Best Badminton Grip: Victor GL50 & Onyx Super Grip Review

Finding the perfect badminton grip can significantly impact your game. This review delves into a highly effective two-layer grip setup, combining the Victor GL50 power cushion wrap with the Onyx Super Grip. Many grips alter a racket's balance, but this combination prioritizes maintaining the original balance while enhancing comfort and control. We'll explore the application process, highlighting the advantages of each component and their synergistic effect.This detailed review examines both the Victor GL50's role as a base layer providing customized thickness and handle protection, and the Onyx Super Grip's contribution as a thin, comfortable outer layer favored by professional players. We'll assess the ease of application, the overall feel, and the impact on shot control and power generation, ultimately determining if this setup lives up to the claims of superior comfort and performance. Discover whether this combination is the key to unlocking your badminton potential.

Pros And Cons

Onyx Super Grab Grip
  • Feels nice to play with
  • Thin
  • Popular among professional badminton players
  • Provides added control
  • Easy to apply and reapply
  • Non-sticky
  • Tape provided can feel weird and peel off
Victor GL50 Power Cushion Wrap
  • Lightweight material
  • Doesn't affect racket balance point
  • Allows for customizable grip thickness
  • Protects the racket handle
  • Can be awkward to apply evenly

Read more: Top 5 Synthetic Tennis Overgrips You Need to Try

Power Cushion Wrap: The Foundation for Comfort

The base of my preferred grip setup is the power cushion wrap. I utilize the Victor GL50, though the Onyx AC380 is a comparable alternative. This lightweight material is crucial; it doesn't alter the racket's balance point, a common issue with other grips. Many grips shift the balance, making the racket head-heavy, which is undesirable.

Applying the power cushion wrap to the badminton racket handle
Applying the power cushion wrap to the badminton racket handle

I remove the factory grip completely, revealing the bare wood. Then, I meticulously wrap the power cushion around the handle, building up the desired thickness. This method lets you customize the grip's girth to perfectly fit your hand.

Close-up of the power cushion wrap being applied
Close-up of the power cushion wrap being applied

It also offers excellent protection to the handle. This is a significant advantage as removing standard grips can sometimes damage the racket's finish. The power cushion layer prevents this.

The Victor GL50 power cushion wrap
The Victor GL50 power cushion wrap

Onyx Super Grip: The Perfect Finishing Touch

For the outer grip, I've chosen the Onyx Super Grip in red. It's thin, comfortable, and a popular choice among professional badminton players, especially in doubles. This thinness enhances feel and control, particularly vital for delicate shots near the net.

The Onyx Super Grip in red
The Onyx Super Grip in red

Applying the Onyx Super Grip is straightforward. Its non-sticky nature allows for easy adjustments if needed. This is a huge advantage because you can re-position it if you're not happy with the initial placement.

Close-up of the Onyx Super Grip on the racket
Close-up of the Onyx Super Grip on the racket

Unlike using the included tape, I prefer to apply it without the tape as the tape can feel awkward and peel off during use. It's easily removed from the sticky backer to end the application.

Applying the Onyx Super Grip
Applying the Onyx Super Grip

The Perfect Grip Combination: Comfort, Control, and Confidence

Combining the Victor GL50 power cushion wrap and the Onyx Super Grip creates a remarkably comfortable and controlled grip. The power cushion adds a slightly spongy feel, enhancing grip and the ability to generate power. This combination gives a significant improvement in overall feel of the racquet.

The completed grip
The completed grip

This setup is superior due to the lightweight nature of the power cushion wrap, maintaining the racket’s balance, and the thin, grippy nature of the Onyx Super Grip which improves control. The ease of application of both products is also a notable plus.

Holding the racquet
Holding the racquet

If you value comfort, control, and the ability to customize your grip thickness, this combination is highly recommended.