Badminton Grips Buying Guide: Ever wondered what that colorful wrap at the bottom of a badminton racket is? It’s called a badminton grip! If you’ve played badminton for a while, you might have noticed that players use different grips in terms of texture, shape, or color. With so many types of grips available, you might be unsure which one to pick. You might even wonder if it really matters or why it’s important. Don’t worry—we’re here to help you decide which badminton grip is best for you.
Just to clarify, when we talk about badminton grips here, we mean the material wrapped around the handle of the racket, not the way you hold the racket to make a shot (like a backhand or forehand).
Badminton grips generally come in three types: original/replacement grips, overgrips, and towel grips. Within these types, you can choose from different textures like dry, wet, tacky, soft, hard, smooth, or ribbed.
Just like any other piece of equipment, badminton grips should help players perform better and match their play style. Choosing the right grip can be the key to making a shot accurately or losing control of the racket. Don’t just settle for the grip that comes with the racket; be thoughtful about selecting the right one.
In this post, we’ll cover important factors to consider when choosing a badminton grip to improve your game. If you’re interested in exploring all the Yonex badminton grips in detail, including original/replacement grips, overgrips, and towel grips, keep reading.
What’s the Best Grip for Sweaty Hands?
Contrary to what many might think, badminton is actually a very intense sport. Don’t believe us? It’s the fastest racket sport and can raise a player’s heart rate to a higher percentage of their maximum heart rate compared to tennis. See for yourself just how intense badminton can be and how quickly you can lose weight by playing it.
With this intensity and increased heart rate comes more sweat. Whether your hands sweat naturally or perspiration from other parts of your body runs down to your hands, it’s important to choose a grip with high sweat absorbency. Absorbency means how well the material can soak up liquid.
Grips with high sweat absorbency can handle more sweat before they become too slippery to use. Once a grip reaches its absorbency limit, it can no longer soak up sweat, causing the sweat to stay on the surface of your hand. This can make the grip too slippery, leading to less control over the racket, mishits, or even the racket slipping out of your hand.
Alternative Accessories for Managing Sweaty Hands
For players who may not enjoy the thickness that comes with a towel grip, they look at purchasing the following alternative accessories to deal with sweaty hands:
Grip Powder: This powder is applied directly to your hand and rubbed into the grip. It helps reduce sweating and gives you a cooler, drier feeling while playing.
Sports Wristband: Wristbands catch sweat that drips down from your head or arms before it reaches the racket grip. You can also use them to wipe sweat from your face, or let them naturally prevent sweat from trickling down your arm to the grip.
Which Grip is Best for My Style of Play?
Style of play describes a player’s preferred approach on the court and is usually divided into two categories:
Power: Players who thrive on explosive shots like jump smashes that overwhelm their opponents and win points. They focus on aggressive, attacking shots.
Technique/Control: Players who excel at controlling the pace of the game, moving their opponents around, and skillfully outmaneuvering them to win rallies.
Badminton Grips Buying Guide
For players who focus on power, a thicker grip is ideal. A thicker grip helps you grip the racket more securely and quickly, which is essential for powerful shots. It’s similar to gripping handlebars on a bicycle or dumbbell—thicker grips require less finger curling than thinner ones.
Note: While a thicker grip helps with power, it’s important not to grip the racket too tightly all the time. Keep the grip loose and relaxed until just before you make contact with the shuttle. Constantly holding the racket tightly can create unnecessary tension in your arm, leading to muscle fatigue or injuries.
Power players should also consider a head-heavy racket. The mass at the top of the racket adds momentum to your swing, increasing the power behind your shots. Ideally, choose a grip that is thick yet light to avoid adding too much weight to the handle, which could imbalance the racket.
What Grip Should I Buy if I Like My Grip Dry?
Dry grips are designed to give players the best feel for their racket. “Feel” refers to how quickly and accurately subtle hand and finger movements are communicated to the racket. A higher feel means a quicker response from the racket, while a lower feel results in a more delayed response.
Dry grips are typically smoother compared to textured or tacky grips. They absorb moisture reasonably well, though not as effectively as towel grips. However, dry grips are not ideal for players with very sweaty hands, as they can become slippery when too much moisture is absorbed, undermining the intended enhanced feel.
What Grip Should I Buy if I Like My Grip Tacky?
Tacky grips are designed to improve contact and adhesion between your hands and the racket handle, which helps maintain better control and prevent slippage. They often feel “wet” or “sticky” when you grip them. While tacky grips do have some moisture absorbency, the sticky sensation does not mean the grip is holding excess liquid. Instead, it indicates that the grip increases friction between your hand and the racket, enhancing your control.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the right badminton grip is crucial for optimizing your performance and comfort on the court. Whether you focus on power, control, or managing sweat, the choice of grip can significantly impact how well you play. Power players benefit from thicker grips for a secure hold and a head-heavy racket for added momentum, while those seeking better control may prefer dry grips for enhanced feel.
For players with sweaty hands, tacky grips or accessories like grip powder and sports wristbands can provide better traction and prevent slippage. By understanding the characteristics of each grip type and how they align with your playing style, you can make an informed decision that enhances your game and keeps you performing at your best.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between a dry grip and a tacky grip?
- Dry grips offer a smooth surface that provides a high level of feel and control. They absorb moisture reasonably well but may become slippery with excessive sweat. Tacky grips, on the other hand, have a sticky texture that enhances grip and reduces slippage by increasing friction, even if they don’t absorb moisture as effectively.
2. How do I choose the right grip for my playing style?
- For power players, a thicker grip can provide a more secure hold and complement aggressive shots. Technique and control players might prefer dry grips for better feel and precision. If you have sweaty hands, consider tacky grips or additional accessories like grip powder or sports wristbands to manage perspiration and maintain control.
3. Can I use a towel grip if I have sweaty hands?
- Yes, towel grips are an excellent choice for players with sweaty hands. They are highly absorbent and can handle moisture effectively, helping to keep your hands dry and maintain a secure grip.
4. How often should I replace my badminton grip?
- The frequency of replacement depends on usage and grip type. Typically, you should replace your grip when it becomes worn out, slippery, or less effective in absorbing sweat. For heavy players or those who play frequently, this might be every few months.
5. What are some signs that my grip needs to be replaced?
- Signs that your grip needs replacement include a noticeable decrease in traction, visible wear and tear, a slippery surface even when dry, or a loss of comfort. If you find yourself struggling to maintain control during play, it’s time to consider replacing your grip.
