Adding overgrip: Armortec head heavy characteristics changed

Discussion in 'Grip' started by armortec user, Jun 23, 2003.

  1. armortec user

    armortec user Regular Member

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    What da ****! I've just put a new Wilson grip on my Armortec 700 and it's no longer head heavy. The same thing happened with my mp77. The racquet is a 4uG4 and needs almost a whole overgrip to get it to a decent size for holding. Does anyone else have this problem? How come the pro's I see don't seem to have big chunky grips like mine?

    Preemptive, I was worried about it being a 4u because apparently a lot of shops were having mp88 4u racquets returned.
     
  2. modious

    modious Regular Member

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    Now I seriously don't see the need to post the same message in 4 different threads. :rolleyes:

    Not too sure about the grips but I'm sure the AT700 is more durable because the recommended tension is higher and Yonex has supposedly reinforced the top part of the frame with Titanium or something. I also had some experience with the MP88 SP.... before it broke 3 months later! :mad:

    For my 3U AT700 JP, the recommended tension was 25lbs! It's the first time I see such high recommendations for a 3U. And you know if Yonex recommenda 25lbs, it can definately go over 30lbs I believe! I strung mine at 27lbs btw.
     
  3. Pre-emptive

    Pre-emptive Regular Member

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    Hi armotec, you have gains and loses when you have big fat grip. It will feel more head-light but you lose power. It will also affect many other things. I think it is important to find out your optimal grip size. I usually remove the original grip, file down the wood and put 2 layers of overgrip. Sorry for the OT posting.
     
  4. armortec user

    armortec user Regular Member

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    But doesn't this completely mess up the balance on the racquet? I tried balancing my shaft on my finger after I put the new grip on and the fulcrum has definitely shifted a few cm's towards the handle. It's no longer head heavy. I'm thinking about putting some lead tape on to the head, I did this before with my Prince Axis 75, but eventually took it off because I couldn't get the balance right.
     
  5. Pre-emptive

    Pre-emptive Regular Member

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    Armortec, should we talk about this in a new thread? This is off-topic.
     
  6. Cheung

    Cheung Moderator

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    1) in general, use of fingers to manoevre racquet head is easier
    2) using fingers can increase the power generation of your swing
    3) in general, efficient use of fingers is enhanced by a smaller size grip
    4) adding overgrip makes a comfortable size for you. Ask yourself - is it a comfortable for a less than optimal grip technique?

    you fail to mention wether you put the overgrip on top of the original leather grip or have removed the leather grip first. By your description, I assume you still have the original leather grip and have added the overgrip to it.
     
  7. Pre-emptive

    Pre-emptive Regular Member

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    Armortec, I am not an advanced player but I will share my experience anyway. My optimal grip size for me is the one that:

    1. let me control the racket face quickly, accurately and effortlessly.
    2. let me change btw forehand and backhand grips fluidly.
    3. makes me hold the racket with my pinky finger tighter. ( I tend to hold the racket with my middle finger tighter with fatter grip )


    I personally wouldn't modify the grip just to make the head feels heavier or lighter. I rather pick up a racket that has the balance I like.
     
  8. ryeung

    ryeung Regular Member

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    I agree that adding grip will theoretically change the balance point of the racket. But you should consider that the weight change is at the handle. Since one holds the racket at the handle, this additional weight should be not change much the "feel" of the racket. Any additional views on this?
     
  9. n00b

    n00b Regular Member

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    i just put a yonex overgrap on my ti-10 and it feels like a balanced racquet and i have lost power. i really cannot play with the standard grip cuz it is too hard for my hand. so what should i do to preserve the power and keep it softer in hand
     
  10. n00b

    n00b Regular Member

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    BTW, i put the overgrap on top of the standard grip
     
  11. Pre-emptive

    Pre-emptive Regular Member

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    Option 1: remove the original grip and put 3 layers of overgrip.

    Option 2: remove the original grip, sand down the size of the wood handle and put layers of overgrip.
     
  12. heavy__2

    heavy__2 Regular Member

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    hi i am having the same problem i recently purchased the new mp 77 3u g4 and although it is head heavy balance it isnt heavy it seems as if it has no power at all do u think it is bcos i am not used to the racket or wat could it b?
     
  13. Pre-emptive

    Pre-emptive Regular Member

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    It is a 3U racket, so it will have less power than a 2U. It could also be yourself. Have you try using more wrist and finger power?
     
  14. armortec user

    armortec user Regular Member

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    more finger power? Are we talking about the same thing or have you been watching too many pornos? Last Tango in Paris was on recently. I don't want to remove the original grip. I'm surprised manufacturers don't take these issues into account when balancing their racquets. I've got a Prince Axis 75 with a chunky Karakal PU Super Grip on it, and it's now more head-heavy than my "head-heavy" AT-700. As I said, What da ****!?
     
  15. armortec user

    armortec user Regular Member

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    Does the original grip weigh as heavy as an overgrip? What is the best overgrip, bearing in mind the lightness issue?
     
  16. Cheung

    Cheung Moderator

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    sure, I won't argue on not removing the original leather grip. I never used to until I actually got coaching from a former international player. It then dawned on me that my grip size was too large to generate a good smash (after the coach showed me his technique) amongst other things (all that I mentioned before). He himself used a Ti10, G4, no leather grip, and a layer of towelling grip!
     
  17. reenignelivic

    reenignelivic Regular Member

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    Cheung:
    So your coach is placing the towelling grip on the wood??
    Wouldn't it be to hard to play with??
     
  18. armortec user

    armortec user Regular Member

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    ok, so do you think that taking the original leather grip off and then using a whole overgrip closely wound (Karakal are usually really long) would be lighter than same thickness of leather + overgrip?
     
  19. equus

    equus Regular Member

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    i use tournagrip on top of the original grip on my ti-10 and it hasn't affected the balance of my racquet.
     
  20. Cheung

    Cheung Moderator

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    That depends on your level of play, on your preference and what you are used to. But I believe the most important factor is the smaller size of the grip handle that gives increased range of movement and options in your shots.
     

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