Padel Overgrips Guide: Types, Brands, and How to Apply
Everything you need to know about padel overgrips — tacky vs absorbent, best brands, how often to change them, and step-by-step application tips.
Why Overgrips Matter
The overgrip is your only point of contact with the racquet. A worn or wrong overgrip leads to:
- Slipping during shots, especially on humid days
- Blisters from gripping too tightly to compensate
- Loss of control and confidence in your swing
- Arm fatigue from excessive grip pressure
Changing your overgrip regularly is one of the cheapest and most impactful improvements you can make.
Types of Overgrips
Tacky Overgrips
These feel sticky to the touch and provide grip through surface adhesion.
- Best for: Dry conditions, players who prefer a secure lockdown feel
- Downside: Less effective when very wet from sweat
- Popular choices: Wilson Pro Overgrip, Bullpadel Hesacore
Absorbent (Dry) Overgrips
These feel dry and chalky, absorbing moisture to maintain grip.
- Best for: Hot and humid conditions, heavy sweaters
- Downside: Wear out faster than tacky grips
- Popular choices: Tourna Grip, Head Xtreme Soft
Perforated Overgrips
Feature small holes for ventilation and moisture management. A middle ground between tacky and absorbent.
- Best for: Mixed conditions, all-season play
- Popular choices: Bullpadel perforated overgrip, Head Padel Pro
How Often to Change
- Casual players (1–2x/week): Every 2–4 weeks
- Regular players (3–4x/week): Every 1–2 weeks
- Competitive players (5+ sessions): Every 2–4 sessions
Signs it is time to change:
- The surface feels smooth or shiny
- You are gripping tighter than usual
- The grip feels thinner than when new
- Visible wear marks or tearing
How to Apply an Overgrip
- Remove the old overgrip — peel it off completely
- Start at the base — begin wrapping from the bottom of the handle, slightly angled
- Overlap by 3–5 mm — consistent overlap ensures even coverage
- Maintain tension — pull slightly as you wrap for a snug fit
- Finish at the top — secure with the included adhesive tape
- Trim excess — cut any extra material cleanly
Tip: Some players apply two overgrips for extra cushioning and a thicker handle feel.
Top Brands
Wilson Pro Overgrip
The most popular overgrip worldwide. Tacky feel, consistent quality, good durability. Often available in bulk packs of 12 or 30.
Bullpadel
Offers both tacky and perforated options designed specifically for padel. Good value in multi-packs.
Head Xtreme Soft
Soft and absorbent with good moisture management. A favorite among sweaty-handed players.
Tourna Grip
The gold standard for absorbent grips. Extremely effective in humid conditions but wears out faster.
Cost and Value
Overgrips cost €1–3 each, with bulk packs bringing the per-unit cost down significantly. At €1–2 per grip change, it is one of the most affordable performance upgrades in padel.
Buy overgrips in bulk when you see a good price — they do not expire if kept sealed.