I realized I play best when my rackets [including grip(s) and strings] are in a certain weight range (around 90g-94g). I also play best with towel grips. To continue using towel grips and also minimize "weight gain" from them (towel grips are usually heavier than PU grips), I try to use as thin a layer of towel grips as possible. This results in less comfort than I would prefer. Basically, I need to balance these 3 things: 1. Weight range of racket including grip 90g-94g 2. Grip must be a towel grip 3. Grip size should have some cushioning plus certain thickness I have tried thicker towel grips but these add too much weight (rackets end up around 100g or above). I have also tried PU grips but these don't perform well with my extremely sweaty palms. My question is, how heavy are cushion wraps (e.g. Yonex AC380 / Victor GR-50)? I've never used them so I don't know how heavy they are. Also, are there any alternatives to cushion wraps? Those wraps from Yonex / Victor don't come very cheap so cheaper alternatives are always good.
Rkep g08 are amazing for my sweaty hands, have you tried them? I'm in a similar boat, wanting the thickness for no weight gain. So far multiple layers of g08 are best. I'm.going to test using rkep ultimate as an under layer, maybe some thin foam wrap.
Yes I've tried almost all RKEP grips, including the G08. The old style RKEP towel grips (thinner grip with long fur) come out the best for me (lighter than the newer style RKEP towel grips). The G08 and G09 grips are not that light too. 1 layer adds about 8-11g of weight. 2 layers would be 16-22g. That's a lot of weight to be honest!
I may have found the solution. Cushion packing material (similar to bubble wrap). It's very lightweight, only adding about 1g. A layer of it across the bottom area of the grip followed by a layer on towel grip seems to give some cushioning and girth.
Victor have recently come out with a "cushion wrap" (GR-50) that looks to be tailor-made for your situation. We saw a LOT of rackets with it at the All England - probably more than half, in fact.
Here's a photo of the cushion wrapping I was referring to above. Cost me $10 for 25m so quite cheap. not sure how it affects racket feedback etc. Will test it out tonight and post back.
What's the cost/weight compared to an extra layer of over grip? Looks lighter and cheaper, I've got some of that packing foam...
An extra overgrip costs me whatever one RKEP grip costs, so about 80c but it adds too much weight. This packing foam is 25m x 30cm for $10, so still pretty cheap
Don't know why I cant edit my post above (on tapatalk). It should say, a layer of it across the bottom area of the wooden grip and then followed by a standard layer of towel grip. I have tested out the racket tonight and it's great. The packing foam only adds about 1g in total and offers just enough cushion and thickness. A good alternative to cushion wraps from Yonex/Victor.
Here is the product page for those who are interested in what the foam actually is: http://www.bunnings.com.au/wrap-move-30cm-x-25m-foam-wrap_p2610037
Cool... I better save some of my packing foam before it gets thrown out. Doesn't it reduce the feel for the edges of the handle bevel?
I use the VICTOR cushion wrap with just an over grip - find it really nice and easy to adjust the thickness
If you wrap it tight enough, it is not much different to an overgrip. You'll still be able to feel the bevels.
Cushion wrap is your best choice. For a roll of Cushion wrap only 20g. Depends how many rackets you used for 1 roll. But probably doesn't affeted balanced point. As nearly no weight for cushion wrap. It's a bubble foam made. Soft n easy apply. best replacement for sticky PU grip. After cushion wrap just need an overgrip on it will do. Perfect match. Peace
I have noticed this trend as well. Apacs and Kimony have their own versions as well. I'm currently using Mueller Mwrap to provide a bit more thickness and cushioning in my grips. Although it is not marketed as a badminton racket accessory I think it is essentially the the same product. It is a lot cheaper than Yonex and Victor.
Just found some of that on ebay. Will be ordering some as its cheaper than using multiple grips for the same size. Cheers!
Great idea, thanks for sharing! By chance, would you be able to tell me what sort of vibration dampening qualities do these have on high tensions ?
