Once you've used your favorite pickleball paddle for a while, you might end up noticing the grip is starting to wear down or become slippery. That annoying feeling under your palm can disrupt performance or even cause you to lose your grip entirely, flinging that precious paddle across the pickleball courts. 

The answer: pickleball overgrips. These are thin, tacky layers of material that go over your existing grip to create a new layer of cushion and friction.

What can overgrips do for your pickleball game? Why do you need one? 

Below, we'll examine exactly what overgrips are and how to choose the best pickleball paddle overgrip.

What are overgrips?

While replacing your pickleball paddle’s original grip may be an option, it requires a lot of effort and can end up costing you more in the long run. Overgrips are not only cheaper but also faster to put on as they simply slide over your existing grip in seconds. 

Made out of either synthetic – like polyurethane – or natural materials like leather, overgrips come in a variety of thicknesses and textures. The extra layer helps reduce the vibration from your paddle, giving you more control over each shot. 

The tacky material also provides an extra layer of friction to prevent slippage during intense play. 

How to choose the best pickleball overgrips

When it comes to choosing the best overgrips for pickleball, there are a few key factors to consider. 

Size

First, you need to make sure that the overgrip fits your paddle. Pickleball overgrips come in different lengths and widths, so you want to check the size of your existing grip before making a selection.

You don't want something that will be too small and won't cover the entire handle, or too large and end up bunching up in your hand. 

Texture

Do you want it to be tacky and provide extra grip, or do you want something smoother and more comfortable?

This comes down to personal preference, so you might need to try out a few different types to figure out what works best.

Durability

Some players like to replace their overgrip after every tournament or day on the court. However, if you’re looking for something that will last, look for overgrips for pickleball paddles with a thicker material.

Moisture absorption

Are sweaty palms your problem? If so, look for overgrips designed to absorb moisture. They will help keep your grip dry and slip-free while you perfect your dinks.

Quality

Cheap products might give you the results for a few minutes, but they don’t last. Investing in quality overgrips is essential if you want something that will hold up against the wear and tear of pickleball.

Thickness

Don't be afraid to get something thicker than you're used to. The extra cushion provided by thicker overgrips can help reduce the shock from powerful shots, making your games more comfortable and enjoyable.

Color

On the pickleball court, style is just as important as performance. You can find overgrips in various colors and designs to help you stand out.

Price

Lastly, consider your budget. Overgrips can range in price from as little as a few dollars to upwards of $20 or more. Shop around to find the right one for you without breaking the bank.

How overgrips can support your game

Looking for any edge you can get in pickleball? Well, our overgrips can be a great way to support your game.

Here’s how:

Better control

An improved grip on the paddle will give you greater control and accuracy when hitting shots. This is especially true for backhand strokes, where having a good grip can make all the difference in the world!

Comfort

Overgrips also provide some cushion to the handle, making it more comfortable. This can help reduce fatigue in your hands and wrists, allowing you to keep playing for longer stretches.

Dampening

Ever had your whole arm ring like a bell after hitting a shot? Overgrips can help dampen the vibration and shock, meaning less fatigue and more energy for the next point.

Moisture absorption

Wet hands can be a legitimate factor in high-level play where you’re sweating a lot. Overgrips can help absorb and dissipate moisture, so you don’t have to worry about slipping or losing your grip. Just one more way to stay on top of your game.

Why does grip size matter?

It's not just about slippage. Repeated use of a grip that is too small (or too big) can cause fatigue and even injury to your hand or wrist.

A great way to estimate your ideal grip size is by measuring the distance from the tip of your ring finger to the bottom crease in your palm, just above your wrist. For most players, this will be between four and five inches and can correlate directly to the size of grip you need.

In your hand, the grip should be big enough to leave a small gap (about the size of a pen) between your fingertips and the base of your thumb. 

If you're going to use an overgrip to add that tackiness and cushion, make sure to buy a paddle with a grip size slightly smaller than that to ensure a perfect fit once you’ve wrapped it up.

Replacement grip vs overgrip

Replacing your paddle’s grip can be expensive and time-consuming. An overgrip is a much more affordable and faster solution that can be switched out every few sessions to keep you playing your best.

Still, there will be a time when your paddle’s grip is so worn out that it needs to be replaced. Holes, tears, or fraying can make it difficult to attach an overgrip correctly, so if you find yourself in this situation, it’s a good idea to replace the original.

“After some use, your paddle grip can start to smooth out and lose texture which can make it harder to hold and control your paddle. Switch it out every so often to make sure you have a good handle - and fresh feel to your paddle.” -Beth Kaufman, Pickleballchicks co-founder, Pickleheads Ambassador

How to wrap a pickleball overgrip