Badminton Grip Tape: What It Is, Why Use It, & Best Options to Try

If you’ve ever played a fast-paced game of badminton, you know just how crucial it is to have a solid grip on your racket. Most rackets’ original grips work well enough for casual play, but they can become slippery and worn out over time. Luckily, you can upgrade your handling with the help of badminton grip tape.

So, what exactly is badminton grip tape, and how does it work? This product is often referred to as “overgrip” or “grip” in the badminton world — and it’s an accessory that can improve the feel of your racket and your overall game.

Below, learn about badminton grip tape, including what it is, why use it, and the best options to get started.

What Is Badminton Grip Tape?

Badminton grip tape is a tool that allows you to thicken, protect, and customize your racket handle. You can use it on top of your racket’s original grip or replace the old stuff entirely — it all depends on your preferences and the type of tape you’re using.

So, what is it made out of? There are many types of badminton racket grip tape. Most are made of synthetic materials like rubber, cloth, or polyurethane (PU for short). Each of these materials has unique pros and cons, meaning you’ll have plenty of options to choose from when searching for your perfect grip.

Why Should You Use Badminton Grip Tape?

Badminton grip tape can boost your overall performance, especially when it comes to rapid-paced rallies and power shots. It works by:

• Absorbing or wicking away moisture: It’s only natural that your palms will get sweaty during an intense rally. Thankfully, almost all grip tapes are made to wick away and/or absorb perspiration. This allows you to keep a solid handle on your racket, no matter how high-speed the game gets.
• Absorbing shock: Nearly every type of grip tape is designed to absorb shock during hard-hitting contact.
• Customizing the handle thickness: If you find that your racket handle feels a bit too thin, you can use overgrip tape to customize it to your ideal thickness.
• Giving you a better overall feel: High-quality grip tape gives you a grippy, tacky, or textured surface that helps keep your racket securely in hand at all times.
• Providing extra cushioning: This helps prevent blisters and other friction-induced damage that can happen without a proper grip.

Best Badminton Overgrip Options 

Here are some of the most popular badminton grip tapes to try, along with their prices and how they work.

Yonex Super Grap

The Yonex Super Grap is an all-time favorite option in the badminton world. It’s durable and shock-absorbing, all while providing a tacky, smooth surface to hold on to. It’s relatively thin at just 0.65mm — but this is adjustable, depending on how much you stretch it.

A bonus is that the Yonex Super Grap is extremely affordable. At just $7.50, a single package comes with three grip wraps to last you several months.

Pick up the Yonex Super Grap for $7.50 at Badminton Warehouse

Yonex Towel Grip

The Yonex Towel Grip is excellent for players who enjoy a textured cloth surface that stays dry throughout every match. This product is a bit thicker at 1.35mm, which means it works better as a “replacement grip,” as opposed to just an overgrip tape.

So, how do you use it? Simply remove your racket’s original grip, cover the handle with electrical tape to protect the wood, and wrap the Yonex Towel Grip on top.

Pick up the Yonex Towel Grip for $7.50 at Badminton Warehouse

Yonex Dry Grap

The Yonex Dry Grap is an overgrip tape made to absorb perspiration and maximize racket handling. These qualities make it perfect for players who enjoy the thinness of the Yonex Super Grap, but are looking for a drier material with greater sweat protection.

Pick up the Yonex Dry Grap for $7.50 at Badminton Warehouse

Yonex Wave Grap

The Yonex Wave Grap is similar to the Yonex Super Grap, but with one key difference — it has a cushion center strip, which creates a padded, bumpy surface for your fingers to grab on to. This makes for improved comfort, better traction, and extra shock absorption compared to other overgrip options.

Pick up the Yonex Wave Grap for $6.00 at Badminton Warehouse

The Takeaway

Badminton grip tape can improve your game by offering a grippier texture, absorbing shock, and boosting your racket handling as a whole.

There are many types to choose from, but the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you tend to get sweaty hands, you might enjoy an absorbent option like the Yonex Dry Grap or Towel Grip. But if moisture isn’t your main concern, you can’t go wrong with the world-famous Yonex Super Grap.

For more badminton equipment and accessories, check out the wide selection at Badminton Warehouse today.