Best Padel Overgrips UK: Keep Your Grip When It Matters

By Gary, founder of RacketRise. Playing padel in the UK and tracking the sport's explosive growth.

Last Updated: March 2026

Quick Summary

• An overgrip is a thin wrap applied over your racket's existing grip — it improves feel, absorbs sweat, and costs just £3-8 for a pack
• Change your overgrip every 3-5 sessions — a worn grip leads to slipping, blisters, and poor racket control
• Three main types: tacky (sticky feel), dry (powder-like texture), and absorbent (sweat-wicking)
• Find courts near you — use the RacketRise Court Finder to book a session

If you have ever felt your racket twist in your hand mid-rally, you already know why overgrips matter. That split second of lost control is the difference between a clean volley and a mishit into the glass. Overgrips are one of the cheapest upgrades you can make to your padel setup, and arguably one of the most impactful.

Quick Answer: For most UK padel players, the Wilson Pro Overgrip (~£5 for a 3-pack) is the best all-round choice — tacky feel, excellent comfort, and widely available. If you sweat heavily, try the Tourna Grip for superior moisture absorption. For a completely different feel, the Hesacore is a structured grip that reduces fatigue and improves comfort during long sessions. Budget around £3-8 for a pack of 3 and replace every 3-5 sessions.

Table of Contents

• What Is an Overgrip and Why Does It Matter?
• How Often Should You Change Your Overgrip?
• Types of Overgrip
• Best Padel Overgrips in the UK
• How to Apply an Overgrip: Step by Step
• Grip Size and Overgrip Thickness
• Undergrip vs Overgrip: What Is the Difference?
• Where to Buy Padel Overgrips in the UK
• Sources & Further Reading
• Related Articles
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is an Overgrip and Why Does It Matter?

An overgrip is a thin, replaceable wrap that goes over the top of your racket's original grip (the base grip or replacement grip that comes factory-fitted). It is typically 0.4-0.7mm thick and adds a fresh surface for your hand to grip.

Why it matters:

• Sweat absorption. Padel is intense. Your hands sweat. A fresh overgrip absorbs moisture and keeps the racket secure in your hand.
• Comfort. A worn or hard grip causes blisters and hand fatigue. Overgrips provide a softer, cushioned feel.
• Control. Racket control starts at the handle. If the grip is slick or degraded, your shots lose precision — especially volleys and smashes where grip stability is critical.
• Cost-effective maintenance. Rather than replacing the entire base grip (which is fiddly and more expensive), you simply peel off the old overgrip and wrap a new one. Takes two minutes.

Most professional and experienced players change their overgrip before every match or session. For recreational players, every 3-5 sessions is a sensible guideline.

How Often Should You Change Your Overgrip?

There is no single right answer — it depends on how much you sweat, how often you play, and how fussy you are about grip feel. But here are some practical guidelines:

Signs your overgrip needs replacing:

• The surface looks shiny or smooth instead of textured
• Your hand slips during play, especially on serves and smashes
• The grip feels hard rather than cushioned
• Visible tears or peeling at the edges
• It smells (no judgement — it happens)

A fresh overgrip costs around £1-2 per wrap. That is a tiny price for reliable racket control.

Types of Overgrip

Tacky Overgrips

Feel: Slightly sticky to the touch. The grip clings to your hand.

Best for: Players who want maximum grip security, dry-handed players, players who prefer a locked-in feel.

Popular examples: Wilson Pro Overgrip, Head Xtreme Soft.

Tacky grips are the most popular type overall. They provide an immediate sense of security — the racket feels glued to your hand. The trade-off is that they can become slippery when saturated with sweat, which is why heavy sweaters sometimes prefer dry or absorbent options instead.

Dry Overgrips

Feel: Powdery, almost chalky texture. Grip improves as your hands get moist.

Best for: Heavy sweaters. The grip actually performs better when wet.

Popular example: Tourna Grip.

Dry grips are the opposite of tacky grips. They feel unusual when you first handle them — almost papery. But the moment your hands start to perspire, the grip activates and provides excellent hold. If you are the sort of player whose racket slides around by the third game, a dry grip could solve the problem entirely.

Absorbent Overgrips

Feel: Soft, cushioned, with strong moisture-wicking properties.

Best for: Players who want a balance of comfort and sweat management.

Popular example: Bullpadel overgrips.

Absorbent grips sit between tacky and dry. They wick moisture away from your hand and into the grip material, keeping the surface relatively dry without the powdery feel of a Tourna Grip. They tend to wear out slightly faster than tacky grips because the absorbent material breaks down with repeated use.

Best Padel Overgrips in the UK

Wilson Pro Overgrip — Best All-Round

Price: ~£5-6 for a 3-pack | Buy on Amazon

Type: Tacky | Thickness: 0.6mm

The Wilson Pro Overgrip is the most used overgrip in racket sports worldwide — tennis, padel, squash. It is tacky, comfortable, and consistent wrap after wrap. The 0.6mm thickness adds a touch of cushioning without significantly changing your grip size. Available in white and a range of colours.

Best for: Most players. If you are unsure what to buy, start here.

Hesacore — Best for Comfort and Fatigue

Price: ~£7-8 for a single grip | Buy on Amazon

Type: Structured undergrip/overgrip hybrid | Thickness: Variable (honeycomb structure)

The Hesacore is not a traditional overgrip — it is a structured, honeycomb-textured grip that wraps around the handle and changes the feel entirely. It distributes pressure more evenly across your hand, which reduces fatigue during long sessions. Many padel players have adopted it after seeing it on the professional tour. You typically apply an overgrip on top of the Hesacore for the best results.

Best for: Players who experience hand fatigue or discomfort, players who want a chunkier grip feel.

Head Xtreme Soft — Best Tacky Feel

Price: ~£5-6 for a 3-pack | Buy on Amazon

Type: Tacky | Thickness: 0.6mm

Head's answer to the Wilson Pro. Slightly softer feel and very tacky out of the packet. Some players find it marginally more comfortable than the Wilson, though the difference is subtle. Excellent for padel players who prioritise that locked-in, secure feel at the handle.

Best for: Players who want a premium tacky grip with a soft touch.

Bullpadel Overgrip — Best Absorbent

Price: ~£4-5 for a 3-pack | Buy on Amazon

Type: Absorbent | Thickness: 0.5mm

Bullpadel is one of the biggest names in padel, and their overgrips are designed specifically with padel players in mind. Slightly thinner than the Wilson or Head options, which suits players who prefer a lower-profile grip. Good moisture absorption and a comfortable feel throughout a session.

Best for: Players who want a padel-specific brand with solid absorbency.

Tourna Grip — Best for Heavy Sweaters

Price: ~£5-7 for a 3-pack | Buy on Amazon

Type: Dry | Thickness: 0.5mm

The Tourna Grip is legendary among sweaty-handed players. It has a dry, almost felt-like texture when new, but once your hands start perspiring it grips like nothing else. It wears out faster than tacky grips — expect to replace it every 2-3 sessions — but for pure sweat management, nothing beats it.

Best for: Players who sweat heavily and find tacky grips become slippery.

How to Apply an Overgrip: Step by Step

Applying an overgrip is straightforward once you have done it a couple of times. Here is the process:

1. Remove the old overgrip. Peel it off from the top of the handle downwards. Remove any leftover adhesive residue.
2. Start at the base of the handle. Most overgrips have a small adhesive strip at one end. Peel off the backing and stick this to the bottom of the handle (the butt end).
3. Wrap upwards at a slight angle. Hold the racket in one hand and wrap the overgrip around the handle, overlapping each layer by about 3-5mm. Keep the grip taut as you wrap — too loose and it will bunch up during play.
4. Maintain consistent tension. Do not pull so hard that the grip stretches thin, but keep it firm enough that there are no wrinkles or air bubbles.
5. Finish at the top of the handle. When you reach the top, cut off any excess with scissors. Most overgrips come with a small finishing tape strip — wrap this around the top edge to secure everything in place.
6. Test the feel. Pick up the racket and swing it a few times. The grip should feel smooth, even, and secure. If there are lumps or loose sections, unwrap and redo.

The whole process takes about two minutes once you are practised. Do not worry about getting it perfect the first time — the beauty of overgrips is that they are cheap and disposable.

Grip Size and Overgrip Thickness

Every overgrip adds to the overall diameter of your handle. This matters because grip size affects comfort, control, and injury risk.

Standard overgrip thickness: 0.4-0.7mm. This adds roughly 1-2mm to the total grip circumference.

If your grip feels too small: Adding an overgrip (or even two) is a common way to build up the handle size slightly. Some players wrap two overgrips for a chunkier feel.

If your grip feels too big: An overgrip still adds thickness, so consider whether you need one at all — some players prefer the base grip alone. Alternatively, use a thinner overgrip (0.4mm) to minimise the size increase.

General rule: Your fingers should just wrap around the handle with a small gap between your fingertips and palm. If you can wrap your hand around with no gap, the grip may be too small. If there is a large gap, it may be too large.

Undergrip vs Overgrip: What Is the Difference?

• Base grip (replacement grip): The thick, padded grip that comes factory-fitted on your racket. It provides the primary cushioning and is semi-permanent. Replacing it is more involved than swapping an overgrip.
• Overgrip: A thin wrap applied over the base grip. It is the contact surface for your hand and is designed to be replaced regularly.
• Undergrip/grip enhancer (e.g. Hesacore): Applied between the base grip and the overgrip. It modifies the handle shape or adds extra cushioning.

Most players only need to think about the overgrip. The base grip rarely needs replacing unless it is severely deteriorated. The overgrip is your consumable — swap it regularly and you will always have a fresh, reliable grip surface.

Where to Buy Padel Overgrips in the UK

For best value, buy overgrips in bulk packs (12 or 30 rolls). The per-grip cost drops significantly, and you will always have a fresh one ready.

Sources & Further Reading

• LTA Padel — Getting Started — Official guidance on padel equipment
• Head Padel — Grip Technology — Manufacturer grip specifications

Related Articles

• Best Padel Rackets for Beginners (UK Buyer's Guide)
• Padel Grip: How to Hold Your Racket Correctly
• Padel Accessories Guide: Everything Beyond the Racket
• Padel Racket Buying Guide
• What to Wear to Padel

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my padel overgrip?

Every 3-5 sessions for most recreational players. If you sweat heavily or play competitively, change it more frequently — some competitive players use a fresh overgrip every session. The key indicator is feel: if the grip looks shiny, feels slick, or has lost its original texture, it is time for a new one.

What is the best overgrip for sweaty hands?

The Tourna Grip is widely regarded as the best overgrip for heavy sweaters. It has a dry, felt-like texture that actually grips better as your hands perspire. It wears out faster than tacky grips, but for pure moisture management it is unmatched. Some players also combine a Tourna Grip with a wristband to manage sweat running down from the forearm.

Can I use a tennis overgrip for padel?

Yes — overgrips are universal across racket sports. A Wilson Pro Overgrip or Head Xtreme Soft works identically on a padel racket as on a tennis racket. The wrapping technique is the same. Padel handles are slightly shorter than tennis handles, so you may need to trim a little more off the end.

What is a Hesacore and is it worth it?

The Hesacore is a structured grip with a honeycomb texture that changes the shape and feel of your handle. It distributes pressure more evenly across your palm, reducing hand fatigue during long sessions. At £7-8 per grip it is more expensive than standard overgrips, but it lasts much longer — most players apply a regular overgrip on top for the ideal combination of comfort and fresh grip feel.

Should I use one or two overgrips?

One overgrip is standard. Some players wrap two overgrips to increase the handle circumference if the grip feels too small. Adding a second overgrip increases the diameter by roughly 1-2mm. If you find yourself needing two overgrips consistently, consider whether you need a racket with a larger grip size instead.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Product recommendations are based on research — individual preferences may vary. Prices are subject to change.