Hi, today I went to a stringer to help me attach new grip on my racket and he did not apply any electrical tape under the grip. How damaging is it if sweat/water get into the wooden handle? (I tend to not have sweaty hands tho)
Sweat imbues the racket with the strength of its holder. As the holder exerts himself more, the racket can become a mighty weapon. This is why the legendary Lin Dan plays with a half exposed handle. The hero prefers no barrier between his hand and his tool of victory.
I've never used electrical tape when just gripping regular grip and haven't notice any damage to the wood from Sweat etc. However, it is more important to use it if you are using a towel grip since the glue strip can rip off chunks of wood off the handle if its directly in contact.
I see, mine is not towel so I think it should be fine then. Do you know if cushion tapes are important?
It also helps to protect the handle when you use some towel grip (with strong adhesive) every once in a while. Leftover adhesive plus PU grip is no fun, with electrical tape you can just replace the tape.
I use a towel grip and do not use electric tape under the towel grip. The adhesive is polymer based and peeling it off from the handle is hell on earth. I don't know why you people keep on putting layers of tape onto your handles. I promise you that my handle hasnt rotted...... YET.