July 1, 2026
Third set, everything's going great, and then your racket twists in your hand just a bit during a smash. The ball goes into the net. No technical fault, your hand slipped.
Almost everyone who plays padel knows that moment. And almost no one does anything about it, even though the solution costs a few euros and takes two minutes to put on your grip.
What sweat does to your grip
A grip is made to stay dry. If moisture gets on it, it becomes slippery and you automatically squeeze harder.
That squeezing is the real problem. Your forearm tenses up, your wrist becomes stiffer, and you lose precisely the feel you need for a soft bandeja. It also costs energy: if you grip your racket tightly the entire match, you'll be playing the third set with a tired arm.
In addition, sweat penetrates the material. A base grip that absorbs moisture for months becomes hard and loses its structure. And you can't just replace that yourself.
Overgrip or base grip?
The base grip comes standard on your racket, gives the handle its shape, and stays on for years.
You wrap the overgrip over it. Thinner, cheaper, meant to be replaced regularly. It catches sweat and protects the base grip underneath.
The difference between a mattress and a fitted sheet: you replace the sheet.
When to replace?
There's no fixed schedule, but these signs are clear:
- You're squeezing harder than usual
- The grip feels smooth or shiny
- Dark spots where your thumb and fingers rest
- The racket twists during hard shots
If you play twice a week, expect to replace it every three to four weeks. More often in summer.
Quick test: try to rotate your racket with your other hand. Is it easy? Replace it.
How to wrap it
- Remove the old one and wipe away any adhesive residue
- Start at the bottom, near the butt cap
- Wrap diagonally upwards with about half a centimeter of overlap
- Maintain tension on the grip — tight enough so no bumps form
- Cut the end diagonally and secure with the rubber ring
That last step is often skipped, and that's precisely why overgrips come loose during play. With our overgrips, that ring is standard.
Right-handed? Clockwise. Left-handed? Counter-clockwise.
Dry or tacky
Tacky grips feel slightly sticky and provide immediate hold. Great for controlled contact, but with a lot of sweat, they become slippery.
Dry grips absorb moisture. The logical choice if you get sweaty hands quickly or play in a warm indoor court.
Two things that help
Bring a towel. Drying your hands between games helps more than you think.
Let your racket air out after a match. Moisture that can't escape soaks into the grip.
In short
Sweat makes your grip slippery, you squeeze harder, you lose feel, and your arm gets tired. An overgrip solves that for a few euros, and you can replace it yourself in two minutes.
It's the cheapest part of your equipment and the only one you touch every week.
