fatter, and I don't like it at all.

[cooler]

which proace racket u have?

[Cheung]

A lot of people say, use a comfortable grip size. It should be small enough so that your wrist can move freely. Even introductory texts on badminton (written in English) state this.

But how small is small? Mag says he has big hands yet uses a G4 size grip. By his own admission, he is a "wristy player".

I recently met somebody who had a huge grip, (G0.5?), and said that was comfortable. I mentioned it was pretty huge. He says he likes it like that because of previously playing tennis.

My own experience is that since examining stroke movements a few months ago, I realised my own grip (about G2.5) was too large to execute some shots. Now I got it down to G4 (perhaps very slightly bigger). i.e. G4 grip with original leather taken off and two very thin grips bound on to it. Don't seem to have the same problems as before (though it can be argued that I've been playing more and therefore it was only a matter of practise in making the shots better!)

Byro, you are supposed to have a hard smash and manage to use a wrist flick to produce the power. What size is your grip? do u think you could smash as hard with a bigger size grip?

Other peoples' opinions welcomed.

(BTW, somebody told me many china team players have small grip sizes on racquets. However, i have not personally picked one up)

[Kelvin]

In order to maintain good control of the racquet (using fingers are the most accurate), it is important to have a smaller grip.

By smaller my definition is that your fingers should not be stabbing into your palm while holding your racquet.
it should be about a 1cm away, or less.
This for me has been optimal.
I've always religiously placed two overwrap grips over top of a Yonex G4. the first layer is from the top of the buttcap, over top the original grip, to protect it from the layer I play with... next I wrap the layer of grip from the bottom of the buttcap, up to the top of the handle... the plastic cone.

This basically eliminates the buttcap groove, which I have never liked until recently.
I find that I'm able to get ample power, and excellent control on my shots more this way. My hand is free to maneuver around the grip as I wish.
The two layers provide enough sweat absorbtion, and shock absorbtion.
Wrist snap, with arm movement is essential to getting maximum power on our smashes.
As acceleration from the point of readiness, is the key to generating that headspeed. If your grip is too large, I find while you get a decent amount of power, you can not swing your racquet any faster, because there is too much bulk to pull down on.
I've found that when my grip is smaller that the weight tends to shift more towards the head of the racquet on shots, while pulling on the racquet, and it allows me to pull on the grip harder, so that my racquet actually accelerates faster on the down swing. Combined with wrist snap, and gravity... makes for a potent combination.

Not sure if any of that made sense to anyone...
If not just ask me again, and I'll explain.

One thing I've found lately while training with the national team players, is that they actually do something to create a larger butt, on the end of the cap!!
when asked why, they would explain, it gives a bottom to the racquet, so that when you pull down on the racquet handle, it supposedly gives more leverage to the shots.
So I've been experimenting, and applying a little extra material EG, a thick elastic band just above the cap.
then wrapping the grip around.
I haven't noticed anything particularly different yet, but I am noticing a slight bit more stability in my smash, if there's such thing.

Basically my grip size is a modified G3.from a G4, with two grip wraps to a G3... not sure if that's how you measure them...
Anyways, hope some of this blabbing helps, or interests someone.

[SystemicAnomaly]

i'd go with the smallest grip that feels comfortable to you. it's no surprise to hear that many elite players use small grips.

even as a tennis player with large hands (long fingers), i still go with a small grip (G3) for badminton (and a fairly large grip for tennis). with tennis, i hold the grip more in the palm of my hand. however, with badminton i hold the racket (high up) in the fingers. this enables me to easily make grip changes in badminton. for tennis, i use my non-dominant hand to facilitate grip changes.

the use of the smaller grip for badminton facilitates a considerable amount of finger control. i can easily roll the racket in my fingers for certain shots. i believe that the smaller grip (held in the fingers) also helps to keep the forearm and grip very loose. this helps with forearm rotation and generating racket head speed resulting in more power with less strain.

[john]

performance wise, what would be the difference between a real G3 grip and a G4 grip modified to a G3 with overgrips? since a real G3 grip has less padding, wouldn't that give you better control? and a G4 with 2 layers of overgrip give you slightly more power?

[Kelvin]

actually I just don't like the padding that the G3 offers, so I go with 2 overwraps, because it's softer on the hands.
As for power, that depends more on technique, but then again I could be wrong.

Grip size relates to power generation, because the player might or might not be more comfortable with a certain type of grip, which in turn allows them to play to their maximum abilities... if you're not comfy with your equipment, I don't think a player will play well.
It's a combination of many things I guess that translates into good performance, or bad performance.

[SystemicAnomaly]

the G4 with 2 overgrips is not a bad idea as long as the grip doesn't become too rounded. if you are in the habit of making fine adjusts in the way you grip the racket as you play, it is usually best to be able to feel the bevels/corners (even if it is on a subconcious level).

[Lao Liu]

It has been a very constructive discussion so far on this topic. I guess once your play has reach certain level, you want to find all the places to maximise your efforts in your game. I would like to mention other factors involved when you decide your grip size. In general, as mentioned in previous postings, the smaller the grip size is, the more flex you have to control your racket with fingers, which not only helps one to generate more burst of power when hitting a shuttle (by swing the racket inside of your hand), but to reduce the back-swing of your arm and generate deception.

However, for a player cann't quite stay relex when holding a racket, small size grip will certainly increase the load of finger flexers, which sometimes cause 'tennis-elbow' symptoms. The other thing is when you change the grip size, you may also change the balance point of the racket.

[Kelvin]

Actually if feeling bevels, and corners works for people I suggest they do that.
However, I've held racquets for the last 17 some odd years, it's second nature to me now that I haven't needed to look at how I hold it for the longest time.
Also, the grip isn't really as round as you think it might be on my racquets.

[Byro-Nenium]

I have a few rackets that i'm using right now, all of them are G4 grip size if i remember correctly, the Ti-10, Slim-10 and the other one i think is G5, MP55. but i find the size in the grip minimal so i don't find any specific grip size that i'm comfy with. Any size can do.

But then again i haven't tried the largest size, G1. But i've used a G2 grip size before

[May]

well i use a G4 grip 4 one, can't remember abt the other one, shld be the same, 'cept the other one has 2 grips, dun ask how, the second one's not an overgrip mind u.
but wut do big hands have to do with grips?? i gues my fingers r considered short, for a pianist anyway.

[Cheung]

Big grips migth tend to let the racquet fly out of the hands, therefore to stop this, a person may use the last three fingers of the hand to hold the butt of the racquet in the palm tighter. But if this happens, it is more difficult to relax the forearm and use the wrist flick to generate more power. This is my own subjective opinion.

Of course, some people will be exceptions and have large grips and still use their wrist very well but I suspect these are mainly a majority.

I wonder when badminton texts say 'comfortable' grip size, it is not that helpful and a more objective term would be "Optimal grip size".

Just managed to find out Chen Hong has a G3 size grip with a thin layer of grip round it. But he is a pretty big guy and probably has big hands.

[May]

u knw, maybe there isn't really a difference.

[Iwan]

I just noticed that fingers also play an important part in badminton, in terms of quick change to backhand to forehand grip and vice versa. So, I was wondering which grip, thin or thick, would help to quicken this change.

[Valentino]

to me, somewhat thinner is better, cuz with thick grip u can move your fingers not as fast as if u had a smaller grip. but thats for me. u shouldnt get a too thin grip though

[^shaz^]

I tend to like thicker grips.... but i play more singles so change of grip is not as important as say in doubles as you have more time to play the shot, but i also have biggish hands so find too thin a grip also makes it awkward to change grips.

Shaz

[Creative]

Thinner grips for quicker wrist shots.

[angelus_2012]

is larger grip better than a smaller grip? some people said that larger grip achieve much power than a thinner grip. some people said larger grip achieve more control.
and some people said otherwise. can you please tell me the truth?

is towel grip such as Wilson's better than a PU/Rubber grip?
or please suggest the best grip product that gives you comfort plus performance. Thx

[LazyBuddy]

Hope this can help:

http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/showthread.phps=&threadid=7545&highlight=grip

http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/showthread.phps=&threadid=7808&highlight=grip

[LazyBuddy]

Sorry, try this:

http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7808&highlight=grip

http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7808&highlight=grip

[LazyBuddy]

Another one:

http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7545&highlight=grip

[yonexfanatic]

i would also think the size of the hand will determine what size of grip you'd want to use....

[Ian G.]

I like a moderately sized grip. Not too fat yet not too thin! ehehe. :) I use Gooseflites towel grips. Its pretty cheap so I can change it once a week!

[Joanne]

Originally posted by Ian G.
Gooseflites towel grips. Its pretty cheap so I can change it once a week!

Wow. Think I'll have to look for it. I use a medium grip. lol.

[Dark_ryu]

need help....is it good to have fat grips or thin grips..what would u prefer???:confused: :confused:

[mongoose]

For Doubles:
I prefer thin grip size.
Preferably rackets with G4 size grip. I'll remove the original grip and wrap a towel grip directly on the handle to halfway up the shaft (just like Sigit). :D
Thinner grip size allows me to change grip and move the racket around faster.

For Singles:
Slightly thicker grip size.
Prefer G3 grip size.
Again I'll remove the original grip and wrap a towel grip directly on the handle.
But this time I'll just wrap up to the cone (just like Taufik). :p
Thicker grip size (somehow) allows me to hit with more power.

[LazyBuddy]

http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7808&highlight=grip

http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7545&highlight=grip

http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8259

[Pointfore.Ca]

Grip size is all about preference. There is no "better" grip size to use because it depends on the type of feel that you want with your racquet. Some players prefer thinner grips because they say it gives them more maneuverability with the racquet. Some players prefer thicker grips because they say it gives them more power. Both are completely debatable.

Personally, I prefer a large grip (two replacement grips and an overgrip) because I do not feel like I will lose the racquet from my hand. :)

If you don't feel like throwing out cash to just try out different grip sizes, try to borrow a friend's racquet or if you'd like, contact me at info@pointfore.ca and I will send you a few grip samples from Pointfore Canada.

[fai]

Hi all, Thanks for reading this post....
I have a question on griping my racket.... I heard people saying that "a bigger (in size) grip gives you more power", does it really provide you more power?
For me personally, I am using Yonex Muscle Power 100 2U G5 verson, I took off the original grip and replace it with Yonex Super Grap. I can get more feel and control, but not power, by gripping the racket this way.
Does any of you know the best way to grip the racket, that can give you the most power?
How do you think I should grip the racket?

Thanks

[TOmike]

i think it would be wise to do a search, but this is fairly basic so you won't find a huge amount of threads.

hmm, u pulled off the original and put on a super grap? u're not supposed to replace the original with a supergrap. the super grap is used to go over the original. if u wanted to replace the original, u would get a REPLACEMENT grip. as for the size issue, it is all personal preference. some people like a thin handle some a large one. i believe G5 is the smallest, correct me if i'm wrong.. it totally depends on you. you should try different grips to try and find your perfect size, and compensate on your racquet by adding more grip layers.

cheers

[LazyBuddy]

This kinda questions been brought up before. Maybe u can also search some other threads for more answers. However, maybe it's kinda hard to find those old threads, since i could not figure out a proper suitable keyword.

Anyway, according to my experience (usage, and heard from others). Seems a lot of ppl think, thick (big) grip can gain more feeling = control, and thin (small) grip will be better for power. On the other hand, I also remember ppl think (and tested) thin grips will help both in control and power.

I think, it's mroe due to a personal preference and many other factors (material, way of hold racket, style of playing, etc). As long as the grip size is in a reasonable range for ur hand size, maybe a little bit experiment (only original grip vs 1 layer extra overgrip, vs 2 layers, etc) can really help u to figure out the answer.

[bigredlemon]

Originally posted by LazyBuddy
This kinda questions been brought up before. Maybe u can also search some other threads for more answers. However, maybe it's kinda hard to find those old threads, since i could not figure out a proper suitable keyword.

Anyway, according to my experience (usage, and heard from others). Seems a lot of ppl think, thick (big) grip can gain more feeling = control, and thin (small) grip will be better for power. On the other hand, I also remember ppl think (and tested) thin grips will help both in control and power.

I think, it's mroe due to a personal preference and many other factors (material, way of hold racket, style of playing, etc). As long as the grip size is in a reasonable range for ur hand size, maybe a little bit experiment (only original grip vs 1 layer extra overgrip, vs 2 layers, etc) can really help u to figure out the answer.

In my experience thicker grips are more dampening and hence less feel?

[LazyBuddy]

Originally posted by bigredlemon
In my experience thicker grips are more dampening and hence less feel?

That's why i say, it's more "personal preference"...

Since i am just the exactly opposite. If I don't put at least 1 layer of overgrip on my rackets (most are like yonex g4 size), I just can't play well.

Or, maybe just me like that??? :confused:

[Yodums]

I personally like a medium sized grip / slightly large one. I love the damping of the large grips, especially replacement grip, specifically Karakal Kushy grip. Of course I don't like it too big. Someone mentioned a huge grip will lock your wrist at times. On my main BK racquet, I have 2 Yonex Super Grap, and Karakal Kushy grip (Replacement). I did take off the stock grip since it had those bumps/ridges which I dislike which would affect all of the other layers.

Feels just right.

Yodums

[Nanashi]

i'd say i have a medium sized grip compared to my hand.... my doubles partner has roughly the same size hand and he has a larger grip than me...while his mixed partner has a slightly smaller hand, but her grip is about as thick as a pencil...


as for how i put on my grip, i fold it over so it's got 2 layers.... and then i overlap just the TINIEST bit so i have some ridges.... i usually end up using the entire grip (sometimes a little short too... depending on racquet) but hey, i paid for it, might as well use it all

[Yodums]

Originally posted by Nanashi
i'd say i have a medium sized grip compared to my hand.... my doubles partner has roughly the same size hand and he has a larger grip than me...while his mixed partner has a slightly smaller hand, but her grip is about as thick as a pencil...


as for how i put on my grip, i fold it over so it's got 2 layers.... and then i overlap just the TINIEST bit so i have some ridges.... i usually end up using the entire grip (sometimes a little short too... depending on racquet) but hey, i paid for it, might as well use it all

With replacement grip on the top, I only fold it over to the maximum where it doesn't produce any ridges. Thick grip overlapping = very big ridges!

The cut off about enough to fold around my grip twice.

[tarepanda]

I used to like huge grips before too but since I got my Gosen racket, I went down a size or two. I think my Gosen is a 3U and I replaced the original grip and put on a Gamma replacement grip and a Gosen Ripple Overwrap. My Wilson (back up racket) used to have TWO replacement grips on it. Now it's one replacement and one overwrap but it's still too big. Maybe i'll try the Karakal Kushy grip that Yodums mentioned.

But choosing a grip is like some said in this thread. It's personal preference. If you have a kinda big hand like me, then go for one replacement and one or two overwraps. Or you can do what I used to do, two replacements and maybe an overwrap. Experiment and you'll find what you like.

Tare Panda

[fhchiang]

hello..

can anyone tell my the pros and cons of griping my racquet really thick... and really thin?

currently,

i feel that griping very thick help me to generate power better... but control wise.....i mean manuver wise.. the racquet declined....


but with thinner grips...... tend to use more wrist and manuever wise has increased...


pardon me for my bad english

[Kennyb]

I don't think there are any pros or cons to this. It more depends on how big your hand is really and if it's comfortable for you to hold on to.

[yonexfanatic]

like kennyb mentioned..IMHO, i think it has something to do with the size of the hand..however, i do see people with medium size hands using thick grips while i see some people with large hands using smaller grips....it could all do with preference.

For me, I find that I get the opposite of what you mentioned fhchiang.

With a thick grip, I don't get as much power. I use the finger technique and usually with a thicker grip, i can't fling the racket in the palm of my hands very well (and my hand is between medium and big sized). However, I find that the control of my shots seem to be similar to when i use a thinner grip.

With the thinner grip, i definitely get more power but because I'm used to the grip size, my control is just as good as it is when i use a thicker grip (like i already mentioned). However, I find that when i use a thinner grip, i tend to get more blisters ..and that's probably from a result of gripping my racket too tight at times when i shouldn't..just a bad habit.

Like mentioned, I think that it has to do with some preference as well as hand size..but if one person is used to the size grip they use (big or small hands - thick or thin grip)..they usually stick with it because it provides them with what they think will give them max power/control.

[kwun]

grip size is a fascinating topic. and there has been quite a lot of discussions on it already. i have done the work of searching for old threads and merged them all into one single thread so we can see all the comments made.

after Cheung's influence, now my personal preference is thin. i have normal sized hands, and i use grip size G4, with the original grip removed and one layer on top.

the advantage is much more maneuverable. esp when you are into doing delicate movements with fingers and also generating power with fingers. i also find that the thin grip give much better feel as there is little damping.

the disadvantage is that there is less cushy material and pressing against the wood with only one thin layer of grip can be uncomfortable.

i have used thick grips before and once in a while i will try on a racket with thick grip. i find that i can no longer control the racket with fingers like i can with others.

again, YMMV....

[yonexfanatic]

sry, just curious, what's YMMV?

[kwun]

Your Mileage May Vary. meaning, it may or may not apply to you... :)

[Cheung]

I remember Kwun's grip:)

Before, it felt very big, I used to have a grip that big previously. It inhibits a lot of finger movement. Badminton is a highly technical game involving a lot of fine finger movement. Not noticable much if the majority of your game is overheads. Difficult to use once the user starts to try and learn more advanced techniques, especially net shots.

According the Kwun's description, his grip is now even smaller diameter than mine. I have G4, original leather grip removed, one thin grip as an underlay for cushioning and then another thin grip.

Kennyb, disagree with you;) What may feel comfortable at the beginning may not be optimal for the user for longer term improvement. The user should be prepared to keep an open mind and perhaps learn to be comfortable with a different grip size. Factors that may come into play are - change in technique, injury, finger mobility, finger/forearm muscle strength.

[Neil Nicholls]

I've no idea what grip size my racquets are in G5 G4 G3 terms.
The circumferance of the grips range from 9.8 to 10.1 cm, averaging 9.944
At 9.8 my ring finger just touches the base of my thumb, at 10.1 there is a small gap.

These are mostly standard Carlton grips with electrical insulation tape over them, and then towelling grip over that. I used to play with them at the size they came, but got tennis elbow symptoms. Since making them larger (and gripping less tightly) I have had no tennis elbow.

Anyone know what circumferance the G5 etc grips sizes are supposed to be?

[bigredlemon]

I'm using g4 with no overgrip right now. I can fit about 3 pens or pencils between my palm and the racquet and still be able to touch my palm-edge with my third finger. I wripped the under-foam off grip and rewrapped it, so it might be a little smaller than g4.

So far i've discovered that having a smaller handle has so many advantages:
- allows you to hold the racquet more loosely, thereby allowing your hand and the racquet to breath and thus develop less sweat.

- more control, due to less sweat and the possibility to "swing" or wiggle the racquet from within a closed palm. And also because it's very easy to switch gripping style with a smaller handle

- more power, due to the ability to create a "whip" by having the racquet "wiggle" in the palm, making the racquet swing faster than your arm/wrist movement. (Especially with the pinky-smash, though I've come to use the thumb-leg upward push as well.)

- allows you to wrap the overgrip higher up the cone... which is good for me cuz I'm all over the cone like white on rice.

- allows you to have crazy swings that still generate power. I.e. a stroke with the arm and hand pointing down but the racquet head pointing up along the arm. By flicking the hand, you can get the racquet swing 360' very very fast. It's amazingly powerful given the lack of arm movement, and great for deception because they have no idea where you're aiming. (The bad side is that I have no idea where i'm aiming most of the time either, as it's not very consistent.)

Actually come to think of it i've never seen this stroke used by anybody except ONE person I know. (I learnt it by watching him :)) I think I'll create a new thread for this since I never hear it get mentioned.


I've tried bigger grips before and was very dissapointed in their performance. Big grips are very very comfortable to me, but absolutely useless for anything else imho. Maybe that's just because I use light racquets almost exclusively, and power is made by the speed, which is quite limited with a racquet with a big grip. If I used a Ti-10 or something perhaps i'd be more willing to use g2 or the like. There's lots of good players in my club who do use big grips, so i'm sure it's not that bad. I just prefer smaller grips. Not too small though. I think g5 would be too small for me without overgrip.

[fwvagabond]

One of the guys I play badminton with said the larger the grip of the racquet (including overgrip), the less you can "snap" your wrist when smashing. Given the size of one's hand, is this generally the case?

[ptang777]

Originally posted by fwvagabond
One of the guys I play badminton with said the larger the grip of the racquet (including overgrip), the less you can "snap" your wrist when smashing. Given the size of one's hand, is this generally the case?

I think larger grips does make it harder to snap your wrist. I don't really remember why but I play golf and the same is true: the smaller the grip, the more hand/wrist rotation through impact causing more of a draw; the larger the grip, the less hand/wrist rotation causing more of a fade.

But I think just find a grip that fits nicely and comfortably in your hand (especially when smashing) is best and not worry too much on how easy it is to snap your wrist.

[Cruxradio]

My hand and wrist are more relaxed when I use a large grip, feels like I don't need to holdon as hard. This results in more snap. This is my personal observation, it may or may not apply to you.


I think larger grips does make it harder to snap your wrist. I don't really remember why but I play golf and the same is true: the smaller the grip, the more hand/wrist rotation through impact causing more of a draw; the larger the grip, the less hand/wrist rotation causing more of a fade.

In golf if you changed to a Jumbo/"seniors" grip do you really believe you would lose a significant amount of power/distance? Why would it be any different in badminton

[fwvagabond]

Cruxradio,

actually my experiece is close to yours. Recently I changed my racquet to the one I've always used (which I tore off the original grip and put on a cushioned tennis grip. This made it much thicker) to the "backup" one, which has a G2 grip. The much thinner grip made me quite uncomfortable, as I felt I needed to attempt to hold it tighter. So I put a layer of overgrip on it and it felt much better now.

[ants]

I'm Outdated.. G4 , 5 stock grip. Some i remove the original grip. And put on a thin masking tape and then towel grip on it

[Dill]

I'm now G4 with one grap, a layer of tape and a layer of towel grip.

I used to be G4, two karakal cushy grips and one wilson cusion air

[Chia]

g3.. :( i guess forza makes thick handles cause europeans have bigger hands
i have small hands too, but i got a piontfore PU grip on there

[yonexfanatic]

G3

[cappy75]

G4 or G5 with HEAD Pro Grip (like Yonex Super Grap except more traction).

[manabu]

hi ppl,

this topic reminds me of a weird guy who got a brand new G4.5 Yonex racket. The first thing he did to his racket was not 2 get it strung but get rid of the leather grip and modify the wooden "core" within. I think this guy is used to the pinky method because he tried to make this poor wooden core into a sorta "apple core" shape (ie: the middle part is thinner comparing to the top n bottom)

I cant afford 2 try that myself but I suppose it works coz dat crazy person is an old man (like in his 70s and still smash hella fast!)

[Yodums]

I believe that my Forza is a G4 (I took off the sticker).

I use a single base layer grip (Some old Prince 'Microzorb') and over it, I use Karakal Kushy Grip which is a very thick, spongey grip since it's a replacement grip. I recently went back to my thick roots. Before, I had only 2 layers of that Prince Microzorb which is a tennis overgrip but it can also be used for badminton or squash. Whenever I have a thick grip, it seems like I added some power in my smashes. Maybe because it's dampening out the vibrations? But anyways, with a knob at the bottom, my hands feels very relaxed and when I smash, I sort of let go of the racquet and I hold it at the very bottom so it does feel good!

I can stand thick grips but I definitely can't stand ultra thin grips. I don't know how you guys manage to play with only one overgrip over your stock grip.

I tend to go back and fourth with grip however, the Karakal ones are very durable so it won't be awhile before I switch grips.

[carbonex21]

Since it's hard to get the rackets I like any in G3, I use a G4, take the original grip off, then add a plastic grip enlarger called 'Tubex' then put a karakal pu super grip on top. The resulting grip is probably smaller than necessary for my optimum power but the feeling is enhanced. When the grip is large there seems to be more leverage which is good for power but the fingers are unable to make minute adjustments necessary for a variety of shots. If you're a player who rarely make adjustments then I guess a larger grip would be an advantage in terms of power.

[carlol]

g4, with a layer of scotch tape (supposedly to protect the wood from moisture) and yonex titanium engergy transfer technology ti1000 overgrip. just gave it a try recently, used to go with yonex's duraguard overgrips. These overgrips were really durable, took quite a while to wear em out, and they dont smell bad.

[ptang777]

Originally posted by Cruxradio
In golf if you changed to a Jumbo/"seniors" grip do you really believe you would lose a significant amount of power/distance? Why would it be any different in badminton

What I said was larger grip promotes more of a fade and smaller grip promotes more of a draw in golf; it has nothing to do with power. My next comment was to just find a grip size in badminton that feels comfortable (especially in smashing). What I meant was what feels comfortable while smashing; nothing to do with power. I just noticed that my hands hurt after smashing with a grip that is too large probably because I have to grip harder.

[Cheung]

Thanks for all the replies:)

I would like to take this thread a little further in a new thread.

This is why:

saying G4..etc is diffiuclt to get any meaning out of the data many people. Especially, when using G doesn't conform to an agreed standard.

So I propose using a little objectivity.

I would like to actually have the measurements of the following:

1) circumference (in cm) of the handle at a point 8cm from the very end of the racquet.

2) the distance (in cm) of your racquet hand from the tip of the 2nd finger (ie. thumb, 1st finger, then 2nd finger) to the 1st crease of the wrist. (this crease will the one closest to the hand)

3) the length of your 2nd finger of the racquet hand from the tip of the finger to the crease it makes with your hand.


please refer to this thread (http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12846) for further information..:)