Helena Frye
Choosing the right badminton racket grip size is essential to your performance. The grip size affects your playability, comfort, and shot power. Typically, badminton racket grip sizes are denoted by a G followed by a number, with G4 and G5 being the most common. The smaller the number, the larger the grip size. You can adjust the grip size by layering overgrips or using grip powder to achieve your desired thickness and tackiness. It is recommended to try multiple grip sizes and types to find the one that suits your playing style and comfort.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Grip thickness | Thicker grips are usually used by beginners, while thinner grips are preferred by players seeking enhanced control over the racket head. |
| Grip material | Grip materials include towel, overgrip, and replacement grip. |
| Grip size | Grips are measured by "G + Number", with G4 and G5 being the most common sizes. Smaller numbers indicate larger handles. |
| Adjustability | Badminton racket grip sizes can be adjusted up or down depending on the amount and type of grip chosen. |
| Personal preference | It is important to try multiple sizes and types of grips to determine what feels most comfortable and confident for the individual player. |
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What You'll Learn
Grip thickness and material
The grip of a badminton racket is responsible for 30% of its playability and quality. The grip size and material are important factors in determining the player's comfort and performance.
Grip Thickness
The thickness of a badminton racket grip is an important factor in determining the player's comfort and performance. The thickness of the grip can affect the player's ability to manoeuvre the racket and the amount of power they can generate. A thinner grip provides greater control over the racket head, allowing for quicker changes in position and grip. It also enables faster grip changes from forehand to backhand. On the other hand, a bigger grip will allow the player to generate more power. The grip thickness can be adjusted by layering up the handle with grip cushioning or using an overgrip to increase thickness. The most common grip sizes are G4 (8.6 cm) and G5 (8.3 cm), with G3 (9.0 cm) being more common in previous years. Professionals typically use grip thicknesses ranging from 8.0 to 8.6 cm, while lower-level players may use thicker grips ranging from 9.0 to 10.5 cm.
Grip Material
The material of the grip is also an important consideration. Different materials offer varying levels of absorption, tackiness, and dryness. For example, players who sweat profusely may prefer absorbent towel grips, which are designed to absorb sweat and prevent the grip from becoming loose. Dry grips are also an option for sweaty hands. If you don't sweat much, tacky replacement grips can provide a good alternative. Ribbed replacement grips are suitable for players with weak hands as they offer pre-made finger holds, improving grip strength. Leather grips provide a firmer feel and are often preferred by advanced-level players. Cushioned grips, such as the Pro DSC cushioned grip or Yonex Aerocush 9900, are recommended for players with arm problems as they can increase the handle size.
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Choosing the right grip size
There are two types of grips: overgrips and basic grips. Overgrips make the handle about 0.4-0.6 cm thicker and can be applied directly to a bare handle or over a factory grip. They offer optimal grip and allow for more customisation with the thickness. Basic grips make the handle about 1 cm thicker and have self-adhesive tape on the back, which is applied directly to a bare handle and absorbs vibrations.
The grip size is determined by the circumference of the grip and is indicated by a "G" followed by a number. The smaller the number, the larger the handle. Common grip sizes include G3 (9.0 cm), G4 (8.6 cm), and G5 (8.3 cm). Grips can always be layered up to be bigger, but you can't go smaller, so it's important to choose a size that suits your playing style and preferences.
To find the right grip size, hold the racket as you typically would while playing a shot and notice the gap between your fingers and the heel of your hand. Then, use your other hand's index finger and insert it into the gap. Try multiple sizes and grips to see what feels comfortable and confident for you.
Additionally, consider your playing style and preferences. If you tend to sweat a lot during play, absorbent towel grips or dry grips like overgrips can be a good option. If you don't sweat much, tacky replacement grips may be suitable. Those with a weak hand may benefit from a ribbed replacement grip, which provides pre-made finger holds for improved gripping strength. If you prefer a firmer feel, leather grips are an option, while those with arm problems may find cushioned grips more comfortable.
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Types of grip
Choosing the right grip is crucial to improving your badminton playing style and technique. There are three types of grip to choose from, namely:
Full Grip/Replacement Grip
This is the thickest type of grip and is designed for players who want only one major grip on their racket.
Towel Grip
This grip is designed for players whose hands get sweaty during play. It is thicker than the overgrip but thinner than the full grip. It is also designed to absorb sweat, which can cause other grip styles to become loose.
Overgrip
Overgrip is used in two ways. Firstly, it can be used on its own as a thin grip to enable a small racket grip for better manoeuvrability. Secondly, it can be used to thicken the size of the racket handle by going over a traditional full grip. It is generally the cheapest grip available and is used by many top players to adjust how they hold their badminton racket.
Other Grips
In addition to the above, there are four basic grips that are essential for badminton players to master: the forehand grip, the backhand grip, the overhead grip, and the serve grip. These grips are used for different shots and can help improve your control, precision, and performance on the court.
It is important to remember that grip size and preference are subjective and dependent on the size of the player's hand. Players can also layer up their handles to achieve the desired grip size.
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How to grip a badminton racket
Choosing the right grip size for your badminton racket is important, but it's also a personal preference. Generally, a small grip provides greater control, while a bigger grip allows for more power. The grip size is also adjustable depending on the type and amount of grip you choose. Grips can be layered up to increase the size of the handle, and you can also purchase grip cushioning to layer up the whole grip or certain areas.
The grip size of a badminton racket is indicated by a "G" followed by a number. The smaller the number, the larger the handle. The most common grip sizes are G4 and G5. G5 is preferred because you can always make the grip bigger, but you can't make it smaller. To find the right grip size for you, wrap your hand around the handle and make sure there's a finger's width of space between your thumb and fingers.
There are three main types of grips: full grip, towel grip, and overgrip. A full grip is the thickest option and usually comes with the racket. A towel grip is ideal for players with sweaty hands, as it's designed to absorb sweat. However, it's recommended to also purchase grip powder with a towel grip. An overgrip is typically used to increase the thickness of the handle by going over a traditional full grip. It's thinner, tackier, and cheaper than the other options.
When holding a badminton racket, it's important to ensure that your grip is correct. Avoid holding the racket in the center of your palm, as this can affect your technique and performance. Instead, hold the racket towards the base of your fingers, allowing for a comfortable and flexible grip.
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Grips and play style
The grip of a badminton racket is one of the most important factors in determining playability and quality. It is responsible for 30% of the playability of the badminton racket. The grip size and type can influence the player's style, power, and control.
Grip size is measured by "G + Number", with the smaller the number, the larger the handle. The most common grip sizes are G4 (8.6 cm) and G5 (8.3 cm). G5 is the most common size in Australia, as it can always be adjusted to be bigger. Generally, UK and European players prefer smaller grip sizes. The grip size can be customised by adding layers of overgrip to increase the thickness of the handle.
The type of grip is also an important consideration. There are three main types of grips: full grip/replacement grip, towel grip, and overgrip. Beginners often use thicker grips with overlaps or ridges for finger placement. Players with a faster, more aggressive style of play may prefer a thinner grip to enhance control over the racket head and allow for quicker changes in position and grip. A small grip provides greater control, while a bigger grip provides more power. Players with arm problems may prefer a cushioned grip, while advanced players may opt for a firmer, natural leather grip.
Additionally, the level of tackiness and dryness of the grip is a factor to consider. Players who sweat a lot may prefer absorbent towel grips, while those who don't sweat much can opt for tacky replacement grips. The grip material and thickness can be customised to suit the player's preferences and playing style.
It is recommended to try multiple grip sizes and types to find the most suitable option for your playing style and comfort.
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Frequently asked questions
The three main types of badminton racket grips are full grip/replacement grip, towel grip, and overgrip.
The most common grip sizes for badminton rackets are G4 and G5, with G5 being the more popular choice in Australia. The letter "G" refers to the size of the racket's grip/handle, with the number indicating the circumference of the grip. The smaller the number, the larger the handle. To find your grip size, hold your racket as you normally would and ensure there is a finger's width of space between your thumb and fingers.
A smaller grip size provides greater control over the racket, while a bigger grip size allows for more power.
It is important to consider your playing style, the level of tackiness/dryness required, and whether you tend to sweat a lot during play. If you have a weak hand, a ribbed replacement grip can provide pre-made finger holds to improve your gripping strength. For players with arm problems, a cushioned grip can increase the handle size and provide more comfort.
