The overgrip is the staple tennis accent for tennis gamers throughout the globe, and just about everybody who often performs the game will undergo a number of of them yearly.
Gamers use them for numerous causes, similar to making the grip dimension thicker, growing consolation, absorbing extra moisture, or making a extra cheesy really feel to cease the racquet from slipping from the hand.
In some circumstances, you may put an overgrip on to maintain the unique grip in higher situation to forestall having to switch it.
However which overgrips are the most effective? Are some higher than others? Or, like tennis balls, are all of them coming from the identical manufacturing unit anyway? Let’s have a look.
What is the Distinction Between an Overgrip and a Alternative Grip?
The names are fairly self-explanatory; a alternative grip is a grip designed to switch the bottom grip in your tennis racquet.
For instance, if you happen to’ve purchased a brand new Babolat Pure Drive however do not just like the Syntec grip that’s preinstalled, you’ll be able to swap it out with a alternative like a Head Hydrosorb Professional.
An overgrip is a thinner piece of tape-like materials designed to sit down on prime of the bottom grip to soak up moisture, improve grip thickness or enhance the grippy-ness for the hand.
Do it’s worthwhile to use each? By no means, many gamers will play with the bottom grip on the racquet, and they’re going to swap this out often when it wears out.
It is price noting that alternative grips are sometimes adhesive-backed and could be a bit extra awkward to take away and set up than an overgrip that are designed to get replaced often.
Some gamers like Dan Evans solely use an overgrip with no base grip beneath, that is uncommon because it creates fairly an outlined bezel on the deal with, which most gamers will discover uncomfortable, however he likes that feeling within the hand.
I do not significantly just like the look or really feel of the worn base grip, so I’ve at all times placed on an overgrip as I like the texture and the visible of a contemporary white grip properly fitted on the deal with.
How Typically Ought to You Change Overgrip?
Richard Gasquet modifications his overgrip a number of instances all through a match, typically utilizing multiple per set. However do it’s worthwhile to mimic him?
Probably not, but it surely’s a private selection; if you happen to’re a participant who sweats by way of your palms profusely, then you definitely may not have some other choices however to vary grips ceaselessly, together with mid-match.
I do not sweat a lot on the palms, and I put on a sweatband to cease it from operating down from the forearm, so I are likely to maintain an overgrip on for a similar length as I maintain the strings in.
Generally I will maintain it on longer if it is nonetheless wanting contemporary and there is nonetheless a cheesy sufficient really feel to it, or I will change it extra often if I’ve performed on a grimy court docket, clay, or a moist day as they get discoloured shortly.
You may see my what state they will get to under:
Are There Completely different Sorts of Overgrip?
Overgrips match into two classes – cheesy or absorbent/dry.
The names are self-explanatory, with cheesy overgrips providing extra of a sticky feeling within the hand. And the dry overgrips are designed to soak up sweat and maintain your fingers dry.
The Overgrip I Use Most Typically
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The overgrip I’ve used most ceaselessly over the past eighteen months is the Tennis-Level Premium Overgrip.
I solely tried them as a result of Wilson Professional Overgrips weren’t in inventory, which turned out to be an incredible discover. They’re very related, cheaper and do the job I want.
Key Options
0.45mm thick
Either side cellophaned
Degree of Tack: Excessive
Moisture absorption: Medium
Sadly, they are not simple to pay money for for these of you outdoors Europe. For alternate options, they’re similar to the Dunlop Supertac, Wilson Professional Overgrip and Gamma Supreme.
My Prime 5 Overgrips For 2021
Through the years, I’ve examined all kinds of overgrip, even as soon as as a child wrapping a racquet deal with in electrical wiring tape as a take a look at. Whereas it appeared fairly good when full, I would not advocate it as on the first signal of moisture; it was like holding a bar of cleaning soap. 😁
Based mostly on my testing, under are my prime 5 overgrips that I like to recommend for all gamers.
4 of them are cheesy overgrips that are my most well-liked fashion, and I’ve additionally included my favorite dry overgrip.
My Overgrip Testing
I examined a number of overgrips, and you may learn the total evaluations under. Many of the overgrips had been used for at least three 90 minute hitting periods.
Some I took off earlier as I would destroyed them, others that I like had been saved on longer.
You may learn the total evaluations under.
The Limitation of My Overgrip Opinions
I’m not a participant who sweats so much from the fingers, so I favor cheesy grips. I additionally put on a sweatband to restrict any runoff from my forearm.
Meaning I am unable to take a look at the ‘dry’ overgrips to their full potential or say whether or not they may go well with you if you happen to sweat profusely by way of your fingers. I can solely inform in the event that they battle with restricted moisture absorption.
I additionally are likely to play higher with a cheesy grip as I can manipulate the racquet simpler in my fingers; I discover the dry overgrips barely abrasive in order that bias components into my evaluations.
Wilson Professional Overgrip
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The Wilson Professional Overgrips is one in every of Wilson’s finest promoting merchandise and is utilized by a number of professional gamers, together with Roger Federer and Serena Williams have used it all through their careers.
Key Options
Thickness: 0.55mm
Weight: 5g
Degree of Tack: Excessive
Moisture absorbtion: Medium
I have been utilizing the Wilson Professional Overgrip for over ten years, and it is persistently one in every of my go-to merchandise.
I’ve solely ever tried different overgrips available on the market as a result of the Wilson had been out of inventory.
At 0.55m thick, it affords respectable consolation with out including a lot bulk to your grip dimension. There is no debossed brand like some others both, so it is a constant texture all through.
I at all times discover the Wilson Professional Overgrip has wonderful sturdiness, a very good tack degree, and is straightforward to suit.
With some overgrips, it may be tough to not get pleating when becoming it, however the Wilson’s at all times appear to go on with out having to drag it tight and rewrap continually.
Execs
Very nice cheesy feeling
Nice sturdiness
Cons
Wilson has a variety of grips that look related, however some are usually not ‘Professional’ and are cheaper in high quality.
Verdict: The only option overgrip for many gamers.
Yonex Tremendous Grap Overgrip
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The Yonex Tremendous Grap overgrip has been offered sufficient to wrap world wide six instances and is utilized by Denis Shapovalov, Frances Tiafoe, Stan Wawrinka and Nick Kyrgios.
Key Options
Thickness: 0.6mm
Weight: 6g
Degree of Tack: Excessive
Moisture absorption: Excessive
This was the primary time I’ve used a Yonex overgrip in a very long time, and I used to be immediately a fan of the Tremendous Grap.
It is likely one of the thickest grips at 0.6mm, so it has a wonderful cushion degree and feels nice in hand.
The pack I purchased was the black grips, they usually have a barely much less cheesy really feel than the white ones (most likely the dye reduces this). So if you would like much more tack, get the white ones.
Based mostly on my playtests, the Tremendous Grap slots simply within the prime three and I will likely be utilizing this grip any more alongside the Wilson and Tennis-Level overgrips.
You get loads of tack, it lasts a very long time, there is no discernible put on or chafing that leaves residue on the fingers, and the consolation degree is excessive.
Execs
Feels nice with a variety of cushioning
Lengthy-lasting
Good degree of tack
Cons
Verdict: One among my favorite overgrips.
Volkl V-Dry Overgrip
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Volkl’s V-Dry overgrip is an extremely moisture-absorbent overgrip making it good for many who play in humid climates or sweat so much by way of the fingers.
Key Options
Thickness: 0.5mm
Weight: 5g
Degree of Tack: Low
Moisture absorbtion: Excessive
I used the Volkl V-Dry over three hitting periods, and it is most likely my favorite amongst the ‘dry’ grips on the market.
It lasts longer than a Tournagrip, is on the market in a number of colors and is considerably higher than the Luxilon Elite Dry.
The negatives can be that I discovered the grip laborious to suit snugly to the racquet because of the cloth-like texture.
Meaning it retains getting slack when wrapping and customarily has a unfastened really feel on the deal with. It additionally seems to be fairly unfastened when fitted, which I do not like.
As you’ll be able to see from the images, the V Dry Overgrip has the brand printed onto the grip, which some gamers don’t love.
I examined this throughout summer time, and the grip did a very good job absorbing any moisture on the fingers.
General, I discovered it a bit too dry for my style with no actual tack to it, however for gamers who need moisture absorption over every little thing else, the Volkl V Dry will likely be a good selection.
Execs
Nice absorption
Lengthy-lasting
Cons
Onerous to suit neatly
Not probably the most comfy
No tack
Verdict: A great possibility for gamers searching for a ‘dry’ grip. It’ll last more than Tournagrip.
Tecnifibre Professional Gamers Overgrip
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Tecnifibre Professional Gamers is marketed as a sturdy and absorbent overgrip utilized by a number of Tecnifibre touring execs.
Key Options
Thickness: 0.5mm
Weight: 6g
Degree of Tack: Medium
Moisture absorbtion: Excessive
The Tecnifibre Gamers Professional Overgrip options Hydrocell Bond Expertise, which might take up moisture as much as 5 instances quicker than a standard overgrip.
As somebody who does not sweat profusely by way of the fingers when taking part in, I am unable to confirm that declare, however the grip did an honest job absorbing moisture all through the playtest.
As you’ll be able to see from the images, the Gamers Professional overgrip has a perforated design that offers it a extra textured really feel.
I’m not an enormous fan of the dimpled impact and like a smoother grip, but it surely’s an honest grip if you happen to like this fashion.
The Gamers Professional grip additionally feels comparatively skinny when it is on the racquet, which is able to go well with gamers who just like the bezels to be extra pronounced.
The rationale it isn’t one in every of my favourites is that it will get fairly slippy when moist and does not have a cushioned really feel just like the Yonex Tremendous Grap.
Execs
Textured really feel
Good absorbtion
Cons
Feels skinny
Sturdiness
Dimples acquire soiled simply
Verdict: It feels a bit skinny, and the perforated design is not my favorite.
Luxilon Elite Dry Overgrip
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Luxilon claims that revolutionary soft-touch material and moisture-tack expertise ship a snug really feel and elevated tackiness as you sweat.
Key Options
Thickness: 0.45mm
Weight: 5g
Degree of Tack: Low
Moisture Absorbtion: Excessive
The Luxilon Elite Dry is billed as ideally suited for humid or for gamers who need an enhanced grip, and their advertising offers you the impression this can be a premium product.
Nonetheless, this was by far the worst overgrip I’ve ever used. You may see the way it taken care of a single hitting session under:
I may really feel this overgrip fraying after simply 5 minutes of play, and it wasn’t lengthy earlier than an entire part of it’d had worn out and uncovered the leather-based grip beneath.
Whereas it is regular for ‘dry’ overgrips to fray and requires swapping out shortly, this one lasted nowhere close to so long as a Tournagrip or a Volkl V-Dry.
To make issues worse, once I eliminated it, it had left a ton of residue on the Wilson leather-based grip that I needed to clear off.
So not solely did it put on out after one session, I needed to spend 10 minutes with a humid material attempting to get the gray sticky residue off earlier than making use of one other one.
Was this a foul batch? Who is aware of, however I am unable to see how this can be a viable product if different clients get the identical expertise as they’re ineffective inside 5 minutes. Even Gasquet wants extra taking part in time than that!
Execs
Cons
Worth
Sturdiness
Leaves residue
Verdict: Keep away from
Head Status Professional Overgrip
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The Head Status Professional Overgrip comes with a specifically bolstered polyurethane elastomer materials to supply most tackiness.
Key Options
Thickness: 0.6mm
Weight: 6.5g
Degree of Tack: Excessive
Moisture absorption: Low
The Status Professional overgrip is similar to the Wilson Professional Overgrip and the Gamma Supreme. It feels similar as soon as on, and if this was a blind take a look at, I am unsure I would have been capable of inform the distinction.
I examined this one on outside laborious courts over three hitting periods, and after utilizing the Tournagrip, this was a welcome change again to my most well-liked ‘cheesy’ grip.
The Status Professional is sort of a thick overgrip, so it does add a bit to the grip dimension, however I preferred the texture. It affords a very good degree of tack and felt good within the hand.
General I would say it begins cheesy however does not maintain tack in addition to the Wilson or the Yonex, however I used to be more than pleased with it.
I am not an enormous fan of the debossed brand, however you’ll be able to wrap it in a method so that almost all of the hand just isn’t touching it.
Execs
Very comfy
Good tack
Cons
Not that absorbant
Head brand in the course of the grip
Verdict: Stable overgrip, simply not fairly nearly as good as Yonex or Wilson
Gamma Supreme Overgrip
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The Gamma Supreme Overgrip “helps you rule the court docket and gives most sturdiness for hours of play”. Daring claims, but it surely’s an honest overgrip primarily based on my testing.
Key Options
Thickness: 0.6mm
Weight: 5g
Degree of Tack: Excessive
Moisture absorbtion: Medium
It options what Gamma name a excessive traction polymer coating, and for gamers who like a cheesy, then the Supreme Overgrip is an effective purchase.
I discover the Gamme Supreme similar to the Yonex Tremendous Grap and Wilson Professional Overgrip. The three are virtually interchangeable, however the Gamma just isn’t as comfortable/comfy as these above.
It additionally has the brand debossed on the grip, which I am not an enormous fan of, which is why I’d choose the Tremendous Grap, Wilson or Tennis-Level in entrance of this.
One benefit over the competitors is that Gamma Supreme is tapered at each ends, so relying on the racquet deal with size and the way a lot you overlap, you will get a neat end with out utilizing scissors to chop it.
That will not trouble many gamers, but it surely does look tidier when the highest finish tapers to a end. As you’ll be able to see in my photographs, typically, I will make an effort to get the overlaps good and minimize it with scissors; different instances, I’ll simply match it shortly and hit the courts.
Execs
A number of color decisions
Tremendous cheesy
Good sturdiness
Cons
Not that absorbant
Gamma brand in the course of the grip
Verdict: An honest overgrip and one of the vital broadly used.
Babolat Professional Response Overgrip
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The Babolat Professional Response is the overgrip of selection for Felix Auger Aliassime, and it is the thinnest of Babolat’s cheesy overgrip vary.
Key Options
Thickness: 0.45mm
Weight: 5g
Degree of Tack: Medium
Moisture absorption: Low
The Professional Response is likely one of the thinner overgrips on the market at 0.45mm and is an honest selection for gamers who need much less bulk on the grip whereas holding good tack ranges.
Earlier than this playtest, I would by no means tried a Babolat overgrip, and after utilizing the Professional Response, I feel I would like some others extra of their vary.
I did not benefit from the texture or the debossed brand, so whereas it did the job, it isn’t one I’d return to.
For gamers who need a actually skinny, extra material kind feeling from their overgrip, they’re going to like this. However I favor a barely thicker rubbery really feel.
Execs
Cons
Babolat brand in the course of the grip
Extra ‘dry’ overgrip like texture slightly than cheesy
Verdict: Simply okay
Tournagrip
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The Tournagrip is likely one of the simply recognised equipment on the market, because of Pete Sampras utilizing it on his trusty Wilson Professional Workers 85 for all of his fourteen Grand Slam Wins.
Key Options
Thickness: 0.5mm
Weight: 5g
Degree of Tack: Low
Moisture absorbtion: Excessive
Tourna markets it as probably the most absorbent grip on the planet and excellent for warm and humid circumstances. It is available in at 5g and has no tapering on both of the ends nor does it have a small sticky sq. for adhesion to the butt cap like most grips.
The Tournagrip is likely one of the most generally used grips, however I feel it is overrated. I discover the grip fairly harsh on the fingers and laborious to control the racket when switching grips.
I solely saved this grip on for 2 hitting periods because the abrasive nature began to trigger a blister on my thumb.
I additionally did not play properly with it because it gave me a disconnected really feel from the racquet, which additionally gave me a foul impression.
As for sturdiness, it is someplace within the center. I did not maintain it on lengthy sufficient to check longevity, but it surely lasts longer than the Luxilon Dry Elite however had extra put on than the V-Dry.
General, I feel the Volk V-Dry is a greater purchase as it would last more and is extra comfy to make use of.
Execs
Good moisture absorbtion
Extra tack than another dry grips
Cons
No tapering
No adhesive beginning sq.
Abrasive
Not the most effective sturdiness
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
How a lot weight will an overgrip add to my racquet?
All the burden is added to the deal with. On common, an overgrip with the ending tape will weigh round 5-6 grams. Whereas it’s a negligible quantity (solely about 2% of a typical strung racquets total weight), it is price contemplating if you’re customising or matching frames.
Do I want to make use of all of the overgrip?
Most overgrips which are wrapped individually are too lengthy for the standard racquet deal with. Many gamers will double wrap the final bit to make use of it in its entirety, however you’ll be able to produce a a lot neater end by trimming the tip with scissors.
It’s also possible to use far much less overgrip if in case you have a one-handed backhand. Each Stan Wawrinka and Richard Gasquet solely wrap midway up the deal with as their fingers are by no means gripping the higher a part of the deal with.
Ought to the sticky half be used on the prime or the underside of the deal with?
The directions will let you know to put the adhesive half on the nook bezel on the backside of the deal with. Nonetheless, many gamers do the reverse; they fold over the opposite finish to create one other tapered finish after which use the adhesive half to lock the overgrip on the prime of the racquet.
What’s the tackiest overgrip obtainable?
The Tourna Mega Tac is the tackiest overgrip, so if that is what you might be after, that is the overgrip you can purchase.
Do I even want an overgrip?
By no means, a variety of gamers select to not use one, and it boils down purely to really feel and choice. I like the best way an overgrip feels over a leather-based grip, in order that’s my most well-liked setup.
I sweat so much from the fingers; which overgrip is finest?
I’d advocate the Volkl V-Dry proper now however will likely be testing extra dry-type grips within the coming months.
Nonetheless, many gamers who say they sweat so much from their fingers sweat extra on their forearms however do not put on sweatbands, which suggests the sweat runs down onto their fingers.
If I did not put on a wristband, my fingers would get slippy, too, so I would advocate testing some respectable wristbands just like the Nike doublewide first and seeing if that makes a distinction.
Are overgrips only for tennis racquets?
Overgrips can be utilized for all types of issues. In addition to tennis racquets, Gamers can use them on Pickleball racquets, squash racquets and Padel bats.
I’ve additionally seen individuals use them for something that requires a grip. Assume dumbells, pull up bars, axes, door handles, steering wheels.
Overgrips Subsequent On My Playtest Record
Over the approaching months, the next overgrips will likely be playtested:
Dunlop Supertac
Head Prime Tour
MSV Cyber Moist
Prince Cheesy Professional
Solinco Wondergrip
Wilson Benefit
I’ll add the evaluations to this publish over time.
Which overgrip do you utilize and why? Acquired any recommendations for overgrips I ought to overview? Let me know within the feedback.