A worn-out pickleball grip can negatively impact the consistency of your performance. Along with struggling to control, grasping the paddle will be excruciating during competitive pickleball matches. Although it might seem insignificant, having a tattered grip can definitely throw you off your game. By going through the entire piece, you’ll be able to pick the best pickleball grip on the market.
Best Pickleball Grips in 2023
Many pickleball players don’t understand the gravity of the situation of how vital the pickleball grips actually are and fail to pay the attention they deserve. Grips are an important piece of equipment for pickleball players who play the sport on a daily basis and go through several of them frequently.
Bulking the grip circumference, adding comfort, absorbing sweat, or making the handle tacky enough for a much sturdier grip is what motivates players to go for a new grip. So, if you want to breathe new life into your paddle, wrap your pickleball handle with some of the best pickleball grips and for that, check out my top 8 grips I’ve cherry-picked, that’ll certainly add glory to your paddle. 5 out of which I’ve personally tried and the remaining ones were suggested to me by my fellow pickle ballers.
| Head Xtreme Soft Pickleball Overgrip | GAMMA Honeycomb Cushion Pickleball Grip | Prolite No Sweat Diamond Grip | Gamma Supreme Pickleball Overgrip | HEAD HydroSorb Pro Pickleball Grip | Wilson Pickleball Comfort Overgrip | Gamma Hi-Tech Gel Pickleball Grip | Zingther Professional Super Tacky Overgrip | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Feature | Remarkable hand feel | Bulky grip circumference | Compatible with different paddles | Eliminates Blisters and abrasions | Elastomer Construction | Favorably adhesive | Zorbicon Gel | 0.02†thickness |
| Tackiness | 6.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.5/10 | 5.0/10 | 5.5/10 | 4.5/10 | 6.0/10 |
| Sweat Absorption | 8.0/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 6.5/10 | 3.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 5.5/10 | 5.0/10 |
| Comfortability | 7.0/10 | 7.0/10 | 6.0/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.0/10 | 6.5/10 | 3.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Durability | 4.0/10 | 4.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 4.5/10 | 6.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
1. Head Xtreme Soft Pickleball Overgrip – Best for Sweaty Palms
9.8/10 – Our Score
-
Prons
- Exceptional handle feel due to slender fabrication.
- Cushioned grip for maximum comfort.
- Perforated surface for absorbing moisture and sweat off the palms.
-
Cons
- Less durable because of thin construction.
The Xtreme Soft Pickleball Overgrip is specially manufactured with an elastomer material for an extremely soft feel. The overgrip is kept thin on purpose, keeping the handle circumference to the minimum for a firm grasp, eventually diminishing wrist fatigue by 25%. It’s one of the best pickleball grips for players who opt continental grips.
The grip is perforated carefully to make the air ventilate in and out without any effort, absorbing the sweat and moisture away from the palms so that the paddle wouldn’t slither away from the hold easily.
The smooth and ergonomic design of the grip makes the Xtreme Soft an efficient overgrip, especially in competitive matches. Once you have wrapped the handle with the Head Xtreme Overgrip, you’ll have greater control over the paddle without much movement.
2. GAMMA Honeycomb Cushion Pickleball Grip – Excellent Anti-Slip Grip
9.5/10 – Our Score
-
Prons
- Extra tacky for greater traction.
- Excellent moisture-wicking capability
- Increases grip circumference for better stability.
-
Cons
- Prone to wear out quickly
This 31″ lengthy GAMMA Honeycomb Cushioned Grip not only enhances the level of comfort but also plays quite an important role in adding more traction and circumference for a sturdier grip, once wrapped around the paddle handle.
The grip is carefully perforated so that the individuals struggling with Palmar Hyperhidrosis, a medical condition in which a person sweats excessively from their hands, can also enjoy pickleball matches to their fullest, without worrying about the paddle slipping away from the hands.
The best non-slip extra tacky grip for the sweatiest of sweat mongers comes in multiple colors, including Neon Yellow, Black, Blue, and Red, so that you can rock the crowd with your aesthetically pleasing grip.
3. Prolite No Sweat Diamond Grip – Top Choice for Multiple Paddle Sports
9.6/10 – Our Score
-
Prons
- Can be used with other paddle sports including badminton, squash, and tennis racquets.
- Smooth textured design.
- Highly Adhesive
-
Cons
- Loses efficiency after using some time.
The No Sweat Diamond Rubber Grip by Prolite does exactly what it says – make your palms sweat-free. The diamond-shaped mesh of the grip allows the player to have enough room for breathability by wicking the moisture away, enabling them to serve the ball exceptionally well.
The cushioned exterior, besides diminishing wrist aches, provides the grip with better comfortability so that the players can take full advantage of complete control over their paddle and respond to the incoming shots without coming to a halt.
One thing to note here is that the Diamond grip can be used as a replacement against the manufacturer’s grip also be enveloped over the worn-out, existing grips, which eventually expand the volume of the handle, so it also makes the best regripping pickleball paddle.
4. Gamma Supreme Pickleball Overgrip – Clinically Approved For Blisters
9.4/10 – Our Score
-
Prons
- Perfect 31″ length, suitable for all paddles.
- 30% more cushioned than the traditional overgrips.
- Protects blisters and accidental rubs against the skin.
-
Cons
- Tackiness wears off after excessive use.
Gamma Supreme Overgrip is not only compatible with pickleball paddles but also moving up in other paddle sports by fulfilling the needs of tennis, badminton and squash players as well by making their racquets comfy.
Around 300 players have reported having better playability due to its highly sweat absorbent quality and smooth design for a secured grip, and experienced fewer broken paddle handles since switching to Gamma Supreme Pickleball Overgrip.
Forget the fear of losing grip on your paddle as the Gamma Supreme won’t let the paddle side off of your hands. The overgrip shines brightly exceedingly near the kitchen line where intense pickleball hand-to-hand combat action takes place and requires lightning-quick paddle motion.
5. HEAD HydroSorb Pro Pickleball Grip – Certified for Vibration Dampening
9.7/10 – Our Score
-
Prons
- Elastomer construction
- Offers a sturdier grip than ever
- Comfortable, shock-absorbent hold
-
Cons
- Prone to deteriorate because of thin design.
HEAD HydropSorb PB Grip is also composed of elastomer material just like the previous HEAD Xtreme Soft Overgrip. The grip is also quite thin but offers enough cushioning that’ll probably boost your comfort up a notch.
The HydroSorb Grip is specifically manufactured for players suffering from Dyshidrotic Eczema, a physical condition in which small blisters are formed either on the palm or around the finger, causing excruciating pain and suffering.
The grip works like a charm when smashing for overhead volleys due to its comfortable construction and rapid moisture absorption, that not only strengthens the grip over the paddle but also takes in vibrations stemming from the contact of the ball.
6. Wilson Pickleball Comfort Overgrip – Perfect Overgrip For Control
9.8/10 – Our Score
-
Prons
- Extremely thin overgrip that doesn’t add much bulk to the grip circumference.
- Perfectly sits on the handle.
- Remarkably adhesive.
-
Cons
- The grip seems to tear off from the edges after a few matches.
The super stretchable Wilson Pickleball Comfort Overgrip is designed with one purpose in mind. To provide its users with extreme comfort while allowing them the opportunity to feel the paddle of their handle.
More than 150 pickleball players have stated that they experienced maneuvering the paddle without any effort due to the rubber material used in the production of grip, as the rubber provides more adhesion. The raised edges of the overgrip also reduce the possibility of dropping the paddle by 35%.
This 1″ wide overgrip comes in 31″ length, which is ideal for replacing the manufacturer’s grip without bulking the circumference.
7. Gamma Hi-Tech Gel Pickleball Grip – Medically Approved For Tennis Elbows
9.9/10 – Our Score
-
Prons
- Brilliant vibration-absorbing quality
- 40% increased cushioning for extra comfort
- Weather resistant.
-
Cons
- Can be better at sweat-wicking.
Gamma has innovated this pickleball grip with Zorbicon Gel for an ultimately comfortable grip, hence the name Hi-Tech Gel. The contact between the palms and the paddle is further improved due to the extra tackiness, allowing the player to grip the paddle strongly.
This grip greatly complements the players suffering from lateral epicondylitis. According to a medical survey conducted in 2022, approximately 125 players reported having fewer tennis elbows, thanks to the Zorbicon Gel that makes the paddle shock-absorbent once enveloped around the handle, which makes blocking the shots at the NVZ a literal joy.
8. Zingther Professional Super Tacky Overgrip – Best For Most Comfort
9.3/10 – Our Score
-
Prons
- 0.02″ thick for safeguarding the paddle
- 20% more adhesive in nature
- Lightweight overgrip
-
Cons
- Hardly absorbs shocks and/or vibrations
The Zingther Professional Super Tacky Overgrip is comprised of extremely stretchable rubber elastomer, enabling the overgrip to perfectly slide not only on pickleball paddles but also squash, badminton and tennis racquets.
The overgrip is tacky, providing more friction between the hand and the paddle which gives off a naturally stickier feel when you place your fingers around the handle. The overgrip also features a decent moisture-absorbing surface, giving the players an opportunity to have dominating control over the paddle.
How To Opt For The Best Pickleball Grip?
Now that you’re committed to taking the plunge, let’s have a look at some of the most critical factors that you should look out for when choosing the best pickleball grip for your paddle.
Type Of Grip
Foremost, it is essential to decide what sort of grip you’re going for. Basically, there are two ways people decide on when it comes to pickleball grips:
Overgrips are simply padded, cloth-like tapes that can be cloaked around the hilt of a paddle. Usually, overgrips provide a comfortable hold by adding volume to the existing grip, increasing its circumference which makes the surface of the handle less slippery.
Replacement Grips are the ones that replace the manufacturer’s grip the paddle comes with. One of the many positive aspects of pickleball paddle grip replacement is the enhanced control and maneuverability it incorporates into the paddle.
Comfort
One of the main reasons to go for secondary grips is to make the entire pickleball experience as smooth as possible. A grip that isn’t quite comfortable will surely mess up the whole game. So it is essential to select the grip that feels right in the palms of your hands. You can also learn how to grip a pickleball paddle to have a more sore-free experience.
Tackiness
Grips that easily stick to your hands is said to be tacky in nature. If you’re looking for a grip that provides you with maximum traction and a strong handgrip, then a grip with a high tack will get the job done.
Durability
Whether you’re adopting a replacement grip or an overgrip, you must look out for its resilience and the quality of its materials. You don’t want to go for a grip that lasts only a few hours on the court.
Size
Size of a grip is as vitally important as its durability. Improper grip sizes can really become a serious problem as it may result in wrist strain, soreness, and other medical injuries.
Vibration Absorbency
Another key factor that must be kept in mind when purchasing a grip is its ability to absorb and equally distribute the vibrations upon the point of contact. Grips that can take in shocks arising from the impact between the ball and the paddle, contribute to fewer unforced errors and faults, as well as tennis elbows and biceps pain.
Protection Against Injuries
One other aspect to pay attention to is that, the grip should be cushioned enough to keep the injuries such as painful blisters and abrasions away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
In hindsight, the best pickleball grip is the one that doesn’t deplete quickly, soaks up the moisture well, provides great cushioning, is durable as heck, and is shock-absorbent. If your desirable grip checks all of these boxes then you’re probably on the right track.
If you ask me, I’d probably place Gamma Hi-Tech Gel on the top of my favorite Replacement Grips solely because of the Zorbicon Gel which automatically makes it unique among the remaining replacement grips. As for the Overgrips, Zingther Tacky overgrip steals the show due to being one of the most lightweight overgrips to exist on the market. Nothing even comes closer to the 0.02″ thickness of the Zingther, which puts it above all the other overgrips.
Harry is a freak who often argues that O in his name may well stand for “Obsessed with Pickleball.”
- Pop tennis VS Pickleball - September 18, 2024
- How to get a dupr rating? - August 22, 2024
- Pickleball court vs tennis court - July 26, 2024