Badminton Grip Guide: Stop Your Racket from Flying Away

A $200 racket is useless if it twists in your hand during a smash. Yet most players ignore their grip until the racket literally slips out of their hand mid-game. The grip is your only physical connection to the racket. Get it wrong, and everything else suffers.

This guide will break down exactly which grip type you need, when to replace it, and how to stop that annoying slipping problem once and for all.

Understanding Grip Basics: Replacement vs Overgrip

Before we compare materials, you need to understand the difference between these two terms:

Replacement Grip (Base Grip)

This is the thick, cushioned grip that comes pre-installed on your racket. It is usually 1.5-2mm thick and provides padding. Most players never remove this unless it gets damaged or worn out completely.

• Purpose: Cushioning and comfort
• Thickness: 1.5-2mm
• Replacement frequency: Once a year (or never)
• Cost: $5-10

Overgrip (Wrapper Tape)

This is the thin tape (0.5-0.75mm) that you wrap over the replacement grip. Think of it like a phone case - you replace it frequently to keep things fresh. This is what 99% of players actually replace regularly.

• Purpose: Tackiness, sweat absorption, feel
• Thickness: 0.5-0.75mm
• Replacement frequency: Every 2-8 weeks depending on use
• Cost: $1-3 per grip (usually sold in 3-packs)

From here on, when we talk about "grip," we are talking about overgrips - the part you actually replace.

Grip Types: Towel vs Synthetic

1. Towel Grips: The Heavy Sweater's Solution

Towel grips are made from cotton terry cloth - the same material as your bathroom towel. They work on a simple principle: the more you sweat, the grippier they become.

Pros:

• Absorbs massive amounts of sweat - Perfect if your hands drip during games
• Gets grippier when wet - Unlike synthetic grips that become slippery
• Comfortable cushioning - The thick texture feels soft

Cons:

• Becomes crusty when dry - After a few days, it hardens and loses grip
• Short lifespan - Needs replacement every 2-3 weeks
• Adds weight - Thicker material makes the racket handle heavier
• Smells bad quickly - Absorbed sweat = bacteria growth

Best towel grip: Yonex AC402 Towel Grip ($10 for 3-pack) - The industry standard.

2. Synthetic (PU) Grips: The All-Purpose Choice

Synthetic grips are made from polyurethane (PU) rubber. They feel tacky and slightly sticky to the touch. This is what 90% of players use.

Pros:

• Always tacky - Sticky feel right out of the package
• Thin profile - Barely adds any thickness to the handle
• Long-lasting - Can last 1-2 months with regular play
• No smell - Synthetic material does not harbor bacteria like towel grips
• Available in many colors - Match your racket or shoes

Cons:

• Gets slippery when very sweaty - Not ideal for heavy sweaters
• Less cushioning - Thinner than towel grips

Best synthetic grips:

• Yonex Super Grap ($8 for 3-pack) - The gold standard. Extremely tacky and durable.
• Victor Grip Pro ($7 for 3-pack) - Slightly softer feel than Yonex.
• Li-Ning GP1000 ($6 for 3-pack) - Budget option that still performs well.

Thick vs Thin: Handle Size Matters

Adding multiple overgrips increases your handle size. This affects control and comfort.

Thin Handle (1 overgrip over replacement grip):

• Pros: Better wrist snap, faster racket maneuverability
• Cons: Less cushioning, can cause blisters
• Best for: Players with small hands, defensive players

Thick Handle (2-3 overgrips stacked):

• Pros: More comfort, reduces vibration, easier to grip
• Cons: Slower wrist movement, less precise control
• Best for: Players with large hands, power hitters

How to Replace an Overgrip (Step-by-Step)

1. Remove the old grip: Unwrap it starting from the bottom (near the cap). Peel off any leftover adhesive.
2. Start at the bottom: Position the tapered end of the new grip at the very bottom of the handle. Leave about 2mm overhanging the end.
3. Wrap diagonally upward: Overlap each wrap by about 2-3mm. Pull tight as you go.
4. Finish at the top: Cut off excess grip tape. Secure the end with the finishing tape (included in the package).
5. Press down the overhanging bottom: Fold the 2mm overhang into the racket cap and push the cap back on.

Time required: 2-3 minutes once you get the hang of it.

When to Replace Your Grip

Signs It's Time for a New Grip:

• The grip feels slippery even when dry
• It has visible wear, tears, or fraying
• It smells bad (especially towel grips)
• The tackiness is gone - your hand slides during play
• It has become hard or crusty (towel grips)

Replacement Schedule:

• Play 1-2x/week: Replace every 6-8 weeks
• Play 3-4x/week: Replace every 3-4 weeks
• Play daily: Replace every 2 weeks
• Towel grips: Cut these timeframes in half

The Grip Powder Secret

Professional players often use grip powder (magnesium carbonate) - the same stuff rock climbers and gymnasts use. It dries your hands instantly and dramatically improves grip.

When to Use Grip Powder:

• You play in humid or hot conditions
• You use towel grips (it keeps them from getting too wet)
• You have naturally sweaty hands

How to use it: Dust a small amount on your hands before the game. Reapply during breaks if needed.

Best grip powder: Franklin Sports Grip Powder ($8-12) - Non-toxic, mess-free bottle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Never Replacing Grips

Some players use the same grip for 6+ months. By that point, the grip has zero tackiness left. You are essentially playing with a slippery wooden handle.

Mistake 2: Wrapping Too Loose

If you do not pull tight while wrapping, the grip will slide around the handle during play. Always maintain tension as you wrap.

Mistake 3: Using Towel Grips Year-Round

Towel grips are great in summer but terrible in winter. When it is cold and your hands are not sweating, towel grips become stiff and useless. Switch to synthetic grips in colder months.

Mistake 4: Buying Cheap No-Name Grips

Generic $2 grips from random brands lose their tackiness after one session. Stick with Yonex, Victor, or Li-Ning. The $3 price difference is worth it.

Our Final Recommendations

The Bottom Line

Your grip is the cheapest upgrade you can make to your game. A $3 overgrip can make a $50 racket feel better than a $200 racket with a worn-out grip.

Start with Yonex Super Grap. If it gets too slippery, switch to towel grips or add grip powder. If it feels too thick, use only one layer. Experiment until you find what works for your hands.

And remember: grips are consumables. Do not try to make them last forever. Replace them regularly, and your racket control will improve dramatically.

For more equipment guides, check out our articles on choosing the right racket and string tension.