Problem Solved – Grip Customization Simplified

What’s your “go-to” method for modifying grip size? If a player brings you a racquet with a 4 1/4″ grip but you properly measure and find their actual size is 4 1/2 how do you increase it? Conversely, if the grip was a 4 3/8 and the player measured 4 1/4 how would you decrease it? For the majority of my career I used three methods for increasing or decreasing grip size without investing in very expensive milling equipment for grip reduction.

1. I would use R.A.B. heat shrink sleeves to increase grip size. This method was designed to increase the grip by one full size or 1/8″, adding roughly 12-14 grams of weight to the handle.
2. Another method was to use Kara Kal grips, which Tim Henman introduced to me in 2000 at the very first pro tournament I worked at. Their Cushy grip increased the grip by approximately one full size, not perfect but certainly an option, making it nice and comfortable without adding all of the weight.
3. For decreasing grip size I would use Prince ResiThin or Wilson Featherthin grips.

I’m fully aware that there are other options available but the ones above were my preference.

I’m happy to report to the IART community that we now have another option and our tests have shown that it’s very effective. Master Athletics has introduced a line of +/- replacement grips that we believe the industry has needed for a long time. The grips have small perforations and a slightly tacky feel, not too sticky but yet, tacky enough for a nice feel. The line includes a +1, +2, -1 and a standard size for normal applications.

 

 

We put the +2 to the test on a Yonex frame with a 4 1/4′ factory pallet and the results were quite impressive. We measured with a Taylor’s tape after the application was complete and the grip was exactly 4 1/2″, exactly what we looking for.

These replacement grips give technicians the perfect option for grip customization and make the job a breeze. Increasing by 1 full grip size is always an option with a heat shrink sleeve but you have to consider the weight increase. Plus, if you need to go up 2 full grip sizes, heat shrink sleeves will tend to round out the bevels and you’re adding even more weight. So, the +1 and +2 Master Athletic grips are the perfect solution. Reducing by one full grip size is just as easy with the -1 grip so all in all, adding these grips to your inventory is a no brainer.