Badminton racket grips are essential components for improving badminton performance, as they absorb sweat while keeping hands comfortable during game play and ensuring optimal control during match play.
Full grips made from PU material provide both high tack grips and cushioned comfort for finger pads on the handle, but are thicker and therefore require frequent replacement.
1. Overgrip
Overgrips are synthetic grips designed to fit on the handle of your racket and come in different colors and textures to meet the demands of different playing styles. Overgrips also provide cushion and comfort to players with larger hands. Overgrips may be applied directly onto either the bare handle or any existing replacement grip; often players layer an overgrip over this base grip so as to switch up their grip more frequently while still offering plenty of cushion and comfort.
Applying an overgrip in a seated position provides stability and balance, but requires some skill to use properly. Wrapping it evenly around the handle requires skill; its sticky portion symmetrical so can be wrapped for either right- or left-handed players. Once in your chosen seat, remove and discard one thin plastic cover before finishing it off using small piece of tape; this ensures it doesn’t pull up from its base grip and create unwanted friction.
Once your tape is securely in place, it is time to install your overgrip. KW FLEX recommends placing it so it lies parallel with the string bed of your racket; most overgrips feature a ridge that runs from end of handle to base of grip which provides additional security in hand for beginners and experienced players alike. This step should help to create a secure yet solid feel when playing; an essential step when beginning tennis or improving existing game skills.
Regularly swapping out your overgrip will keep your hands cool and dry, and should be done at least as frequently as you play in a week if not more frequently for competitive players. When an overgrip loses its tackiness or begins to tear or fade it is time for replacement with something fresher.
2. Basic Grip
Badminton grips are used to secure your hold on the racket handle and prevent it from slipping, helping ensure accurate and powerful shots when playing power shots. A good grip also aids technique improvement while decreasing injuries; there are various types of badminton racket grips available depending on which shot type you play.
Basic grips are among the most frequently used options, made of soft yet flexible materials similar to polyurethane and available in an assortment of textures and patterns. Basic grips can be directly applied to either an empty handle or over an existing or replacement grip; their thickness may differ slightly from overgrips but this thickness can easily be reduced with trimming.
If you prefer stroke playing, which emphasizes accuracy over power, a thinner grip would be appropriate. These players often have smaller hands and require greater control and sensitivity when rotating the racket.
KW FLEX offers a selection of basic grips in many styles and textures to meet all of your badminton grip needs. Visit the KW FLEX webshop or badminton store in Rijen for your desired type. To apply a basic grip, first remove any existing grip from the handle, wrap the new one several times around it, cut any excess off on an angle (similar to how its starting part looks) then trim any extra length along an angle (to resemble how starting part appears).
Once you have established a basic grip, it is crucial to use your shuttlecock and practice various shot positions. When taking backhand shots, try holding your grip with your thumb towards the top of the handle while your other fingers form a “bevel.” When going for power shots instead, switch to a panhandle grip with more grip available so as to increase power and accuracy.
3. Towel Grip
Grip tapes are one of the most essential components of any badminton racket. They provide players with a tacky surface to grip onto, helping prevent blisters by cushioning between fingers and handle; and absorb sweat, preventing moisture build-up that causes slippery grips. Therefore, it is crucial that grip tape is changed periodically or as soon as its tacky quality wears out; replacing grip tape as soon as it loses tackiness can save injuries!
Though some players can use one grip tape for multiple weeks, experts advise replacing it after only a month of frequent usage due to sweat absorption factors which depend on how often and heavily one plays during sessions.
As such, towel grips are perfect for those who frequently play and have sweaty hands. Constructed from absorbent fabric like cotton, they come in multiple sizes designed to fit smaller handle types on badminton, tennis, squash, pickleball and racquetball rackets. Plus they tend to be thinner than other grip tape options so can easily adhered onto racket handles!
An added perk of towel grips is that they can be combined with various grip tapes, providing precise control over the thickness of your handle. By using Victor Cushion Wrap or another form of undergrip, thickness variations up to 0.1 cm can be adjusted, providing comfort for people of different hand sizes and top heavy racquet users alike.
As an added benefit, towel grips are very cost-effective; unlike most grip tapes which can cost as much as $10 per pair, one towel grip can often be purchased for under $7 – making it the perfect solution for those seeking to improve their badminton grip while simultaneously keeping costs under control.
4. Leather Grip
Badminton and Tennis both require careful consideration when it comes to grips. Finding the ideal grip can boost performance while simultaneously increasing comfort throughout your game – this applies not only for beginners but also experienced players. There are various methods of adding weight to a racket handle without altering its feel; lead is an ideal way to add weight as it won’t alter either its feel or shape of grips.
Badminton is a fast-paced sport where your right hand is constantly moving, which may cause sweat to accumulate on your hands and slip on the grip tape. A towel grip is an effective solution to keeping sweat off of your hands while creating a more secure grip on the tape. There are various kinds of towels on the market; which one is best for you will depend on how sweaty your hands are; absorbent towels may provide relief, but may not work for those with very dry hands.
Leather grips offer another method for increasing racket weight while offering more firm feel than their synthetic counterparts. Although taking some getting used to initially, many players soon appreciate its direct and consistent feel compared to synthetic ones – while being highly durable when playing on rough surfaces.
If you are a power player and looking to improve your performance, a thicker grip would be more advantageous than one with thinner material as power players need a tight grip to generate enough force for powerful smashes and jump smashes.
Finally, it’s essential that an overgrip’s thickness be tailored according to your hand size and type. Junior/lady hands require one overgrip fitted with minimal to 50/50 overlap on top of their original grip while men require two with adjustable overlap on top of their original grips.