What is Grip Size?
Grip size refers to the circumference of the grip, which can be measured in inches. Most adult paddles today are only available in 4-1/4″ grip size. We know this is too small for many players; women and men with larger hands.
One method of determining your grip size is to measure your hand with a ruler. To do this, place the end of a ruler in the lower horizontal crease of the palm of your open racquet hand. Measure from this point to the tip of the ring finger. This is the ideal size for the grip. If you are stuck between two sizes, we recommend choosing the smaller one.
How to Measure the Grip of a Tennis Racket?
Between the end of the racket (base) and the position of the hand that holds the handle, we must leave a width similar to that of the little finger free.
When we grab the racket, a width similar to our little finger should be free between the thumb and the index finger. There should also be a width like our little finger between the visible part of the palm and the fingers that press the grip after gripping the racket.
Another method to choose the correct grip size for your racket is to measure the distance between the top of your ring finger and where the second line of your hand touches. The resulting length in millimeters would be equivalent to the perimeter of the racket and gives us the grip size we need.
The Difference Between a Grip and an Overgrip?
The grip always comes first, it is more cushioned and has adhesive to stick to the handle, while the overgrip is thinner and stickier to the hand.
Table of Grip Sizes for Men, Women, and Children
You can choose the right grip size using the table below:
| Inches | Sizes | Use |
| 4 1/4 | L2 | Women and children |
| 4 3/8 | L3 | Men and children |
| 4 1/2 | L4 | Men with big hands |
| 4 5/8 | L5 | Men with very large palms |
Tennis String Tension
Having the correct grip size is very important when buying a new tennis racket. A grip cannot be too small or too large, as this will make you grip the racket more tightly. Squeezing the tennis racket harder than you should causes serious arm injury. To help you choose the correct grip size, we have gathered this article with tips and advice on the different grip sizes. Here you can also find the two different methods to determine the size of the grip. Choosing the correct size of the grip means figuring out the circumference or thickness of the tennis racket. The circumference of a tennis racket handle can be stated in inches or mm, which corresponds to the given grip size. Sometimes there is confusion around the concept of the size of a racket grip. This is because different measures are used in Europe than in the United States. In Europe grip sizes 0-5 are used and in the USA, grip sizes 4 – 4 5/8 inches are used.
The Main Elements You Should Take into Account
With hundreds of rackets to choose from, it can be a daunting task to know which one to pick. Fortunately, we’re here to help simplify the process of selecting the right racket by explaining the most important features to look out for.
There are three main elements in the specifications of the rackets that can significantly differentiate them from one another. They are the weight, the size of the head, and the balance of the racket. The “best weight”, “best head size” and “best balance” will be different for each individual, however, using the information below and taking into account your physique and ability level a decision can be made about the spec you’ll be comfortable with for maximum performance. When comparing rackets, always compare their unstrung specs, as strung specs can distort the actual difference between rackets. Therefore, any specifications mentioned in this guide will refer to the unstrung specifications.
What Happens If You Choose the Wrong Grip Size?
If your grip is too big or too small for your hand, you won’t feel comfortable on the court. This is because you will be straining to grip the racket. With every punch you make, you risk injuring your hand, wrist, and elbow. If the grip size isn’t right, you won’t be able to play your best tennis either, as you won’t have all the control, power, and feel you need. That’s why it’s so important to choose the tennis racket with the perfect grip size for you.
Because they tend to have smaller hands, women tend to use smaller grip sizes than men. Most women play with sizes 1, 2, and 3, while most men go with 3, 4, and 5. But your hand may be larger or smaller than average – use the size grip that is right for you, and not for others.
What Must be Taken into Account When Buying a Tennis Racket?
- Length: short rackets up to 71 centimeters preferably.
- Weight: light, between 240 and 275 grams.
- Screen: between 645 and 710 square centimeters.
- Balance: greater than 32 cm so that it rests on the handle.
- Stringing: closed.
How to Increase the Size of a Racket
You can also use a heat shrink sleeve that increases the size by 0.32 cm, that is, one size. Both methods will add slightly to the overall weight of the racket as well (7-16 grams), but in either case, the benefits of playing the correct grip size far outweigh the drawbacks of added mass.
In this article, you read about how to measure grip size tennis.
