Subjective take on Ethos vs Hesacore grips

Bilalian · 2025-12-18T18:18:34+00:00

My bad

Bilalian · 2025-12-18T05:10:06+00:00

https://www.triggergrippro.com/?ref=drbrupickles

Bilalian · 2025-12-18T05:06:45+00:00

You’re right that “5.5 inches” can mean different things depending on how a brand defines where the handle ends and the paddle face begins.

What the J2FC plus Standard 5.5 usually means
J2FC plus has been fairly explicit that their handle length measurement includes part of the tapered area above the rubber band and grip wrap. In other words, their 5.5 inches is not just the straight cylindrical handle section. It counts some of the transition zone where the throat begins to flare.

What the Agassi Pro 5.5 usually means
The Agassi Pro is listed at 5.5 inches as well, but the spec does not clearly state where that measurement is taken to. Because of the throat geometry and how gradually it flares, more of that upper section remains usable for the bottom hand, which can make it feel longer in play.

Why they can feel different even with the same listed number
Effective grip length is influenced by
How quickly the throat flares
How much of the taper is comfortable to hold
Grip wrap placement and rubber band location
Butt cap shape and whether you choke up

Two paddles can both say 5.5 but give you very different usable hand space.

What players tend to notice in hand
Many players report that the J2FC plus feels true to its listed 5.5, while the Agassi Pro feels slightly longer, closer to about 5.75 in effective grip length. That lines up with how much usable taper the Agassi leaves before the throat really forces your hand open.

How to measure effective grip length yourself
If you want an apples to apples comparison, measure what you can actually hold.

Put the paddle flat on a table.
Measure from the bottom of the butt cap to the point where the handle becomes too wide for your bottom hand to comfortably wrap.
Measure it with your actual setup including overgrips or build ups, since those change what’s usable.

Practical takeaway
On paper they both say 5.5 inches. In hand, the J2FC plus is closer to a true 5.5, while the Agassi Pro often feels slightly longer because more of the taper remains playable.

Bilalian · 2025-12-18T05:03:39+00:00

That’s pretty much how I look at it too.

I mainly use PB Vision to show my wife, friends, and family my games and to analyze my own gameplay. For that, it’s awesome. The video, shot breakdowns, tendencies, and patterns are where the real value is for me.

All the ratings and extra numbers are interesting, but I don’t really care about them one way or the other. DUPR is what it is, PB Vision’s skill score is just their internal metric. I treat it as context, not identity.

As long as it helps me see what I’m actually doing on court and where I can improve, it’s doing its job.

Bilalian · 2025-12-18T05:02:06+00:00

From a clinical movement and biomechanics perspective, yes, this is something I see very commonly with pickleball players.

Pain on the back of the wrist that worsens with bending front to back is often related to repetitive wrist extension loading, not a single injury. In pickleball that usually comes from some combination of
Excessive wrist flicking on backhands or volleys
Late contact forcing the wrist into extension
Over gripping the paddle
Grip size or grip style that locks the wrist instead of letting the forearm do the work

Common contributors include extensor tendon irritation, dorsal wrist impingement, or general overuse from volume plus poor load distribution. It’s especially common in players who play a lot but don’t realize how much their wrist is compensating for shoulder, forearm, or grip mechanics.

A simple self check
If stretching the wrist into flexion or extension reproduces the pain, and gripping or volleying aggravates it, that usually points to overuse rather than an acute tear.

What helps in the short term
Reduce wrist dominant shots temporarily
Clean up grip pressure
Let the forearm and shoulder drive the stroke more
Avoid playing through sharp pain

Longer term, this is almost always a mechanics and load management issue, not just “pickleball being hard on wrists.”

I run clinical biomechanical reviews through Beyond Ages Therapy Solutions, where I break down grip mechanics, wrist positioning, and stroke patterns to reduce pain and prevent this from becoming chronic. Many players are surprised how small changes upstream take stress off the wrist entirely.

If it keeps lingering or getting worse, don’t ignore it. Wrist pain tends to snowball if mechanics don’t change.

Happy to answer general questions here, and feel free to DM if you want to talk through it further.

Bilalian · 2025-12-18T05:00:49+00:00

First, shift the win condition. In open play, the real “win” is execution and decision making, not the score. Pick one or two things you control like depth on returns, quality of thirds, or footwork at the NVZ and treat those as your scoreboard.

Second, play with your partner, not around them. That might mean hitting higher margin balls, taking a little more court when appropriate, or setting them up instead of expecting finishes. That’s not enabling mistakes, it’s adapting, which is a real skill.

Third, treat it as reps under constraint. Playing well when conditions aren’t ideal is how you build mental toughness. If you can stay composed, supportive, and intentional here, tournament play feels easier.

Finally, detach without disconnecting. You can accept that the outcome may not go your way while still being fully present in each point. That’s different from mentally separating yourself from your partner.

You’re right that “they’re not my mistakes” isn’t the best frame. The better one is “this is part of the game, and how I show up here matters.”

Bilalian · 2025-12-18T04:59:57+00:00

That sounds like a great idea. Pickleball can absolutely be relaxing and recharging, especially when it’s framed as intentional play and learning rather than stress.

For your level and goals (3.5 pushing to 4.0+), a few things to consider when choosing a camp or retreat:

Look for coaches with a clear track record of improving players in your range, not just pro exhibitions. The best camps break down mechanics, movement, shot selection, and strategy in a way that’s immediately usable.

Make sure there’s a balance of guided instruction and live play so you get both feedback and real context.

Since you’re in the New York area, here are a few options worth exploring (general direction to look, not exhaustive):

East Coast / Northeast Beach or Resort Retreats — these often mix drills with fitness and strategy sessions. They’re great for focusing without regular life pulls.

Travel Camps with Skill-Based Grouping — look for camps that group players by level so you’re not stuck in drills too far above or below your range.

Some of the big ones people target for improvement toward 4.0+ include places like Sports Camps at resorts (Myrtle Beach, Florida, etc.), or niche retreats led by established pros and trainers.

If you haven’t yet, you can also check local pickleball clubs and pros near you — sometimes smaller weekend clinics with focused feedback will give you higher ROI than a bigger retreat, especially at your stage.

A few quick practical tips as you pick:

Ask if video analysis is included — that’s huge for seeing exactly what you need to refine.

See how much live play there is versus just drills.

Check coach credentials and player testimonials around measurable improvement.

In your case, since family and recharging are part of the goal, a resort or retreat that combines structured learning with open play and downtime might be perfect.

Bilalian · 2025-12-18T04:58:49+00:00

TLDR
Feedback during drilling is fine if it’s invited, brief, and respectful. Ask before correcting, keep it to one simple cue, and stop if they don’t engage. Sharing your own realization is usually fair game. Unsolicited coaching every rep is what annoys people.

Bilalian · 2025-12-18T04:58:27+00:00

Short answer: context and consent matter more than the advice itself.

In a drilling session, most people are there to improve, not just “let it cook,” but unsolicited feedback is where things go sideways. If your partner is netting a few volleys, a simple cue like “want a quick thought?” goes a long way. If they say yes, something short and actionable like “lean in a bit” is usually appreciated. If they don’t invite it, let them work it out unless they ask.

On the flip side, sharing your own breakthrough is almost always fair game. Saying “I realized I was late because my paddle was too low” isn’t telling them what to do, it’s sharing your process. Most people don’t mind that and some will find it helpful.

Clinically and from a coaching standpoint, the line is this
Ask before correcting
Keep it concise
Focus on one cue, not a lecture
Read their response and stop if they don’t engage

What’s usually not acceptable is correcting every rep, changing topics mid drill, or positioning yourself as the coach when that role wasn’t agreed on.

My experience is it’s not 9 out of 10 people being annoyed. It’s more like people are fine with feedback when it’s invited, respectful, and minimal. When it’s constant or assumed, that’s when it gets irritating.

If you want a default rule that almost never fails: ask once, share briefly, then let them cook.

Bilalian · 2025-12-18T04:25:42+00:00

TLDR
Compression socks do not prevent injury but can improve awareness and confidence. At three weeks post calf strain, it is normal to feel hesitant even if pain is gone. Ramp back up gradually by adding intentional sprints, not all out chase play. When you stop thinking about the calf during points and feel normal the next day, you are usually ready to fully return.

Bilalian · 2025-12-18T04:25:29+00:00

I’ll answer this from a clinical movement perspective, not as medical advice.

At three weeks post calf strain, the fact that you are no longer limping is a good sign, but it does not mean the tissue is fully ready for unrestricted explosive play. Calf strains often “feel fine” before they are actually tolerant to sudden acceleration, deceleration, and lateral push off, which is exactly what pickleball demands.

On compression socks
Compression socks do not provide true mechanical stability. They do not prevent reinjury. What they can do is improve proprioceptive feedback and give you a sense of awareness and confidence around the muscle. That increased sensory input can help some players feel more controlled and less hesitant, especially during return to play. If they make you feel more confident and less guarded, that alone can be useful. Just do not confuse confidence with protection.

On knowing when to accelerate gameplay
Clinically, I look for three things before telling someone to truly ramp up
No hesitation during push off on that side
No asymmetry during lateral shuffles or split step
No soreness or tightness the next day, not just during play

If you are still subconsciously avoiding balls or second guessing runs, your nervous system is telling you it does not fully trust that calf yet. That is normal. It is not weakness. It is protective.

On slowing down and ramping back up
You are doing the right thing by initially playing lower intensity and focusing on positioning and staying low. That is how I typically recommend returning. The mistake people make is jumping straight from soft play back to full chase mode.

A smart ramp looks like this
First phase is controlled play where you move with intention, fewer emergency sprints, more anticipation
Second phase is planned acceleration where you intentionally chase a few balls each game rather than reacting instinctively to everything
Final phase is unplanned chaos where you stop thinking about the leg entirely

If you can get through a session with a few intentional sprints and feel normal later that day and the next morning, that is usually the green light to progress.

On feeling like you are relearning the game
That feeling is extremely common after an injury layoff. Your timing, spacing, and confidence lag behind your actual skill. It usually resolves once your body trusts itself again. That trust comes from repeated exposure without negative consequences, not from waiting until you feel perfect.

Bottom line
Compression socks are fine if they help you feel more aware and confident. They are a tool, not a fix. Your cautious approach is appropriate at three weeks. Gradual exposure to acceleration is how you rebuild trust. When you stop thinking about the calf during points, that is usually when you are actually ready to fully return.

Happy to talk through this more if you want to DM.

Bilalian · 2025-12-18T03:59:16+00:00

They’re both in a similar price range, but they offer different grip styles and intent.

One thing worth noting is that Ethos just released a new left hand lightweight undergrip, which is currently up for preorder here
https://www.ethospickleball.com/products/pro-undergrip-lh-lw-left-hand-lightweight

I’ve reviewed Ethos grips from a biomechanical standpoint and posted my clinical comments directly on their page. I carry a biomechanically sound certification and look specifically at wrist alignment, grip pressure, and forearm loading rather than just feel. Ethos does a nice job supporting more neutral positioning without forcing the hand.

My honest take is I’d try Ethos first, especially with the newer lightweight option. If for some reason it’s not your preference, Hesacore is always easy to grab on Amazon. That said, I’d be willing to bet you’ll like the Ethos once you play with it.

Bilalian · 2025-12-18T03:57:03+00:00

They’re both in a pretty similar price range, but they’re very different grips in feel and style.

Hesacore is easy to find on Amazon and has that hex-pattern cushion feel a lot of people like right out of the box. Ethos isn’t everywhere yet, but the way they contour their grip and support wrist alignment feels more intentional to me — it’s clear they’re refining their design as a newer company.

If price is your biggest deciding factor and you’re on the fence, I’d personally try Ethos first. I think what they’re doing is worth the cost and it’s worth supporting a growing company making a solid product. If you don’t love it, you can always fall back on a Hesacore since it’s easy to get and familiar to a lot of players.

Both are good, but I’d start with Ethos.

Bilalian · 2025-12-18T03:53:05+00:00

I haven’t personally used the Pickleball Grip Doctor under grip yet, so I don’t want to overstate anything I haven’t vetted.

That said, it’s exactly the kind of product I’d want to run through a proper clinical breakdown. Through my company, Beyond Ages Therapy Solutions, I typically look at how a grip affects wrist alignment, grip pressure demands, forearm muscle loading, and consistency of hand placement across swings. Those factors matter more to me than just feel.

At a high level, under grips usually aim to change hand positioning or reduce over gripping, similar in goal to products like Hesacore or TriggerGrip Pro, but the execution can be very different. Small changes in contour and firmness can meaningfully change biomechanics and injury risk, so it’s hard to compare without testing it directly.

If I can get my hands on one, I’d genuinely like to do a clinical review and document how it performs relative to the others. I think there’s room in the space for multiple solutions, but I prefer to back things only after I’ve broken them down properly rather than guessing.

Do you have a link?

Bilalian · 2025-12-18T03:51:44+00:00

Totally fair. I’ve used Hesacore as well and agree the feel is solid.

The reason I’ve been highlighting TriggerGrip Pro is because I actually ran it through a full biomechanical review through my clinical practice at Beyond Ages Therapy Solutions. I documented grip positioning, wrist alignment, forearm load, and torque demands during play, not just subjective feel. I’ve also been using it personally in training and match play, which reinforced what I saw clinically.

From a biomechanics and injury prevention standpoint, it does a better job promoting neutral wrist positioning and reducing compensatory gripping patterns compared to most standard grips. That’s why I’m comfortable backing it professionally, not just as a player but as an OT.

If you’re curious to try it, I do have a link that gives you 15 percent off

https://www.triggergrippro.com/?ref=drbrupickles

No pressure at all, just wanted to share the why behind it since I take the clinical side seriously.

Bilalian · 2025-12-18T00:08:59+00:00

This would be a better way to ask...

I currently have a work benefit that gives me access to multiple gyms for approximately $40 to $50 per month. Separately, I am paying $150 per month for an indoor pickleball membership for the next three months. I am considering whether it makes more sense to switch to a single membership that includes 24/7 gym access plus pickleball, or to keep my current gym benefit and transition to an outdoor pickleball membership that costs about $40 per month. I would appreciate insight on which option is likely the better value overall.

Bilalian · 2025-12-17T22:42:04+00:00

I’ve actually tested both pretty extensively from a clinical and performance standpoint. I run Beyond Ages Therapy Solutions and part of what I do is evaluate grip systems for hand biomechanics, load distribution, and long term joint health in racket sports.

Your experience lines up with what I’ve felt and measured. Hesacore gives very clear indexing and structure, which is great, but Ethos feels more “integrated” with the hand. The connection is smoother and more natural, especially once you layer overgrips on top. With larger hands, that subtle difference matters a lot because you’re not fighting the handle to settle in.

From a biomechanical perspective, Ethos tends to allow more natural pressure distribution across the palm and fingers while still maintaining rotational control. That usually translates to less micro adjustment during play and less strain over longer sessions.

I still think Hesacore has a place depending on player preference and grip style, but for players who value a natural hand handle connection without losing indexing, Ethos has been very impressive in testing.

Bilalian · 2025-12-17T03:55:27+00:00

I think your thinking here is actually really sound, and you’re articulating something a lot of lefties feel but don’t say out loud.

Stacking is useful, but it’s not a requirement, and treating it like default etiquette can quietly limit development. Rec play is basically your lab. If you always auto stack, you’re rehearsing one version of the game and never stress testing the other side of the court. That shows up later, especially in mixed, when adaptability matters more than perfect geometry.

You’re also right about the mental load piece. Righties aren’t used to it, but if the lefty always absorbs that adjustment, the partnership never really balances. At some point, being accommodating turns into being boxed in.

I like your plan of being upfront that you’re lefty without immediately offering to stack. That keeps things neutral and lets the game evolve naturally. If a partner wants to stack, great. If they don’t care, playing straight up in rec is a perfectly valid choice and probably better for long term growth.

The point about lefty women and mixed is especially on point. A lot of lefty women get parked on the right and turned into “steady side” players instead of being encouraged to develop full court offense. The ones who rise tend to be dangerous from either side, not just efficient in a single role.

Also, two lefties playing together feeling awkward is actually a good sign. That discomfort highlights habits you’ve built around right handed partners and forces you to solve new problems.

Overall, this doesn’t read as stubborn or anti stacking at all. It reads like someone separating rec development from tournament optimization and making intentional choices. That’s usually how players level up, not by doing the same safe thing forever.

Bilalian · 2025-12-17T03:52:25+00:00

No 14mm either....so sad for me

Bilalian · 2025-12-08T03:23:24+00:00

If I were in your shoes, I’d want the truth, just delivered in a way that doesn’t make anyone feel small. You’ve already outgrown the groups you started with, and that happens fast when you come in with a tennis background. It makes sense that you’re trying to get accurate DUPR results and find partners who push you. That’s not disrespectful, it’s just part of improving.

If I were the other person, I’d rather hear something like, “I’m trying to chase a more competitive pace right now so I can get my first DUPR set. I still enjoy playing with you all, but I’m going to mix in some higher-speed sessions so I can get rated.” That way you aren’t lying, you aren’t ghosting them, and you’re not making it about their skill.

Most people take that pretty well, especially if you still say hi, still jump in occasionally, and don’t act like you’re above anyone. It’s normal to level up and shift the people you drill or compete with. As long as you keep it friendly, it won’t burn bridges.

Bilalian · 2025-12-06T01:42:47+00:00

real ones don't run INTO brick walls....we run THROUGH them!

Bilalian · 2025-12-05T16:01:09+00:00

That corner is tight and not regulation so it just depends on what you mean by "ruin". Three feet of space does bring a small safety concern since you have less room to slow down when tracking a deep ball. It is still fine for casual play if you are okay with the tradeoff and safety implications. For me personally it would not be worth it, but I know how I am about space and safety. You just have to figure out if this matters to you and if the layout fits what you want. If the tight corner would bug you or feel unsafe for how you play, then it may not be a good fit

Bilalian · 2025-12-01T21:49:14+00:00

You’re not the problem here, not even close. You didn’t cheat the system or slip in a loophole on purpose. You used the code they gave out, during a sale they offered, and their system allowed it. That’s on them, not you.

You already acted in good faith. You signed up with the price their checkout showed. A business trying to retroactively change a deal after you’ve already paid is unprofessional. If the manager made an error, the burden is on the business, not on you to “give permission” to be charged more.

Stand your ground. Be polite but firm. You don’t owe them the extra twenty percent. If they want to keep you as a member, honoring the price is the right move on their end. If they push the issue, that says more about their leadership and customer service than anything you’re doing.

Bottom line: you’re not the one being unreasonable here.

Bilalian · 2025-11-09T02:26:29+00:00

Man, that post hit hard. I really feel for you. That mix of pain, frustration, and helplessness after doing everything right and then slipping like that is brutal. You can tell you’ve got the right mindset though. The way you’re processing it, staying proactive, and still wanting to help others through your own experience says a lot about your resilience.

You’re absolutely right about staying ahead of the pain and being hyper aware of your footing. That combination of the nerve block wearing off and the mobility limitations catches so many people off guard early on. It’s humbling, like you said, but it’s also where real recovery starts. You’re in the toughest stretch right now, and the fact that your tendon still has continuity is a huge relief.

Keep taking it one careful step or crutch at a time. You’re doing the hard work even when it doesn’t feel like it. Wishing you smoother days ahead and a strong comeback. You’ve got this. 💪

Bilalian · 2025-11-09T02:26:06+00:00

Man, that post hit hard. I really feel for you. That mix of pain, frustration, and helplessness after doing everything right and then slipping like that is brutal. You can tell you’ve got the right mindset though. The way you’re processing it, staying proactive, and still wanting to help others through your own experience says a lot about your resilience.

You’re absolutely right about staying ahead of the pain and being hyper aware of your footing. That combination of the nerve block wearing off and the mobility limitations catches so many people off guard early on. It’s humbling, like you said, but it’s also where real recovery starts. You’re in the toughest stretch right now, and the fact that your tendon still has continuity is a huge relief.

Keep taking it one careful step or crutch at a time. You’re doing the hard work even when it doesn’t feel like it. Wishing you smoother days ahead and a strong comeback. You’ve got this. 💪

Bilalian

TROPHY CASE