Yonex Towel Grips

**Blitzzards** · 09-07-2009, 08:58 AM

Hi guys,

This will be the third and final thread I'm opening today

I have been using the AC402EX since the start of this year and have been enjoying the comfort and lack of sweat off my palm. I heard that there is also another towel grip model called the AC404, which is a soft towel grip.

Has anyone played with both? What are the main differences and is the AC404 better because of the supposedly softer composite material?

**Sealman** · 09-07-2009, 10:54 PM

Believe there are two versions of the AC402 in Asia - made in Taiwan and Japan. Which version do you use? I found the Taiwanese version more rough and its thicker than the JP towel grips. Have not tried the AC404 but the only difference I see is that the AC404 comes with ant-bacterial feature?

http://www.mybadmintonstore.com/shop...roducts_id=256
http://www.mybadmintonstore.com/shop...roducts_id=370

**SibugiChai** · 09-07-2009, 11:59 PM

it seems like Made in JP stuffs are better... !

**Blitzzards** · 09-08-2009, 04:06 AM

The one I use (which is also what I can buy here in Sydney), is the Made in Taiwan "EX" version. IIRC the Made in Japan version of the AC402 is the "DX" version, which also has the anti-bacterial (perhaps just deodorant) treatment.

Is the AC404 thinner and lighter overall and thus shifts less of the racquet's balance point?

**Amin Khalili** · 09-08-2009, 01:19 PM

How about term of feeling?What is the both feeling?
And which is better/you like/prefer?

**Blitzzards** · 09-08-2009, 08:35 PM

I haven't bought the AC404 yet. I can't get it in Sydney.

If it is really better in terms of having a lighter weight/density, feels softer and lasts longer I may consider buying some from MBS or LXSport.

**Makunouchi** · 09-08-2009, 09:44 PM

Hi Guys!

I dont know if you have seen these. They come either one solid color or the one in the picture two colors. I personally like the dual color since it is a little bit longer.

**Blitzzards** · 09-08-2009, 09:51 PM

Originally Posted by Makunouchi

Hi Guys!

I dont know if you have seen these. They come either one solid color or the one in the picture two colors. I personally like the dual color since it is a little bit longer.

IIRC these are of the lower end model. I can buy that for about half the price of what I currently pay for one AC402EX. The towel fabric quality also looks not as smooth.

**Makunouchi** · 09-08-2009, 10:06 PM

I think I need to look for one and find out the difference.

**Blitzzards** · 09-11-2009, 04:14 AM

Anymore recommendations and reviews guys, before I take the plunge and order a pack of AC404 online?

**dukebluedevil** · 09-16-2009, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by Blitzzards

Anymore recommendations and reviews guys, before I take the plunge and order a pack of AC404 online?

just bought one and re-gripped my racket. easy to wrap. really thin and "smooth". not much cushioning. I gripped it over the original grip.

I was thinking this or the cheaper one (the above pictured model), the 404 looks real quality so I bought it.

won't get to play till monday though

**Blitzzards** · 09-17-2009, 01:55 PM

Thanks a lot; will be awaiting your findings.

By the way does the AC404 change the balance point of the racquet much? I have noticed that for one the AC402 due to its thickness (and perhaps roughness) can create a shift of 1.7cm (with half of it on anyway) towards the racquet handle compared to the balance point when having the original grip on.

**Sealman** · 09-18-2009, 11:34 PM

Originally Posted by dukebluedevil

just bought one and re-gripped my racket. easy to wrap. really thin and "smooth". not much cushioning. I gripped it over the original grip.

I was thinking this or the cheaper one (the above pictured model), the 404 looks real quality so I bought it.

may i know where did u get the ac404?

**dukebluedevil** · 09-19-2009, 04:16 AM

Originally Posted by Sealman

may i know where did u get the ac404?

I got it at Far East Plaza

not the best, but I was itching to buy something

**dukebluedevil** · 09-21-2009, 08:38 PM

Originally Posted by Blitzzards

Thanks a lot; will be awaiting your findings.

By the way does the AC404 change the balance point of the racquet much? I have noticed that for one the AC402 due to its thickness (and perhaps roughness) can create a shift of 1.7cm (with half of it on anyway) towards the racquet handle compared to the balance point when having the original grip on.

with no empirical evidence to back my views up whatsoever,

gut and arm feel was that I had a harder time with the clears, need to put in more force. my racket was supposed to be slightly head heavy but felt less like it when I had the grip on. so could be the effect of the grip.

**Blitzzards** · 09-21-2009, 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by dukebluedevil

with no empirical evidence to back my views up whatsoever,

gut and arm feel was that I had a harder time with the clears, need to put in more force. my racket was supposed to be slightly head heavy but felt less like it when I had the grip on. so could be the effect of the grip.

It sounds to me that you have applied the towel grip directly onto the original grip, hence adding a lot more weight to the handle and butt end causing the head heaviness to "theoretically disappear". You could try redoing the grip directly onto the wooden handle (you'll have to remove the orginal grip first of course, and maybe add a layer of water proof tape. Medical tape works awesome).

I am hoping the AC404 is softer and cushier than the AC402 though.

**pina-rello** · 09-30-2009, 11:10 PM

Originally Posted by Blitzzards

IIRC these are of the lower end model. I can buy that for about half the price of what I currently pay for one AC402EX. The towel fabric quality also looks not as smooth.

Actually i have used both AC402 and AC204 (dual color as pictured) i bought both of them in Pertama Complex. Honestly, i think i prefer AC204 a lot more than AC402. I can't remember which is more expensive but looking at BBESHOP.com, AC204 is more expensive by almost double of AC402.

AC402 gets really slippery after couple of times usage but AC204 is much more durable.

just my 2 cents.