Put On a New Squash Grip + The 2 Main Types of Grip - Squash For Beginners [010]

[@BetterSquash]

Which type of grip do you prefer and why?

[@peterchang425]

I prefer the Karakal yellow replacement grip. I like the tacky feel and it lasts longer.

[@ideaattr9466]

I am buying no-name overgrips from aliexpress for ~1CAD. It has a foam stripe on the inner side of the grip and it makes the handle just the right size for me. On top of that, the foam stripe helps me with my grip position - whether I want to "choke" the racquet or to extend the length a bit.

[@BetterSquash]

Yes, I like the yellow ones too.

[@arnaud78]

I LOVE the Salming H2O grip. It is fairly tacky, and deals with sweat well. I use it exclusively.

[@BetterSquash]

I haven't tried that one.

[@aboodhayanasvishwamithra5251]

Thanks! I ordered a pack of overgrips! This tutorial is helpful~

[@BetterSquash]

Glad it was helpful!

[@aboodhayanasvishwamithra5251]

@@BetterSquash I was playing without any gripping technique before. just held the racket like a stick and started hitting the ball. I still have tendon pains from just a few hours of that a few months back. Now I am dutifully following the grip techniques you taught. I don't feel discomfort now, though the older pain still there.

[@timepassdudes]

Very Informative Video! Thank You!

[@BetterSquash]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ward9716]

Thank you.

[@BetterSquash]

You're welcome!

[@szabgab529]

Thanks for the series. I have an old racket on which the grip has cuts. Would you remove the original grip and put a new one on or would you just add a new one on top as you showed in the video?

[@BetterSquash]

Glad I could help. I suppose it depends on how bad the original grip is. You say "cuts", what exactly do you mean?

[@drakeudo6699]

Thanks for the nice video! Some shops also offer soft grips and I would like to know your thoughts/experience with them?

[@BetterSquash]

You are most welcome. Can you give me a link to the "soft grips" please because I don't immediately recognise what you mean?

[@drakeudo6699]

@@BetterSquash On tennisnuts they mention this type of grip. Here is the link www.tennisnuts.com/shop/squash/squash-grips.html?products_per_page=24&filter_3394_from=2&filter_3394_to=67&filter_3395_value%5B%5D=Soft+Grips&submit_filters=Filter+Products

[@BetterSquash]

Arh, yes, this is really more terminology than actual difference between grips. What they call "soft grips" are what I have called "replacement grips". Some people take the original grip off and use the Karakal as replacement. The proper grip to replace the original grip is a little different but it's generally hard to find, so must people use the PU grip. For example, you can still buy leather grips which can be used to replace the original grips. I'll cover these things in my specialist video. I hope that clarifies things for you.

[@drakeudo6699]

@@BetterSquash That clarifies it perfectly! Thank you very much for the response! 👍

[@_PotatoBlade]

Question, I already had changed my grip before by a coach and now I need to by myself, do you take the old grip (not the original one) off before putting on the new one? Also are you supposed/able to put an over grip on top of a grip?

[@BetterSquash]

Yes, you can take the grip off before you put the new one on. That's the same for a replacement grip (thicker and with a sticky side) or an overgrip (thinner). The decision is yours and should be based on your hand size. Some people like overgrips and others prefer replacement grips. They have a different feel. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@RIP212]

Hey. I have removed my replacement grip that I got applied on top of original grip, but when I wanted to replace it it left a lot of adhesive on the original grip with a big chunks of the grip. Is there any lifehacks on how to cleanup that mess to keep original grip somewhat clean after replacement grip removal? A had a Karkal Super Grip Duo. Thanks!

[@BetterSquash]

Hi, if you are lucky you can pick the underlying plastic of the sticky side and pull that, but I have used sandpaper myself.

[@RIP212]

​@@BetterSquash Duo one is fragile and breaks down to pieces too easily as it is made of two pieces, not one solid one that has a better grip to remove most of the glue. Unsure how you can use sandpaper? It's a rubberish plastic, the original grip I mean. It's almost impossible only to sand the glue and not touch the original one. I end up using WD-40. Sprayed it, waited for 5 minutes and then most of it was removed easily. Then to make it 100% clean I used the hard part of the two-sided sponge (one has a rough layer and another one is just the sponge itself (have no idea how you name it properly in English)) with some water and a good rub. A side effect is that WD-40 got soaked under the original grip and original glue also melted and layers started to move even with a little bit of rub. To get rid of WD-40 from the grip/surroundings after the application you can use a gel for laundry or a washing powder for laundry. Cleanup everything around and then make a small bath with dissolved detergent of choice and put your grip there and then rub and squeeze the grip so it (detergent) goes into it and then keep it there (in the bath) for another 10-15 minutes and then wash it all away and squeeze moisture from the grip to make it dry faster. Then let it dry for 3-4 hours and then the original glue gets sticky again and layers got stable again like nothing ever happened so you can apply your new grip. What I would do different now, I would pour/spray a bit of WD-40 somewhere and use brush or smth, to apply it exactly on the glue, and not everywhere around :D And so it's not soo much and not soo much will soak into the original grip itself destructing its original glue + it will be easier to clean up the mess afterward. And yeah, by the original grip. I meant, the one grip that comes from the factory. I applied a replacement grip on top so it's bigger. If I would apply replacement grip directly on the grip frame that would be an easy task to cleanup with WD-40 or with sandpaper indeed.

[@BetterSquash]

Andrey, I'm so sorry - I didn't read your question properly. If you were taking the original grip off, sandpaper works well, but obviously not if it is a grip on top of tyhe original grip. One thing that people have done that seemed to work, is put packaging tape OVER the original grip. Wrap it very tightly. This then provides a clean surface for the next grip, but just as importantly, should make it much easier to remove sticky residue when you come to replace the top grip. I know it's too late for this time, but it's something to consider for the future.

[@gosharick]

Hello, Couch! I've bought karakal core pro 120 and I wonder if I should put a grip on the factory one or not?

[@BetterSquash]

It depends on the size of your hands and length of your fingers. See this video for more information: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2WkeXuqfMyUarM

[@gosharick]

@@BetterSquash Thank you!

[@rossorosso]

Hello Coach, I've just bought some Karakal PU grips, do you recommend I take the old standard factory grip off my Eye Racket or keep that on please?

[@BetterSquash]

That depends completely on the size. Try wrapping the grip around the current one, without taking the sticky protector off. It will be bigger than once it is permanently fitted, but it will give you a good estimate about its final size. Remember, there should be about a finger's space between your third finger and the base of the thumb. if taking off the original grip and putting the new grip on won't give you this space, then put it on top.

[@janaahmad7991]

I am a little new to the sport and had just bought my own racket; I only wanted to ask if it was necessary to get a grip. Does it work as a protective layer for the racket handle ? Or is it only made to add thickness or extra grip factor? Thank you in advance ^_^

[@BetterSquash]

Welcome to squash. There are two reasons to add a grip on top of a new racket: 1. Most grips on new rackets are very bad - they are the cheapest the manufacturer can use. 2. Most grips are also too small, so adding another grip on top allows you to get exactly the right grips size for your hand. For more information on that, please see my grip video.

[@AlessandroFavia]

I always find difficult to end the grip. Can you please explain better what you do when you cut a bit, then mark, and then cut a straight line at the end? I've always used the overgrip, but probably I've always been wrong (too thin, there is no space)

[@BetterSquash]

The first little cut or mark I make is at the height where I want the grip to end. Most times this is the same height as the current grip, but it doesn't have to be. It can be where ever you want it to be. Then I continue to wrap the grip around and when the bottom part of the grip overlaps where I have made the first cut or mark that's where I make the second cut or mark. Once I have two little cuts or marks, then I cut a straight line between them. That will then give a neat finish for you to put the tape. With regard to your last point, I would certainly recommend trying a slightly bigger grip. Just wrap one or two overgrips on top of the current one instead of replacing it. Remember, the small space between your third finger and the base of your thumb is a guide and everybody should experiment.

[@AlessandroFavia]

@@BetterSquash thanks for the response. I have always used an overgrip because I thought that a replacement grip was intended to actually replace the original grip ("that's why it is so thick" in my mind...). My fault, I will definitely try to put one overgrip over my overgrip for the moment and i'll see how I feel . Thanks!

[@peterchang425]

Do you find there is a difference between putting a new grip on in a clockwise or anticlockwise fashion?

[@BetterSquash]

I have heard of people putting grips on in an anticlockwise way for left-handed players and I plan to mention that in another video, but honestly, I don't really think it makes any difference. However, if people feel more comfortable doing and playing with it that way, then that's fine. The racket (weight/balance), grip and string combination are all so personal, I feel the best advice is "if you like it, do it".

[@peterchang425]

I thought that would have been your response! Thank you for another great instructional video done so professionally!

[@BetterSquash]

Are you left-handed? Do you put the grip on anti-clockwise? I am always eager to hear viewers experiences.

[@peterchang425]

@@BetterSquash I'm right handed. For about the last ten years, I've applied my grips in an anticlockwise fashion. It seems to suit me better.

[@BetterSquash]

Next grip I put on, I will try it anticlockwise. I am not saying you can't tell the difference, but if it were a blind test, do you honestly think you could notice the difference? I might include a test on myself in the advanced grip video.

[@kunalbansal7571]

@BetterSquash when applying a Karakal replacement grip to a new racquet, do we remove the original grip the racquet came with or just put it above the original grip?

[@BetterSquash]

It depends on your preference and hand size. For most people, the original grip supplied with a new racket is too small, and those people add the PU replacement grip (the most popular brand is Karakal) on top of the original grip. If that feels too thick for you, then you can remove the original grip and put your new grip on the bare racket handle.

[@mahanly]

Hi Phillip. This Instagram link is broken: Instagram: instagram.com/squashcoach...

[@BetterSquash]

Okay, thanks, I'll have to fix all the old links.