Badminton grips come as a replacement grip or an overgrip and play an essential role in your game. A good racket is one part, but when you play regularly, you will lose the kind of grip required for perfect balance and movement. Also, the proper grip can maximise your performance.
A good grip on badminton rackets can reduce injuries and increase the range of shots; for this, you need an excellent racket grip that absorbs sweat and provides comfort.
Therefore a player must always use the proper grip, and this post will help you to choose the right one.
So, let’s dive in and begin with:
Types of racket grips
There are three different types of grips:
1. Replacement grips
As mentioned above, rackets come with an attached rubber grip, which is not long-lasting and sturdy. So to replace this original grip, a player uses another grip, slightly thicker and generally made of PU and polyurethane.
Compared to the other grips, these grips are good in sweat and shock absorption. Also, they provide better cushioning and comfort as the material acts as a rubbery cushion between your fingers and the grip itself.
2. Overgrips
If we talk about over-grip, these grips are skinny and stretchy compared to rubber and towel grips. This grip is placed over the other original grips per its name.
These can be quickly wrapped around multiple times to increase the thickness of the shaft according to your comfort.
Rather than this, it provides sufficient tackiness and stickiness. Also, these grips are easy to wrap and tear. But all you require is good skill and technique of wrapping it around.
3. Towel grips
Towel grips are made of synthetic rubber, fused with the outer layer of cotton or other synthetic absorbent fibres.
This grip is the best option for sweaty palms because it helps absorb sweat and gives you a great hold while performing quick and frequent shots.
However, this grip might feel thick and stop absorbing sweat after some time. Also, buy a “Grip Powder” if you want to increase the quality of your grip, which will lead to more power and better attacks.
But the worse thing about the towel grips is that they have lesser durability than full grips and require constant changing after every few matches.
Types of grip size and weight
Different racket grip sizes affect your control and power, as a small racket grip provides better control, whereas a large racket grip offers incredible energy and strength.
The grip size of a racket is generally indicated by the letter “G” and the numbers. And the most used racket size is G4, but you should choose according to your size palm and how comfortable you feel.
Also, I have mentioned a table below, which will help you to choose an ideal grip size and weight for your racket handle:
Rather than grip size, the grip weight also affects your game and comfort level. It is so because if the racket’s handle is heavier, the racket’s head will become lighter, affecting the manoeuvrability adversely.
The weight of the racket grip is generally denoted by “U”, and the weight are as follows:
- 5U: 75-79.9 grams
- 4U: 80-84.9 grams
- 3U: 85-89.9 grams
- 2U: 90-94.9 grams
- 1U: 95-99.9 grams
How to choose a perfect grip according to your style of play
1. Power play
Power players often look for a weak return from their opponent and love to play smashes, net pushes, offensive overhead shots and drives, which require enough strength.
These players need to hold the racket tight, and as per this, they should use thick grips, which help them to play powerful smashes.
On the other hand, when it comes to weight, then these power players should ensure that their racket head is heavier than the racket handle since it offers fluid momentum.
2. Control play
Control players focus on accuracy and technique, such as “stroke players” or “rally players”, who often coerce their opponents into long rallies. They use advanced skills and strategies to gain control over their opponents and influence the opponent’s next moves.
So, they need to hold the racket handle-less tightly compared to the power players and choose and play with thinner grips because a thinner grip ensures that fingers are flexible to move and the players have a better grip technique.
On the other hand, the handle weight should be heavier than the head weight for better control. In other words, control players should go for headlights or even balance rackets.
When to change your racket grip
A racket grip must be changed according to the player’s aspects. For example, if a player sweats a lot and uses a rubber grip, he might find it smellier and take more time to dry out.
Rather than this, the sweat can seep through the grip and wood of the original racket grip, which might cause permanent handle damage. So, the player must switch to the towel grip or change them monthly.
Players with dryer hands must use tacky grips, which unfortunately do not have a long life and might require replacing every 2-3 weeks.
Final Words
So, now you must know that racket grips are as crucial as other badminton gears. A perfect grip will enhance your game and also helps to prevent injuries. Therefore you must always choose a suitable grip for your racket handle.
All you need to do is choose an ideal grip for your racket handle according to your game level. And if you face any problem or question, feel free to ask us or pin them in the comment section below.