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Reducing grip size

Q: Do you have any information on who reduces tennis grips? Is there any do-it-yourself info? I don’t even know where to start.

A: It depends on how much grip size reduction you are seeking. For example, if the grip is just a little too big, you can try different replacement grips to see if one is thin enough to make the finished grip the size you want. Some players even wrap one or two overgrips around the bare pallet, although this will dramatically reduce the cushioning you get from a replacement grip.

Do-it-yourself size reduction of the pallet (the portion of the racquet underneath the replacement grip) ranges from difficult to virtually impossible. If you are dealing with a racquet that has foam for the pallet, you could in theory reduce the size of the grip by carefully sanding, shaving, or machining down the facets of the pallet. However, in practice, it is difficult to remove material evenly, so that each of the facets and each of the edges between facets is straight and true. Probably the best approach would be to mount the racquet in an end mill and machine the pallet, but unless you have an end mill at your disposal, by the time you pay someone else to do the calculations and set-up to get your grip just right, you could have purchased another racquet with the correct size grip, offsetting the cost by selling your old unaltered racquet. After successful machining, you would of course need to attach a smaller butt cap, as the old one will then be too large to fit properly.

On some frames, however, the pallet is built into the racquet mold, so it is made of carbon graphite. Sanding, shaving, or machining carbon graphite presents its own problems, and often the thin-wall construction of the pallet is such that were you to remove any material, you would seriously compromise the strength of the handle, potentially ruining the racquet.

If you do have a racquet with a foam pallet, however, there is hope, depending on the frame. For example, some Volkl frames are designed with replaceable pallets. All you need to do is pry off the existing pallet halves, and attach the new pallet halves and matching butt cap.

For other racquets, there is a handful of racquet experts — most of whom work for the pros — who have the techniques and equipment necessary to remove the existing foam using chemicals, and then re-mold the pallet. Although the cost can be as much as the retail price of a new racquet, Alpha Tennis also offers this service at a bargain rate. Those interested can contact Greg Gonyea at 800-922-9024 ext. 109. Alpha charges $44.95 plus shipping, and if you send in more than one racquet, Alpha will do its best to match the weight, balance, and swingweight of the finished racquets.

From the February 2006 issue
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