How to increase your tennis grip size
If you're wondering how to increase the size of your grip, we’ll show you a few different ways you can customize the size and feel of your grip, all of which are reversible.
Tennis grip sizes explained
First, let’s take a look at what grip sizes are available and how they’re classified in the US and Europe. Most tennis racquets are available in grip sizes bewteen 4 1/8" and 4 5/8" in circumference. European grip sizing is different than the US and is the source of some confusion. The chart below correlates US and European grip sizes.
| US Grip Size (inches) | Europe |
| 4 1/8 | 1 |
| 4 1/4 | 2 |
| 4 3/8 | 3 |
| 4 1/2 | 4 |
| 4 5/8 | 5 |
Installing a heat shrink sleeve
Tools you'll need
If you prefer the feel of a synthetic or leather replacement grip, you can also increase your handle by half size or a full size by installing a heat-shrink sleeve. Available from Tennis Warehouse, these sleeves are easy to use and retain the handle’s bevels. To install a heat shink sleeve you will need:
- Needle-nose pliers and/or a narrow screwdriver - to remove existing staple
- Razor Knife - to trim heat-shrink sleeve
- Scissors - to trim grip and finishing tape
- Heat gun
Step-by-step instructions
1. Remove grip and staple, being careful not to tear the grip if reusing. Clean any tape debris from the handle.
2. Slide the heat shrink sleeve over the butt cap and up the handle, overlapping the handle end by about 3/8 inch. You can either leave the excess at the bottom and trim with a razor knife after heating or trim to 1/2 inch of the butt end with scissors before heating. This second option will leave a small ring around the butt cap, which some players prefer so they can identify which racquets have built-up handles. If you choose to trim the excess, follow the instructions below. We don’t recommend trimming the heat-shrink sleeve at the top of the handle. It’s very easy to scratch the painted shaft.
3. Hold the sleeve firmly in place at top and begin heating from the bottom, keeping the heat gun 3-4 inches away. Rotate the racquet while slowly moving the heat gun up the handle. Don’t keep the heat gun aimed at one spot too long or get too close to the heat-shrink sleeve or you will melt the sleeve. Continue heating until the sleeve has shrunken completely around the handle. Allow to cool before trimming the excess at bottom.
4. To trim the overlapped sleeve, place the racquet on a stable surface. Gently apply pressure to the razor knife within 1/8 inch of the butt end. Turn the racquet as you hold the razor knife steady until the sleeve is completely trimmed.
5. Regrip your racquet.
If you want to remove your heat shrink sleeve, gently slice it lengthwise and peel off handle.
Changes in weight and balance
Grips
- Additional weight: 4-8 grams
- Change in Balance: Negligible
Half size shrink sleeve
- Additional weight: 7-8 grams
- Change in Balance: 1/8 to 3/8 inch (1-3 points), depending on racquet weight and length
Full grip size shrink sleeve
- Additional weight: 14-16 grams
- Change in Balance: 1/4 to 1/2 inch (2-4 points), depending on racquet weight and length
Two full size shrink sleeves
It is possible to install 2 heat-shrink sleeves but this adds a substantial amount of weight to the handle, increasing overall racquet weight. Maneuverability will be reduced slightly but not as much as if this amount of weight were added to the racquet hoop.
- Additional weight: 28-32 grams
- Change in Balance: 1/2 to 1 inch (4-8 points), depending on racquet weight and length
Building up a butt cap
If you hold your racquet at the very end of the handle and find your hand slipping off too often, you might want to build up just the butt cap. There are a few ways to do this.
1. Wrap 1-inch athletic tape around until you achieve the proper build-up.
2. Install part of a heat-shrink sleeve and trim as needed.
