Right then folks, my new, very bright (Orange) karakal super pu grips have arrived, should I remove my old grip before replacing or simply go over the top of original grip? Cheers in advance
So it's all preference: Some players prefer thinner grips because you can feel the response from your racket better. For example when I net I use the feeling of the vibration that the stringbed feeds into the racket to judge how I should modify my next net shot (or not). In general you just feel your racket more and it feels a lot more maneuverable like an extension of your arm. Some players like thicker grips because their hands are bigger or they find it more comfortable. I have also found that thicker grips make the racket feel lighter. Generally they are more comfortable. So it really all depends on your preference. Some people get enough feel from just the original grip or the original + a super grap, some people like to take it all off, and some people like big grips. Personally I find that a good tweener is the original off with 2 super graps wrapped on the wood. Note that you can also wrap the super grap thinner or thicker ariound the shaft to your preference. I have one thin super grap under one thicker super grap on my racket
Also it is important to note that if you only put one grip on after you take off the original grip there is a chance that sweat can seep through and damage the wood. Therefore I recommend you place plastic/hockey take around the shaft before you do so. However I don't do this and I don't have a problem but I'm sponsored so if I break a racket I just get a new one
because it can damage the racket over time (sweat creeps into the wood) as far as my experience goes it is thin enough with one layer of chosen grip over the original grip maybe some guys are using superthick overgrips ...then it would be too thick to handle..but there are enough thin grips out there
I used towelgrips directly on wood and since a half year just one supergrip on wood. I had never issues with broken handles and every racket is 4+ years old. I air them after every session and change them very frequent. Maximum 2 weeks which means 6-8 sessions. Thick grips are only for people with really large hands. I would remove the original grip. The Karakal Super PU is a thick grip and with too thick grips it's difficult to play well. Especially doubles. Grip chances and finger power become more difficult because you can't feel the bevels and control the racket during fast and flat game play. I never met a coach who suggests thick grips. IMO it's bad for your technique if you are under 1,95m and use 2 replacement grips.
So the best thing for me to do is go over my original grip even though there is excessive wearing? And lucky you being sponsored, sign me up even though I suck lol . My racket is so old you can't get it anymore haha. Olympus combat t. Don't even know if it's rated any good lol. Nice and light. I appreciate everyone's input ☺️
Ucantseeme I like your input, it's hard to decide what to do as so many have said keep it on and then a few have said take t off. And I don't think I'd like it thick whic is making me think about removing it. But then again I'm not the type of player to Use it more than once a week and so I wouldn't change the grip very often. In which case would my racket be better off with two grips (original and new)
[MENTION=123596]matt-nick[/MENTION] No problem it's up to you and I understand that you are not sure what to do but just a small question: Why do you think are replacement grips called replacement grips? I change my grips so frequent because I play around 12 hours per week splitted in four sessions and sweat alot. Since I use just an overgrip, it's worn down after this time for me, but I'm also very sensitive. I think you mustn't change your grip so often. To be on the safe side you can insulate the wood with electric tape before you put your grip on.
Hey, I like using a thinner grip, so what should I do after I take off the original grip before I add my final layer which is the overgrip?
Either you just use overgrip on wood (which is harsh to me), or, Add cushion wrap below it then the overgrip. Yonex AC380 and Victor GR-50 for your consideration.
I'm trying to upload a picture of my current grip that's worn a fair bit. But I can't seem to upload anything. The grip itself when used leaves your hand black haha.
Ucantseeme, so you suggest changing the grip but putting electrical tape or self amalgamating tape or even cushion wrap under the new grip? Also, as you play 12 hours per weeks and I play one per week sometimes not even that, I won't need to change my grip as often will I?
Uuuhhhh... that is seriously gross! Are you trying to grow your own mushrooms on your racket grip?! Do yourself (and all the other players that you shake hands with after a match...) a favour and just rip that... thing... off and put on any basegrip of your choice. Your hand will instantly feel like it's in heaven! It makes no sense at all to keep this partly living piece of cloth on your grip. Out of interest - how long have you been using this specific grip?
S_mair I like your response lol. Well I have used it once in this condition. Basically, this is the racket I played with when I was around 14-15 and in now 25 so it been sitting around for about 10 years lol and it's the original grip I had on the racket (never been changed before). I don't think it's actually growing anything just the rubbery grip has worn away To nothing lol. Would you advise putting any type of tape on the racket handle before applying the karakal grip? The racket itself is in excellent condition for its age.
Interesting, so that's how a grip looks like after 5(?) years of use and 10 years in a closet. If you want to go with a typical Karakal PU basegrip (the thick ones with self-adhesive tape on the back) then I don't see an advantage to put anything between the wood of the handle and the grip. Only make sure to let the racket handle dry for a couple of hours after a sweaty session. And now I hope you take the right safety measures when removing the old grip... better be safe than sorry...
Liking that, I will take great measure in ensuring the safety of myself and those around me when stripping off the old grip haha. And as stated previously, I will only use it for around an hour per week so as long as I leave it air out after words I should not encounter any problems right? Thanks for everyone's input ☺️
