EQUIPMENT GUIDE
Best Padel Overgrips UK 2026 — Never Lose Your Grip Again
7 min read
Updated March 2026
By PadelPicked
An overgrip is the cheapest upgrade you can make to your padel game. A fresh, tacky overgrip improves your control, reduces mis-hits from slipping, and makes every session more comfortable. At £5–£15 for a pack, there's no reason not to change yours regularly. Here are the best in the UK in 2026.
QUICK ANSWER
The best padel overgrip for most UK players is the Wilson Pro Overgrip — tacky, durable, widely available and trusted by players at every level. Budget pick: Karakal PU Super Grip. Best for sweaty hands: Tourna Grip Original.
Why overgrips matter more than you think
Most rackets come with a base grip that's fine out of the box but deteriorates quickly with regular play. After 5–10 sessions it becomes slippery, thin and uncomfortable. An overgrip wraps over the base grip to restore the tackiness and thickness that makes the racket feel secure in your hand.
A slipping grip causes mis-hits, reduces accuracy and increases the risk of wrist strain. A good overgrip takes 2 minutes to apply and immediately makes your racket feel like new. At club level you'll notice professional players change their overgrip before every match — it matters that much.
How often should you change your overgrip?
If you play once a week, change it every 3–4 sessions. If you play 3+ times a week, change it weekly. A worn overgrip feels smooth and slightly sticky in a bad way — when you notice that, it's time to replace it. Overgrips are cheap enough that you shouldn't hesitate.
Tacky vs absorbent vs dry — which type?
- Tacky — feels sticky and grippy. Best for players with dry hands or those who prefer maximum feel. Wilson Pro and Bullpadel overgrips are classic tacky options
- Absorbent — designed to soak up sweat. Best for players with sweaty hands or those playing long sessions in warm indoor courts. Tourna Grip is the gold standard
- Dry/thin — a compromise between the two. Less tacky than pure sticky grips, more comfortable for players who dislike the overly sticky feel
Best padel overgrips UK 2026 — ranked
The Wilson Pro is the world's best-selling overgrip for a reason — consistent tackiness, good durability, comfortable feel and available everywhere. It's the default choice for millions of racket sport players globally and it works just as well for padel. Buy in multipacks to keep costs low and always have a fresh one ready.
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Tourna Grip has a unique property — it actually gets grippier as it absorbs moisture. For players with naturally sweaty hands or those playing long sessions in warm courts, nothing performs better. Slightly different texture to tacky grips but once you try it you'll never go back if sweat is your problem.
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Bullpadel make padel-specific overgrips designed for the demands of the sport — slightly thicker than tennis grips to account for the heavier solid racket. If you play padel exclusively and want something built for the sport rather than adapted from tennis, Bullpadel's overgrip is the best option available in the UK.
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Karakal is a British brand and their PU Super Grip is a genuine bargain. Thicker than most overgrips which some players love for the extra cushioning, decent tackiness and long lasting. Not quite as refined as Wilson or Bullpadel but at this price point it's excellent value — especially for beginners going through overgrips while they learn.
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Head's Xtreme Soft is the most comfortable overgrip on this list. If you suffer from hand fatigue or blisters during long sessions, the extra soft feel makes a genuine difference. Slightly less durable than Wilson Pro but the comfort trade-off is worth it for players with sensitive hands or those recovering from minor hand injuries.
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How to apply an overgrip
- Start at the bottom — begin wrapping from the butt end of the handle, with the tapered end of the overgrip angled upward
- Overlap slightly — each wrap should overlap the previous by about 3–4mm. Too much overlap makes the grip too thick, too little leaves gaps
- Keep tension even — pull the overgrip with consistent tension as you wrap. Loose sections will bunch and slip
- Finish at the top — wrap upward to just below the racket frame, trim any excess, and secure with the included finishing tape
- Total time: 2 minutes — once you've done it twice it becomes second nature
FAQ
What's the difference between an overgrip and a base grip?
The base grip is the original thick grip that comes on your racket — it provides the main cushioning and structure. An overgrip is a thinner wrap applied on top of the base grip. You replace overgrips regularly but the base grip only when it's worn through completely.
Do I need a padel-specific overgrip or will a tennis one work?
Tennis overgrips work perfectly well for padel. The Wilson Pro, Tourna Grip and Head Xtreme are all tennis overgrips used by millions of padel players. Padel-specific grips like Bullpadel's are marginally better optimised but the difference is subtle.
How do I know when to change my overgrip?
When it feels smooth rather than tacky, or when you notice your hand sliding during shots — change it. Some players change every session, most club players every 3–5 sessions.