How to Change a Padel Overgrip (and When You Should)

An overgrip is the cheapest upgrade you can make to your padel racket. A fresh one gives you a secure, comfortable hold, absorbs sweat and stops the racket twisting in your hand on hard volleys. This guide explains the difference between a grip and an overgrip, how often to change it and exactly how to wrap a new one in under two minutes.

Grip vs overgrip: what is the difference?

• Base grip (replacement grip): the thicker, cushioned grip that comes on the racket. You only replace it occasionally, when it is worn or you want a different feel.
• Overgrip: a thin tape wrapped over the base grip. It is designed to be changed often and is what most players mean when they talk about “a new grip”.

How often should you change your overgrip?

A good rule of thumb is to change it when it looks shiny, feels slippery, or has started to tear or unravel. For most players that means:

• Playing once a week: every three to four weeks.
• Playing two or three times a week: every one to two weeks.
• Competitive players or heavy sweaters: before every match.

Summer in South Africa is hard on overgrips. If your hand slips on a humid evening, it is time.

How to put on a padel overgrip

1. Remove the old overgrip. Unwrap it from the top and peel it off. Leave the base grip in place.
2. Peel the backing. Remove the plastic film from the new overgrip and the backing from the adhesive strip at the tapered end.
3. Start at the butt cap. Stick the tapered end at the bottom of the handle, just above the cap, with the adhesive side down.
4. Wrap upwards with tension. Pull the overgrip slightly so it is firm, and overlap each turn by a few millimetres. Overlap more for a thicker handle and less for a thinner one.
5. Keep the direction consistent. Right-handed players usually wrap clockwise when looking down at the butt; left-handed players wrap anticlockwise. This keeps the edges from lifting as you play.
6. Finish at the top. When you reach the top of the handle, cut off the excess at an angle and secure the end with the finishing tape.

Most padel rackets also have a wrist cord. Make sure it is not trapped under the overgrip and still sits comfortably around your wrist.

Thick or thin grip?

A thicker handle can reduce how hard you need to squeeze, which some players find more comfortable. A thinner handle gives more wrist action for spin and touch. Adding a second overgrip is an easy way to build up a handle without replacing the base grip.

Overgrips we recommend

• Adidas Padel Overgrips (Set of 3): tacky, comfortable and great value in a three-pack.
• Adidas White Overgrip: a single clean white overgrip for a quick refresh.
• Hesacore Grip: a textured grip designed to reduce how tightly you need to hold the racket. Also in teal and pink.

Browse all padel grips and accessories.

Keep your racket feeling new

A fresh overgrip and a little racket care go a long way. Grips are quick to add at checkout, and we deliver anywhere in South Africa. Need help? Call us on 078 835 6431.