The 30-second version
- An overgrip wraps over your paddle’s existing grip to add tack, cushion, or size; a replacement grip swaps the base grip entirely.
- The right grip reduces how hard you have to squeeze — which improves feel and helps prevent pickleball elbow.
- Choose tacky for a secure hold, cushioned for comfort, or perforated for sweaty hands.
- Overgrips are cheap and easy to swap — replace them when they lose tack or get slick.
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Your grip is the only part of the paddle you actually touch, and it has a real effect on comfort, control, and even your elbow. Here’s how pickleball grips and overgrips work and how to choose.
Overgrip vs. replacement grip
- Replacement grip — the base grip wrapped directly on the paddle handle. Thicker and more cushioned; you swap it when it wears out.
- Overgrip — a thin, tacky wrap you add over the existing grip. It adds tack, a little cushion, and size, and it’s cheap and quick to replace. Most players just add and rotate overgrips.
Why the right grip matters
A good grip lets you hold the paddle without squeezing hard — and a relaxed grip is the foundation of the soft game and the best defense against pickleball elbow. The wrong grip (too slick, too thin, or too small) makes you grip tighter, which strains the arm and causes pop-ups. See our how to hold a paddle guide for grip technique.
Types of grips
- Tacky grips — sticky for a secure hold; great if the paddle tends to slip in your hand.
- Cushioned grips — softer and more comfortable, and they dampen vibration (kinder to the elbow).
- Perforated grips — small holes wick sweat; ideal for hot, humid play or sweaty hands.
- Contoured/comfort grips (like Hesacore-style) — reshape the handle to reduce grip pressure; popular with players fighting arm pain.
Top grip brands
Proven names include Gamma, Tourna (Tourna Grip and Mega Tac), Wilson, and Hesacore for contoured comfort grips. Tourna Grip is a longtime favorite for sweaty hands; Gamma cushioned grips are a comfortable all-rounder.
How to build up your grip size
If your paddle grip feels too small (a common cause of over-gripping and elbow strain), add one or two overgrips to build it up to a comfortable size — an easy, cheap fix. A grip that’s too big is harder to correct, so if you’re between sizes, start smaller and build up. See our grip size guide.
How often to replace
Replace an overgrip when it loses its tack, gets slick with sweat, or starts to unravel — for regular players that might be every few weeks. Overgrips are inexpensive, so swap them often for the best feel.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an overgrip and a replacement grip?
A replacement grip is the base grip wrapped directly on the handle — thicker and cushioned. An overgrip is a thin, tacky wrap you add over the existing grip to boost tack, comfort, and size. Most players just add and rotate overgrips.
What is the best pickleball overgrip?
It depends on your need: Tourna Grip is a favorite for sweaty hands, Gamma cushioned grips are a comfortable all-rounder, and tacky overgrips give the most secure hold. For arm pain, a contoured comfort grip like Hesacore is worth trying.
How do I make my pickleball paddle grip bigger?
Add one or two overgrips over the existing grip to build up the size. It’s a cheap, easy fix. A grip that’s too small makes you squeeze harder (straining the elbow), so building it up to a comfortable size helps.
Do grips help with pickleball elbow?
Yes, indirectly — the right grip (correct size, cushioned, and tacky enough) lets you hold the paddle without squeezing hard, and reduced grip pressure is a key way to prevent pickleball elbow. Contoured comfort grips are designed specifically for this.
How often should I replace my overgrip?
Replace it when it loses tack, gets slick with sweat, or starts unraveling — for regular players, often every few weeks. Overgrips are inexpensive, so swapping them frequently keeps the paddle feeling its best.
Related gear & guides
- How to hold a pickleball paddle — grip technique and pressure.
- Pickleball elbow — how grip and paddle choice prevent it.
- Best pickleball paddles