Guide for Padel Grips and Overgrips
The right grip makes a big difference to how securely and comfortably you can hold your padel racket. If the surface is worn or the grip is the wrong thickness for your hand, the racket may slip or cause you to tense your hand and forearm unnecessarily. In this guide, we cover the different types of grips, how to choose the right thickness, how to fit an overgrip and the signs that it is time to replace it.
Quick Answer
- Keep the racket's original grip and wrap an overgrip over it. This setup works well for most players.
- As a general rule, the thickness is right when you can fit the index finger of your other hand between your fingertips and palm without squeezing.
- A tacky overgrip is often a good choice for dry hands, while a more absorbent overgrip is usually better if you sweat heavily.
- Replace the overgrip when it loses its tackiness, feels damp or causes the racket to slip. As a rule of thumb, many overgrips last around 5–10 hours of play.
The Different Types of Padel Grips
There are several grip solutions for padel rackets. Overgrips form the outer layer, replacement grips replace the racket's original base grip, and undergrips or ergonomic grips change the structure of the handle beneath the overgrip. Here is how the four options differ.
| Type | Where Does It Go? | What Does It Do? |
|---|---|---|
| Overgrip | Outermost layer, over the existing grip | Controls tackiness, sweat absorption and thickness |
| Replacement grip | Replaces the racket's original grip | Changes the feel, firmness and pattern of the handle |
| Undergrip | Innermost layer, beneath an overgrip | Changes the structure and circumference of the handle |
| Ergonomic grip | Beneath an overgrip | Changes the shape of the handle and the position of your fingers |
Overgrips
Most padel players leave the racket's original grip in place and add an overgrip on top. If you have just bought a new padel racket, we recommend fitting an overgrip straight away, before you start using the original grip.
Replacement Grips
A replacement grip replaces the racket's original base grip and changes how thick, firm and cushioned the handle feels. Most replacement grips are made from synthetic materials and provide some padding. If you prefer a firmer, more direct feel for the edges of the handle, choose a relatively thin synthetic model or a leather grip.
Undergrips
An undergrip sits directly on the handle, beneath an overgrip. Undergrips come in different thicknesses, patterns and levels of firmness, changing both the structure and circumference of the handle. Some models add cushioning or change how comfortable the handle feels, although the result depends on the product and the rest of your grip setup. One example is the Shox Vibra Undergrip.
Ergonomic Grips
A popular ergonomic grip is the Bullpadel Hesacore, a rubber sleeve with a textured surface. Bullpadel has designed the Hesacore to absorb some of the vibrations from impact, so it may be a good option for players with overuse injuries in the arm or shoulder, such as padel elbow. Its honeycomb pattern also provides more texture to hold onto. The Hesacore sits underneath, with an overgrip wrapped on top.
An ergonomic grip changes the size of the handle. Adjust the overgrip until the thickness feels right.
For most players, however, we recommend keeping the racket's original grip and adding an overgrip.
How Thick Should a Padel Grip Be?
Most padel rackets come with a relatively narrow standard handle, so you adjust the final thickness with overgrips. The overgrip should help prevent the racket from slipping, while the thickness should fit your hand.
The index finger test: Hold the racket loosely in your normal playing position. As a general rule, you should be able to fit the index finger of your other hand between your fingertips and palm.
Personal preference matters, too. Former badminton players, for example, may be used to a thinner grip, while former tennis players often prefer a larger grip size. Whatever you choose, you should be able to hold the racket steadily without unnecessary tension in your hand and forearm. Adjust the thickness until the racket feels stable without forcing you to tighten your grip.
Our recommendations for grip thickness:
| Hand Size | Our Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Small hands and juniors | 1 overgrip over the original grip, with as little overlap as possible. For an even thinner setup, remove the original grip and replace it with an overgrip. |
| Medium-sized hand | 1 overgrip over the original grip, with anything from minimal overlap to 50/50 overlap. |
| Large hand | 2 overgrips over the original grip, adjusting the overlap as needed. |
Use these recommendations as a guide rather than a fixed rule. An ergonomic grip such as the Hesacore also changes the size of the handle, so adjust the setup until it feels comfortable.
How to Fit an Overgrip on Your Padel Racket
- Start at the bottom of the handle with the narrow, tapered end of the overgrip.
- Wrap upwards towards the racket head. Stretch the grip slightly as you wrap it. Right- and left-handed players should wrap in opposite directions so the edges of the overlap lie flat beneath the fingers instead of catching on them.
- Choose the amount of overlap to control the thickness. Minimal overlap creates a thinner grip, while 50/50 overlap makes it thicker. Former badminton players may be used to a thinner grip, while former tennis players may prefer more thickness, but treat this only as a general guide.
- Cut off the excess grip at the top and secure the end with the finishing tape provided.
How to Choose an Overgrip
The two most important properties of an overgrip are sweat absorption and tackiness. There is often a trade-off between them: very tacky grips can lose traction when the surface gets wet, while particularly dry and absorbent grips may feel less secure in a completely dry hand. Our bestsellers, including Znake overgrips, sit somewhere in the middle. The best choice depends on your hands.
The Classic
Wilson Pro
A racket-sport classic drawing on Wilson's experience in tennis. It offers good absorption, reliable contact and better durability than many other overgrips.
Extra Tacky
Oxdog Gold Sticky
An extra-tacky overgrip for players who want a secure hold on the racket. Its highly tacky surface provides good contact with the handle, while the 0.6 mm thickness preserves a direct feel for the racket.
Developed for Padel
Padellife by YouPadel
Developed by Padellife in collaboration with grip specialist YouPadel. It is highly tacky with good absorption and works well for most players.
How Often Should You Replace Your Padel Grip?
Do not compromise on your grip. The clearest sign that it is time for a replacement is when the racket slips or moves in your hand during a rally. By this point, the overgrip will usually also be discoloured from sweat and wear.
Our rule of thumb: Many overgrips perform well for 5–10 hours of play, but replace yours sooner if it loses its tackiness, feels damp or starts to slip.
How long an overgrip lasts depends on how much you sweat, how often you play, the temperature and the overgrip itself. You may need to replace yours either before or after the suggested 5–10 hours.
Gels and Sprays for Your Padel Grip
Grip gels and sprays can provide extra traction when an overgrip is not enough on its own. See all grip enhancers.
Grippy Gripz
Grippy Gripz is a gel applied to the hand to counter sweaty palms, using the same principle as liquid chalk. The gel is also antibacterial. Here is Grippy Gripz's own video about the product:
4ON TotalGrip
4ON TotalGrip adds tackiness and helps prevent the racket from slipping. It is available as a wax and a spray. Apply the wax sparingly to your playing hand; one dose should be about the size of your little fingernail. The spray is easier to control: start with a very small amount and add more if needed. Apply a little at each change of ends. TotalGrip works best with 4ON's own overgrip, but it also works with standard overgrips such as Wilson Pro. See all 4ON products.
Which Grip Setup Is Right for You?
| If You… | Choose |
|---|---|
| have just bought a new racket | An overgrip over the original grip |
| have dry hands | A tacky overgrip; Toalson Ultra Grip is a thin example |
| sweat heavily | An absorbent overgrip or 4ON TotalGrip |
| want to feel the edges of the handle more clearly | A firm, relatively thin replacement grip, such as leather or a firm synthetic model |
| want to change the shape of the handle | An ergonomic grip such as the Bullpadel Hesacore, with an overgrip on top |
| have a large hand | 2 overgrips over the original grip |
Get Help Choosing the Best Padel Grip
Grip choice is personal, so try a few different types. At Padellife, we have played with a wide range of padel grips, gels and sprays and are happy to share what we have learned. Contact us for advice.
View All Padel Grips at PadellifeFrequently Asked Questions About Padel Grips
What is the difference between an overgrip and a replacement grip?
An overgrip is wrapped over the existing grip and is the layer your hand touches. A replacement grip replaces the racket's original base grip and changes the feel and firmness of the handle beneath the overgrip.
Can I use more than one overgrip?
Yes. Two overgrips make the handle thicker, which may suit players with large hands. Each additional layer changes the circumference of the grip and the feel of the racket, so test the setup before a match.
Do I need an overgrip over a Bullpadel Hesacore?
Yes. The Hesacore sits underneath, with an overgrip wrapped on top. The overgrip determines the surface feel, tackiness and sweat absorption.
How do I know if my grip is too thin or too thick?
Start with the index finger test: hold the racket loosely and fit the index finger of your other hand between your fingertips and palm. If there is no room, the grip is probably too thin. If the gap is significantly wider than one finger, it is probably too thick. The test is only a guide, so the final thickness should also feel secure and comfortable when you play.
