* A GRIPPING TALE {1999}

By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT and Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo

Everyone is interested in getting the racquet that's going to make him or her a better player. Racquet companies suggest you will demolish, obliterate, crush, or embarrass your opponent into total submission, if you buy their latest offering. After this purchase turns out to be somewhat less formidable than expected, we continue our efforts toward total opponent domination by trying a new string the manufacturer touts is designed to demolish, obliterate, crush, or embarrass your opponent into total submission (sound familiar?).

Once we have pursued this branch on the path toward tennis nirvana, we try new shoes the shoe manufacturer promises will demolish, ... - you get the picture.
In all this dogged determination, have we ever thought about the lowly grip? Oddly enough this is the only direct physical interface we share with that piece of equipment we rely on to play the game at all. Unfortunately, most people pay little attention to the condition of their grip.

When we speak of a grip, what we are talking about is the strip of material that covers the racquet handle. A hundred years ago, handles had no grip other than grooves cut lengthwise into the wood for traction. Most of us are more familiar with the original grip made of leather. This was a major advance and until about fifteen years ago, almost everyone played with this natural material. Leather; when new, has a tacky feel and will absorb perspiration, but new man-made materials have all but replaced it. These materials are more absorbent and can be made tackier and more cushioned, or made to feel more like suede to help with slippage during those hot humid summer days. There is a downside to this (as I'm sure you knew there would be). Leather, although not as good a performer as synthetics, will last for years.

Synthetic grips are made of several layers, none of which is as tough as leather. The outer, tacky layer of a man-made grip is quite thin, so it will allow the perspiration to pass through quickly into the thicker, more absorbent layer keeping your hand drier. The outer layer tends to wear out quickly.

For maximum comfort and benefit, consider replacing your grip when you have the strings replaced, unless you are player who breaks strings quickly. Most grips are relatively inexpensive, somewhere between $4 and $10. My advice is not to treat this as a do-it-yourself project. Most racquet shops will install the grip for free, so long as you buy it there. They do a much better job than most inexperienced people will, and it will probably last longer if installed properly. If you are left handed, make sure to tell the technician. Although not as important with flat grips, some contoured grips will not feel right unless they are wrapped for the proper hand.

A well-stocked racquet shop will have a variety of grips with different properties. Most have samples available; allowing you to determine which feels most comfortable.
Care of your grips can make them last longer. Never leave your racquets in a hot car. The heat will break down the adhesive holding the grip and cause it to separate. Also, let the grip dry out after playing before you put it in your cover. Bacteria love the nice moist environment leading to odor and deterioration.

Change your grip regularly and you will benefit by enjoying the comfort while you demolish, obliterate, crush, or embarrass your opponent into total submission.

By Vincent A. Chiarelli, CRT
© 1999 (Previously published in THE LATEST RACQUET - Sept/Oct 1999)