Overgrips: Your First Line of Customization
An overgrip is a thin wrap applied over the existing grip. It's the cheapest and most impactful customization you can make to a tennis racket. Tour pros replace their overgrip every 1-3 sets. Club players should replace theirs every 3-6 hours of play.
Types of Overgrips
- Dry/tacky (e.g., Tourna Grip, Wilson Pro Overgrip) — absorb moisture, get tackier as you sweat. Best for sweaty hands.
- Cushioned (e.g., Yonex Super Grap) — slightly thicker, add comfort and vibration dampening.
Overgrips add approximately 1/16" to grip size. This matters — if you're between grip sizes, using your racket's base grip plus an overgrip might put you at the perfect size.
Replacement Grips: When to Change the Base
The replacement grip (base grip) is what comes on the racket from the factory. It's thicker than an overgrip and provides the foundation. Replace it when:
- The original grip is worn smooth or hardened
- You want to change grip size (thicker base = larger grip)
- You prefer leather over synthetic (or vice versa)
Leather vs Synthetic
Leather (e.g., Fairway Leather, Wilson Leather) provides a firmer, lower-powered feel. Most advanced players prefer leather under their overgrip for better racket feedback. It's thinner than synthetic, effectively reducing grip size by 1/16".
Synthetic (factory default on most rackets) is cushioned and comfortable. Better for beginners and players with arm issues due to vibration absorption.
Grip Size Guide
Proper grip size affects power, control, and injury risk. Too small = excessive wrist movement and tennis elbow risk. Too large = reduced wrist snap and power.
How to Measure
Hold the racket in an Eastern forehand grip. There should be a finger-width gap between your fingertips and palm. If there's no gap, the grip is too small. If there's more than a finger width, too large.
| Grip Size | Inches | Typical Hand |
|---|---|---|
| L0 (4") | 4" | Junior |
| L1 (4⅛") | 4.125" | Small women's |
| L2 (4¼") | 4.25" | Average women's |
| L3 (4⅜") | 4.375" | Large women's / Small men's |
| L4 (4½") | 4.5" | Average men's |
| L5 (4⅝") | 4.625" | Large men's |
When in doubt, go smaller. You can always build up with overgrip. You can't easily reduce grip size. This applies to racket selection too.
Lead Tape: Advanced Customization
Lead tape adds weight to specific locations on the racket to change its playing characteristics. This is how tour pros fine-tune rackets to their exact specifications.
Where to Place Lead Tape
| Location | Effect | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 3 and 9 o'clock (sides of head) | More stability, larger sweet spot | Players wanting more plow-through |
| 12 o'clock (top of head) | More power, higher swingweight | Players wanting more depth |
| Handle (inside or under grip) | More head-light balance | Players wanting easier maneuverability |
| Throat | Adds weight without changing balance much | Players wanting just more mass |
Check our restringing guide — string tension changes affect feel as much as grip and weight mods.
Top Products Summary
| Product | Type | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson Pro Overgrip | Overgrip | General use | ~$15/12pk |
| Tourna Grip | Overgrip | Sweaty hands | ~$12/10pk |
| Babolat Syntec Pro | Replacement | Cushioned base | ~$8 |
| Tourna Lead Tape | Customization | Weight/balance | ~$5 |
Sources & Further Reading
- Tennis Warehouse University. "Grip Size and Injury Prevention." twu.tennis-warehouse.com, 2024.
- USRSA (Racquet Sports Association). "Customization Guide." racquettech.com, 2025.
- Tennis Magazine. "Tour Pro Grip Customization Habits." 2024.
- Babolat. "Grip Technology and Sizing." babolat.com, 2025.
