Difference Between Tennis Racquet Overgrip & Grip?

A grip is a replacement grip, whereas a replacement grip is applied directly to the handle and they are in direct contact with the tennis handle. Also, they have a sticky backside so that they can be stuck easily on the handle.

In contrast to this, overgrips do not have an adhesive backing and they are comparatively thinner than replacement grips.

Replacement grips are used to absorb sweat and to give some cushioning effect. Whereas, overgrip is majorly used to increase the grip size of a racquet. Also, for those players who experienced sticky hands or sweaty hands during the game, the sportsperson prefers applying an overgrip on the handle.

Replacement grips are long-lasting whereas overgrip lasts for a short time. You need to get a new overgrip every now and then.

What is Tennis Racquet Overgrip?

As the name indicates, they are something that you apply over the actual grip. An overgrip is a simple soft padded ribbon that is wrapped over the original grip. Tennis overgrip is quite thinner and does not last too long. Professional players use a new overgrip for every match.

In simple words, you can say that racquet overgrip is the first layer that is in direct contact with the racquet’s original grip.

Tennis overgrip purpose

The cardinal purpose of using a tennis grip is to enhance adhesion and sweat absorption. Besides this, expanding handle circumference and increasing the cushion effects are also the main purpose of using a tennis overgrip. You can consider these as the advantage of tennis overgrip. Interestingly, people also apply an overgrip to protect the original grip. Also, the overgrip gives better adhesiveness and grip to the handle.

Overgrips are quite pocket friendly and that’s the reason players easily afford to change it frequently. Also, overgrips are available in a variety of colors. So that you can choose overgrips according to your mood and choice.

What is Tennis Racquet Grip?

Tennis grip is the rubber layer that wraps the handle of a tennis racquet. In other words, you can say that it is the first layer that is in direct contact with the handle. Every tennis racket comes with a tennis grip.

Tennis grip purpose

The main purpose of a tennis grip is to provide a certain amount of cushioning to the player’s hand against the wooden handle.

• Read More about “Left Handed Tennis Racket“

Tennis grips are also known as replacement grips. They have a sticky backing that sticks to the racquet’s handle and provides a reasonable amount of cushioning.

Tennis Racquet Overgrip Types

To have a tennis overgrip on your racquet is a good thing indeed, but which overgrip would be best? This is such a tricky question. Therefore, we have jotted down a few types of tennis overgrip.

Tacky overgrip

As the name indicates tacky tennis overgrip will stick your hand to the racquet handle. This way they will increase stability. They are indeed the best tennis overgrip for blisters. If you are looking for a durable and long-lasting overgrip, a tacky overgrip is a perfect choice. This will not only save your precious time but also your hard-earned money by investing in a tacky tennis overgrip.

Absorbent overgrip

They are the best tennis overgrip for sweaty hands because they are very good at absorbing sweat from your hands. Absorbent overgrip is quite thinner and less durable as compared to the other types of overgrip.

Textured overgrip

The textured overgrip has little grooves for enhanced grip. They are usually thicker and provide extra comfort during the game. Textured overgrip are more durable than absorbent overgrip but they are less durable than tacky overgrip.

These all are the basic types of overgrip which target players with different problems.
Your performance is somewhat affected by the overgrip.

You need to have a comfortable overgrip. There are some players who like to have thick grips so they usually put on two or three overgrips. Whereas there are some players who like to have thin overgrip. it’s all related to player preference, there is not a defined number of overgrips that you can put on your racquet.

Choosing a Suitable OVERGRIP for your Racquet

Among these three types of overgrip which one to choose becomes a weighty question. So my suggestion to you is to consider the frequency and skill level of your tennis game when you are choosing the right type of tennis overgrip for yourself. Here is a quick guide for you on how to pick the best tennis overgrip wrap.

Overgrips for Casual Players

If you are used to playing tennis 1- 3 times a week in a friendly environment then I would recommend an overgrip with high comfort and high tackiness. This way you will experience exceptional feel and control.

Overgrips for Competitive or Tour Players

If you are habitual of playing several times a week in tournament-style competition, then absorbent overgrip will be best suited to you. Such an overgrip provides maximum moisture absorption and won’t let your hands slip during intense matches and hot conditions.

Choosing an Ideal Size of OVERGRIP for your Tennis Racquet

When you are choosing the right grip size, you must know the circumference or thickness of the tennis racquet. The circumference is given in inches or mm which then corresponds to a certain grip size.

Grip size has a different S.I unit in Europe and the USA. In Europe, grip size ranges from 0-5 whereas in the USA UU grip size is used which is from 4 to 4 5/8 inches.

The below-mentioned table shows the circumference of a tennis racquet and its corresponding grip size.

I am pretty much confident that this table will help you a lot in choosing the right size of overgrip for your racquet.

WRAPPING UP!

Tennis overgrip is indeed the best way to increase comfort and control. Also, tennis overgrip for sweaty hands makes it easier for players to have more firm control of the racquet in hot conditions.

I do hope that this article will be quite helpful in answering all your tennis overgrip related queries.  So, go and get your tennis overgrip and dominate the tennis court!