I currently use Kimony Leather Grip. Fantastic! Beneficial leather grip but hasn't increased the weight of the Racket! I also used OEHMS is very good indeed! But it increases weight, and I want Leather Grip but without increasing weight!
I'm having a blast modding my Babolat Pure Strike (16x19 old red one) thanks, in part, to these podcasts. So far I've gone with an XTP extended buttcap to make it a longbody, and added some weight to the throat. The new buttcap is quite chunky so I've added 1/4 of an overgrip just above where the buttcap finishes; I wrapped the overgrip in a kind of gradient pattern to make it feel less weird. The final touch? Of course a leather grip.
My Yonex racket came stock with a leather grip. I later switched to an OEHMS leather grip with a Yonex Wet Super-Grip underneath it. My hands never sweat, and I love the way this combination feels...
I tuned my Yonex Super Rd 10 racquets 20 years ago, used Fairway but did a couple frames with a black leather perforated Klipper grip (slightly thinner) also really nice. I like them usually with thin tacky over grip. Agree with tall the reason mentioned here.
thank you for this podcast chat. it brings back fond memories of the racquets ive used in the past. the one i certainly remember is my first real racquet, the wilson stan smith autograph that had a perforated leather grip with a thin gold leaf stripe in the middle. for a long time, my favorite grip was the fairway calfskin grip. i used a very tiny tack to anchor the tapered end of the grip and two-sided tape. i thought the brand was discontinued. i didnt realize they were back on the market so i'll have to place an order with tennis warehouse soon...
Thanks for listening and glad it brought back some good memories! And yep, we have a bunch of different Fairway options: www.tennis-warehouse.com/Fairway/catpage-FAIRWAY.html Michelle, TW
3 ปีที่แล้ว +2
Great podcast guys, I love how you're connected and on the same wave of enthusiasm. One thing about the "vegan" leather grips. There are synthetic leather grips out there. I have one from Head, it is 1,75 mm thick and they even show the weight on the packaging, which is 18 g (0,60 oz) for this particular Head Synthetic Leather. So yeah, even for vegans something to bite on ;-)
Up until about 20 yrs ago, I played competitively for quite a while, first with the original wood Wilson Prostaff, then the Dunlop Max 200G--both with leather grips, as many racquets came with back then. I've missed it a lot and am now looking to restart tennis, and this broadcast--like so many of your all's--was super informative. I liked the leather feel and had plenty of calluses, but I never even thought about grips & total weight, head light changes, etc.. So, this video gave me a lot to consider & was very helpful. I'll add too that as a vegetarian for 20 years, and now vegan, for animal rights reasons, it's important to me to find a racquet with non-leather OR to make sure I can replace the factory leather with synthetic and give the leather to someone who'll use it so it won't be wasted, or otherwise, I wouldn't buy a leather-gripped racquet. Just my personal ethics that I hold as very important. So, I really appreciated you all addressing the synthetic leather question. Thank you! Also, shout out to Tearson at TW with whom I recently spoke in trying to determine your racquets to demo in searching for a current one that fits the specs of, and plays the closest to, my old Max 200G for when I start back soon. He was very helpful and patient. You guys are great!
I play with the Head Pro Tour 2 which has a pretty high static weight w/a Head Finest Calfskin leather grip + a Wilson Pro overgrip (around 362g). I replaced the leather grip w/Babolat Syntec Team Feel grip (which is a lighter/thin grip) which I don't notice much of a difference as compared to a leather grip w/the overgrip on as can still feel the bevels just fine & reduced the static weight by 14g to 348g which is more comfortable for me anyway. Also results in a more stock size grip feel (then standard leather) w/the overgrip on since the Babolat is thinner (then standard leather).
In addition to everything everybody said, I like using a leather grip because it gives me callouses that earn me “man” hand brownie points when I shake my father-in-law’s hand. 😄
I really want the suede (not sure of exact material) that Lendl used on Kneissl and Adidas rackets! I’ve never seen it even though I have those frames.
I like using Gamma Hi-Tech (no gel) for a firm, moderately thick synthetic. Basically put it on any racket I get that doesnt have leather on it. Diadem (and Angell... but harder to get) also sell 1/2 synthetic 1/2 leather grips which end up being pretty firm. Diadem has them on the Elevate sticks
Yes, the Gamma Hi-Tech is a great option for a synthetic grip that gives a firm, full feel. I used them when I played with the Six One 95 and VCORE Pro 97 330, and didn't want to add as much weight at the leather. Troy, TW
My preference is also for genuine leather. Its harder but the natural feel is the best. Not a fan of tacky overgrips. But i do use overgrips on certain rackets where comfort is preferred. Tan Leather grips look great on single colored rackets though. For modern loud colored rackets, a black leather grip would be nicer.
As Troy mentioned TW leather grip is excellent for slightly increasing grip thickness (the 1.5 mm). Used that one on several racquets that had thin basegrips or that were only available in gripsize 3. Prince Phantom 93P leather grip is super slippery, had to put on an overgrip. HEAD leather basegrip looks great but also is way too slippery and slick. MIGHT try the ridiculously expensive Fairway some day. Thanks for the double sided tape tips. I'll use strips instead of wrapping it around. 2.5 times the price of the TW but if it is really that good (and has some tack, as Chris says)...maybe some day.
Great input txs! Ive got some experience with HEAD Premium learhergrip. among the firmer feel, more connection to the ball, 10g more weight,...for more power, but without sacrifysing maneuvreubility;) The main reason why I choose leather was that I play a thick 4 5/8" Grip +overgrip and want to make it a little thinner. in comparison to my usual HEAD Hydroborb grip thickness is 1.5mm (leather) instead of 1 8mm (synthetic) but it feels not thinner. maybe because the flushier synthatic grip squeezed is getting thinner than the firm leather grip. is that true?
As a suggestion, can you guys state the approximate weight of each leather grip on the website? I know there's a thread with plenty of info but it doesn't have all the current options.
The type that we have is like a masking tape, but double sided. I believe it is something similar to this based on the appearance: www.amazon.com/Spectape-ST501-Double-Adhesive-Length/dp/B003ASGL02/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3C2N6E9VS3QFA&dchild=1&keywords=double+sided+tape+masking&qid=1634916433&qsid=138-8021076-0063054&sprefix=double+si%2Caps%2C233&sr=8-5&sres=B003ASGL02%2CB08GQBRQHY%2CB01HMSLP7Y%2CB07BBL4JXJ%2CB08GQ8XRHF%2CB074DBB8HZ%2CB01AGY2EHG%2CB091T11V53%2CB002O16SHW%2CB07WVP8ST5%2CB07BQJ3JBB%2CB08NVLTYXB%2CB01513BXS8%2CB07F1BJN6D%2CB072LX96G2%2CB07L6BS2KX%2CB07FPCV6G8%2CB08562PFHQ%2CB000XAJFC6%2CB06XWKSZJ8&srpt=ADHESIVE_TAPES. Troy, TW
What's best for cleaning and conditioning a leather grip? I have Volkl grips on several racquets which are still in good condition but very dry. Can a leather conditioner be used to bring back a bit of tack?
Based on the leather grips that we have carried over the years, it seems like a lot of them are close to 1.5mm thickness. If I want a thinner feel, the TW Private Label Leather Grip in the 1.3mm is nice, or the Wilson Leather Grip is pretty thin, especially if you stretch it when pulling. Troy, TW
Do you think that adding weight with a leader grip ( and having more inertia) making my raquet more head light too will help me with my rebel tennis elbow?
I think that concept of adding a bit of weight, to help with stability and possibly help reduce shock, could potentially help. That said, tennis elbow can also be related to the racquet stiffness, and the racquet vibrations. Typically speaking, a leather grip will make your racquet feel a bit firmer than with a synthetic grip, so in that case maybe consider adding weight inside the handle, and keep a synthetic grip for a bit more cushion or dampening. Troy, TW
You can clean it with a rag and warm soapy water before applying the castor oil. Use as little as possible so you don't have to wait forever for it to dry. Once it is dry, apply the oil. Again, a rag can help you spread this over the grip and rub it in without making a huge mess. Hope that helps. Cheers, Chris, TW.
As mentioned in this episode, we love Fairway. But here are all the options to choose from: www.tennis-warehouse.com/Leather_Replacement_Grips/catpage-LEATHERRGRI.html Michelle, TW
Hi Tennis Warehouse! Can you recommend to me some synthetic base grips that feel the most like leather? I heard gamma hi tech is a good choice, do you have any other options? Thanks, take care
Gamma Hi Tech is one of my favorites for a synthetic grip, nice firm feel to it. I would also consider Babolat Syntec Team, Tourna Pro Thin, and Wilson Pro Performance grips. Troy, TW
@Eric Estrada ok gotcha. So would a thicker/bigger pallet at L3 make the static weight slightly heavier than say a L1? Also if I want to go up from L1 to L2, what's the best way? Change to leather grip or add shrink wrap? I normally like to add an overgrip as well.
@Eric Estrada Thanks for the feedback! I'm just debating at the moment whether I should take that chance on a used PS 97 v13, considering Wilson have increased their pricing.
I just clean mine with water and a cloth. I use the Fairway grips that have a lot of tack in them so I do not use oils for fear of losing the tackiness. Most of mine are two years old and still going strong. Cheers, Chris, TW
Leather? No, just no. It’s not 1985 anymore! Having grown up playing in the wood era where leather grips were standard, I don’t suffer any sort of sentimentalism towards them. They’re hard, slippery (except when new) and harsh on the hands. I couldn’t wait to give them up when modern synthetic grips with superior performance arrived. There are also far more accurate ways of adding handle weight than slapping on a leather grip.
Some of us prefer the firmer, more defined feel that a leather grip provides. I can feel the bevels much better, and I know precisely how much weight it adds because I weigh it with a precision scale. It’s about feel, not just weight.
@@EP-77o It’s not about absolute weight but balance. Lots of players apply a leather grip to make a racquet more headlight. However, putting a defined amount of weight inside the handle is a far more accurate way to achieve an intended balance point rather than relying on a leather grip that varies in weight between brands. Do you apply an overgrip on top of the leather? If you prefer the firmer feel and more defined bevels, that’s a good reason to use leather. However, the tennis forums are loaded with players advocating “put on a leather grip to make your racquet more manoeuvrable”. It’s far easier and more accurate for balance point adjustment to use Blutack or silicone under the buttcap trapdoor. And then there’s the crowd that pays upwards of 300 bucks for classic racquets from the 90s who also advocate leather because of their belief that the classic/traditional ways are the best, and that modern racquets and synthetic grips are just cheap crap to maximise profits for manufacturers. Having actually lived that time, I don’t suffer the same sentimentalist devotions. There is no obligatory rule to put a leather grip on a PT280.
@@jerome_morrow It’s about weight and balance, but mostly feel. And I know that my Babolat leather grip adds exactly 6g to my prince Textreme Tour 95 over the standard prince synthetic grip. I still have to add weight in the handle with blutac and lead in the hoop to get the final weight and balance correct.
I currently use Kimony Leather Grip. Fantastic! Beneficial leather grip but hasn't increased the weight of the Racket! I also used OEHMS is very good indeed! But it increases weight, and I want Leather Grip but without increasing weight!
I'm having a blast modding my Babolat Pure Strike (16x19 old red one) thanks, in part, to these podcasts. So far I've gone with an XTP extended buttcap to make it a longbody, and added some weight to the throat. The new buttcap is quite chunky so I've added 1/4 of an overgrip just above where the buttcap finishes; I wrapped the overgrip in a kind of gradient pattern to make it feel less weird. The final touch? Of course a leather grip.
My Yonex racket came stock with a leather grip. I later switched to an OEHMS leather grip with a Yonex Wet Super-Grip underneath it. My hands never sweat, and I love the way this combination feels...
Great chemistry between you guys.
I tuned my Yonex Super Rd 10 racquets 20 years ago, used Fairway but did a couple frames with a black leather perforated Klipper grip (slightly thinner) also really nice. I like them usually with thin tacky over grip. Agree with tall the reason mentioned here.
thank you for this podcast chat. it brings back fond memories of the racquets ive used in the past. the one i certainly remember is my first real racquet, the wilson stan smith autograph that had a perforated leather grip with a thin gold leaf stripe in the middle. for a long time, my favorite grip was the fairway calfskin grip. i used a very tiny tack to anchor the tapered end of the grip and two-sided tape. i thought the brand was discontinued. i didnt realize they were back on the market so i'll have to place an order with tennis warehouse soon...
Thanks for listening and glad it brought back some good memories! And yep, we have a bunch of different Fairway options: www.tennis-warehouse.com/Fairway/catpage-FAIRWAY.html
Michelle, TW
Great podcast guys, I love how you're connected and on the same wave of enthusiasm. One thing about the "vegan" leather grips. There are synthetic leather grips out there. I have one from Head, it is 1,75 mm thick and they even show the weight on the packaging, which is 18 g (0,60 oz) for this particular Head Synthetic Leather. So yeah, even for vegans something to bite on ;-)
Up until about 20 yrs ago, I played competitively for quite a while, first with the original wood Wilson Prostaff, then the Dunlop Max 200G--both with leather grips, as many racquets came with back then. I've missed it a lot and am now looking to restart tennis, and this broadcast--like so many of your all's--was super informative. I liked the leather feel and had plenty of calluses, but I never even thought about grips & total weight, head light changes, etc.. So, this video gave me a lot to consider & was very helpful. I'll add too that as a vegetarian for 20 years, and now vegan, for animal rights reasons, it's important to me to find a racquet with non-leather OR to make sure I can replace the factory leather with synthetic and give the leather to someone who'll use it so it won't be wasted, or otherwise, I wouldn't buy a leather-gripped racquet. Just my personal ethics that I hold as very important. So, I really appreciated you all addressing the synthetic leather question. Thank you! Also, shout out to Tearson at TW with whom I recently spoke in trying to determine your racquets to demo in searching for a current one that fits the specs of, and plays the closest to, my old Max 200G for when I start back soon. He was very helpful and patient. You guys are great!
Thank you for the feedback! We are glad that we could help you, and hopefully you can find a racquet to suit your playing style. -TW Staff
I play with the Head Pro Tour 2 which has a pretty high static weight w/a Head Finest Calfskin leather grip + a Wilson Pro overgrip (around 362g). I replaced the leather grip w/Babolat Syntec Team Feel grip (which is a lighter/thin grip) which I don't notice much of a difference as compared to a leather grip w/the overgrip on as can still feel the bevels just fine & reduced the static weight by 14g to 348g which is more comfortable for me anyway. Also results in a more stock size grip feel (then standard leather) w/the overgrip on since the Babolat is thinner (then standard leather).
The leather grip on my Head Arthur Ashe was the best, better than any current leather grip on the market today.
In addition to everything everybody said, I like using a leather grip because it gives me callouses that earn me “man” hand brownie points when I shake my father-in-law’s hand. 😄
Unless you´re a lefty!
😂😂😂 100%
I really want the suede (not sure of exact material) that Lendl used on Kneissl and Adidas rackets! I’ve never seen it even though I have those frames.
first! i'm w/ Troy on the benefits of leather. great job TW!!
I haven't used a leather grip since I had my Dunlop Maxiply 40 years ago.
I like using Gamma Hi-Tech (no gel) for a firm, moderately thick synthetic. Basically put it on any racket I get that doesnt have leather on it. Diadem (and Angell... but harder to get) also sell 1/2 synthetic 1/2 leather grips which end up being pretty firm. Diadem has them on the Elevate sticks
Yes, the Gamma Hi-Tech is a great option for a synthetic grip that gives a firm, full feel. I used them when I played with the Six One 95 and VCORE Pro 97 330, and didn't want to add as much weight at the leather. Troy, TW
My preference is also for genuine leather. Its harder but the natural feel is the best. Not a fan of tacky overgrips. But i do use overgrips on certain rackets where comfort is preferred. Tan Leather grips look great on single colored rackets though. For modern loud colored rackets, a black leather grip would be nicer.
As Troy mentioned TW leather grip is excellent for slightly increasing grip thickness (the 1.5 mm). Used that one on several racquets that had thin basegrips or that were only available in gripsize 3.
Prince Phantom 93P leather grip is super slippery, had to put on an overgrip.
HEAD leather basegrip looks great but also is way too slippery and slick.
MIGHT try the ridiculously expensive Fairway some day. Thanks for the double sided tape tips. I'll use strips instead of wrapping it around.
2.5 times the price of the TW but if it is really that good (and has some tack, as Chris says)...maybe some day.
Thanks! What are some of the thicker leather grips?
The Tecnifibre leather grip is excellent. 👍🏻
I have used a small carpet tack to start my leather grips for many years.
super interesting to hear that Chris uses just a leather grip
Great input txs!
Ive got some experience with HEAD Premium learhergrip. among the firmer feel, more connection to the ball, 10g more weight,...for more power, but without sacrifysing maneuvreubility;)
The main reason why I choose leather was that I play a thick 4 5/8" Grip +overgrip and want to make it a little thinner. in comparison to my usual HEAD Hydroborb grip thickness is 1.5mm (leather) instead of 1 8mm (synthetic) but it feels not thinner. maybe because the flushier synthatic grip squeezed is getting thinner than the firm leather grip. is that true?
I tried it for the first time a few years ago on a lark. I was surprised at how much sharper the bevel edges feel.
I always go the Troy's way, leather and 3&9 lead tape 😉
Will making an RF97 potentially lighter 10g swapping the leather grip for synthetic making it easier to use despite making it more head heavy?
I have tried that before, definitely worth a test. It does make a noticeable difference in the overall mass, despite the change in balance. Troy, TW
As a suggestion, can you guys state the approximate weight of each leather grip on the website? I know there's a thread with plenty of info but it doesn't have all the current options.
Nice video TW! Can you please clarify which double sided tape you use and perhaps provide a link?
Thanks!
The type that we have is like a masking tape, but double sided. I believe it is something similar to this based on the appearance: www.amazon.com/Spectape-ST501-Double-Adhesive-Length/dp/B003ASGL02/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3C2N6E9VS3QFA&dchild=1&keywords=double+sided+tape+masking&qid=1634916433&qsid=138-8021076-0063054&sprefix=double+si%2Caps%2C233&sr=8-5&sres=B003ASGL02%2CB08GQBRQHY%2CB01HMSLP7Y%2CB07BBL4JXJ%2CB08GQ8XRHF%2CB074DBB8HZ%2CB01AGY2EHG%2CB091T11V53%2CB002O16SHW%2CB07WVP8ST5%2CB07BQJ3JBB%2CB08NVLTYXB%2CB01513BXS8%2CB07F1BJN6D%2CB072LX96G2%2CB07L6BS2KX%2CB07FPCV6G8%2CB08562PFHQ%2CB000XAJFC6%2CB06XWKSZJ8&srpt=ADHESIVE_TAPES. Troy, TW
What's best for cleaning and conditioning a leather grip? I have Volkl grips on several racquets which are still in good condition but very dry. Can a leather conditioner be used to bring back a bit of tack?
What’s the traditional or conventional thickness of leather grips?
Based on the leather grips that we have carried over the years, it seems like a lot of them are close to 1.5mm thickness. If I want a thinner feel, the TW Private Label Leather Grip in the 1.3mm is nice, or the Wilson Leather Grip is pretty thin, especially if you stretch it when pulling. Troy, TW
Do you think that adding weight with a leader grip ( and having more inertia) making my raquet more head light too will help me with my rebel tennis elbow?
I think that concept of adding a bit of weight, to help with stability and possibly help reduce shock, could potentially help. That said, tennis elbow can also be related to the racquet stiffness, and the racquet vibrations. Typically speaking, a leather grip will make your racquet feel a bit firmer than with a synthetic grip, so in that case maybe consider adding weight inside the handle, and keep a synthetic grip for a bit more cushion or dampening. Troy, TW
Ivan Lendl played with a leather grip without an over grip with his Adidas racquet.
My TW black leather grip is awfully slick, any recommendations to make it more tacky? I read castor oil?
Thank you!
You can clean it with a rag and warm soapy water before applying the castor oil. Use as little as possible so you don't have to wait forever for it to dry. Once it is dry, apply the oil. Again, a rag can help you spread this over the grip and rub it in without making a huge mess. Hope that helps. Cheers, Chris, TW.
@@tenniswarehouse Thank you!
A leather grip is a must if you have a volley dependent game...
Can tennis warehouse help me to order a few head finest calf skin grips to accompany some bosworth racquets? Thanks.
As mentioned in this episode, we love Fairway. But here are all the options to choose from:
www.tennis-warehouse.com/Leather_Replacement_Grips/catpage-LEATHERRGRI.html
Michelle, TW
Hi Tennis Warehouse! Can you recommend to me some synthetic base grips that feel the most like leather? I heard gamma hi tech is a good choice, do you have any other options?
Thanks, take care
Gamma Hi Tech is one of my favorites for a synthetic grip, nice firm feel to it. I would also consider Babolat Syntec Team, Tourna Pro Thin, and Wilson Pro Performance grips. Troy, TW
When racquets come in different grip sizes, is that just due to the different thickness of their stock synthetic grip?
@Eric Estrada ok gotcha. So would a thicker/bigger pallet at L3 make the static weight slightly heavier than say a L1? Also if I want to go up from L1 to L2, what's the best way? Change to leather grip or add shrink wrap? I normally like to add an overgrip as well.
@Eric Estrada Thanks for the feedback! I'm just debating at the moment whether I should take that chance on a used PS 97 v13, considering Wilson have increased their pricing.
Leather grips only, mostly for more weight and headlight points! Even on stiff racquets like aeros lol
Leather really helped me. But added significant handle weight
Feel. It’s night and day vs a PU grip. You feel connected to the racket
TW you guys didn't discuss taking care of leather grip, do you use oils? Any natural options, I've read coconut oil?
I just clean mine with water and a cloth. I use the Fairway grips that have a lot of tack in them so I do not use oils for fear of losing the tackiness. Most of mine are two years old and still going strong. Cheers, Chris, TW
@@tenniswarehouse cheers thanks Chris!
best double sided tape is found in home depot for carpeting. paper thin and very sticky
Blisters, that´s why I´ve been avoiding leather grips for 20+ years.
I don't take the plastic off and put an overgripe over it lol
I use leather with an over grip.
Never without leather
If I use a leather grip, I’m like Troy, I have it underneath an over grip.
If you liked it then you should have put a leather grip on it!
Leather? No, just no. It’s not 1985 anymore!
Having grown up playing in the wood era where leather grips were standard, I don’t suffer any sort of sentimentalism towards them. They’re hard, slippery (except when new) and harsh on the hands. I couldn’t wait to give them up when modern synthetic grips with superior performance arrived. There are also far more accurate ways of adding handle weight than slapping on a leather grip.
Some of us prefer the firmer, more defined feel that a leather grip provides. I can feel the bevels much better, and I know precisely how much weight it adds because I weigh it with a precision scale. It’s about feel, not just weight.
@@EP-77o It’s not about absolute weight but balance. Lots of players apply a leather grip to make a racquet more headlight. However, putting a defined amount of weight inside the handle is a far more accurate way to achieve an intended balance point rather than relying on a leather grip that varies in weight between brands.
Do you apply an overgrip on top of the leather? If you prefer the firmer feel and more defined bevels, that’s a good reason to use leather. However, the tennis forums are loaded with players advocating “put on a leather grip to make your racquet more manoeuvrable”. It’s far easier and more accurate for balance point adjustment to use Blutack or silicone under the buttcap trapdoor.
And then there’s the crowd that pays upwards of 300 bucks for classic racquets from the 90s who also advocate leather because of their belief that the classic/traditional ways are the best, and that modern racquets and synthetic grips are just cheap crap to maximise profits for manufacturers. Having actually lived that time, I don’t suffer the same sentimentalist devotions. There is no obligatory rule to put a leather grip on a PT280.
@@jerome_morrow It’s about weight and balance, but mostly feel. And I know that my Babolat leather grip adds exactly 6g to my prince Textreme Tour 95 over the standard prince synthetic grip. I still have to add weight in the handle with blutac and lead in the hoop to get the final weight and balance correct.
John Mc uses just leather...