As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, so does the variety of accessories designed to enhance player comfort, control, and performance.
One of the most essential yet often overlooked aspects of the game is the grip on your paddle. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting, choosing the right grip is crucial for improving your performance on the court. The continental grip and eastern grip are particularly important, offering benefits such as control, power, and ease of transition between shots.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the advantages of the different types of grips available for pickleball paddles, including standard grips, overgrips, Hesacore grips, and more.
We’ll also introduce some of the top grip options you can buy today and explain their advantages and how they can benefit your game.
Why Pickleball Grips Matter
The grip you choose directly impacts how your paddle feels in your hand, how well you can control your shots, and how comfortable you are during play. A looser grip, described as ‘gripping,’ allows for better control of the paddle and enhances your ability to execute softer shots and manage harder drives more effectively. A good grip can:
Prevent Slippage: Keep your paddle secure in your hand during intense rallies, even in humid conditions.
Absorb Sweat: Many grips are designed to wick away moisture, preventing sweat from causing slippage.
Provide Comfort: Cushioning helps reduce discomfort, making it easier to hold the paddle for extended periods.
Enhance Control: Different textures and thicknesses allow for better precision and power in your shots.
Now that we understand the importance of grips, let’s dive backhands more into the different types you can buy today.
1. **Standard Grips: Including Continental Grip**
The grip that comes with your paddle when you buy it is referred to as the standard grip.
These are typically designed to be comfortable and provide a balanced mix of cushioning and tackiness, but they might not suit everyone’s preferences.
Standard grips can significantly influence your ability to hit both forehand and backhand shots effectively. The choice of grip plays a critical role in shot execution, affecting the ease and power of hitting various types of shots.
Top Standard Grips on the Market:
Selkirk ComfortGrip: A highly durable and tacky grip, offering consistent performance even in sweaty conditions. Its soft feel is popular among players who prioritize comfort.
GAMMA Honeycomb Cushion Grip: Known for its honeycomb pattern, this grip provides excellent comfort and reduces fatigue, especially during long games.
Onix Tacki-Mac Grip: This grip focuses on enhancing control, thanks to its tacky surface, which ensures better precision during fast-paced matches.
Standard grips work well for most casual tennis players, but those who want more control, sweat absorption, or comfort should consider upgrading to overgrips or specialized grips.
2. Overgrips
Overgrips are thin, replaceable layers that wrap around your paddle’s original grip.
They add extra comfort, absorb sweat, and can extend the life of your paddle’s standard grip.
Benefits of Overgrips:
Sweat Absorption: Many players use overgrips to absorb sweat, which is particularly useful in humid conditions or for players with sweaty hands.
Enhanced Comfort: Overgrips add an extra layer of cushioning, making it easier to hold the paddle for long periods.
Overgrips can improve control during volleys, especially at the kitchen line, by providing a better grip and enhancing accuracy.
Affordable Customization: Overgrips are inexpensive and can be replaced often, allowing players to maintain a fresh grip without the need for a new paddle.
Easy to Apply: Wrapping an overgrip around your paddle is simple, and it can be done in minutes between games.
Popular Overgrips for Pickleball:
Tourna Grip Original Dry Feel: Known for its excellent sweat absorption and dry feel, this overgrip is a favorite for players who need a non-slip grip during sweaty matches.
Wilson Pro Overgrip: A combination of tackiness and durability, this overgrip provides a consistent feel and performs well in all weather conditions.
GAMMA Supreme Overgrip: For players who prefer a thicker overgrip, the GAMMA Supreme offers extra cushioning while maintaining its tacky feel and durability.
Udrippin Pickleball Overgrip: A popular option for players looking for a customizable and vibrant grip. Udrippin offers an ultra-tacky surface combined with sweat-absorbing properties, making it great for long matches in humid conditions. The overgrip comes in a variety of colors and patterns, adding a bit of flair to your paddle while keeping your hand firmly in control.
Overgrips are easy to replace and an excellent option for players who want to personalize or change their paddle’s feel.
Competitive players often change their overgrips every few weeks for optimal performance.
3. Hesacore Grips
Hesacore grips are a newer option in the world of pickleball, designed to improve comfort, reduce slippage, and enhance control.
Featuring a unique hexagonal pattern, these grips provide an ergonomic feel that the grip works reduces strain on the face and hand.
Benefits of Hesacore Grips:
Improved Comfort: The hexagonal design evenly distributes pressure, reducing discomfort and making it easier to hold the paddle for extended periods.
Enhanced Control: The textured surface helps reduce slippage, giving players better control during fast rallies.
Shock Absorption: Hesacore grips are great for reducing the impact of hard shots, minimizing the strain on your wrist and forearm.
Durability: These grips are long-lasting, making them a worthwhile investment for serious players.
Where to Buy Hesacore Grips:
Hesacore grips are available through specialty retailers that focus on pickleball accessories.
While they tend to be more expensive than traditional grips, their ergonomic benefits and durability make them an excellent choice for players who value comfort and performance.
4. Cushion Grips
Cushion grips are thicker than standard grips and are designed to provide extra padding, making them ideal for players who prioritize comfort.
These grips absorb shock and reduce fatigue, especially during extended play.
Benefits of Cushion Grips:
Better Shock Absorption: The extra padding reduces the impact felt during hard shots, making them easier on your hands and wrists.
Comfort: Players with sensitive hands or those prone to blisters will appreciate the softer feel of cushion grips.
Durability: Cushion grips are often more durable than thinner grips, meaning they’ll last longer, even with frequent use.
Top Cushion Grips on the Market:
HEAD HydroSorb Comfort Grip: A thick, cushioned grip that minimizes vibration and provides superior comfort, ideal for players who suffer from hand fatigue.
Wilson Cushion-Aire Grip: This grip features perforations for better ventilation and moisture absorption, along with extra cushioning for a soft, comfortable feel.
ProLite Comfort Contour Grip: Designed specifically for pickleball, this grip offers a combination of cushion and tackiness, providing excellent control and comfort.
5. Tacky Grips
Tacky grips are designed for players who want the grip works their paddle to feel “sticky” in their hand, ensuring that western grip on the paddle doesn’t slip during intense rallies.
The ‘shake hands’ grip, also known as the Eastern grip, resembles a handshake position and provides a neutral grip that offers both control and comfort.
Tacky grips are often chosen by players looking for more control.
Benefits of Tacky Grips:
Increased Control: The tacky surface ensures the paddle stays secure, providing better precision during fast-paced exchanges.
Sweat Resistance: Many tacky grips also have moisture-wicking properties, making them ideal for playing in hot or humid environments.
Durability: These grips are long-lasting, providing a consistent feel over time.
Popular Tacky Grips:
Tourna Mega Tac Grip: One of the tackiest grips on the market, it remains sticky even in wet conditions, making it a top choice for players in humid climates.
Yonex Super Grap Overgrip: A versatile grip that combines tackiness with a bit of cushioning, perfect for players who want a reliable grip under any conditions.
Vulcan Max Tacky Overgrip: Built for both tennis and pickleball, this grip is long-lasting and provides a consistently sticky feel, ideal for players who need extra grip.
6. Lizard Skins Pickleball Grips
Lizard Skins is a well-known brand in the world of sports grips, and their pickleball grips are no exception.
These grips are designed to provide superior feel, comfort, and control, making them popular among players of all skill levels.
Benefits of Lizard Skins Pickleball Grips:
Custom Feel: Lizard Skins grips offer a unique combination of tackiness and cushion, providing players with both comfort and control.
Moisture Resistance: The grips are designed to wick away moisture, ensuring that your paddle stays secure even during sweaty matches.
Durability: Lizard Skins grips are known for their durability, providing consistent performance game after game.
Popular Lizard Skins Grips:
Lizard Skins DSP Ultra Grip: This grip provides excellent shock absorption while maintaining a soft, tacky feel. It’s ideal for players who want a grip that performs well in both wet and dry conditions.
Lizard Skins 1.1mm Pickleball Grip: A slightly thinner grip that offers a balance of tackiness and comfort. It’s a great option for players who want a secure grip without adding too much thickness to the handle.
Lizard Skins grips are an excellent choice for players who want a reliable, high-performance grip that’s built to last.
7. Textured Grips
Textured grips offer a rough surface that enhances grip and control.
They’re perfect for players who want extra feedback from the backhand their paddle, allowing for more precise backhand shots and better control during spin-heavy serves.
Benefits of Textured Grips:
Better Spin Control: The rough texture allows players to add more spin to their shots, improving accuracy and consistency.
Improved Grip in Wet Conditions: Textured grips help prevent slippage, making them a great choice for players who sweat a lot or play in humid environments.
Enhanced Precision: Textured grips give players more feedback from the paddle, helping to fine-tune their shots for better performance.
Popular Textured Grips:
GAMMA Honeycomb Ultra-Tack Grip: Featuring a honeycomb pattern, this grip offers both texture and tackiness, improving control and preventing slippage.
Tourna Pro Tour XL Grip: Known for its ribbed design, this grip offers excellent grip and feedback, allowing players to feel more connected to their paddle.
Prince DuraPro+ Textured Grip: This grip’s raised texture provides extra control and stability, ideal for players looking to enhance their ability to spin the ball.
Choosing the Right Grip for Your Game
Now that you’re familiar with the different types of grips available for pickleball paddles, how do you choose the right one for your game?
Here are a few factors to consider:
Playing Style: If you’re an aggressive player who frequently hits power shots, you might prefer a tacky or textured grip that gives you more control. If you play long rallies and need comfort, a cushioned or ergonomic grip might be best.
Sweat Levels: Players who sweat a lot should look for grips that offer moisture absorption, such as overgrips designed for humid conditions. A tacky grip can also help prevent slippage in wet environments.
Hand Size: If you have smaller hands, a thinner grip might feel more comfortable and provide better control. If you have larger hands, a thicker grip or cushioned grip could offer more comfort and a better feel.
Durability: If you play frequently, you’ll want a grip that can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Consider replacement grips or hybrid grips with durable materials if longevity is a priority.
Grip Replacement: Some grips are easier to replace than others. If you’re someone who likes to switch out grips frequently, opt for overgrips or easy-to-apply replacement grips.
How to Install a Pickleball Grip
Installing a pickleball grip or overgrip is a straightforward process, but it’s important to do it correctly to ensure the grip performs well and stays secure during play.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install both a replacement grip and an overgrip.
Replacing a Grip
Step 1: Remove the Old Grip
Start by using scissors or a knife to carefully cut off the old grip. Be sure to remove any adhesive residue left behind on the paddle’s handle, as this can interfere with the new grip.
Step 2: Start the New Grip
Take your new replacement grip and locate the tapered end (this is the end that you will start with). Begin wrapping the grip at the base of the paddle handle, aligning the tapered end with the butt cap.
If the new grip has an adhesive backing, peel off a small section of the backing and begin wrapping.
Step 3: Wrap the Grip
As you wrap the grip around the handle, pull it tightly to ensure a snug fit, overlapping each layer slightly as you move up the handle.
Continue wrapping until you reach the top of the handle. Depending on your preference, you can cut the grip once you reach the desired thickness.
Step 4: Secure the End
Most replacement grips come with a piece of finishing tape. Use this tape to secure the end of the grip at the top of the handle, ensuring it doesn’t unravel during play.
Applying an Overgrip
Step 1: Prepare the Paddle
If you’re applying an overgrip, leave the original grip on the paddle. Make sure the original grip is clean and dry before you start applying the overgrip.
Step 2: Start at the Base
Take the tapered end of your overgrip and place it at the base of the paddle handle. Begin wrapping the grip around the handle, pulling it tight for a secure fit.
Step 3: Wrap with Overlap
As you wrap the overgrip around the handle, overlap each layer slightly, keeping the tension consistent. Be sure not to overlap too much, as it can make the handle too thick.
Step 4: Finish and Secure
When you reach the top of the handle, trim the excess overgrip if necessary and secure the end with the provided finishing tape. This will ensure the overgrip stays in place during use.
Where to Buy Pickleball Grips
There are several places where you can purchase pickleball grips, ranging from online stores to local sports shops.
Here are some of the most reliable options:
1. Online Retailers
Online stores are often the most convenient way to shop for pickleball grips, offering a wide selection and the ability to compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase.
Amazon: Amazon offers a vast range of pickleball grips, including popular brands like GAMMA, Tourna, Udrippin, and Lizard Skins. With fast shipping and a variety of customer reviews, it’s an excellent place to start your search.
PickleballCentral: A specialty retailer for all things pickleball, PickleballCentral carries a comprehensive selection of grips, including overgrips, replacement grips, and more specialized options like Hesacore grips.
Tennis Warehouse: While primarily focused on tennis, Tennis Warehouse stocks many grips that can also be used for pickleball, including top brands like Wilson, Yonex, and HEAD.
2. Local Sporting Goods Stores
If you prefer to feel the grips before purchasing, you can visit local sports stores to buy your grips in person.
Dick’s Sporting Goods: Most Dick’s Sporting Goods locations carry a variety of pickleball paddles and accessories, including grips. You can find grips from major brands like GAMMA and Wilson.
Academy Sports + Outdoors: Another popular retailer with a solid selection of pickleball grips, Academy Sports often carries brands like Tourna and Onix.
3. Specialty Pickleball Stores
If you live in an area with a pickleball-specific shop or pro shop at a top court or local club, these stores typically carry high-quality grips from premium brands.
Specialty stores often have knowledgeable staff who can help you select the best grip for your needs.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect pickleball grip can elevate your game by improving comfort, control, and performance.
Whether you choose the custom feel of a Lizard Skins grip, the sweat-absorbing qualities best grip of a Udrippin overgrip, or the ergonomic design of a Hesacore grip, investing in the right grip will ensure you’re ready for every match.
Keep experimenting with different options, and find the one that feels just right in your hand!