Got hand fatigue, larger or sweaty hands? Want better paddle control or increased power? Want more friction on the handle? Just get a grip, OK!? Literally! Stock paddle grips can only do so much so companies like Hesacore, Lizard Skins, and Onix, among others, began developing and selling specialized and textured grips.
I took an interest in these thicker, textured, more slip resistant grips because I have big hands with long fingers and a bit of arthritis. I took note of Hesacore right away (blame my social media scrolling), who makes a unique hexagonal textured silicon grip, requested some, and put them to a test over the last month.
I rate the grip as a 4 of 5 balls, BUT, with an asterisk… * I paired it with a Lizard Skins overgrip wrap. Read on friends to get the rest of the story…
By the Numbers
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Models | 5 |
| Lengths | 5.25” and 6” |
| Thicknesses | 1mm (XS), 1.5mm (S), 2mm (M) |
| Weight | 0.44 oz – 0.62 oz each |
| Price Range | $24.90 to $29.90 each |
Nuts and Bolts
- Made of silicone or silicone combined with carbon fiber
- Concave, honeycomb, hexagonal pattern
- Ergonomic design for optimal paddle grip
- Patented
Game on… the Play Testing
The tough part for me was deciding which grip I wanted to install – Hesacore sent one of each and a couple different lengths as well – after all, there are five different models and three thicknesses.
I decided to test two models: the medium Tour in a long size with a small thickness, and the Carbon in regular length with medium thickness.
Easy Installation
The next challenge was the removal of the stock grip and installation of the new Hesacore grip and overgrip wrap on my two chosen paddles. Thankfully, with the very clear instructions provided with packaging and online, that process was a breeze!
Removing and installing the grip, along with a basic Diadem overgrip wrap, took less than 15 minutes. And just a heads up—an overgrip is necessary since Heascore isn’t meant to be your final grip surface.
First Impressions
In my hand, both grips felt great, but I could tell I preferred the softer Tour grip. The Carbon grip was a bit too stiff for my liking.
The larger, textured pattern from the concave honeycomb silicone provided a solid grip, and it was clear that the specific placement of the honeycomb pattern was designed for optimal ergonomics.
On-Court Performance
On the court, the Carbon grip gave me a solid handle, but I wasn’t a fan of the raised, stiffer honeycomb texture that you can still feel through the overgrip. I was able to adjust my grip and felt like I could deliver a better spin and better control.
The Diadem overgrip was okay, but I realized I wasn’t crazy about that combo of the two grips. Hesacore does market this Carbon grip for “expert and professional players” who want maximum control and a stiff grip. I played three games with it before switching to the Tour model.
Loving the Tour Grip
The feel of the Tour grip during my next game was much better – a softer, pliable but still textured grip that provided the same benefits of the ergonomic, honeycomb texture. I did feel less vibration and I am guessing this would translate to less fatigue and soreness, though those aren’t issues I usually experience.
My control and ability to keep a firm grip was quite noticeable. I played two more games with this paddle, and then did some drills a couple of days later. It still felt good, but I started to wonder if it was worth the $25 plus the cost of an overgrip, especially if I wanted to add it to 2-3 of my favorite paddles.
The Lizard Skins Experiment
I noticed some positive buzz about the Lizard Skins overwrap (available here) and decided to give it a try after reading that a few people really liked it when wrapped over a Hesacore grip.
I quickly got a few Lizard Skins overwraps from the company within a few days. I removed the Diadem overgrip and added the Lizard Skin wrap on top of the Hesacore. Bingo!
The Winning Combo
Switching to the Lizard Skin wrap was a game-changer for me. It felt much better in my hand during drills and gameplay. I noticed stronger control, better spin, and more comfort for both forehand and backhand hits, even with two-handed shots. Plus, it gave me a solid grip for those powerful driving shots.
So the winning combo was Hesacore with Lizard Skins!
The Final Score
I recommend everyone should at least explore a new grip, especially if you have issues like I mentioned at the beginning. And the worst case scenario is you return to a standard wrap grip which isn’t expensive.
The Hesacore works for me, but only with an advanced grip like Lizard Skins. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution and might not instantly improve your game, but having a grip with a good tacky texture is important to many of us. It just feels right in the hand.
Also, the price tag of $25-30 is a bit steep, especially since you need to pair it with a $13 overgrip. This kept it from getting a higher score in my book.
Pickle on my friends, pickle on…
