Pista Sport

Padel Grips & Overgrips

Replacement grips and overgrips for padel rackets. Quality grips for UK players and bulk supply for clubs. Learn which grip type you need and when to replace.

Understanding Padel Grips

Your grip is your only point of contact with your racket, and maintaining good grip condition directly affects your play. Most players underestimate how much worn grips hurt their performance. Slippery grips force you to hold tighter, causing tension, fatigue, and reduced feel. Fresh grips improve confidence and control.

There are two types of grips: replacement grips (the main base grip on the handle) and overgrips (thin grips applied over the base layer). Understanding when to use each type and when to replace them helps you maintain optimal racket feel without wasting money on unnecessary grip changes.

We supply both replacement grips and overgrips with bulk options for clubs stocking pro shops or maintaining rental fleets. Individual players can order single grips or multipacks. See our full accessories range or learn about bulk club supply.

Types of Grips

Replacement Grips vs Overgrips

Understanding the two grip categories and when to use each.

Replacement Grips

The main grip that sits directly on the racket handle, replacing the original factory grip. Replacement grips are thicker, more durable, and form the permanent base layer of your handle.

Characteristics:

  • Thicker construction (1.5-2.0mm typically)
  • Adhesive backing for permanent attachment
  • Cushioned for comfort and shock absorption
  • Designed to last months with regular use

When to Replace:

Replace when original grip is worn, damaged, or no longer provides adequate cushioning. Typically replaced 1-2 times per year for regular players, more often for intensive use.

Installation:

Remove old grip completely, clean handle, apply new grip from bottom to top with slight overlap, secure with finishing tape.

Overgrips

Thin grips applied over the replacement grip (or factory grip) to provide fresh feel, improve moisture absorption, and maintain grip size. Overgrips are consumables designed for regular replacement.

Characteristics:

  • Thin construction (0.4-0.6mm typically)
  • Tacky or absorbent surface for grip
  • Easy to apply and remove
  • Designed for frequent replacement (hours to weeks)

When to Replace:

Replace every 5-15 hours of play depending on conditions and preference. Some players replace after every session, others when grip becomes slippery or worn.

Installation:

Apply directly over existing grip from bottom to top with overlap, secure with finishing tape. No need to remove previous overgrip unless multiple layers have built up.

Grip Characteristics

What to Look for in Grips

Key features that differentiate grip options and affect performance.

Moisture Absorption

Critical for UK players given our climate and tendency for sweaty hands. Absorbent grips wick moisture away from hands, maintaining grip security. Some grips prioritise absorption, others prioritise tackiness. Many players prefer absorbent grips for UK conditions.

Thickness & Feel

Grip thickness affects handle size and feel. Thicker grips increase handle diameter (good for players with larger hands or those wanting more cushioning). Thinner grips maintain original handle size and provide better feel and control. Overgrips add minimal thickness, replacement grips add more.

Tackiness vs Dry Feel

Some grips offer tacky, sticky feel providing secure hold. Others offer dry, textured feel that absorbs moisture. Tackiness can diminish over time or in wet conditions. Dry grips maintain consistency longer. Personal preference and playing conditions determine which works best.

Grip Maintenance

When to Replace Grips

Signs that indicate it's time for fresh grips.

Replace Overgrips When:
  • Grip feels slippery or you're losing hold during shots
  • Surface is visibly worn, shiny, or smooth from use
  • Grip becomes saturated with moisture and won't dry
  • Tacky grips lose their stickiness
  • You notice reduced confidence in your hold
  • Before tournaments or important matches (fresh grip improves feel)
Replace Replacement Grips When:
  • Cushioning is compressed and no longer provides shock absorption
  • Grip is physically damaged, torn, or separating from handle
  • Even with fresh overgrip, handle feels hard or uncomfortable
  • Original grip is 6-12+ months old with regular use
  • You want to change handle size by using different thickness
  • Grip has permanent moisture damage or odour

How to Choose the Right Grip

How do I know which thickness I need?

If you're happy with your current handle size, use standard thickness grips. If the handle feels too small, use a thicker replacement grip or add extra overgrips. If it feels too large, use the thinnest replacement grip available and minimal overgrips. Most players use standard thickness.

Should I prioritise tackiness or absorption?

Depends on your hands and conditions. If you have sweaty hands or play in warm conditions, prioritise absorbent grips. If you have dry hands or struggle with racket security, try tacky grips. UK players often prefer absorbent grips due to our variable weather and tendency for moisture.

Can I use just overgrips without replacement grip?

Not recommended long-term. Whilst some players do this, replacement grips provide cushioning and shock absorption that overgrips alone can't match. Overgrips are designed to go over a base layer. Use both for optimal comfort and performance.

Grip Application

Installation Tips

How to properly install grips on your padel racket.

  • Start at the bottom (butt) of the handle, not the top
  • Peel back adhesive strip gradually as you wrap, don't remove it all at once
  • Wrap with slight tension and overlap (about 2-3mm) for smooth finish
  • Wrap in direction that tightens when gripping (usually bottom-left to top-right for right-handed players)
  • Finish at top of handle with excess trimmed at angle
  • Secure end with finishing tape (usually included with grip)
  • For overgrips, keep some original plastic wrapper as emergency finishing tape

Pro Tip:

Watch online tutorials for visual guidance on grip installation. Seeing the wrapping technique makes it much clearer than written instructions alone. First installation might not be perfect – it gets easier with practice.

For Clubs

Bulk Grip Supply for Clubs

How clubs use grips for pro shops, academies, and rental fleets.

Bulk Grip Supply for Clubs

Clubs can order grips in bulk for pro shop retail, coaching programme supply, or racket maintenance services. Volume pricing makes stocking grips cost-effective. Common club orders: 20-50+ overgrips, 10-20 replacement grips.

Academy & Coaching Stock

Academies often supply grips to students as part of programmes or sell through pro shops. Having grip stock allows coaches to maintain student rackets and teach proper grip care. Bulk supply ensures you never run out during intake periods.

Rental Fleet Maintenance

Club rental rackets need regular grip replacement to maintain quality for members. Stock both replacement grips for major refurbishment and overgrips for quick refreshes. Budget for grip replacement as part of fleet maintenance costs.

Common Questions

Padel Grips FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions about grips and overgrips.

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Bulk Equipment Orders

Information on bulk ordering grips and other equipment for clubs with volume pricing and delivery options.

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