Whether it's choosing a new racquet, testing new strings or experimenting with lead tape, everybody has a different approach to it. Most will look at what their favourite pro use. Die-hard tennis fans will do whatever it takes to have the exact equipment pros have. But does it really work? Can you achieve that desired pro effect you want?
Take me for an example. I use to think Wilson's Pro Overgrip is the best OG there is because Federer and other top pros use. The thing is I have very sweaty palms so the thing loses its grip in 2 hours but I kept on buying them because Federer uses it. See the problem?
Then I started using other grips of similar type. I experimented with different brands and stuck to the Babolat Pro Tour grip (I don't remember the exact name) for some time. I even bought a 10-pack Tourna Grip because I heard its the best tacky grip on the market. I was wrong. None of them worked for me. Until I found this: Babol XL.
It has to be the most underrated OG ever. It's so cheap but it's extremely good. I bought this about 2 months ago and I still haven't regripped any of my racquets. So let's begin the review.
The XL is probably the cheapest Babolat OG I've seen in the Malaysian market. But I had my doubts when buying it bulk so I bought the 3 pack. Upon installing it I was sceptical about the way it feels. Turns out I was wrong as always. This thing has plenty of grip despite having that cheap plastic feel to it. Sweaty palms? No issues at all. During those intense moments I was still able to hold my racquet the way I wanted to hold it. With those 'pro' OG my racquets end up slipping all the time. Speaking of tremendous amount of grip brings me to its downside, there's so much grip it gave my palm and fingers blisters. You wouldn't want to shake hands with me after a match. Another bad point is the perforations on the OG surface. It's not a bad thing for some, though but I dislike sweat getting into the base grip. Other than that I think I've found the perfect overgrip for me and won't be changing for a very, very long time.
**Yes I know the introduction is longer than the actual review. That's so me.**
