What Is an Overgrip?

An overgrip is a thin, replaceable tape wrapped around the handle of a padel racket, on top of the original (replacement) grip. Its purpose is simple but critical: to improve grip security, manage sweat, adjust handle size, and fine-tune how the racket feels in the hand.

Unlike the base grip, an overgrip is designed to wear out. Its surface changes with moisture, pressure, and friction, which is why padel players replace overgrips regularly.

This site focuses entirely on padel overgrips. We test, measure, and compare them to understand how different materials, thicknesses, and surface finishes perform in real playing conditions — not just how they are described by manufacturers.

Padel places specific demands on the grip that differ from many other racket sports. The solid face of a padel racket transfers more vibration to the hand, and points are often decided at the net, where control and confidence matter more than raw power.

A fresh overgrip allows players to hold the racket firmly without squeezing too hard. This improves touch on volleys, stability on defensive shots, and comfort during longer sessions. Over time, proper grip choice and timely replacement can also help reduce unnecessary stress on the wrist and forearm.

The replacement grip is the thicker layer installed directly on the racket handle. It provides basic cushioning and shape and is usually changed infrequently.

An overgrip sits on top of it. It is thinner, lighter, and responsible for surface feel and moisture control. Overgrips are consumables — most players go through many of them before ever replacing the base grip.

Understanding this difference is important when adjusting grip size, comfort, or feel.

Many overgrips are marketed for multiple racket sports, and tennis overgrips are widely used in padel. In practice, however, padel players often prioritise slightly different characteristics.

Because padel rackets lack strings, vibration control and surface comfort tend to matter more. Padel sessions also involve frequent hand repositioning and are often played in warm or indoor environments, increasing the importance of sweat management.

For this reason, some overgrips feel excellent in tennis but less suitable for padel — and vice versa.

Most padel overgrips fall into a few practical categories:

• Tacky overgrips offer a slightly sticky surface that improves grip security, especially in dry or moderate conditions.
• Dry or absorbent overgrips focus on soaking up moisture and often perform better as hands get sweatier.
• Perforated overgrips include small holes to help channel sweat away from the surface.
• Thicker overgrips add cushioning and comfort, while thinner ones preserve handle feel and bevel definition.

None of these options is objectively better — the right choice depends on climate, sweat level, and personal preference.

When experienced players compare overgrips, they usually focus on a small set of characteristics:

• Thickness, which affects both comfort and handle size
• Weight, as added grams at the handle subtly change balance
• Sweat absorption, especially during long or intense sessions
• Surface feel, whether tacky or dry
• Durability, meaning how long the grip keeps its properties

Even small differences in these factors become noticeable over time.

There is no universal rule, but most players replace an overgrip when it becomes slippery, hard, shiny, or stops absorbing sweat effectively.

For regular players, this often happens after 6 to 10 hours of play, depending on conditions and sweat level. Changing an overgrip early usually restores control and comfort immediately.

We cover overgrips from a wide range of manufacturers, including well-known padel brands and tennis-first brands commonly used in padel. Each brand has its own page with background information and a list of reviewed models.

You can explore them in the Brands section or browse individual product tests in Reviews.

We don’t rely on marketing claims alone. Our reviews are based on physical measurements, controlled absorption tests, material inspection, and real on-court use over extended playing time.

This approach allows us to compare products on equal terms and present data that players can actually use when choosing an overgrip.

We don’t rely on marketing claims alone. Our reviews are based on physical measurements, controlled absorption tests, material inspection, and real on-court use over extended playing time. This approach allows us to compare products on equal terms and present data that players can actually use when choosing an overgrip. Read more in Methodology section.