Grip Sizing with Balsa Wood

A playing partner with unusually large hands was complaining of how the handle kept twisting in his hand during play. 

Despite new tacky overgrips and adding lead to 3 and 9, it did not solve the problem. So we suspected it was the grip size. (We should have thought of it first!)

A quick measure (link) found that he should be using 4¾ inches! The grip size on his racket stated 4⅜, which meant it was undersized by a whopping ⅜ inches! Goodness!

Other than re-molding the grip, the next best alternative would be to beef it up. Heat shrink sleeves are most commonly used, but they add too much weight and rounds the feel of the bevels.

Overgrips add about 6g each and wrapping three would add too much weight as well.

A quick check online showed balsa wood to be extremely light and strong for its weight. It's the same material used to make model aeroplanes and quite a few reported good feedback with it.

I'll let the pics do the rest of the talking...

Measurements before.

And after.

Playtest:
- He commented the fit became so much better and incredibly snug! Much less pressure was needed to grip it.
- Several gaps previously found between his palm and the grip have diminished or disappeared. Those skin folds were responsible for the racket twist and wobble.
- With a greater part of his hand now in contact with the grip, there is much better traction.
- The number of racket twists from off-centred hits have reduced significantly. Not that he was hitting any better, but the racket became more stable.
- He felt more confident when going for tight shots or corners as the racket was more connected. Serves improved.
- There was also an unexpected positive change in ball contact feel. Both the ball and strings felt a lot more crisp and lively, just like how a new stringjob would feel. 
- The previous cushion grip and layers of overgrips muffled the impact too much and made the strings feel old, almost like hitting wet balls in the rain.
- Some "noise" or vibrations could also have been filtered out by the balsa wood. Impacts felt very "clean".
- Because of the larger grip and buttcap, less strength was needed to hold it firmly. This looser grip allowed him to swing more freely and power increased from the momentum. He was muscling the ball less and looked more effortless from my side of the court.
- Two downsides were, the addition of about 10 grams in weight, and a slightly slower grip change between strokes. It could just be a habit issue. Not a huge price to pay considering the incredible payoffs.
- Now I know why Nate Ferguson's first tip is to start with the grip! (link)