My regular overgrip doesn’t work well when my hands gets really sweaty. I know a lot of players like Tourna Grip, but I find it much more difficult to put on and it doesn’t last long. Any suggestions? —Mark S.
Mark,
There are few things better than grinding on a hot summer day. But a sweat-soaked grip can be a major disrupter. It’s frustrating, even unnerving, to take a rip at the ball and have the handle slide at contact. The racquet face becomes difficult to control, shots are more unpredictable, and thoughts go to simply hanging on to the frame rather than nailing a forehand. And the truth is, the grip is your primary connection to the racquet and should always feel comfortable and secure.
I’m a big fan of overgrips like Wilson Pro, Yonex Supergrap and Head Prime Tour—soft, stretchy with just enough tackiness and feel of the bevels. I’m a sucker for a fresh one, but these also have enough durability to generally last several sessions. During the moderate outdoor months and the indoor season, these are my go-to models.
However, when conditions are sticky and sweat starts pouring down, it may only take a couple of games before these grips become too slick. Unless you’ve got a stash of frames that allow you to shuffle to a different one while letting the others dry, it’s a sub-optimal situation. That’s when more absorbent options are required.
As you mentioned, the gold standard in this category is arguably Tourna Grip. The ubiquitous light blue grip has been a staple in the game for decades, and remains a favorite of countless tour players. The grip has the unique property of feeling tackier as it gets wet. In fact, the feel can be a little too papery until it moistens. Yet once the sweat starts to flow, there are few grips that are as reliable.
