When choosing padel equipment, most players naturally focus on the racket. But ask the pros and they'll tell you the overgrip can have a big impact on how your racket feels and performs, especially given you're always in contact with it.

An effective overgrip can improve your comfort, control and confidence on court. With so many types to choose from, finding the right one can be tricky so we've put together a guide to help you find the overgrip that matches your playing style and preferences.

What are the different types of overgrip?

There are many different types of overgrips on the market, each designed to offer a slightly different feel and performance. The main types include:

1. Tacky overgrips

Tacky overgrips are the most popular choices amongst padel players, offering a versatile option for a wide range of playing styles.

Benefits: Their slightly sticky surface helps your hand stay securely on the handle, giving you a more confident grip and greater control over your racket.
Potential drawbacks: The tackiness can become less effective with sweaty hands.
Best for: Players looking for a secure, versatile grip with plenty of control.

2. Dry overgrips

Dry overgrips are designed for players who tend to sweat heavily or find that their hand slips on the handle during play.

Benefits: Their moisture-absorbing surface helps keep your hand and the handle feeling dry, helping you maintain a consistent grip during intense matches. They can also offer a thinner, less cushioned feel for greater racket feedback and grip-size maintenance.
Potential drawbacks: They may feel less soft or cushioned than some tacky overgrips, which may not suit players who prioritise comfort.
Best for: Players with sweaty hands who want to maintain a secure grip without relying on a tacky surface.

3. Perforated overgrips

Perforated overgrips feature small holes throughout the material, helping to improve airflow and moisture management around the handle.

Benefits: The perforations allow air to circulate around the handle and can help move moisture away from your hand, making them particularly useful in hot or humid conditions.
Potential drawbacks: The perforated material can wear down more quickly than some solid overgrips, particularly with frequent use.
Best for: Players who sweat heavily or regularly play in hot and humid conditions.

4. Cushioned overgrips

Cushioned overgrips have additional padding designed to provide a softer and more comfortable feel in the hand, particularly beneficial for those struggling with conditions such as tennis elbow.

Benefits: The extra cushioning can absorb some of the vibration from ball impact and reduce the harshness of each shot, making the racket feel more comfortable during longer sessions. They can also slightly increase the overall grip size.
Potential drawbacks: The additional cushioning can also reduce some of the direct feel and feedback from the racket, while the extra thickness may not suit players who prefer a thinner grip.
Best for: Players who prioritise comfort and cushioning or prefer a slightly larger, softer-feeling handle. Also for those struggling with tennis elbow.

Our top picks: padel overgrips

Ready to purchase your new padel overgrip? We've tasted a range of the most popular options to find our top picks for your playing style. From tacky grips, maximising control to perforated grips, improving airflow, you'll find an option below to suit you.

Our most popular tacky grip pick

The HEAD Prime Tour Overgrip has been a customer favourite over the summer, thanks to its tacky and responsive feel.

Designed to provide extra grip, we think it's a great choice for players looking for more control and a secure feel on the handle. At just 0.6mm thick, this grip also helps maintain a more direct connection with the racket for added feel when hitting the ball.

Best for: players who want a tacky grip with a responsive feel.

Also available in 10 different colours so you choose comfort without compromising in style!

Our favourite dry overgrip

Known for their grips, Tourna specialises in overgrips across tennis, pickleball and padel. Its dry-feel padel overgrip is designed to absorb sweat while maintaining a secure hold, making it ideal for hot and humid conditions. The grip also becomes tackier as it gets wet for added stability during play.

Best for: players in hot and humid conditions who need extra sweat absorption.

You can now choose from a plethora of different colour ways with Tourna's overgrip including pink, blue, white, and black.

The optimal perforated overgrip

If you’re after a perforated overgrip, the Adidas Padel Overgrip is a great choice, especially if you struggle with sweaty hands. The perforated design helps keep things breathable and absorbs moisture, while the tacky feel gives you a secure grip throughout your match.

Best for: players looking for more breathability and sweat absorption without compromising on grip.

Adidas' sleek design also comes in 5 different colourways for you to try.

Our go-to thin grip

Don't want your overgrip to impact the overall size of the racquet handle? The Babolat VS Original Feel Grip is a great option.

At just 0.40mm, it’s one of the thinnest overgrips around so you get a really direct feel without noticeably changing the size of the handle. It’s become a staff favourite for its smooth feel and versatility.

Best for: players who want to keep their grip thin.

Also available now in black, black to blue, and black to yellow!

Our best-buy for comfort and durability

If comfort and durability are high on your list, the Wilson Profile Padel Overgrip is worth checking out. It has a smooth, comfortable feel while staying thin and stretchy, so it won’t add too much bulk to your handle.

The textured pattern also helps improve traction and grip, while adding to the overall durability of the overgrip.

Best for: players looking for an all-rounder grip that lasts.

Another ideal tacky overgrip choice

If you love a really tacky grip, the Tecnifibre Contact Pro is definitely one to try. It has a super-grippy feel that keeps your hand firmly on the handle, while the extra cushioning makes it comfortable to use.

At 0.6mm thick, it’s on the thicker side and therefore helps to add a little more bulk to the handle. The wax resin also improves durability.

Best for: players looking for a tacky grip built to last!

This grip does it all, with a multitude of colourways available including black, red, and pink/yellow/green.

The PDH team's ultimate choice for support

Looking for more support and cushioning or struggling with tennis elbow? The Bullpadel Hesacore is definitely worth a look. Its rubber sleeve is designed to help absorb unwanted vibration, giving you a more comfortable feel on court.

Unlike a standard overgrip, the Hesacore goes directly onto the racket handle, with your usual overgrip wrapped around it. It also comes as standard on many of Bullpadel’s Pro-Line rackets.

What's more, there are a few versions to choose from including the gel grip, designed for maximum absorption, and the carbon grip, increasing responsiveness.

Best for: players requiring more support and vibration absorption.

Try something new with the 4on grip spray

Ever found your overgrip starting to feel a bit slippery halfway through a match or simply struggling to find the time to repeatedly replace your overgrip? The 4on TotalGrip Spray is a quick way to bring some tackiness back without requiring a whole new grip.

Just spray it onto your grip and you’re ready to go. It’s designed to help manage sweat while leaving a grippy residue, making it a handy option when you need a little extra grip in the middle of a game.

Best for: players with less time or looking for something to use on the go without compromising on moisture absorption.

Key Takeaways

Choosing the right padel overgrip comes down to how you play and what you want from your racket. Although it can be tricky, understanding the main differences is key.

Tacky overgrips: Best for players wanting a secure, sticky feel and good control
Dry overgrips: Best suited to players who sweat heavily and want better moisture management.
Perforated overgrips: Good option for players looking for increased airflow and ventilation, particularly in hot conditions.
Cushioned overgrips: Ideal for players who prioritise a softer, more comfortable feel and additional cushioning.

Need more advice?

Still not ready to take the next step with your padel overgrip? Our specialist team at PDHSports is ready to help you find your optimal grip. Available Monday to Friday, we're here to offer a helping hand over the phone, through email, on socials or in person at our very own showroom in Derby.

Shop all padel grips

What are the difference between tennis and padel grips?

Tennis grips are longer because they’re made to cover a longer racket handle. That’s why some padel players prefer tennis overgrips because they give you a bit more length to play with and let you grip slightly higher up the racket.

Can you put multiple overgrips on top of each other?

Ovegrips can definitely be placed on top of each other and this is actually a preferred option for many players! Placing overgrips over one another can provide more thickness for those requiring it.

What is the difference between a replacement grip and overgrip?

The main differences are thickness, purpose and where they sit on the racket.

A replacement grip is much thicker than an overgrip and is designed to go directly onto the racket handle while an overgrip is much thinner and often wrapped over a replacement grip. Replacement grips usually have an adhesive backing to help them stay securely in place and are intended to be replaced less frequently whereas overgrips are often cheaper and benefit from being replaced more frequently to maintain their effectiveness.

Can I put a replacement grip on top of another replacement grip?

Yes, you can. It’s not the most common setup and not necessarily our recommended choice but adding a second replacement grip will make the handle thicker and give you extra cushioning.

Although the added cushioning can make the racket feel more comfortable and may reduce some of the vibration reaching your hand and arm, the trade-off is that you’ll lose some of the direct feel of the racket so be sure to consult our specialist team first to discuss the best possible options for you!

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