Quick answer: Change your padel overgrip when it feels slippery, looks shiny or starts to tear, which for most regular players is every 4 to 8 hours of play. Choose a tacky overgrip if you like a sticky hold, a dry overgrip if your hands sweat a lot, and a cushioned overgrip if you want more comfort. Replace the base grip only when it is flattened or damaged.
The grip is the only part of the racket you actually touch, and it is the cheapest upgrade in padel. Here is how padel grips and overgrips work, when to change them and how to fit one properly.
Padel grip vs overgrip: what is the difference?
Every padel racket has a base grip (also called a replacement grip): a thicker, cushioned wrap fitted at the factory. It sets the feel and size of the handle. An overgrip is a thin wrap that goes over the top. It gives you tack and sweat absorption, and it is designed to be thrown away and replaced.
Most players leave the base grip on and change overgrips regularly. Replace the base grip only if it is compressed, torn or has lost its cushioning, for example with an Adidas Padel Replacement Grip (£4.80 at time of writing), a 1.8mm cushioned base grip.
When to change your padel overgrip
- It feels slippery even with dry hands.
- It looks shiny or dark where your hand sits.
- It has started to fray or tear, usually at the top edge.
- Your hand is working harder to hold the racket, which can lead to a tight forearm.
As a guide, social players changing every few weeks and league players changing every match or two is normal. In humid indoor clubs or summer heat, expect to change more often.
Tacky, dry or cushioned: how to choose a padel overgrip
| Type | Feel | Best for | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tacky | Sticky, secure hold | Most players; dry to normal hands | Aixo Nebula Tacky |
| Dry | Smooth, absorbent | Sweaty hands, humid indoor courts | Aixo Tag Dry |
| Cushioned / comfort | Soft, slightly thicker | Players who want less vibration | BullPadel GB-1200 Comfort |
| Thin / tour | Direct, close to the handle | Players who want maximum feel | Wilson Pro Padel Overgrip |
Not sure? Start with a tacky overgrip. If it gets slick quickly because of sweat, switch to a dry one.
Padel grip size: does an overgrip change it?
Yes, slightly. Each overgrip adds a little thickness, and a cushioned overgrip adds more than a thin one. Padel rackets have a fairly standard handle size, so overgrips are also how players fine-tune the feel. If the handle feels too thin, add a second overgrip. If it feels too chunky, choose a thin overgrip or check that the base grip is not doubled up. When you hold the racket, you should be able to fit roughly a finger's width between your fingertips and the base of your thumb.
How to fit a padel overgrip
- Remove the old overgrip by unpeeling the finishing tape and unwinding it. Leave the base grip in place.
- Peel the backing off the new overgrip, leaving the plastic film on the grip face until you have finished if it has one.
- Start at the butt cap. Place the tapered end at the bottom of the handle and wrap once around to anchor it.
- Wrap upwards with tension, overlapping each turn by about a third to half of the width. Keep the overlap even. Most players wrap in the same direction as the base grip.
- Finish at the top of the handle, just below the throat. Cut off any excess at an angle so it sits flush.
- Secure with the finishing tape supplied, pressing it down firmly.
- Do not forget the wrist cord. Padel rackets have a safety cord at the handle; make sure it still sits correctly and the overgrip does not cover the cord's anchor in a way that loosens it.
Buying overgrips in bulk
If you change your overgrip often, multi-packs and tubs cut the cost per grip. The BullPadel GB-1604 tub of 50 (£39.99) and the Wilson Pro Padel Overgrip 60 pack (£76) suit clubs, coaches and keen players. For colour and style, our own Aixo overgrips come in tacky and dry versions; see the full Aixo grip range.
Top picks from Central Sports
- BullPadel GB-1200 Comfort Padel Overgrips - White, Pack of 3 (£6.50 at time of writing): a soft, cushioned padel overgrip for comfort through long sessions; pack of three.
- Aixo Nebula Tacky Overgrip (£4 at time of writing): a tacky overgrip for a secure, sticky hold.
- Aixo Tag Dry Overgrip Bright (£4 at time of writing): a dry-feel overgrip for players whose hands sweat.
- Wilson Pro Padel Overgrip 60 Pack (£76 at time of writing): thin, high-tack overgrips designed for padel handles, in a 60 pack.
- BullPadel GB-1604 Overgrips - Tub of 50 (£39.99 at time of writing): a tub of 50 absorbent padel overgrips for clubs and regular players.
- Adidas Padel Replacement Grip - Black (£4.80 at time of writing): a cushioned 1.8mm padel base grip for when the original is worn out.
FAQs
How often should you change a padel grip?
Change the overgrip when it feels slippery or worn, typically every 4 to 8 hours of play. Change the base grip far less often, only when it is flattened or damaged.
Can you use tennis or badminton overgrips on a padel racket?
Yes. Most overgrips are long enough to cover a padel handle, which is shorter than a tennis handle. Padel-specific overgrips are cut and shaped for the shorter handle.
Should I put an overgrip on a new padel racket?
Many players do straight away. It protects the base grip from sweat and wear, and it is much cheaper to replace.
How many overgrips should I use?
One is standard. Use two only if you want a thicker handle.
Shop all overgrips, or browse our padel shop for rackets, balls and accessories.
