Replacing A Grip & Increasing The Grip Size

Many players find it necessary, at one time or another, to increase the size of their grip. If you’re one of these players, we’ll show you a few different ways you can customize the size and feel of your grip, all of which are reversible.

USEurope
4 1/8---> 1
4 1/4---> 2
4 3/8---> 3
4 1/2---> 4
4 5/8---> 5

  • As you can see, each European size corresponds to 1/8 inch (1=4-1/8, 2=4-2/8 or 1/4, etc.). So, increasing your grip by 1 size would equal 1/8 inch, whether using the US or European sizing system. This is the most common increment of handle build-up, although many players find increasing by only 1/2 size, or 1/16 inch necessary. This is our starting point for building up your grip.

  • Increasing 1/2 Size (1/16 inch)
    If you’ve ever used an overgrip, you increased your grip by 1/2 size. Most overgrips are 1/16 inch thick and are perfect for many players to achieve just the right grip size, as well as provide extra moisture absorption and cushioning.

  • Increasing by 1 grip size
    If you prefer the feel of a leather or synthetic replacement grip, you can also increase your handle by 1 size by adding a heat-shrink sleeve. These sleeves retain the handle’s bevels. If you like this done we would say its best to let a proffessional do it.

  • If you would like to do this yourself use this tried and tested method.
    • 1.Remove grip and staple, being careful not to tear the grip if reusing. Clean any grip dirt from the handle.
    • 2. Slide the heat shrink sleeve over the butt cap and up the handle, overlapping the handle end by about 1/2 inch. This excess is left beacuase the heat sleeve shrinks. You can either leave the excess at the bottom and trim with a razor knife after heating or trim to 1/2 inch of the butt end with scissors before heating.

    • 3.Hold the sleeve firmly in place at top and begin heating from the bottom, keeping the heat gun 3-4 inches away. Rotate the racket while slowly moving the heat gun up the handle. Don’t keep the heat gun aimed at one spot too long or get too close to the heat-shrink sleeve or you will melt the sleeve. Continue heating until the sleeve has shrunken completely around the handle. Allow to cool before trimming the excess at bottom.
    • 4.Trim the overlapped sleeve, using a stanly knife.


Now that you have put on your new heat sleeve you will now have to replace your grip.

  • 1. Remove old grip and staple. Make sure handle is relatively clean and free of old grip material and/or adhesive.
  • 2. Remove about 12 inches of the tape backing and attach the tapered end of the grip to the butt-cap. Attach the grip so that you're pulling it to the right with the racket upside-down.
  • 4. When wrapping the grip, keep the racquet head stable against your leg or hip. Holding the grip firmly with one hand, rotate the the racket slowly with the other, overlapping. Unwrap the tape backing as you go to avoid the grip curling up and sticking to itself.
  • 5. Once you've reached the top of the handle, cut the grip at an angle so it will sit flush with the rest of the grip.
  • 6. Secure the grip end with finishing tape and slide collar down.
  • *Installing an overgrip is identical.