Glossary
This glossary explains the most common terms you’ll see on padel overgrip pages, product labels, and our reviews. The goal is clarity: short definitions, practical context, and consistent wording across the site.
Overgrip
A thin, replaceable wrap applied over the original grip on a padel racket. It changes surface feel, sweat handling, comfort, and handle size. Overgrips are consumables and are replaced often.
Replacement grip
The thicker grip layer installed directly on the racket handle (under the overgrip). It provides the base shape and cushioning and is replaced far less frequently than an overgrip.
Base grip
A general term for the grip layer that comes with the racket from the factory. In practice, it usually refers to the replacement grip (the layer under the overgrip).
Undergrip
Any layer added under the overgrip to change feel or reduce vibration (for example, a grip sleeve, a cushioning layer, or a structured grip like Hesacore). It is not the overgrip itself.
Tacky
A surface feel that is slightly sticky. Tacky overgrips can feel very secure with dry hands, but performance can vary once the surface becomes wet.
Dry feel
A surface feel that is not sticky and tends to stay “matte” in the hand. Dry-feel overgrips are often chosen by players who sweat a lot or play in humid conditions.
Absorbent
A description used for overgrips designed to take in moisture. Absorbency can help maintain grip security as hands become sweaty, but it can also affect durability.
Perforated
An overgrip with small holes intended to help moisture move away from the surface. Perforation can improve ventilation and sweat handling, but it can also change texture and wear behavior.
Thickness
How thick the overgrip material is. Thickness impacts comfort, vibration feel, and handle size. Even small thickness differences can be noticeable after wrapping.
Weight
The overgrip’s mass (usually measured in grams). Weight matters because adding mass at the handle can slightly affect racket balance and overall feel.
Handle size
The effective diameter of the grip after applying the replacement grip and any overgrips. Handle size affects comfort, control, and how securely the racket sits in the hand.
Bevel definition
How clearly you can feel the edges (bevels) of the handle shape through the grip layers. Thicker and softer setups reduce bevel definition; thinner wraps preserve it.
Cushioning
The “softness” or shock-damping feel you get through the grip. Cushioning comes from thickness, material density, and what layers sit under the overgrip.
Vibration damping
How much impact vibration is reduced through the grip setup. Damping can improve comfort, especially for sensitive wrists/elbows, but too much can reduce feedback.
Grip security
How reliably the racket stays in your hand during movement and contact. Grip security depends on surface feel, sweat handling, and whether the overgrip shifts during play.
Slippage
When the overgrip surface loses traction (surface slip) or when the overgrip rotates/moves on the handle (wrap slip). These are different problems with different causes.
Durability
How long the overgrip maintains its key properties: surface traction, comfort, and stability. Durability is affected by sweat, friction, humidity, and grip pressure.
Wear
The visible and tactile changes to an overgrip over time (shiny patches, smoothing, thinning, fraying, hardening). Wear often appears after performance has already dropped.
Finishing tape
The small tape piece used to secure the end of the overgrip at the top of the handle. If finishing tape fails, the wrap can lift or shift.
Adhesive strip
The sticky strip (often on the starting end) used to anchor the overgrip to the handle. Some overgrips have stronger adhesive than others.
Overlap
How much each wrap layer covers the previous layer during application. More overlap increases thickness and softness; less overlap preserves feel and bevel definition.
Tension
How tightly you pull the overgrip while wrapping. Too loose can cause shifting; too tight can thin the material and change feel.
Wrap direction
Whether you wrap clockwise or counterclockwise. Direction can affect how the overgrip edge sits under your fingers, depending on your grip style and dominant hand.
Wrap direction
Whether you wrap clockwise or counterclockwise. Direction can affect how the overgrip edge sits under your fingers, depending on your grip style and dominant hand.
Top cap
The flared end of the handle that helps prevent the racket from slipping out of the hand. Overgrip wrapping should start cleanly near the cap and finish neatly toward the throat.
Humidity
Moisture in the air. High humidity can reduce how quickly an overgrip dries and may change how tacky or dry-feel surfaces behave in play.
Sweat rate
How much you sweat during play. Sweat rate strongly influences which overgrip types work best; it can also change from session to session depending on intensity and conditions.
On-court testing
Using the overgrip in real padel sessions over time (not just touching it out of the package). This is essential because many overgrips change significantly after a few hours.
On-court testing
Using the overgrip in real padel sessions over time (not just touching it out of the package). This is essential because many overgrips change significantly after a few hours.
Absorption test
A controlled test used to compare how overgrips handle moisture under the same conditions (e.g., pre-weigh, apply measured water, drain, re-weigh). It doesn’t mimic sweat perfectly, but it allows fair comparison.
