Reduce grip size

[hvdb]

All,

is it possible to reduce the gripsize from a Grip 4 (4 1/2) to a Grip 2 (4 1/4)?

Hvdb

[v205]

Try removing the original grip and replace with the thinnest overgrip (note: not a replacement grip)

[JPtennis]

I don't know if just using an overgrip is a good idea. Decades ago, thin leather grips without any padding worked alright because of the considerable flexibility of wooden frames. Modern grips are deliberately thicker and more padded because frames have gotten much stiffer. If you just use an overgrip on a modern frame, there will be a lot of impact shock on your arm joints and muscles when you hit the ball.

What kind of racket do you use? Some companies, including Volkl, allow you to change the interior plastic grip but in many instances you can't do much except maybe a little sanding.

[hvdb]

It's a Wilson Hyper Hammer 7.2. I'm trying to find one as backup, but currently can only find one in Grip 4 1/2 and I need 4 1/4...

[JPtennis]

On ebay there is one for sale in England, but they don't tell the grip size. Good luck with your search.

[hvdb]

I found the Ebay one already, but that seems to be a hammer 7.2 not the "hyper" hammer 7.2. From the picture it does not look like the hyper hammer 7.2 I have at home.

[Barnby]

Actually, you can reduce the size of the grip with a sander. I know that sounds kinda barbairic but it does work........if you pay close attention. Also, i know there is a place in NY that the pro's use for customization...i just can't remember the name :( But be careful sanding....it doesn't take much to screw it up and if you go to deep, us the heat shrink to buil it back up.

[bigmatt]

I don't think you can sand down a Hammer; the handles tend to be thin-walled graphite. If you need a smaller grip, I'd advise a thinner replacement grip or replacing the frame if that isn't enough.

[djinni999]

Actually, you can reduce the size of the grip with a sander. I know that sounds kinda barbairic but it does work........if you pay close attention. Also, i know there is a place in NY that the pro's use for customization...i just can't remember the name :( But be careful sanding....it doesn't take much to screw it up and if you go to deep, us the heat shrink to buil it back up.

You mean RPNY, i guess.

sanding is a BAD idea, your last option. even if you a have smooth flat even surface, the angle and width of the bevels will change. you will most likely get an oval shaped grip. i tried it, put a lot of thought and effort into it and still messed up; grip came out useless. try to find a cheap battered up racquet on the bay, one that uses the same pallet system. REMOVING the pallets alone was a difficult enough task on my racquet (Volkl), but it ended up just fine. luckily i salvaged that racquet with the crappy sanding job :)

for now, remove the original replacement grip and get the thinnest replacement grip available (if you think it is thinner than your original grip). add on a thin overgrip, this should get you down one size.

[Gerwalk]

I know they're out of business but Laserfibre made a replacement grip specifically to reduce grip size. Maybe you can find some leftover stock online. It was called Laserfibre TourFit Reducer Grip

[somma]

Thinner grip is the best method of reducing grip size...but if you need to remove more than a grip change will allow...this is how I do it.

Most handles are made from a plastic type material and many can be reduced successfully. (some are too thin) But instead of sanding, use a plane. As a woodworker & old tennis dude I've done this successfully many times. Use a SHARP low angle plane and remove one sliver from each of the 8 sides. This will reduce the handle evenly around the perimeter and leave a very sharp edge, avoiding the round-over effect you can get by sanding.

Depending on how dialed in your plane is...you will need to remove approx 5 thin "slices" from each of the 8 sides to reduce the grip one full 1/8" increment.

[Stefano]

What Somma said is absolutely correct.

The handle can also be shaved. To do that, you'll need to shave the bevels evenly and shave opposite (not adjacent) edges until you achieve the proper size.
Shaving opposite edges is more likely to ensure symmetrical handle.

You need a caliper to measure the size while shaving it and use a sanding pad with 100 grit sandpaper.

But be forewarned: first of all, it doesn't take much to shave 1/8" on 8 bevels. And you need to reduce by 2 sizes, so be careful not to shave too much.

If you do, you can still increase the size using a grip sleeve, but most likely you would change the feeling of the handle and come out with something totally different from the other racquet you already have.

I have done it hundreds of times and it's not something I enjoy particularly, it is very easy to make mistakes even if you know what you are doing ;)