How to Choose a Padel Grip
The grip of a padel racket is often misunderstood. Many players think of it only as “how you hold the racket,” but in reality, the grip is a physical system made of several components that directly affect comfort, control, vibration, and injury risk. Choosing the right padel grip setup is not about style or brand loyalty — it’s about building a handle that fits your hand, absorbs shock, and stays stable throughout a match.
For beginners and intermediate players especially, grip choice matters far more than most expect. A poorly chosen grip can ruin an otherwise good racket, while a well-configured grip can make even a basic racket feel comfortable and reliable.
For beginners and intermediate players especially, grip choice matters far more than most expect. A poorly chosen grip can ruin an otherwise good racket, while a well-configured grip can make even a basic racket feel comfortable and reliable.
What a Padel Grip Actually Is
A padel grip is not a single element. It consists of layers, each with a specific role.
The base layer is the undergrip (often simply called “the grip”). This is the thick, cushioned material that sits directly on the handle. Its main job is to reduce vibration from ball impact and provide a stable, comfortable foundation for the hand. The undergrip also defines the core thickness of the handle.
On top of the undergrip, players apply an overgrip. This is a thinner, replaceable tape designed to improve feel, absorb sweat, and prevent slipping. Overgrips wear out quickly and are meant to be changed regularly, sometimes even every few sessions depending on conditions and personal preference.
Together, these layers determine how the racket feels in your hand, how much feedback you get from the ball, and how much stress is transferred to your wrist, elbow, and shoulder.
The base layer is the undergrip (often simply called “the grip”). This is the thick, cushioned material that sits directly on the handle. Its main job is to reduce vibration from ball impact and provide a stable, comfortable foundation for the hand. The undergrip also defines the core thickness of the handle.
On top of the undergrip, players apply an overgrip. This is a thinner, replaceable tape designed to improve feel, absorb sweat, and prevent slipping. Overgrips wear out quickly and are meant to be changed regularly, sometimes even every few sessions depending on conditions and personal preference.
Together, these layers determine how the racket feels in your hand, how much feedback you get from the ball, and how much stress is transferred to your wrist, elbow, and shoulder.
Undergrip
In most cases, a padel racket comes with an undergrip already installed from the factory. This is standard across the industry, with a few exceptions. Some specialized brands, such as Xcalion, include the undergrip separately and allow the player to install it themselves.
The undergrip is designed to last a long time. For most players, especially beginners and recreational amateurs, it does not need to be replaced during the first year of play. Its material gradually compresses over time, but this happens slowly.
After extended use, however, the undergrip can degrade. Sweat, friction, and constant pressure can make it harder, uneven, or unpleasant to hold. At that point, it is safe to remove it — even if it was glued at the factory. Replacing an undergrip does not damage the racket and can significantly improve comfort.
Players can choose to reinstall the original brand’s undergrip or switch to alternative solutions that offer different levels of cushioning or vibration absorption.
The undergrip is designed to last a long time. For most players, especially beginners and recreational amateurs, it does not need to be replaced during the first year of play. Its material gradually compresses over time, but this happens slowly.
After extended use, however, the undergrip can degrade. Sweat, friction, and constant pressure can make it harder, uneven, or unpleasant to hold. At that point, it is safe to remove it — even if it was glued at the factory. Replacing an undergrip does not damage the racket and can significantly improve comfort.
Players can choose to reinstall the original brand’s undergrip or switch to alternative solutions that offer different levels of cushioning or vibration absorption.
Alternative Grip Systems Beyond Traditional Tape
Not all grip solutions are based on classic tape layers. Some manufacturers have developed alternative systems that focus specifically on vibration control and ergonomic feel.
Hesacore, for example, is a silicone sleeve that replaces the traditional undergrip shape. It creates defined contact points for the fingers and aims to reduce tension in the hand and forearm. Some players find it extremely comfortable, while others prefer a smoother feel.
Dualshock uses a different approach, adding a secondary vibration-dampening layer under the grip tape. Noene produces thicker grip materials designed to absorb shock more effectively than standard factory grips.
These solutions are not mandatory upgrades. They are optional tools that may help players with arm discomfort, previous injuries, or sensitivity to vibration. As with rackets themselves, there is no universal “best” option — only what works best for your hand and playing style.
Hesacore, for example, is a silicone sleeve that replaces the traditional undergrip shape. It creates defined contact points for the fingers and aims to reduce tension in the hand and forearm. Some players find it extremely comfortable, while others prefer a smoother feel.
Dualshock uses a different approach, adding a secondary vibration-dampening layer under the grip tape. Noene produces thicker grip materials designed to absorb shock more effectively than standard factory grips.
These solutions are not mandatory upgrades. They are optional tools that may help players with arm discomfort, previous injuries, or sensitivity to vibration. As with rackets themselves, there is no universal “best” option — only what works best for your hand and playing style.
Overgrip
Overgrips are rarely included when buying a new padel racket. They are considered consumables and are purchased separately, either online, in specialized stores, or directly at padel clubs. Many clubs will also apply an overgrip for you if you are unsure how to do it properly.
The primary function of an overgrip is grip stability. It prevents the racket from slipping in the hand, absorbs sweat, and slightly adjusts handle thickness. Overgrips are much thinner than undergrips, which is why players sometimes remove the undergrip entirely and apply two overgrips instead, especially if they prefer a thinner handle.
Unlike undergrips, overgrips vary significantly between manufacturers. Some are tacky and slightly sticky, others are dry and absorbent. Some feel soft, others firm. They come in different colors, textures, and thicknesses.
The best way to choose an overgrip is simple: try several. Preferences change depending on climate, sweat level, and personal feel. What feels perfect in winter may feel unusable in summer.
The primary function of an overgrip is grip stability. It prevents the racket from slipping in the hand, absorbs sweat, and slightly adjusts handle thickness. Overgrips are much thinner than undergrips, which is why players sometimes remove the undergrip entirely and apply two overgrips instead, especially if they prefer a thinner handle.
Unlike undergrips, overgrips vary significantly between manufacturers. Some are tacky and slightly sticky, others are dry and absorbent. Some feel soft, others firm. They come in different colors, textures, and thicknesses.
The best way to choose an overgrip is simple: try several. Preferences change depending on climate, sweat level, and personal feel. What feels perfect in winter may feel unusable in summer.
Handle Thickness
Grip thickness is one of the most overlooked aspects of padel equipment. A handle that is too thick restricts wrist movement and reduces touch, while a handle that is too thin increases grip tension and stress on the forearm.
Many players chase power or control through racket models while ignoring grip size entirely. In reality, adjusting grip thickness often has a greater impact on comfort and consistency than changing rackets.
Using overgrips strategically allows players to fine-tune thickness without changing the undergrip. This flexibility is especially useful as players progress and their preferences evolve.
Many players chase power or control through racket models while ignoring grip size entirely. In reality, adjusting grip thickness often has a greater impact on comfort and consistency than changing rackets.
Using overgrips strategically allows players to fine-tune thickness without changing the undergrip. This flexibility is especially useful as players progress and their preferences evolve.
Buying, Testing, and Practical Advice
All major padel equipment brands offer their own grip and overgrip products. In terms of undergrips, differences between brands are relatively small for beginners and intermediate players. Overgrips, however, vary widely and are worth experimenting with.
If possible, test different grip setups before committing. Rental rackets at clubs often come with different grip configurations, giving beginners a chance to feel what works for them. Some stores also allow test periods for rackets, though buyers should be careful: removing the plastic wrap from the handle can void return policies.
Always check store conditions before testing equipment, and remember that comfort and injury prevention matter more than brand prestige.
If possible, test different grip setups before committing. Rental rackets at clubs often come with different grip configurations, giving beginners a chance to feel what works for them. Some stores also allow test periods for rackets, though buyers should be careful: removing the plastic wrap from the handle can void return policies.
Always check store conditions before testing equipment, and remember that comfort and injury prevention matter more than brand prestige.
FAQ
The undergrip is the base layer on the racket handle and is responsible for vibration absorption and overall comfort. The overgrip is a thinner, replaceable layer placed on top to improve grip, absorb sweat, and adjust handle thickness.
No. The factory undergrip is designed to last a long time and does not need to be replaced during the first year for most players. It should only be changed once it becomes hard, uneven, or uncomfortable.
Yes. Even if the undergrip was glued at the factory, it can be safely removed without damaging the racket. Players often replace it with a new grip or an alternative vibration-dampening solution.
Overgrips should be changed regularly. Depending on sweat level and playing conditions, this can range from every few sessions to every match. A worn overgrip loses grip and comfort.
That depends on hand size and preference. Some players remove the undergrip and use two overgrips to achieve a thinner handle. Others keep the undergrip and add one or more overgrips to increase thickness and comfort.
Alternative grip systems like Hesacore or vibration-dampening layers can help some players by improving grip stability and reducing vibration. They are optional tools, not mandatory upgrades, and should be chosen based on personal comfort.
No. Overgrips differ significantly in thickness, texture, absorbency, and feel. Some are sticky, others are dry, soft, or firm. Trying different options is the best way to find what works for you.
Yes. A grip that is too thin, too thick, or poorly cushioned can increase tension and vibration, leading to discomfort or overuse injuries in the wrist, elbow, or shoulder.
