How to Choose a Good Badminton Grip for Your Racket

Can badminton grips really make all the difference?

Truth be told, the right badminton grip won’t suddenly make you a pro player but it can maximise your performance so you have both the power and control you need.

Badminton grips can also help absorb the sweat flowing from your arm, and provide you with a comfortable feel of your racket throughout your game.

Below, we cover some of the factors like types, material and thickness that will determine what grip suits you best. That said, keep in mind that there isn’t one “best” grip for everyone. You should use a grip to suit your style of play.

What is your style of play?

Power Play: Focus on Powerful Shots

Players who opt for power usually go for strong consecutive attacks (usually with a badminton smash / badminton jump smash). Their strategy is to force their opponents to return a weak shot and then get the chance to “play the win”.

Players who attack often usually hold their racket handles tighter (to generate power for strong smashes). Therefore, a THICKER grip will be suitable for these types of players.

Control Play: Focus on Accuracy and Technique

Badminton players who prefer to engage in various badminton skills are called stroke players/rally players. Their winning strategy is to force their opponents into long rallies by doing badminton clears and badminton drops.

Advanced badminton skills such as badminton deception (x`) and tumbling net shots require players to have great control over their rackets and excellent wrist action.

Therefore, if you’re a stroke/rally player, don’t hold your racket too tightly. This may lead to too much power in your shot, especially when you’re using more advanced skills. Choose control over power, it’s more important for this type of play.

A THINNER grip handle will be perfect for these types of players.

A thin grip will provide you with better control over your racket – especially for changing from forehand grip to backhand grip and vice versa. (See how to grip your racket correctly)

3 Types of Badminton Grip

There are 3 types of badminton grip available in the market.

1. Replacement Grip
2. Overgrip
3. Towel Grip

1. Replacement Grip

As the name suggests, a replacement grip simply means a grip that replaces the original grip.

The original grip is the grip already attached to the badminton racket when you first bought the racket.

Therefore a replacement grip is slightly THICKER. The common material used to produce a good badminton grip is called polyurethane or PU.

PU grips provide comfort and act as a cushion between your fingers and the racket handle. They are also good sweat and shock absorbers.

2. Overgrip

Overgrips are similar to replacement grips, but they are MUCH THINNER and CHEAPER than replacement grips.

As the name suggests, an overgrip is a grip you wrap over a replacement grip or an original grip. The purpose is to provide you with a thicker grip handle for power play.

An overgrip by itself wrapped on the wood surface of the handle will be TOO THIN.

Again, PU overgrips are good materials for comfort and absorbing sweat.

3. Towel Grip

Towel grips are usually made of cotton. Cotton is an excellent material for absorbing sweat.

However, they are VERY THICK and sometimes heavy.

If you opt for a power play, towel grips might be awesome for you.

Advantages & Disadvantages Of The Different Types Of Grips

Grip Type	Advantages	Disadvantages
Synthetic Overgrips	Extra cushioning to absorb sweat and improve grip Easy to install and replace Affordable and widely available  Can be used on top of existing grips for additional cushioning and grip	May not be as durable as other grip types Can become slippery if not changed regularly  Adds thickness to the grip, which can affect the feel of the racket
Towel Overgrips	Provides good sweat absorption and grip  Natural material feels comfortable in the hand  Durable and long-lasting	Can be more expensive than synthetic overgrips  Thicker than synthetic overgrips, which can affect the feel of the racket
Replacement Grips	Provides a fresh, new grip for the racket Can be tailored to fit the size and shape of the player’s hand  Provides a consistent feel across the grip	Can be more expensive than overgrips  Requires more time and effort to install than overgrips  Harder to replace, which can lead to decreased grip quality over time

How to Choose the Best Grip for YOU: Tips for Customising Your Racket Grip

Alright, here’s the exciting part. I’ll show you how to customise the size of your grip handle according to your style of play.

CONTROL GAME

Skills Involved	Clears, drops, net shots, deceptions
Grip Size	THINNER grips so that your fingers are more flexible to move and you will have a better badminton grip technique.
Grip Weight	If you want more control, your racket handle should be HEAVIER than its racket head. Read how to choose a good badminton racket to understand the specifications of a racket.
Recommendation:	Original grip + PU Overgrip Towel Grip only IF your palm is bigger: Original grip + PU replacement grip

POWER GAME

Skills Involved	Smash, Jump smash, drives
Grip Size	THICKER grips so that it will be easier for you to hold tightly to your badminton racket when doing strong smashes.
Grip Weight	For power rackets, the racket head should be heavier than the racket handle. This gives more momentum in a swing.   Learn how to identify the balance point to determine whether it is a power racket or control racket
Recommendation:	Original grip + Towel Overgrip Original Grip + PU Replacement Grip IF your palm is bigger: Original grip + PU replacement grip + PU Overgrip

Important Tips

• I have given my recommendations above. But remember, it’s all about YOUR preference. After all, what is more important than enjoying yourself during your badminton sessions?  
• When wrapping multiple layers of badminton grips to customise the size of your racket handle, consider the size of your palm too.
  If your palm is big, a replacement grip + another replacement grip might not be thick enough for you. You might need another overgrip on top of that.
• If you play badminton often, it will be cheaper for you to get overgrips instead of replacement grips.
  Get a replacement grip as the base grip and wrap an overgrip on the replacement grip.

When To Replace Your Grip And Other FAQs

Q: How often should I replace my badminton grip?

A: It’s recommended to replace your grip every 3-6 months, or more frequently if you play frequently or notice the grip becoming slippery, worn off and starting to smell a little funky.

Q: How do I know if a grip is the right size for me?

A: The grip size should allow you to comfortably hold the racket with your fingers wrapped around the handle. If the grip is too small or too large, it can affect your ability to control the racket.

Q: Can I use an overgrip on top of a replacement grip?

A: Yes, you can use an overgrip on top of a replacement grip to add cushioning and improve grip. However, this can make the grip thicker and affect the feel of the racket, so it’s important to find the right balance for your playing style.

Q: How do I install a new grip on my racket?

A: There are many tutorials available online that demonstrate how to install a new grip, but generally the process involves removing the old grip (if present), cleaning the handle, and then carefully wrapping the new grip around the handle in a tight, even spiral.

Q: Can I wash my badminton grip?

A: It’s not recommended to wash your badminton grip, as this can damage the material and affect its grip properties. Instead, use a damp cloth or towel to wipe down the grip after use and allow it to air dry.

Conclusion

I hope this was helpful in understanding how to choose the right badminton grip for you. 

Don’t forget that it’s important to find a grip that fits your hand size and playing style, as this can make all the difference when it comes to getting the most out of your game! 

So take some time to research and experiment with different grips until you find one that works for you. Good luck and have fun!