Ayrton Oneill
There are a variety of materials that can be used to grip a badminton racket, and the choice depends on personal preference. Some people prefer to use an overgrip, which is a thin, sticky, and cheap grip that goes over the original grip or directly onto the handle. Others prefer towel grips, which are designed for players with sweaty hands, or grips made from PU or Polyurethane, which provide extra shock absorption. Some players also use electrical tape to protect the handle from moisture, and cushion wrap for extra comfort.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of grip types | 3 |
| Grip type 1 | Graps (or wraps or overgrips) |
| Grip type 1 characteristics | Super thin, tacky or sticky, cheapest option |
| Grip type 2 | Towel grip |
| Grip type 2 characteristics | Designed for sweaty hands, thickest grip type |
| Grip type 3 | PU or Polyurethane |
| Grip type 3 characteristics | Tacky high grip, with cushioning between fingers, extra shock absorption |
| Grip size | Small grip provides greater control, bigger grip allows more power |
| Grip customisation | Layer up the handle to the desired grip size, customise grip size at the end of the grip for the little finger |
| Grip replacement | Regular replacement needed, set up a grip system to replace only the outer layer to save costs |
| Grip application | Pull the grip firmly while turning the racket, ensure the bottom of the grip aligns with the bottom of the handle |
| Grip trimming | Trim the grip at the top of the handle, cut diagonally so it will be flush when grip tape is applied |
| Grip protection | Use electrical tape to prevent moisture damage to the wooden handle |
| Grip comfort | Remove staples or pins from the wood if using a thin grip to avoid discomfort |
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What You'll Learn
Towel grip: Good for sweaty hands, requires grip powder
If you have sweaty palms, you might want to consider using a towel grip for your badminton racket. Towel grips are designed for players who experience sweaty hands during play and find that other grip styles become loose because they are not designed to absorb sweat.
Towel grips are good for sweaty hands as they are more absorbent than other grip types. They are also good if you want more confidence in holding onto the racket during smashes and other strokes requiring a light touch before a firm squeeze. Towel grips are also useful if you need to switch between grips quickly during play without sweat getting in the way.
However, one downside of towel grips is that they require grip powder. This is because towel grips are usually thicker than other grip types, so you will need to use grip powder to help you get a secure grip on the racket.
It's important to remember that grip size is subjective and depends on the size of the player's hand. A small badminton grip will generally provide greater control, while a bigger grip will allow for more power. You can layer up your handle to the desired grip size, and you can also purchase grip cushioning to layer up the whole grip or certain areas.
There are a variety of grip types available for badminton rackets, and it's worth trying out a few different grips to find what suits you best.
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$9.99
Overgrip: Thin, sticky, cheap, used over another grip
Badminton players use overgrips for two main reasons. Firstly, some players prefer the smaller grip size of a thin overgrip, which allows them to more easily manoeuvre the racket. Secondly, and more commonly, players use overgrips to adjust the thickness of their racket handle. Overgrips are typically tacky and sticky, which helps players hold their badminton racket in their preferred way.
Overgrips are the cheapest type of grip available, and they are used by many top players. They are usually wrapped on top of another grip, but some players prefer to wrap them directly onto the handle. However, this can make the ridges of the racket handle more noticeable, which some players dislike.
Overgrips are a good option for players who want to layer up their handle to their desired grip size. They are also useful for players who want to regularly replace their grip without it becoming too costly. However, overgrips are not ideal for players with sweaty hands, as the sticky feeling can be lost due to sweat.
When applying an overgrip, it is important to pull the grip firmly while turning the racket, ensuring that the bottom of the grip aligns with the bottom of the handle. The first turn is usually the hardest and can affect the aesthetics of the grip, so it should be done carefully.
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Electrical tape: Used to prevent moisture damage
Electrical tape is a material used to grip badminton rackets. It is placed directly on top of the wooden handle to prevent moisture damage. Badminton players sweat during games, and this tape ensures that the wood does not get damaged by sweat.
Electrical tape is also used to protect the wooden handle from the elements, such as rain, in the case of outdoor badminton games. It is a practical solution to ensure the longevity of the racket.
Some players prefer to use a combination of materials to grip their rackets. For instance, they may use electrical tape, followed by a layer of cushioning, and then the grip. This combination provides a comfortable and secure hold during play.
Additionally, electrical tape can be used to personalise and add colour to the racket. It can be wrapped around the handle in a variety of ways to create unique designs and patterns, allowing players to express their individuality through their equipment.
It is important to note that while electrical tape can provide a good base layer for grip and protection, it may not be sufficient as the sole grip material. Players often prefer to add additional layers, such as cushioning or overgrips, to enhance comfort and performance during play.
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Cushion wrap: Thin foam layer, layered with another wrap
When it comes to badminton rackets, grip is a highly subjective and individualised aspect, as each player's hands are different, and grip preferences may evolve as one develops their playing style and technique.
One option for gripping your badminton racket is to use a cushion wrap. This involves applying a very thin layer of foam directly onto the handle, followed by another wrap or a PU grip. This type of grip provides a tacky, high-grip sensation and offers cushioning between the fingers on the handle, resulting in extra shock absorption.
To begin, you will need to remove the original grip from your racket. This can be done using pliers to carefully detach any staples or pins embedded in the wood. It is important to remove these metal pieces because they can cause discomfort or even cut your fingers if you are using a thin grip. Once the original grip is removed, you may notice a barcode on genuine Yonex rackets.
Next, apply the cushion wrap directly to the handle. This thin foam layer will act as a comfortable base for your grip. After applying the cushion wrap, you can finish it with another wrap, typically a PU grip, to complete the cushioning setup.
Some players prefer to use a towel grip over the cushion wrap for added confidence during smashes and strokes that require a light touch before a firm squeeze. This combination can be particularly beneficial for players with sweaty hands, as the towel grip absorbs sweat, ensuring a secure grip during intense gameplay.
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Grips: Smaller grip for control, bigger for power
The grip of a badminton racket is one of the most important factors in a player's performance. A small grip provides greater control, while a bigger grip allows for more power. This is subjective and depends on the size of the player's hand, as well as their playing style and grip preference. Some players prefer a thinner grip for enhanced control over the racket head, which allows for quick changes of the racket head position. On the other hand, a thicker grip suits players who play with power and force, as they generally hold their racket handles tighter.
There are a few different types of grips available for badminton rackets. One option is an overgrip, which is a thin, tacky, and sticky grip that is typically placed over another grip. It is usually the cheapest option and is used by many advanced players to adjust how they hold their rackets. Another option is a full grip, which is usually made from PU or Polyurethane and provides both a tacky high grip and cushioning between the fingers for extra shock absorption. A third option is a towel grip, which is designed for players with sweaty hands, as it absorbs sweat and provides a secure grip during smashes and other strokes.
When choosing a grip, it is important to consider the size of the grip and the player's hand. Players can layer up their handle to their desired grip size and can also purchase grip cushioning to layer up certain areas, such as the end of the grip, for extra power and control. It is also important to consider the durability and stickiness of the grip, as well as how well it suits the player's playing style and hand sweatiness.
Applying a grip to a badminton racket is a simple process that usually involves wrapping the grip around the handle and trimming any excess material. Some players also use electrical tape to protect the wood from moisture and cushion wrap to provide extra cushioning. It is important to replace grips regularly, especially if they become worn down or lose their stickiness.
Finding the right grip can be a trial-and-error process, and players may need to experiment with different types of grips and application methods to find what works best for them. The right grip can provide a significant advantage in terms of control, power, and confidence during play.
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Frequently asked questions
There are three main types of grip for badminton rackets: graps (or wraps or) overgrips, which are thin, tacky, and cheap; towel grips, which are good for sweaty hands; and PU or Polyurethane grips, which provide tackiness and cushioning.
The right grip for you will depend on your playing style and the size of your hands. Smaller grips provide greater control, while larger grips allow for more power. If you have sweaty hands, you may want to try a towel grip.
First, remove the original grip. Then, apply a layer of tape, such as electrical tape, to protect the racket handle from moisture. Next, add a layer of cushioning, such as a thin foam cushion wrap. Finally, apply your grip of choice.
Grips need regular replacement, ideally replacing only the outer layer to save costs. You may need to replace your grip if it becomes worn down or slippery, or if you notice that you are making mistakes that you normally wouldn't.
