Most players focus on the racket and ignore the grip. That's a mistake. The overgrip is the only part of the racket you actually touch - and a worn one affects your control, increases the chance of the racket slipping and puts unnecessary strain on your wrist and elbow.
Quick answer: change your overgrip every 5-10 hours of play. If it feels slippery, looks discoloured or has lost its texture, change it now. It costs less than a coffee and takes two minutes.
What Is an Overgrip?
A padel racket has two grip layers. The base grip is the thick, cushioned layer applied directly to the handle at the factory. On top of that sits the overgrip - a thinner, lighter wrap that you replace regularly. The overgrip is what your hand actually contacts during play.
Most rackets come with a basic overgrip already applied. Some come with just the base grip. Either way, the overgrip is consumable - it wears down through sweat, friction and play, and needs replacing on a regular basis.
Types of Overgrip
Dry overgrips
Slightly tacky, low-absorption feel. Good grip even in dry conditions. Preferred by players who don't sweat heavily or play in cooler environments. The most common type used at club level in the UK.
Absorbent overgrips
Softer, towelling-style texture that soaks up sweat during play. Better for players who sweat a lot or play in warm, indoor conditions. Slightly thicker than dry grips which can affect handle feel.
Thickness
Standard overgrips are 0.6mm thick. Some players layer two overgrips to build up handle thickness - but this changes your grip pressure and can contribute to arm fatigue. If your handle feels too thin, replace the base grip rather than stacking overgrips.
When to Change Your Overgrip
This is the question most players get wrong - they change it far too rarely. Here are the signs it's time:
- It feels slippery - loss of tack is the most obvious sign. If the racket shifts in your hand during a smash, change it immediately
- It looks discoloured - white overgrips going grey or yellow is a clear indicator of sweat saturation
- The texture has gone smooth - overgrips have a surface texture that wears away with use. Once it's smooth, grip is compromised
- It feels hard or compressed - fresh overgrips have a slight give. When that's gone, the cushioning benefit is lost
- It's been more than 10 hours of play - even if it looks okay, change it on schedule
As a general rule: change your overgrip every 5-10 hours of play. Players who sweat heavily should aim for every 3-5 hours. A pack of overgrips costs very little - there's no good reason to play on a worn one.
How to Wrap a Padel Overgrip
It takes about two minutes once you've done it a few times. Here's the step-by-step:
Remove the old overgrip
Peel it off from the top of the handle downward. Remove any finishing tape underneath. Make sure the base grip is clean and dry before applying the new one.
Start at the bottom of the handle
Most overgrips have a tapered end. Start here at the butt cap, angling the grip at roughly 45 degrees. Some grips have an adhesive strip at the start to hold it in place.
Wrap upward with consistent overlap
Rotate the racket as you wrap, keeping even tension throughout. Aim for roughly 3-5mm overlap on each pass. Uneven tension creates ridges that affect your grip feel.
Finish at the top of the handle
Cut any excess at an angle so the finish sits flush. Most overgrips come with a strip of finishing tape - wrap this around the top edge to secure the end cleanly.
Check the feel
Hold the racket in your playing grip and check for any uneven ridges or loose sections. A well-wrapped overgrip should feel smooth and consistent from butt cap to shoulder.
Base Grip vs Overgrip - What's the Difference?
Players often confuse the two or try to fix a base grip problem by stacking overgrips. Here's the distinction:
Base grip
- Thick, cushioned layer applied at the factory
- Provides handle shape and core comfort
- Lasts 6-12 months of regular play
- Replace when the handle feels hard or thin even with a fresh overgrip
Overgrip
- Thin wrap applied on top of the base grip
- What your hand contacts during play
- Lasts 5-10 hours of play
- Replace regularly - this is the consumable layer
Common mistake: layering two or three overgrips to make the handle feel thicker. This changes your grip pressure, reduces feel and can contribute to elbow strain. If the handle is genuinely too thin, replace the base grip instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
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