The following review was one that I performed for Tennis Warehouse. I was selected for this play test based on my participation on their message boards and this post is a reprint of the review I created for TW. You view the original review by selecting the following link. TW Review

 

Product Recieved:  Tourna Tac XL, white, 3 Pack

 

Do you typically use an overgrip? If yes, which one do you use?

My current overgrip of choice is the Kimony Hi-Soft EX perforated. Prior to switching to Kimony, I was using Yonex Super Grap for a few years after Gamma changed up the Gamma Supreme. I loved the old Gamma Supremes and the Kimony is the only overgrip I have found that replicates it’s qualities.

Was the test grip easy to apply (any wrinkles during install, did the grip lay down nicely?)

The Tourna Tac overgrip was relatively easy to apply. It is a bit different in that it does not have a tapered end to assist starting the wrap, but it presented no difficulties in getting the wrap started. I did get a few small wrinkles in the transition from the butt cap to the handle, but every overgrip I have used has the same issue so it is not a problem nor does it impact playability. Once I transitioned from the butt cap, Tourna Tac was one of the easier overgrips to install. It laid down easily and did not have a lot of stretch to it (unlike Super Grap which is incredibly stretchy) which made it easy to maintain a consistant width while wrapping the handle.

Was it sized appropriately (e.g., was it long enough? Too thick/Thin?)

The Tourna Tac overgrip was sized perfectly for my needs. It was long enough to cover my entire handle with enough excess that I could cut a taper on the top end and still have grip left over. Compared to my current grip of choice, Kimony, I ended up with a few more inches of excess grip when installing on my Prince Tour 98 ESP’s. The Tourna Tac grip is thicker than either Yonex Super Grap or Wilson Pro, but it is very similar in thickness the old Gamma Supreme and the Kimony Hi-Soft EX which I prefer. Even with its thickness, the bevels of my leather wrapped handle were very well defined. Of the thicker overgrips I have used, the Tourna Tac defined the bevels better than either Kimony or Gamma Supreme.

Level of tackiness (did your hand stick/slip too much?)

The initial level of tackiness of the Tourna Tac overgrip was awesome! I love extremely tacki grips I was very impressed with the Tourna Tac at the start of the Playtest. The tackiness level did drop after my first session with the overgrip, but it was still relatively tacki and acceptable for continued use. Comparing it to my other overgrips, it was not as tacki as the Gamma or Kimony after the initial tackiness wore off and offered a similar level of tackiness as Super Grap. Throughout the playtest I did not experience any slippage or have any issues adjusting my grip during play.

Longevity of Tackiness

I was a bit disappointed in the initial drop in tackiness after my first session with the overgrip, bit after that initial drop it remained relatively tacki throughout the remainder of the play test. I have about 15 hours of playtesting time on a single Tourna Tac overgrip and it is still performing as well as it did after the initial tackiness drop and is showing no signs of significant wear. I normally get about 20 to 25 hours out of my Kimony grips, and judging from the current condition of the Tourna Tac overgrip, I would expect it to last a similar length of time. It definitely outlasts Super Grap which I would normally have to replace at the 10 to 15 hour time frame due to loss of tackiness or significant wear.

Level of sweat absorption

My hands stay relatively dry even on the hot and humid days of the summer so I normally do not have to worry about sweat absorption. The Tourna Tac grip never showed any signs of saturation so it absorbed everything I threw at it. It worked perfectly for me.
Would you consider using this overgrip?
I would definitely consider using Tourna Tac in the future as it performed really well during the Playtest and has many of the qualities that I look for in an overgrip. I prefer tacki overgrips that are long lasting and the Tourna Tac is definitely in that category. While it probably will not replace my current overgrip of choice (Kimony Hi-Soft EX) I would definitely put Tourna Tac ahead of Super Grap and Wilson Pro on my list.

List any additional thoughts on the overall performance

I did have some issues with the packaging the overgrips came in and had to resort to using a sharp object to free the grips from the protective plastic. I was afraid that I would damage the grips during extraction as they were wrapped so tightly, but was fortunate not to do so.

The best thing I can say about the Tourna Tac overgrips is that I never noticed them during the course of play. Their performance and comfort level were so good that I never once had to worry about them effecting my game. I never experienced slippage or had a problem rotating my grip on the court in the heat of battle. I feel confident that if I were to switch to Tourna Tac overgrips I would be ale to so without any adjustment period.